Abstract: One or more flow equalization basins or lagoons are utilized for performing hydrolysis of ATP as the first stage of biological phosphorus reduction, selective reduction of biological oxygen demand (BOD), deamination, and denitrification of nitrate and nitrite compounds, in addition to simultaneous flow equalization of wastewater produced by food processing operations on a 2-to-6-day schedule. The inflow half of a single basin or an entire first basin is. operated on an anaerobic/anoxic basis. The outflow half of the single basin or an entire second basin, if present, is operated on an anoxic/aerobic basis. A downstream nitrification reactor is operated on an aerobic/anoxic basis or is operated exclusively on an aerobic basis if followed by an anoxic reactor.

Abstract: The oxidoreduction potential is measured on each of a number of tanks. A data processing system analyzes the oxidoreduction potential evolution and establishes a diagnosis of the aeration/biology couple to ensure the degradation reactions of the carbonaceous and nitrogenous pollution. It is then determined whether to start, to continue, or to stop aeration in the tanks, depending on the required degree of purification. In the first tanks, priority is given to the treatment of carbonaceous pollution with specific parameter representation of the oxidoreduction potential threshold values. In the last tank, fine-tuning the treatment of the carbonaceous and nitrogenous pollution is accomplished by managing the aeration.

Abstract: A process and system for removing heavy metals, fluoride, silica and other contaminants from large volumes of wastewater is disclosed. In the process, a wastewater stream containing the contaminant is treated with a chemical coagulant to create a particle having a diameter greater than 5 microns. Treated wastewater is passed through a microfiltration membrane which physically separates the metal contaminant particle from the wastewater. Commercially available microfiltration membranes having a pore size from 0.5 micron to 5 microns may be used. The treated wastewater flow rate through the microfiltration membranes can range from 700 gallons per square foot of membrane per day (“GFD”) to 1500 GFD. Solids are removed from the membrane surface by periodically backflushing the micro-filtration membranes and draining the filtration vessel within which the membranes are located. The dislodged solid material within the filtration vessel is flushed into a holding tank for further processing of the solids.

Abstract: A first preferred peptide containing composition has therapeutically beneficial components, i.e., which heighten the phagocytic activity of neutrophils, consisting of molecules with a molecular weight of at least 8 kDa, and preferably at least 15 kDa. The beneficial components comprise peptides which will absorb light at an absorption band of &Dgr;&lgr;=200-235 nm, &lgr;max=205 nm, in the UV spectrum. The preparation is nontoxic and is formulated using casein, blood albumin, beef peptone, nucleic acid (RNA) and a base such as sodium hydroxide. The preparation stimulates phagocytic activity of neutrophils, if used at sufficient concentrations. A second preferred preparation is obtained using the same components of manufacture, but filtering or centrifuging the preparation to provide a composition containing components exclusively having a molecular weight of <8-15 kDa which inhibits phagocytic activity of neutrophils.

Abstract: A row of (n+m) powder containers which contain powder for chromatography and a row of (n+m) solvent containers which contain solvent for partition are arranged closely in parallel to each other. 0): A predetermined quantity of sample solution is added to the m-th solvent container from the left. 1): The powder containers and the solvent containers of the same numbers from the left in the rows are coupled with each other to form a row of (n+m) pairs of the powder containers and the solvent containers. 2): The powder and solvent of each pair are mixed and stirred until components to be separated come into partition equilibrium. 3): The powder and solvent of each pair are separated and made to exist in the original containers of each pair. 4): The pairs are decoupled to form the row of the powder containers and the row of the solvent containers again, and the rows are shifted from each other by one container in the opposite directions alternately.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions and methods for treating water to reduce the phosphate level thereof and control the growth therein of algae and other microorganisms by treating the water with an effective amount of a composition containing a lanthanide halide.

