Abstract: A reactor produces a gas-in-liquid emulsion for providing increased interfacial contact area between the liquid and the gas for improved reaction of the gas with the liquid, or more rapid solution or reaction of a difficulty to dissolve or immiscible gas in or with a liquid. The reactor is suitable for a continuous or batch type process. Rotor and stator cylindrical members are mounted for relative rotation one to the other and have opposing surfaces spaced to form an annular processing passage. The gap distance between the opposing surfaces and the relative rotation rate of the cylindrical members are such as to cause formation of a gas-in-liquid emulsion of the gas in the liquid, as the liquid and gas pass through the processing passage.

Abstract: In apparatus for heat exchange to and from a body surface using a heat transfer liquid a heat exchanger comprises a plurality of elements within a casing connected axially against one another with spacer tube elements. Each element has its periphery spaced from the body surface to provide a flow gap for heat transfer fluid in heat exchange contact with the surface. The element have plenums separating each from one another forming connecting flow spaces for the heat transfer liquid between the heat transfer flow gap and inlet and outlet passages passing through the body. A preferred apparatus is a cylindrical rotor within a cylindrical stator with an annular processing space between them, the rotor containing a stack of heat exchange elements of the respective shape permitting high heat flux rates and uniform temperature distribution over the total rotor heat transfer surface.

Abstract: Methods of operating surface reactors, and such reactors, particularly spinning disc reactors require that a first reactant is fed to the reactor surface and forms a thin film on the surface. A second reactant is fed to the surface in the form of a second thin film to interact with the first film so as to overcome the impedance to interaction between the two films imposed by the existence of molecular clusters in the films. Thus, each film is fed into the receiving film at a rate such as to break up the molecular clusters in the film and thereby permit the molecules to aggressively and completely interact with one another. In the spinning disc apparatus the films are fed at respective distances from the spin axis.

Abstract: A process for performing a chemical reaction between a plurality of chemical reactants in the presence of a catalyst, with at least a first reactant in a liquid phase and at least a second reactant in a gas phase, the first and second reactants mixing at least by interdiffusion. The process comprises supplying the reactants to a passage defined by a first surface and a second surface and optionally moving at least one of the first surface and second surface relative to each other. The reactants their mixture or reaction products form respective boundary layers against the first and second surfaces and the radial spacing between the first surface and second surface is equal to or less than the back-to-back radial thicknesses of the boundary layers.

Abstract: The present invention provides bioerodible, water-soluble pharmaceutical carriers for ocular (e.g., transconjunctival or transcorneal) delivery of pharmaceuticals for either systemic or local therapy.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to methods for producing substrates for electric circuits, particularly ultra high frequency circuits, and electric components for mounting thereon employing for the purpose mixtures of polymers and finely powdered filler materials, the latter having specific electric characteristics, such as dielectric constant and/or resistivity. Any one substrate or component can be manufactured to have at least two body regions, and even multiple body regions, each of which has a different characteristic such as dielectric constant or resistivity. The regions can be formed separately as substrate or component preforms and thereafter placed together in a mold and united into a single body by a heating and pressing operation that at least melts polymer at the junctions to bond them together. If necessary, the heat and pressure conditions are such as to melt the polymer and force it uniformly into the interstices between the filler particles to form a strong, unitary body.

Abstract: A reactor produces a gas-in-liquid emulsion for providing increased interfacial contact area between the liquid and the gas for improved reaction of the gas with the liquid, or more rapid solution or reaction of a difficulty to dissolve or immiscible gas in or with a liquid. The reactor is suitable for a continuous or batch type process. Rotor and stator cylindrical members are mounted for relative rotation one to the other and have opposing surfaces spaced to form an annular processing passage. The gap distance between the opposing surfaces and the relative rotation rate of the cylindrical members are such as to cause formation of a gas-in-liquid emulsion of the gas in the liquid, as the liquid and gas pass through the processing passage.

