Abstract: A substance distribution apparatus has a receiver for receiving a signal containing at least a substance component. The apparatus further has a substance generator for producing a plurality of desired substances. A processor communicates with the receiver and the substance generator to interpret the desired substance signal and causes the substance generator to generate and release selected of the desired substances which correspond to the desired substance signal. The apparatus may further include tactile features such as a water mist generator and temperature regulation.

Abstract: Devices and methods for sterilizing lumens involve a booster that is attached to the lumen. In preferred embodiments, the contact area between the lumen and the booster enhances the penetration of an antimicrobial agent to the contact area.

Abstract: An apparatus for defoaming blood is described, having a surface which comes into contact with blood, said surface being coated with a defoamer which has a hydrophobic component with lipophobic microdomains.

Abstract: A package for holding and disguising a chromatographic test of food and drink is formed in the shape of a drinking straw or stirrer. The package encloses test strips which are sensitive to particular drugs and produce a color change upon contact with the drug. The package has a view port or slit to observe the condition of the test strip upon contact with food and drink.

Abstract: An automated workstation capable of continuous, non-stop processing of specimens includes an environmentally controlled storage area that holds multiple cassettes containing specimen plates. A robotic arm for processing the specimens, e.g., by grasping the plates, moving them from the cassettes to other apparatus contained within the workstation, and placing the plates back in the cassettes. An interlock mechanism prevents the operator and robotic arm from simultaneously accessing a cassette. Novel robotic arms, robotic arm positioning mechanisms, plate handling mechanisms, effector tip/plate washing mechanisms, thin-walled pipetters, back-flushing mechanisms and fluid level detection mechanisms, as well as methods for operating the same, facilitate continuous operation of the workstation along with compactness, high throughput and high accuracy of operation. Narrow, thin-walled capillary-like pipetters serve as both means for acquiring and processing small quantity specimens with high precision.

Abstract: A sample handler includes a plurality of sealable metering tips, each of the tips, when sealed, containing a fluid volume of a test fluid and in which each of the sealed metering tips acts as an auxiliary sample supply container for use with at least one chemistry system of a clinical analyzer.

Abstract: A test strip platform for a testing apparatus of the type using test strips, wherein the platform has a shroud defining a strip track for positioning an inserted strip over an optical aperture for making analytical determinations. The platform has a hood permanently mounted to the shroud for overlying the optical window and protecting the testing apparatus optics. The strip track has stabilizing members for holding the strip in testing position. The hood provides camming members for guiding the leading edge of an inserted strip into cooperative engagement with the stabilizing members for ensuring proper insertion of the strip.

Abstract: A device for identifying analytes in a biological sample, including a substrate having a surface lying substantially in a first plane, a plurality of targets, each having a wall lying substantially in a second plane offset from the first plane, and a receptor coating applied to one of the surface and the target walls for binding analytes present in the biological sample when the biological sample is applied to the substrate. A laser beam is sequentially directed onto each of the plurality of target, the laser being positioned relative to the substrate such that when the beam is directed onto a target, a first half of the beam is reflected back to the laser from the wall of the target and a second half of the beam is reflected back to the laser from the surface of the substrate adjacent the target.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for carrying out and monitoring the progress and properties of multiple reactions is disclosed. The method and apparatus are especially useful for synthesizing, screening, and characterizing combinatorial libraries, but also offer significant advantages over conventional experimental reactors as well. The apparatus generally includes multiple vessels for containing reaction mixtures, and systems for controlling the stirring rate and temperature of individual reaction mixtures or groups of reaction mixtures. In addition, the apparatus may include provisions for independently controlling pressure in each vessel. In situ monitoring of individual reaction mixtures provides feedback for process controllers, and also provides data for determining reaction rates, product yields, and various properties of the reaction products, including viscosity and molecular weight.

Abstract: A liquid ejection device comprises a flow path having an ejection orifice and a pressure chamber communicating with each other; a pressure control assembly for changing the gas pressure in the pressure chamber; and an ejection energy-generating element for giving the energy for ejection of a liquid in the flow path through the orifice to the liquid, wherein the liquid is introduced through the ejection orifice into the flow path by depressurizing the pressure chamber by the pressure control assembly.

Abstract: A multiple well plate and method for media exchange, including a body defining a plurality of cell wells each connected via a channel to one of a plurality of aspiration holes, is provided. The cell wells contain a porous, hydrophilic frit which is suspended on a ledge above a reservoir of fluid media and supports a tissue sample. The properties of the frit wick the fluid media upwards to supply the tissue sample with nutrients for growth and proliferation. Old media is aspirated from the wells by a liquid handling device which inserts a pipette tip into the aspiration holes. The pipette tip applies a suction pressure which draws the media out of the cell well, through the channel, into the aspiration hole and out through the pipette tip. New media is dispersed through the pipette tip and directly into the cell well.

Abstract: The invention describes a process for preparing a microtiter-microarray device that includes a bottomless microtiter plate attached to the first side of one or more substrates with microarrays of materials attached thereto. The microtiter plate and the one or more substrates are attached through one or more gaskets. Preferably, the microtiter plate is attached to one face of the one or more gaskets by an irreversible water-tight seal, and the first side of the one or more substrates is attached to the opposite face of the one or more gaskets by a reversible, water-tight seal.

Abstract: A microfluidic device is provided and comprises a device that is assembled from segments of microfluidic features using built-in alignment features, such as the raised walls of the channels or protrusion/recess pairs to comprise channels, nozzles, optical detectors, distillation columns, etc., to form a device for a specific application, such as an electrospray-mass spectrometer interface. Some of the segments can be of standard dimensions with standard alignment features so that the user may assemble microfluidic devices for specific applications using standard prefabricated segments as part thereof.