Abstract: A sparging system and process for in-situ removal of contaminants from soil and an associated subsurface groundwater aquifer of a site is disclosed. The sparge system is capable of extracting contaminant in the form of gas from groundwater in a gas/gas/water reaction. The system includes at least one microporous diffuser having a porosity matched to a soil porosity. The microdiffuser is in an injection well. Ozone or other oxidizing gas in the form of bubbles is injected into the site to extract volatile dissolved contaminants for in-situ decomposition. A pump and a pneumatic packer are disposed to alternate pumping and bubble injection into the well to maximize dispersal of bubbles within and outward from the well casing, and to provide uniform dispersion of the bubbles as they travel through the site formation.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for monitoring the degree of treatment of a material by a reactive fluid is monitored by reacting the unreacted fluid to produce a signal, eg. heat, and measuring the signal so produced.

Abstract: Blood processing systems and methods separate blood into constituents including a plasma constituent that includes a platelet volume. The systems and methods detect the optical density of the plasma constituent and generate a first output indicative of the optical density. A processing element integrates the first output relative to the volume of plasma constituent and generates an integrated output. The integrated output correlates to the platelet volume. A second processing element generates an output based, at least in part, upon the integrated output, which comprises a value indicating a blood volume that needs be processed to obtain a desired platelet volume.

Abstract: A method for containing and dispensing a sterile liquid includes the steps of providing a variable volume liquid container, the container having the capacity to be filled with, and dispense a liquid while isolating the liquid from any gaseous substance, the variable volume liquid container having a sterilizer disposed within the liquid when the liquid is stored in the container. The filling and dispensing conduit having sterilizing properties. The variable volume liquid container can also include an apparatus immersed in the liquid to heat or cool the liquid to a predetermined temperature.

Abstract: The water purification device includes at least a purification unit and a pipe unit. The water purification device is intended for purification of water being particularly in a storage, such as a container, a reservoir, a vessel or the like, by immersing the same at least partly into the water existing in the storage and by leading water away from the storage preferably from above into a collecting container placed essentially underneath the purification unit. A pipe connected to the purification unit is arranged to lead water by means of syphon principle, by influence of syphon pressure caused by the difference between the height of the purification unit and the collecting container. The filtering means include at least one thin filtering film, preferably made of plastic-based material, such as PTM (Particle Trade Membrane), TeM (track-etch Membrane) or the like, the thickness of which is preferably 7-25 micrometers and the size of pores is 0.05-10 micrometers.

Abstract: A method for segregating and transporting heavy particles thrown by centrifugal force from a flowing, spinning column of liquid or gas, whereby an outer cylinder whose inner walls present or face the center core with horizontal, circular bands of pyramidal or conical shaped voids, which bands can be vertically stacked to surround a device of any length, and the voids of which present to the heavy particles being thrown from the fluid a receiving surface consisting entirely of outward sloping surfaces, all of which sloped-surface voids accept, accumulate and gravitationally guide said heavy particles towards exit orifices or nozzles, which nozzles penetrate the outer cylinder and together with the sloped voids, permit the continuous, non-mechanically assisted accumulation and ejection of said heavy particles along the entirety of a centrifugal device of any length and thus for any desired duration (or residence time) of fluid flow.

Abstract: A concurrent backwash distribution apparatus for a filter having a filter tank and a plurality of underdrain laterals includes a baffle positioned in a common main conduit to define an auxiliary flume between the baffle and the underdrain laterals. The auxiliary flume is in fluid communication with the common main conduit and the underdrain laterals. The baffle has at least one flume liquid metering orifice preferably located near the bottom of the baffle so that it may be below a gas/liquid interface in the auxiliary flume during concurrent gas/liquid backwash operations. A flow distribution plate may be positioned between the auxiliary flume and the underdrain laterals, the flow distribution plate having at least one liquid metering orifice and at least one gas metering orifice. The baffle may take one of many forms. The baffle creates an adequate liquid pool in the common main conduit for low velocity flow of backwash liquid while at the same time providing uninhibited flow of backwash gas.