Abstract: In apparatus for heat exchange to and from a body surface using a heat transfer liquid a heat exchanger comprises a plurality of elements within a casing connected axially against one another with spacer tube elements. Each element has its periphery spaced from the body surface to provide a flow gap for heat transfer fluid in heat exchange contact with the surface. The element have plenums separating each from one another forming connecting flow spaces for the heat transfer liquid between the heat transfer flow gap and inlet and outlet passages passing through the body. A preferred apparatus is a cylindrical rotor within a cylindrical stator with an annular processing space between them, the rotor containing a stack of heat exchange elements of the respective shape permitting high heat flux rates and uniform temperature distribution over the total rotor heat transfer surface.

Abstract: Composite materials, particularly those that are highly filled, e.g. comprising about 60 to 70 volume % of finely powdered filler material in a polymer matrix, are made by dissolving the polymer in a volatilisable solvent and forming a homogeneous mixture of the components by high shear mixing. The solvent is then removed while maintaining complete homogeneity in the mixture by evaporating much of the solvent in a high shear mill, then extruding an extremely thin film or tape (e.g. 0.0125 mm (0.0005 in)) from which the remaining solvent is removed by heating without introducing any appreciable non-uniformity, such as bubble holes. Required bodies are formed from the dried film or tape by stacking the thin coherent layers, typically about 6 to 120, then heating and pressing the stack in a mold melting the polymer, uniting the separate layers and dispersing the melted polymer into the interstices between the filler particles.

Abstract: Composite materials, particularly those that are highly filled, e.g. comprising about 60 to 70 volume % of finely powdered filler material in a polymer matrix, are made by dissolving the polymer in a volatilisable solvent and forming a homogeneous mixture of the components by high shear mixing. The solvent is then removed while maintaining complete homogeneity in the mixture by evaporating much of the solvent in a high shear mill, then extruding an extremely thin film or tape (e.g. 0.0125 mm (0.0005 in)) from which the remaining solvent is removed by heating without introducing any appreciable non-uniformity, such as bubble holes. Required bodies are formed from the dried film or tape by stacking the thin coherent layers, typically about 6 to 120, then heating and pressing the stack in a mold melting the polymer, uniting the separate layers and dispersing the melted polymer into the interstices between the filler particles.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for processing materials employ two cylindrical members, one mounted within the other, defining an annular processing chamber. Preferably, the outer member is stationery (stator), while the inner rotates (rotor). The radial spacing between the stator inner surface and the rotor outer surface is equal to or less than the back-to-back radial thicknesses of the two laminar boundary layers formed on the two surfaces by the material being processed. The surfaces are made smooth, as by buffing to a finish of not more than 10 microinches. This structure inhibits formation of Taylor vortices in the processing passage, which cause unstable flow and consequent incomplete mixing. Preferably, the relative velocity between rotor and stator surfaces is at least 1.2 meters per second. The surfaces may be coated with catalysts. Transducers may be provided to apply processing energy, such as microwave, light or ultrasonic waves, through the stator wall.

Abstract: A reactor produces a gas-in-liquid emulsion for providing increased interfacial contact area between the liquid and the gas for improved reaction of the gas with the liquid, or more rapid solution or reaction of a difficulty soluble or immiscible gas in or with a liquid. The reactor is suitable for a continuous or batch type process. Rotor and stator cylindrical members are mounted for rotation relative to one another and have opposing surfaces spaced to form an annular processing passage. The gap distance between the opposing surfaces and the relative rotation rate of the cylindrical members are such as to form a gas-in-liquid emulsion of the gas in the liquid. The liquid and gas pass through the processing passage, changing into the gas-in-liquid emulsion.

Abstract: A window allows the introduction of radiation energy into an annular processing chamber filled with a material to be processed. The chamber is formed from coaxial cylinder members rapidly rotating relative to one another. The chamber can be thin enough so that it is short compared to the penetration depth of the radiation through the material, providing even exposure of the material to the radiation. Also, eddies created in the material by the relative rotation enhances the even exposure. When the material inside the annular processing chamber is opaque, resulting in an insignificant penetration depth, the eddies still insure that the material is evenly exposed to the irradiation.

