Abstract: The invention is based on a radial piston pump (1) with a pump body (2), in which pump body (2) are placed pistons (4), and cylinders (5) arrayed radial to a cam (14) and the pistons (4) upon an inward thrust suck in fluid by means of suction side intakes (17) and upon an outward thrust, the pistons (4) impel fluid through pressure openings (7) in the outer end walls (6) of the cylinder (5) into a plenum (10) whereby the check valves (22) are formed from an annular coil spring valve (9) which cover the pressure ports (7) and the thereto connected stress relieving corrugations (8), and upon the exceeding of a specified threshold transport pressure, the respective pressure opening (7) opens to the plenum (10). The proposal is made, that a stress relieving zone (27) of a piston-cylinder unit (4, 5) be connected to the pressure zone (5, 7, 26) of a neighboring piston-cylinder unit (4, 5).

Abstract: A Lysholm compressor is provided with a rotor 5 in which a spiral tooth groove 5a is formed in order to form a tooth groove space 7, the rotor 5 taking-in and compressing a fluid in the tooth groove space 7, a discharge port 9 which discharges fluid which is compressed by the rotor 5, a bypass path 11 which communicates the discharge port 9 and the tooth groove space 7, and an outlet portion 13 of the bypass path which faces the discharge port 9. The outlet portion 13 has a pipe shape which projects out into the discharge port 9. An outer peripheral portion of an end portion of the pipe-shaped bypass path outlet portion is tapered so as to become narrow toward a distal end.

Abstract: A dual diaphragm pump comprises a first chamber, a second chamber, a mechanical link, and a drive mechanism. The first chamber comprises a first cavity and a first diaphragm. The first chamber couples a pump inlet to a pump outlet. The second chamber comprises a second cavity and a second diaphragm. The second chamber couples the pump inlet to the pump outlet. The mechanical link couples the first diaphragm of the first chamber to the second diaphragm of the second chamber. The drive mechanism couples to the first diaphragm and the second diaphragm. In operation, the drive mechanism drives the first diaphragm causing first fluid within the first cavity to exit the pump outlet while causing second fluid to be drawn from the pump inlet into the second cavity. Further in operation, the mechanical link imparts an inlet pressure force from the second diaphragm to the first diaphragm.

Abstract: An electromagnetic pump including a housing having an interior fluid containing region, a check valve operatively associated with the fluid containing region for allowing fluid flow in a direction from an inlet toward an outlet and blocking fluid flow in a direction from the outlet to the inlet, an electromagnet carried by the housing located external to the fluid containing region, and a barrier of fluid impervious material for isolating the electromagnet from the fluid. An armature movable in the housing through pumping and return strokes has a pole portion located for magnetic attraction by the electromagnet and has a plunger portion extending from the pole portion. The armature plunger and pole portions have formations crimped together to secure the plunger and pole portions together. The barrier or an end surface of the armature pole portion are shaped to enhance separation of the barrier and armature pole portion at the beginning of the return stroke.

Abstract: A piston pump for a hydraulic slip-controlled brake system for a vehicle. To seal off and guide a piston of the piston pump in a bush, the piston pump includes a seal of rigid plastic which has a spreader face in the form of an internal cone. A piston restoring spring presses directly or indirectly against the spreader face via a spreader ring with a conical counterpart face and thereby presses the seal into sealing contact with the bush. The piston pump has the advantage that no separate sealing ring or guide ring is needed for the piston, and that friction and wear are both only slight.

Abstract: The oil passage for lubricating a seal means, which separates a high discharge pressure area inside a compressor and a low pressure area inside the compressor with a surface of a rotating member, can be eliminated. A lip seal 37, which is interposed between a center housing 12 and a circumferential surface of a rotating shaft 14, is prevented from being withdrawn from an insertion hole 121 by a circlip 38. A support portion 122, which forms a part of the insertion hole 121 and supports the lip seal 37, extends out into a motor housing 13. An outlet port 324 of a discharge passage 32 is directed to the top portion of the support portion 122 and the circlip 38.