Abstract: A microneedle array is constructed of silicon and silicon dioxide compounds using MEMS (i.e., Micro-Electro-Mechanical-Systems) technology and standard microfabrication techniques. The microneedle array may be fabricated from a silicon die which can be etched in a microfabrication process to create hollow cylindrical individual microneedles. The resulting array of microneedles can penetrate with a small pressure through the stratum corneum of skin (including skin of animals, reptiles, or other creatures—typically skin of a living organism) to either deliver drugs or to facilitate interstitial fluid sampling through the hollow microneedles.

Abstract: A semiconductor element mounting interposer is produced by (A) forming a conducting circuit that comprises motherboard connecting electrodes 2 and plated leads 3 on an insulating base film 1; (B) forming a patterning resin layer 5 over the conducting circuit 4; (C) etching patterning resin layer 5 so as to expose the motherboard connecting electrodes 2 and plated leads 3; (D) masking plated leads 3 with an electroplating resist layer 6; (E) depositing an electroplated metal layer 7 over the exposed motherboard connecting electrodes 2; (F) removing the electroplating resist layer 6; (G) removing the exposed plated leads 3 through etching; and (H) where the patterning resin layer 5 is a polyimide precursor layer, bringing about complete imidation of the polyimide precursor layer.

Abstract: An ink jet printing nozzle arrangement includes an ink chamber having an ink ejection nozzle in one wall thereof for the ejection of ink from the ink chamber. A moveable paddle vane is located within the ink chamber, the paddle vane including a concave surface in the area adjacent the ink ejection nozzle. An actuator is adapted to move the paddle vane so as to cause ink within the ink chamber to be ejected from the ink ejection nozzle. A method of manufacture of such an ink jet nozzle arrangement comprises the steps of forming an etched pit in the wafer and depositing and etching a series of layers on the wafer so as to form at least one inkjet nozzle arrangement, the layers including at least one paddle vane formation layer being deposited over portions of the etched pit resulting in the formation of the concave surface of the paddle vane.

Abstract: A method of etching polysilicon using a fluorinated gas chemistry to provide an etch rate in excess of 10,000 Å/min and a photoresist selectivity of better than 3:1. The method is accomplished using a combination of a fluorinated gas and a fluorocarbon gas, e.g., 50-60 sccm of SF6, 1-40 sccm of CHF3, and 40-50 sccm of O2 with a total chamber pressure of 4-60 mTorr. The power applied to the etch chemistry to produce an etching plasma is 400-1500 watts of inductive source power (at 13.56 MHz) via an inductively coupled antenna and 200-1500 watts (at 12.56 MHz) of cathode bias power applied via a cathode electrode within a wafer support pedestal. The pedestal supporting the wafer was maintained at 0-50 degrees C.

Abstract: A family of isostructural compounds have been prepared having the general formula AnPbmBinQ2n+m. These compounds possess a NaCl lattice type structure as well as low thermal conductivity and controlled electrical conductivity. Furthermore, the electrical properties can be controlled by varying the values for n and m. These isostructural compounds can be used for semiconductor applications such as detectors, lasers and photovoltaic cells. These compounds also have enhanced thermoelectric properties making them excellent semiconductor materials for fabrication of thermoelectric devices.

Abstract: A new class of asymmetric polar diphenyldiacetylene liquid crystal compounds and method for preparation are disclosed. The new class of liquid crystal compounds comprises the basic structure: Wherein R1 is an alkenyl group having the general formula (C2H2n−1), X is a cyano group, a fluoro group, CF3, OCF3, or a chloro group, Y1 is unsubstituted, a fluoro group, a chloro group or a methyl group, Y2 is unsubstituted, a fluoro group, a chloro group, or a methyl group, Z1 is unsubstituted, a fluoro group, or a methyl group, and Z2 is unsubstituted, a fluoro group, or a methyl group. The compounds disclosed exhibit high birefringence, low rotational viscosity, and have unexpectedly broad nematic ranges. Also disclosed are eutectic mixtures comprising at least one polar diphenyldiacetylene having the general structure described above. The eutectic mixtures also have unexpectedly broad nematic ranges.

