Abstract: A syringe pump which includes a pusher block is slidably mounted on bearings on one or more guide rails. The pusher block is advanced or retracted by a lead screw having an axis which is offset from the axis of the one or more guide rails which are supported at their respective ends by support blocks, wherein forward and/or trailing sides of the pusher block bearings are extended, and wherein the guide rail support blocks include recesses for accommodating the extended ends of the pusher block slide bearings. In another embodiment, the syringe pump includes quick connect-disconnect fixtures for loading and unloading syringes. Other mechanical, and programmable improvements are described in the specification.

Abstract: A syringe pump which includes a pusher block is slidably mounted on bearings on one or more guide rails. The pusher block is advanced or retracted by a lead screw having an axis which is offset from the axis of the one or more guide rails which are supported at their respective ends by support blocks, wherein forward and/or trailing sides of the pusher block bearings are extended, and wherein the guide rail support blocks include recesses for accommodating the extended ends of the pusher block slide bearings. In another embodiment, the syringe pump includes quick connect-disconnect fixtures for loading and unloading syringes. Other mechanical and programmable improvements are described in the specification.

Abstract: A syringe pump which includes a pusher block is slidably mounted on bearings on one or more guide rails. The pusher block is advanced or retracted by a lead screw having an axis which is offset from the axis of the one or more guide rails which are supported at their respective ends by support blocks, wherein forward and/or trailing sides of the pusher block bearings are extended, and wherein the guide rail support blocks include recesses for accommodating the extended ends of the pusher block slide bearings. In another embodiment, the syringe pump includes quick connect-disconnect fixtures for loading and unloading syringes. Other mechanical and programmable improvements are described in the specification.

Abstract: A method of starting up and shutting down a microchannel process is provided. Included are the steps of providing a first multi-planar process unit, preferably adapted to process an endothermic reaction, a second multi-planar process unit, preferably adapted to process an exothermic reaction, providing a containment vessel, the containment vessel containing at least a portion of the first, and preferably the second, process unit. In startup, the microchannel process is first checked for pressure integrity by pressurizing and checking the important components of the process for leaks. Subsequently, the process units are heated by introducing a dilute low-thermal energy density material, preferably to the second process unit, followed by the introduction of a dilute high-thermal energy density material, and adjusting the proportion of high-thermal energy density material as required. In shutdown, a purge material from the containment vessel is introduced into the first, and preferably the second, process unit.

Abstract: An exhaust system tuned during low RPM operation while the exhaust chamber retains its preset tuning for optimal high RPM operation. An exhaust controller according to an embodiment of the present invention receives an RPM signal from the engine and processes the signal to activate a solenoid which controls a valve that injects coolant water into the exhaust chamber. The injection of the water into the exhaust chamber has the effect of cooling the exhaust gases, thereby increasing the density of the exhaust charge in the chamber and slowing the exhaust pulse wave, thereby optimizing performance at relatively lower RPM levels.