Abstract: The pressure leakage from the back pressure chamber installed at the back side of the movable scroll to the low pressure area can be prevented. An eccentric shaft (17) formed integrally to a drive shaft (14) is inserted into a bushing (19). A balance weight (18) is fixed to the bushing (19). A cylindrical portion (34) is provided so as to protrude at the back side of the movable scroll base (22), and the bushing (19) supports the cylindrical portion (34) via a needle bearing (21). A seal member (35) is interposed between the end surface of the cylindrical portion (34) and the balance weight (18). The inside of a cylinder of the cylindrical portion (34) is made to be a back pressure chamber (36).

Abstract: A process for sintering green powder metal, metal alloy or metal composition parts employing microwave energy is described.

Abstract: Solder and a method of manufacturing the solder are disclosed wherein powdered free silver is added to a solder alloy with a particle size sufficient to preserve silver metallization during use and with a concentration sufficient to maximize the effectiveness and avoid adverse effects on solder reflow characteristics. Preferably, the particle size is in a range of approximately 5 &mgr;m to 20 &mgr;m and the powdered free silver is added in a concentration of approximately 5% to 10%.

Abstract: A germicidal method and apparatus for destroying airborne pathogenic bacteria such as tuberculosis bacteria using ultraviolet light. Air is drawn through a filter and into a sterilization chamber that is irradiated with ultraviolet light, and out through an exhaust opening. Consideration for the characteristics of the room in which the apparatus is installed and the positioning of the installation allows effective prevention of transmission of disease through expectoration and inhalation of airborne microdroplets of bacteria-containing sputum. The filter is of the low-density type which traps large particulates, but not small particulates of the size of the microdroplets, so that the filter does not become a bacteria colonization site. Baffles on the air intake opening and air exhaust opening to prevent ultraviolet light from escaping into the environment. The sterilization chamber is constructed such that the air passes the ultraviolet light bulbs twice as it circulates therethrough.

Abstract: A removal method of malodorous substance and deodorization device thereof enables un-treated gas containing soluble or insoluble malodorous substance contained complexly to be removed by only one treatment process as far as the degree of sensing nothing by organoleptic test. The un-treated gas containing soluble or insoluble malodorous substance contained complexly is flushed in compliance with necessity to remove insoluble malodorous substance, before converting insoluble malodorous substance into soluble substance by virtue of conversion catalyst to flush to be removed.

Abstract: A photochromic material which undergoes a change in appearance when exposed to ultraviolet (UV) radiation in the UVC band provides a visual indication of the degree of sterilization achieved by a UV emitting device. The photochromic material is placed either on the UV source or in or adjacent the sample being sterilized. The photochromic material is formulated to undergo a certain degree of change in appearance when it has been exposed to a level of UV which corresponds to effective sterilization of the sample being sterilized. An optional reference card bears a color or opacity reference for comparison with the exposed photochromic material.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling a fluid separation system in response to fluid pressure changes in a fluid flow, said method comprising the steps of sensing a fluid pressure; comparing the fluid pressure to a threshold value, and if the fluid pressure is below the threshold value, then pausing fluid flow for a selected period. During the selected period, either the fluid pressure sensed automatically resolves or the method further comprises a step of setting a fall alarm condition. The method and apparatus may further include interpreting a particular quantity of below threshold fluid pressure occurrences where the fluid pressure is below the threshold value occurring within a particular time period, and then, signalling an alarm.

Abstract: A diagnostic device adapted to retain a fluid sample to be analyzed until it is desired to initiate the analytical test is described. The device includes a deformable material layer, a well for holding a fluid sample, a porous material and a diagnostic assay element.

Abstract: A vial autosampler includes a gripper mechanism having an actuator, a first jaw, and a second jaw. The first and second jaws are coupled to the actuator. At least one of the first and second jaws includes a magnet disposed therein. Upon energization of the actuator, the first and second jaws are urged in a first direction which energization opposes the magnetic urging of the magnets.

Abstract: An apparatus is described that includes an optical disk, adapted to be read by an optical reader, comprising a first sector having substantially self-contained assay means for localizing an analyte suspected of being in a sample to at least one, predetermined location in the first sector and a second sector containing control means for conducting the assay and analyte location information, with respect to one or more analytes suspected of being in a sample, accessible to the reader, wherein the presence or absence of the analyte at said location is determinable by the reader using the control means and the location information. Depending on the nature of the assay, the disk will include fluid storage means, fluid transfer means, such as one or more capillary ducts, valves, batteries, dialyzers, columns, filters, sources of electric fields, wires or other electrical conductive means such as metallic surface deposits and the like.