Abstract: A method of enhancing the dispersibility of alpha-alumina monohydrate wherein there is formed a mixture of an alpha-alumnina monohydrate, water, and a dispersibility enhancer comprising an effective amount of a monobasic acid, a salt selected from the group consisting of salts having the formula MX wherein M is a polyvalent metal cation constituent for which the solubility product KSP of the corresponding metal hydroxide is less than 10−20 and wherein X is an anion constituent derived from a monovalent acid having an ionization constant KA greater than 10+1 and certain phosphorus and antimony chlorides, followed by drying the mixture, without aging, to produce a dried, alpha-alumina monohydrate having advanced water dispersibility.

Abstract: Deaggregated substituted and unsubstitued polyparaphenylenes, polyparaphenylevevinyles, polyanilines, polyazines, polythiophenes, poly-p-phenylene sulfides, polyfuranes, polypyrroles, polyselenophene, polyacetylenes formed from soluble precursors and combinations thereof and copolymers thereof and methods of fabrication are described. The deaggregated polymer molecules when subsequently doped show higher electrical conductivity. Agents such as lithium chloride, m-cresol and nonylphenol are used to deaggregate the polymer molecules. The deaggregating agents can be added prior to or during doping the molecules.

Abstract: A via fill formulation including electrically and/or thermally conductive particulate filler, or non-conductive, electrically conductive polymer and a resin vehicle.

Abstract: Composite nickel fine powder comprises metal nickel fine particles, at least one member attached to the surface of the fine particles and selected from the group consisting of oxides and double oxides containing at least one metal element selected from the group consisting of the Groups 2 to 14 of the Periodic Table and whose atomic number falls within the range of from 12 to 82, and a saturated or unsaturated fatty acid supported on the surface of the nickel fine particles provided thereon with the oxide and/or double oxide attached thereto. The composite nickel fine powder is excellent in resistance to heat shrinkage, has a high tap density, and has characteristic properties suitable for use as a material for making a conductive paste.

Abstract: High oleic acid triglyceride compositions that comprise fatty acid components of at least 75% oleic acid, less than 10% diunsaturated fatty acid component; less than 3% triunsaturated fatty acid component; and less than 8% saturated fatty acid component; and having the properties of a dielectric strength of at least 35 KV/100 mil gap, a dissipation factor of less than 0.05% at 25° C., acidity of less than 0.03 mg KOH/g, electrical conductivity of less than 1 pS/m at 25° C., a flash point of at least 250° C. and a pour point of at least —15° C. are disclosed. Electrical insulation fluids comprising the triglyceride composition are disclosed. Electrical insulation fluids that comprise the triglyceride composition and a combination of additives are disclosed. Electrical apparatuses comprising the electrical insulation fluids and the use of electrical insulation fluids to provide insulation in electrical apparatuses are disclosed.

Abstract: A substrate is precisely positioned by a positioning element belonging to the substrate in an assembly device. While positioned in the assembly device, a converter is disposed and fixed on the substrate in a precise position relative to the positioning element. After that, the substrate is positioned precisely in an injection mold by the positioning element and surrounded by a moldable material, causing the formation of a molded body. The molded body has at least one functional surface, such as a lens or a stop face, serving the purpose of optical coupling.

Abstract: In this process for producing a black body decoy flare, a composition which, when combusted, provides black body radiation is extruded. The compositions generally include from about 40% to about 70% metal such as magnesium or aluminum, from about 10% to about 40% polytetrafluoroethylene, and from about 8% to about 30% binder. Important to the operation of the invention is the production of carbon upon combustion of the composition. Accordingly, polyaromatic thermoplastics, such as polystyrene and dimethyl phthalate, serve as the binder.