Abstract: A micro-optical switch including a flexureless magnetic micromirror hinged centrally over a pin, cone or the like. The pin, cone or the like allows the micromirror to rapidly switch or tilt into a plurality of predefined positions as accurately controlled by an microelectromagnetic assembly. A liquid surrounds the pin or cone, connects the bottom of the surface of the mirror with the substrate supporting the pin or cone, and provides a capillary force holding the mirror onto the pin or cone. The liquid low vapor pressure also dissipates heat generated by the fiberoptic beam reflecting off the top surface of the micromirror.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for high shear reacting and/or mixing of moving fluid streams of materials employ an interdiffusing and reacting zone formed in the space between two stationary surfaces, the surfaces being spaced apart a maximum distance of the sum of the thicknesses of the back-to-back boundary layers of the materials and/or resulting materials on the surfaces, to a value such that any third layer between the two boundary layers is too thin to support agitation characterized by turbulent convection and/or to cause channeling. The materials are interdiffused by high speed laminar shear produced by the flow of the materials rather than mixed by macroscopic convection, the materials being driven by high velocity inlet feeds, auxiliary high pressure gas flow pumped into the reaction/mixing zone, or auxiliary high pressure gas flow created as an evolving gaseous byproduct of any chemical reaction that may occur.

Abstract: The invention provides processes and apparatus for the production of materials requiring a plurality of chemical reaction steps. In the prior art the number of reaction vessels is minimized by performing two or more reactions together in the same vessel. Instead each process is separated into separate successive steps, in each of which at least two principal components are reacted together, with or without at least one catalyst. In each step the components are reacted under optimum conditions for that reaction, using motion-augmented, sub-Kolmogoroff, micro-agitation provided by a separate discrete motor-operated, micro-agitation means. Such means are much smaller in size, but are extremely flexible as to the flow rate and reaction conditions, so that they can be adjusted to suit the reaction, without compromises dictated by attempting to perform other reactions in the same vessel.

Abstract: Highly filled composite materials, e.g. comprising approximately 60 volume % or greater of finely powdered particles of filler in a polymer matrix, are made by dissolving polymer in a volatilisable solvent, adding filler and forming a homogeneous mixture by high shear mixing. Most solvent is then removed while maintaining homogeneity in the mixture, preferably by evaporation in a high shear mill. Then, extruding a thin layer of the composite material and removing remaining solvent, as by heating. Bodies are formed from the dried layer, which are heated and pressed to melt and disperse melted polymer into the interstices between filler particles. Thereby, certain polymers unusable at low solids contents become effective bonding materials at high solids contents. Filler materials are chosen to tailor electrical and physical properties of the articles, which may comprise substrates for electronic circuits. Suitable polymers are certain polyarylene ethers soluble in cyclohexanone.

Abstract: The invention provides methods for incorporating one or more compositions, each containing at least one active ingredient, into a preformed water-soluble pharmaceutical carrier device. Sustained delivery devices and methods of using such devices are also provided.

Abstract: In methods and apparatus for heat exchange to and from a body surface using a heat transfer fluid the fluid is impinged on the surface from a plurality of delivery inlets in the form of a corresponding plurality of spaced delivery streams and is immediately removed from the plenum upon rebounding from the surface through a plurality of spaced removal outlets distributed among the delivery streams, thus establishing corresponding very short uninterrupted flow paths between each inlet and its removal outlet/s. Preferably, the fluid stream velocity is sufficient for it to penetrate and disrupt a fluid boundary layer on the body surface. Each delivery inlet may have its outlet to the surface spaced from 0.001 cm to 0.2 cm (0.0004 in to 0.08 in) from that surface. Each delivery inlet may produce a jet impinging the surface of from 0.3 cm to 1.5 cm (0.12 in to 0.6 in) diameter.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for processing materials employ two cylindrical members, one mounted within the other, defining an annular processing chamber. Preferably, the outer member is stationery (stator), while the inner rotates (rotor). The radial spacing between the stator inner surface and the rotor outer surface is equal to or less than the back-to-back radial thicknesses of the two laminar boundary layers formed on the two surfaces by the material being processed. The surfaces are made smooth, as by buffing to a finish of not more than 10 microinches. This structure inhibits formation of Taylor vortices in the processing passage, which cause unstable flow and consequent incomplete mixing. Preferably, the relative velocity between rotor and stator surfaces is at least 1.2 meters per second. The surfaces may be coated with catalysts. Transducers may be provided to apply processing energy, such as microwave, light or ultrasonic waves, through the stator wall.