Abstract: A modular control block for applications in the field of analytical procedures has a plurality of individual elements (2, 5, 15, 19, 20), each having at least one channel for the inflow and for the outflow of fluids, which can be connected to each other by means of suitable connection points. In order to reduce the manufacturing costs of the control block, all individual elements (2, 5, 15, 19, 20) are embodied with the same outer contour and may be arranged in-line or staggered, with different function modes of the control block being achieved by either an in-line or a staggered arrangement of the individual elements (2, 5, 15, 19, 20), or by any desired combination of individual elements (2, 5, 15, 19, 20) arranged in-line and/or staggered.

Abstract: An adaptor for a multi-channel pipettor which allows the user to load multiple wells of a gel simultaneously using gel loading tips. The adaptor has apertures at the top which lead to channels which travel the length of the adaptor and exit at the bottom. Gel loading tips, already affixed onto a multi-channel pipettor, are inserted into the apertures at the top of the adaptor and the ends of the tips exit the adaptor through apertures at the bottom of the adaptor. The apertures at the bottom of the adaptor are spaced so that they match the spacing of wells for various gels.

Abstract: A one-piece pipette/dropper assembly comprising a pipette portion, a threaded cap portion, and a bulb portion, said cap portion having a top wall including a top surface and a bottom surface, said bulb portion having a first end integrally formed with the top wall of the cap on the upper surface thereof, said pipette portion having a first end integrally formed with the top wall of the cap on the lower surface thereof, said bulb portion communicating with said pipette portion through said first end and an opening in a second end on said pipette for receiving and discharging fluid.

Abstract: The invention provides an integrated sample-processing system and components thereof for preparing and/or analyzing samples. The components may include a transport module, a fluidics module, and an analysis module, among others.

Abstract: A device for mixing separate distinct fluids within a microfluidic device to form a substantially homogeneous flow stream. The device is generally circular-shaped and contains no moving parts, and is capable of mixing both serial and laminar flow streams.

Abstract: A process chamber is placed in connection with a fluidized bed reactor for utilizing internal or external circulation of solid material or both in heat transfer purposes. Said process chamber is located inside the furnace of a circulating fluidized bed reactor adjacent to at least one of the furnace walls. The interior of said process chamber is provided with heat exchanger means for heat transfer from the solid material to heat transfer medium inside the heat exchanger means. The process chamber comprises a top closed barrier wall forming the roof of the process chamber, wherein the inlet of the solid material into the process chamber is arranged to the lower part of the wall of the process chamber and the outlet of the solid material out of the process chamber is arranged to the upper part of the wall of the process chamber.

Abstract: A system for controlling emissions of hazardous, toxic or otherwise undesirable components in a waste gas stream, while maintaining uptime through decreased maintenance and repair, is provided. The system oxidizes the waste gas stream at high temperatures with a thermal oxidizer (110), effectively removes particulates in the waste gas stream as well as moderate levels of acid gas through a cyclone scrubber (120), and removes the remainder of the acid gas content in the waste gas stream through he use of a packed column (130). Finally, a condenser (140) lowers the moisture content of the waste gas stream before leaving the system by way of a blower (150), reducing the chance of condensation and corrosion in the facility ductwork. As a result, the system can run for sustained periods of time, reducing downtime in semiconductor operations and associated loss of revenue.

Abstract: A pollution control device has a metal housing, a solid pollution control device disposed within the metal housing, and a mounting mat disposed between the pollution control element and the housing for positioning the pollution control element and for absorbing mechanical and thermal shock. The mounting mat includes a layer of intumescent material having at least one insert formed of a resilient, flexible, fibrous non-intumescent material. The insert is positioned along at least a portion of at least one lateral edge of the mounting mat to prevent erosion of the intumescent material and to provide a seal between the pollution control element and the housing.