Abstract: A method of producing mullite fibers by inviscid melt spinning includes providing mullite and excess silicate, melting the mullite at a temperature of 1800-2500° C., and extruding the mullite through an orifice. Apparatus for carrying out the method preferably includes a boron nitride (BN) crucible and an argon atmosphere, with a melt temperature of around 2000° C., and a spinning pressure of around 276 kPa (40 psi).

Abstract: A method for preparing ceramic particle slurries having controlled rheological properties to allow further processing to ceramic green bodies with improved compaction, green strength and green density is disclosed. Polymer additives containing 0.1 to 20% of acrylic acid and/or methacrylic acid monomer units are especially useful in controlling the viscosity of high solids aqueous slurries of ceramic particles and acting as binders to improve the strength of finished ceramic articles, such as sinks, spas, bathroom fixtures and sanitaryware.

Abstract: A method and system for controlling the temperature of a fluid cooled high temperature injection mold having fluid channels formed therein. A high temperature injection mold has an operating temperature above the boiling point of water. A flow of either elevated pressure or low pressure cooling water is passed through the fluid channels in the high temperature injection mold for a limited duration during the molding cycle to thereby reduce the temperature of the injection mold to a desired level. Elevated pressure cooling water is elevated to a pressure level such that the cooling water will remain in a liquid state while passing through the fluid channels. Low pressure cooling water is at a pressure level such that the cooling water enters the fluid channels in a liquid state and transitions to a vapor state within the fluid channels.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for providing zero-defect pressed articles with minimal, remote operator intervention. The apparatus includes a programmable logic controller, controlling a powder feeder portion having a dump bucket which is weighed by an electronic scale. Desired weights of powder in the dump bucket are dumped to a first location and conveyed to the press. Non-desired weights of powder in the dump bucket are dumped to a second location and may be recycled. The invention provides for precise weighing of powder and avoids waste of powder in the event of improper powder dispensing and provides for complete automatic logging of production and testing data, and rejection of defective articles, avoiding the need to manually test each produced article. This method and apparatus are particularly useful in the pressing of energetic materials into pellets or casings, where manual operations are restricted for safety reasons.

Abstract: A foamed polyethylene product has an outer sheath of non-foamed polyethylene fused to an underlying foamed body portion. Preferably, the product is produced in an in-line method when the foam body is extruded and subsequently the skin is extruded directly on the body portion. This process only causes limited thermal degradation of an outer layer of the body portion which improves adhesion of the skin to the body portion.

Abstract: A polyolefin composition having enhanced dyeing capabilities containing: (a) a polyolefin; (b) from 0.01 to 10% by weight, based on the weight of the polyolefin in, of a migratable amphiphile, excluding phenolic and sulfur-containing stabilizers and n-octyl phenyl salicylate; and (c) from 0.01 to 1000 ppm of a transition metal, based on the weight of the polyolefin.

Abstract: The process relates to the production of boards of wood-based material, in particular, oriented strand board, chipboard or fiberboard comprising lignocellulose- and/or cellulose-containing particles. The particles, in the form of chips, fibers, chippings or the like, are mixed with a binder and scattered in a scattering station onto a moving molding belt to form a mat of pressed stock. The mat of pressed stock is pressed and cured by the application of pressure and heat in a platen press or a continuously operating press. To accomplish surface structuring during the production cycle, the finished board of wood-based material just released from the pressing operation is subjected to a structuring operation on one or both sides.

Abstract: A method of producing dashboards, door or side trim panels for motor vehicles with a predetermined breaking line for an airbag flap is described. To accomplish this, slush material is introduced into a mold which can be heated to a molding temperature and determines the shape of the slush membrane, where the slush material is distributed and deposited on the heated mold surface by rotating the mold and is then sintered and gelled. After cooling the mold, the slush membrane is removed from the mold by unmolding. To create a predetermined breaking line, a mold having a divider on its mold surface at the location of the predetermined breaking line to be created is used. By controlled rotation and/or positioning of the mold while applying the powder and/or gelling the slush material, a reduction in the layer thickness of the slush material to an extent that establishes a predetermined breaking line is achieved.

Abstract: A method for preparing industrial polyester fibers involving melt-spinning polyester chips through a nozzle, oiling the resultant filaments with an aqueous emulsion oiling agent, and producing, from the filaments, multifilament yarn at a speed of 2000-3300 m/min.

Abstract: Orthopaedic wires, cables, and methods of making them are based on the discovery that, in clinical orthopaedic applications, material toughness and fatigue strength are as important or more important than ultimate tensile strength. The wires and cables of the invention have a tensile strength lower than 280 ksi, but higher than 175 ksi. The presently preferred wires and cables have a tensile strength of 210-240 ksi. The fatigue strength of the wires and cables of the invention is between six and ten times that of other high strength cables used in orthopaedic applications. One method of making the wires and cables includes annealing high tensile strength wire or cable to reduce its tensile strength and thereby increase its fatigue strength. Another method is to cold work fully annealed wire or cable to the extent of decreasing its cross section by approximately 18%.

Abstract: A method of joining a connector 12 to an electromagnetic actuator 10 is provided. The actuator 10 has a metal housing structure 14, 18 and electrical leads 24, 26 extending from the housing structure. The method includes providing at least one channel 30 in the housing structure and a port 36 communicating with the at least one channel 30 and with a mounting surface 28 of the housing structure. The plastic connector 12 is molded on the mounting surface 28 and plastic material in fluid form is permitted to flow through the port 36 and into the at least one channel 30 to fill the channel and the port. The plastic material is permitted to cool and harden to define the connector 12 with the connector being interlocked with respect to the housing structure via the plastic material in the at least one channel 30.

Abstract: A rod guide fixedly molded around the shank of a sucker rod string with the rod guide including a radially inner non-erodible zone and a radially outer erodible zone. The non-erodible zone includes a radially inner substantially sleeve-shaped portion having an inner cylindrical surface for gripping engagement with the rod. A plurality of flow through channels are spaced outward of the substantially sleeve-shaped portion. Each flow through channel extends axially along the rod guide and has a maximum circumferential width greater than any gap in the radially outer surface of the erodible zone circumferentially aligned with and radially outward of the respective flow through channel. The radially outer surface of the erodible zone may have a cylindrical outer configuration, such that a radially outward substantially sleeve-shaped portion is provided for engagement with the tubing.

Abstract: A polyolefin plaque is produced by hot compaction of an assembly of melt spun oriented fibres. It has been found that good compaction can be achieved at relatively low compaction pressures, less than 10 Pa. Compaction can be carried out in an autoclave, rather than in a hot compaction press, and the mechanical properties of plaques so produced range from good to excellent.

Abstract: Processing aids comprising amorphous particulate silicates containing from about 2% to about 50% water, are utilized in processes for compounding thermoplastic resins, allowing higher levels of additives to be more effectively incorporated into the thermoplastic resins. The processing aids allow greater dispersion of pigments and other additives in compounded thermoplastic resins and concentrates.

Abstract: A porous structure is provided between a forming member and an underlying support structure so as to facilitate the drainage of liquid through the porous member when a web is supported on the porous member and columnar streams of liquid are directed at the web to form apertures in the web. The porous structure can include a plurality of spaced-apart, wire-like elements, a metal screen, thermoplastic netting, mesh, webbing, and the like. An improved apertured web made with the improved process employing such a porous structure has little or no lining or marking and has relatively few, if any, poorly formed apertures.