Abstract: In order to properly press-fit or thrust a cylindrical coiled body into a cylindrical case, a fitting device is provided. The fitting device comprises a guide member formed with a conical bore of which cross section gradually reduces with increase of a distance from a top of the bore toward a bottom of the same. The cross section of the bottom of the bore is slightly smaller than that of the coiled body. The guide member is coaxially put on the cylindrical case. The fitting device further comprises a pressing member which, when actuated, presses down the cylindrical coiled body raised in the bore thereby to thrust the raised coiled body into the cylindrical case through the bottom of the bore. The pressing member includes a center base plate, two side plates positioned on both sides of the center base plate, a guide structure by which the side plates are radially movable in opposite directions with respect to the center base plate, and biasing members for biasing the side plates radially outward.

Abstract: A catalytic converter for cleaning the exhaust gases of an internal combustion engine having a coating, for catalyzing the exhaust gases, on a carrier body which has passages in the direction of flow of the exhaust gases. To design a lighter-weight catalytic converter with high cleaning power, good response characteristics and good noise dampening properties, perforations are provided in the carrier body transversely to the passages.

Abstract: An electro-kinetic electrostatic air conditioner includes a mechanism to clean the wire-like electrodes in the first electrode array. A length of flexible Mylar type sheet material projects from the base of the second electrode array towards and beyond the first electrode array. The distal end of each sheet includes a slit that engages a corresponding wire-like electrode. As a user moves the second electrode array up or down within the conditioner housing, friction between slit edges and the wire-like electrode cleans the electrode surface. The sheet material may be biasedly pivotably attached to the base of the second electrode array, and may be urged away from and parallel to the wire-like electrodes when the conditioner is in use. Another embodiment includes a bead-like member having a through opening or channel, through which the wire-like electrode passes.

Abstract: A reactor for generating moisture wherein ignition of hydrogen gas, backfire to the gas supply source side, the peeling off of the platinum coat catalyst layer inside are prevented more completely to further increase the safety of the reactor for generating moisture and wherein the dead space in the interior space is reduced to further reduce the size of the reactor shell.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus for the safe filling and emptying of a pressurized vessel charged with flammable and/or aggressive gas. The apparatus features an upper flap combination, an intermediate lock vessel having a flushing apparatus, and a lower flap combination. The present invention also relates to a pressurized reactor which is charged with flammable and/or aggressive gas and is equipped with a filling lock apparatus and an emptying lock apparatus for the simultaneous preparation of tetrachlorosilane, trichlorosilane and hydrogen. In addition, the present invention relates to a special process for filling and emptying such a reactor.

Abstract: The invention provides an apparatus and method for storing and transporting peritoneal dialysate in dry or lyophilized form, and for forming a deliverable peritoneal dialysis solution therefrom. In one embodiment, a dry reagent bed, including reagents sufficient to produce a dialysis solution, is suspended in a diluent flow path through the apparatus housing. Continuous pressure on the reagent bed causes the bed to compact as it erodes when purified water is passed through the housing. The pressure ensures complete and even dissolution of the reagents. Through dry storage and simple dissolution, even in a home, the invention enables a wider variety of solution constituents, including reduced acid content and the use of bicarbonate as a stable buffer component. The latter is illustrated in a double-bed embodiment, where bicarbonate is stored separately from calcium or magnesium salts within a single housing.

Abstract: A process and an apparatus involving a reaction zone loaded with particles for the prolonged continued time of operation time on a dust containing feed stream by arrangement of the particles in a plurality of beds, and in a number of operation time bypassing with main part of the feed stream a number of the particle beds.

Abstract: A process for the preparation of a stabilized sodium carbonate peroxyhydrate, in which an aqueous solution of sodium sulphate and a chelating agent is applied to granules of sodium carbonate peroxyhydrate, and the solution is allowed to dry, forming coated granules having a coating layer of sodium sulphate and the chelating agent on the granules. The chelating agent is selected from the group consisting of (poly)aminophosphonic acid derivatives, (poly)aminocarboxylic acid derivatives, and N-bis- and tris-[(1,2-dicarboxy-ethoxy)ethyl]amine derivatives. The stabilized sodium carbonate peroxyhydrate may be prepared by spraying the aqueous solution of sodium sulphate and the chelating agent onto granules of sodium carbonate peroxyhydrate in a fluidized bed.