Abstract: A container of the type adapted to contain an ingestible product and configured to having a multi-layer wall portion. The wall portion includes a multi-component layer having at least two discreet sublayers with an interface extending between the sublayers and extending longitudinally of the container and terminating in a threaded end portion. One sublayer is virgin polyethylene terephthalate, and the other sublayer is a barrier formed of a copolyester of terephthalic acid of low permeability. An outer layer material formed of a recycled polyethylene terephthalate has a thickness greater than the thickness of the barrier sublayer. The several layer materials have refracted indices within the range of 1.55 to 1.75. A process for the production of a multi-layer plastic container involving injecting a virgin polyethylene terephthalate and a thermoplastic barrier material through a lamellar injection system to provide a composite-multilamellae stream.

Abstract: A method for controlling oxygen content in valve metal materials. The method includes deoxidizing a valve metal material, typically tantalum, niobium, or alloys thereof, and leaching the material in an acid leach solution at a temperature lower than room temperature. In one embodiment of the present invention, the acid leach solution is prepared and cooled to a temperature lower than room temperature prior to leaching the deoxidized valve metal material. The method of the present invention has been found to lower both the oxygen and fluoride concentrations in valve metal materials, as the use of reduced acid leach temperatures provide lower oxygen for a given quantity of a leach acid, such as hydrofluoric acid.

Abstract: Nanoscale aluminum alloy powder is synthesized by mechanical alloying/milling techniques without significant oxidation, nitridation, or contamination with foreign materials. These powders are consolidated into a very dense billet form without a high temperature sintering step. The desired microstructure and properties were obtained by post hot isostatic pressing, extrusion, and/or forging of the nanoscale material billet made from the powders.

Abstract: Fluorescent monomers of the formula wherein M is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, sodium, potassium, cesium, rubidium, lithium and ammonium, and n is selected from the group consisting of 1, 2, 3, 4, 6 and 9; are provided which are useful in the production of pyranine-tagged polymers which can be detected using a fluorometer and can be used in industrial water systems as treatment polymers.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for sanitizing a device, such as an endoscope, having a lumen. The method comprises a) providing a container possessing two or more openings, and a flexible, gas-impermeable pouch that surrounds the container; b) placing the device into the container; c) applying a reduced pressure to the container and pouch, thereby causing the pouch to collapse around the container and form at least one interface separating the container into two or more compartments, which interface is formed under reduced pressure by the adherence of the pouch onto itself and around part of a surface of the device, through openings in the container, such that one end of the device is located in one of the compartments and the other end is in another compartment; and d) generating a flow of a sanitizing solution through the lumen to sanitize the inner surface of the device.

Abstract: A method of and system for sterilizing the internal surfaces of one or more elongate relatively narrow passages of interest contained in a device of interest, said passages having end openings and being susceptible of sustaining flow there along by inducing a positive flow of sterilizing gas through each passage of interest in a selected direction. Gas flow through a device of interest is caused by a passive two-chamber device which generates a transient pressure gradient between the ends of the lumens of the device in response to externally imposed variations of pressure. Sterilant gas is provided from outside the two chamber systems.

Abstract: A membrane oxygenator may receive a supply of pressurized oxygen and a supply of pressurized fluid, such as water or blood. In one example, a plurality of tubular membranes are disposed in a housing, where the pressurized fluid is delivered into the tubular membranes and where the pressurized oxygen is delivered into the area surrounding the tubular membranes. The oxygen diffuses through the membranes of the oxygenator to produce an oxygenated fluid. Advantageously, the oxygenated fluid is oxygen-saturated and delivered to a high pressure vessel where it may be stored until it is delivered to a patient.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an applicator system including an applicator, an applicator tube, an applicator tube system, and a cap system.

Abstract: A unitary structure containing a vertically integrated system for deodorizing composting gaseous effluents using scrubbers packed with means providing both extensive surface area for microorganism growth sites and cascading dispersion of microorganism-impregnated liquid media while concomitantly providing sufficient void space to permit substantially unimpeded flow of effluents undergoing treatment within the system.