Abstract: Process for suppression of soot formation in the preparation of hydrogen and/or carbon monoxide rich gas by partial oxidation of a hydrocarbon feedstock, comprising the steps of

Abstract: Iron carbide is produced by an apparatus comprising first fludized bed reactor 4 and second fluidized bed reactor 5, wherein the charged grainy iron oxide is reduced and carburized by the high temperature and high pressure gas being introduced from the bottom of the reactor. Both fluidized bed reactors comprise chamber 23 for introducing gas into the reactor, distribution plate 27 having multiple gas-introducing nozzles 28, partition plate 26 partitioning the fulidized bed into plural division rooms, and gas supply inlet 25a, 25b arranged on chamber 23 for supplying gas to specific division room respectively. Each gas supply inlet is connected to gas supply line having a gas flow control valve for controlling gas pressure or gas flow rate.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a conjugator system comprising liposomes with ionophores, and with chelator solution and alpha-particle emitting radionuclide(s) located inside of the liposome. Furthermore, a the method for the preparation of this type of radioactive liposomes is described, as well as use of the system and a kit for preparing the system.

Abstract: Wound healing is impaired in many diabetics, who suffer increased risk of chronic foot ulceration and amputation. Diabetic patients with poor healing ability were found to possess significantly lower fasting urinary nitrate levels than diabetic patients with normal healing ability or non-diabetic controls, implicating decreased endogenous nitric oxide activity as the mediator of diabetes-impaired wound healing. Methods and kits are provided for predicting the wound healing ability of diabetic patients based on the levels of nitric oxide related products such as nitrate or nitrite in urine or other specimens. Methods are also provided for treating non-wound healing diabetics and monitoring diabetic ulcer treatment.

Abstract: The present invention provides a sustained-releasing anti-protista preparation, comprising using a water-insoluble or difficulty water soluble and water-wettable polymer compound which is solid at room temperature as a sustained-releasing substrate material, a method for a preparation of the sustained-releasing anti-protista preparation, comprising kneading a water-insoluble or difficulty water soluble and water-wettable polymer compound which is solid at room temperature with an anti-protista substance, and a sustained-releasing anti-protista preparation for a waterway, comprising using a water-insoluble or difficulty water soluble and water-wettable polymer compound which is solid at room temperature as a sustained-releasing substrate material.

Abstract: Methods for the formation of a mammalian skin equivalent are described herein. The method comprises mixing keratinocytes and fibroblasts. The mammalian skin equivalent is also described. The skin equivalent can be made to be normal, abnormal or aging.

Abstract: The invention concerns bacteria having byle salt hydrolysis activity and optionally and preferably also bile salt polymerisation activity. Food products comprising such bacteria have been found to be capable to reduce the blood cholesterol level in the human blood. The effect is obtained by interference with the cholesterol and/or bile salt metabolism and is based on BSH activity of the bacteria. Food products which, on the basis of their normal daily intake provide a daily-BSH-intake of 0.3 micro-mol/min/kg bodyweight, are preferred, and even more preferred are food products providing at least a daily-BSH-intake of 0.6 micro-mol/min/kg bodyweight. In a further preferred embodiment a BSH activity of at least 0.8 micro-mol/min/1e10 cfu is obtained by the common, daily intake of food products comprising the bacteria. Further preferred are food products comprising fat, wherein at least 40% of the fat are poly unsaturated fatty acids.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for removing neoplastic cells from a mixed cellular composition, which is outside of a living organism, by using a virus which selectively infect and kill neoplastic cell. A variety of viruses can be used in this method to remove neoplastic cells for different purposes, for example, to purge hematopoietic stem cells prior to transplantation. Also provided are compositions prepared according to this method, and kits comprising a combination of viruses which are useful in this invention.

Abstract: Methods for treating neoplasia, by administering reovirus to a Ras-mediated neoplasm, and use of reovirus for manufacture of a medicament for the treatment of neoplasia, are disclosed. The reovirus is administered so that it ultimately directly contacts cells of the neoplasm. Human reovirus, non-human mammalian reovirus, and/or avian reovirus can be used. If the reovirus is human reovirus, type 1 (e.g., strain Lang), type 2 (e.g., strain Jones), type 3 (e.g., strain Dearing or strain Abney), as well as other sterotypes or strains of reovirus can be used. Combinations of more than one type and/or strain or reovirus can be used, as can reovirus from different species of animal. Either solid neoplasms or hematopoietic neoplasms can be treated.

Abstract: The inventors have discovered that hematologic disorders, e.g., both neoplastic (hematologic cancers) and non-neoplastic conditions, can be treated by the induction of mixed chimerism using myeloreductive, but not myeloablative, conditioning. Methods of the invention reduce GVHD, especially GVHD associated with mismatched allogeneic or xenogeneic donor tissue, yet provide, for example, significant graft-versus-leukemia (GVL) effect and the like.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods of stimulating in a subject an immune response to an antigen to which the immune response is targeted. This method includes the step of administering to the subject a binding agent which binds a surface receptor of an antigen-presenting cell, in some instances without being blocked substantially by the natural ligand for the surface receptor, and an antigen to which the immune response is targeted, in a physiologically acceptable medium to the subject. Also disclosed are molecular complexes including the binding agent coupled to an antigen.

Abstract: Signal propagation in MIRR-coupled immune cell signalling pathways is extinguished or curtailed by sequestering Src family enzymes indigenous to the cell. Signal-curtailing ligands which cross-link MIRR extracellular domains and stabilize intra-cellular Src/MIRR complexes are exemplary sequestering agents which function as immune cell antagonists.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for inhibiting tissue factor (TF) mediated reperfusion tissue damage in a subject.

Abstract: Novel calcium phosphate core particles, methods of making them, and methods of using them as vaccine adjuvants, as cores, as carriers of biologically active material, and as controlled release matrices for biologically active material are disclosed. The core particles may have a surface modifying agent and/or biologically active material, such as antigenic material or natural immunoenhancing factor, polynucleotide material, or therapeutic proteins or peptides, partially coating the particle or impregnated therein.

Abstract: Vaccine compositions and immunogenic compositions are described which are glucosyltransferase subunit vaccines for dental caries and which contain at least one peptide which corresponds to a sequence of glucosyltransferase containing aspartate 413, aspartate 415 or both aspartate 413 and aspartate 415. These subunit vaccines elicit antibodies which protect an immunized mammal from dental caries. Methods of provoking an immune response to intact glucosyltransferase are also described.

Abstract: The present invention features the use of PorB polypeptide as a therapeutic agent. In specific embodiment the invention features a chlamydial vaccine based on a PorB polypeptide, as well as methods for induction of a protective immune response against infection by Chlamydia and Chlamydiophila. The invention further features methods for identifying agents that offset PorB function (e.g., in transport of &agr;-ketoglutarate and which are effective as anti-chlamydial chemotherapeutic agents.

Abstract: Herpesviral particle preparations, e.g. a preparation of herpesviral particles isolated from the cell culture in which such particles were produced, can have at least part of the VP22 tegument protein present in the form of a recombinant mutant form of VP22, e.g. as a recombinant fusion polypeptide comprising a VP22-active sequence and a non-VP22 peptide or polypeptide sequence such as a fluorescent GFP sequence: corresponding DNA preparations are described. The use of virus particles containing fluorescent fusion protein to detect the progress of cell infection by virus and to screen for neutralising antibody or inhibitors of infection is also described. Vaccine uses of modified herpesvirus particles are described.

Abstract: Multivalent immunogenic molecules comprise a carrier molecule containing at least one functional T-cell epitope and multiple different carbohydrate fragments each linker to the carrier molecule and each containing at least one functional B-cell epitope. The carrier molecule inputs enhanced immunogenicity to the multiple carbohydrate fragments. The carbohydrate fragments may be capsular oligosaccharide fragments from Streptococcus pneumoniae, which may be serotypes 1, 4, 5, 6B, 9V, 14, 18C, 19F or 23F, or Neisseria meningitidis, which may be serotype A, B, C, W-135 or Y. Such oligosaccharide fragments may be sized from 2 to 5 kDa. Alternatively, the carbohydrate fragments may be fragments of carbohydrate-based tumor antigens, such as Globo H, LeY or STn. The multivalent molecules may be produced by random conjugation or site-directed conjugation of the carbohydrate fragments to the carrier molecule.