Abstract: A shear valve assembly comprises a pair of valve pads having opposing planar surfaces supported for relative sliding engagement. Each valve pad defines a plurality of liquid pathways by which a liquid can be passed from one pad to the other. The planar surface of one of the valve pads has an open channel formed therein, such channel having dimensions to accommodate a prescribed volume of liquid. Liquid is introduced into such channel via a first pair of pathways formed in the other valve pad, and liquid is dispensed from the open channel by a second pair of pathways that are brought into alignment with the channel during sliding movement between the valve pads. The valve assembly is particularly useful in blood-analyzing instruments for isolating and dispensing relatively minute volumes (of the order of microliters) of whole blood for analysis.

Abstract: A thermocouple protection tube is designed such that it is capable of adjusting the length of thermocouple inside reactor after assembly. The design includes an outer casing, an inner casing and a means for fixing the relative position of the outer casing and the inner casing. The inner casing is positioned relative to, and within the outer casing. The fixing means temporarily fixes the relative position of inner casing and outer casing. The disclosed design permits the adjustment of the thermocouple length inside thermocouple protection tube according to the relative thickness the refractory lining inside reactor.

Abstract: Apparatus for removing harmful components of a perfluorocarbon gas or a perfluorocompound, comprising:

Abstract: NO is removed from a gas stream by reacting NO with an absorbent to form a metal nitrosyl complex. The metal nitrosyl complex is reacted with sulfite and/or bisulfite to produce recoverable reaction products containing nitrogen and/or sulfur and to regenerate the reagent. The recoverable reaction products are then separated from the regenerated reagent.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a reaction vessel for organic synthesis and a block device for the reaction vessel and synthetic method of compound using thereof. More particularly, the present invention provides a solid phase synthetic reaction vessel and a block device for the reaction vessels which are capable of simultaneously synthesizing chemical libraries by combinatorial chemistry method automatically or semiautomatically.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for regenerating spent pickling liquor from the acid pickling of a metal are disclosed. Acid pickling of a metal uses a first acid and forms a spent pickling liquor (SPL). A second acid added to the spent pickling liquor, under specific low temperatures produces a metal salt of the second acid. The metal salt of the second acid is crystallized and removed from a regenerated first acid. In one aspect, hydrochloric acid is regenerated from a pickling process for iron or steel, using sulfuric acid as the second acid, and ferrous sulfate heptahydrate crystals are produced. Regenerated hydrochloric acid is recycled to the acid pickling process.

Abstract: A shift converter, or reactor, (16HT, 16LT) in a fuel processing subsystem (14, 16HT, 16LT, 18), as for a fuel cell (12), uses an improved catalyst bed (34, 50) and the addition of oxygen (40, 40A, 40B, 40C, 40D, 41A, 41B, 41C, 41D) to reduce the amount of carbon monoxide in a process gas stream. The catalyst of bed (34, 50) is a metal, preferably a noble metal, having a promoted support of metal oxide, preferably ceria and/or zirconia. A water gas shift reaction converts carbon monoxide to carbon dioxide. The oxygen may be introduced as air, and causes an improvement in carbon monoxide removal. Use of the added oxygen enables the shift reactor (16HT, 16LT) and its catalyst bed (34, 50) to be relatively more compact for performing a given level of carbon monoxide conversion. The catalyst bed (34, 50) obviates the requirement for prior reducing of catalysts, and minimizes the need to protect the catalyst from oxygen during operation and/or shutdown.

Abstract: The present invention refers to an apparatus for producing cosmetic products comprising a reactor (6) provided with an agitator (8) suitable for mixing lipidic substances and other powder and non-powder ingredients. The apparatus comprises means (1, 2-5, 7, 31-35) for feeding carbon dioxide into the reactor (6) in a liquid phase in non super-critical conditions for use as solvent for said lipidic substances and powders, and means (9-13) for discharging carbon dioxide outside the reactor (6). (FIG. 1).

Abstract: Disclosed is a process for reducing the amount of silicon in brine. More specifically the silicon content of the brine is reduced to 1 ppm or less by using low caustic excess. The disclosed process can also be characterized as lowering sodium hydroxide excess (caustic excess) while maintaining the sodium carbonate level thereby obtaining a brine with a low level of silicon. A further purification step employs a sludge blanket.

Abstract: A process for reducing NOx emissions in a gaseous combustion effluent stream containing NO and/or NO2 includes the steps of: a) adding hydrogen peroxide to the effluent stream in sufficient amounts to generate nitric acid by first stage reactions as follows:

Abstract: Compounds of the formula (I)

Abstract: A method process to convert inhibited red fuming nitric acid (IRFNA) and/or nitrogen tetraoxide to either dilute or concentrated (98%+) nitric acid. The method describes a process to remove all of the normal inhibitors (if required), that have been reported to been used in IRFNA. The process described will provide nitric acid free of contaminates which are undesirable when using the nitric acid in reactions to produce other products.

Abstract: A carbonized product 10 used for production of activated carbon for an electrode of an electric double-layer capacitor, includes a plurality of crystallites 12 each having a graphite structure in an amorphous carbon matrix 11. The interlayer distance d002 of the crystallites 12 is set a value equal to or larger than 0.347 nm. Thus, by using this carbonized product, it is possible to produce activated carbon having a high electrostatic capacity density (F/cc) for an electrode of an electric double-layer capacitor.

Abstract: Methods of producing stable dispersions of single-walled carbon nanotube structures in solutions are achieved utilizing dispersal agents. The dispersal agents are effective in substantially solubilizing and dispersing single-walled carbon nanotube structures in aqueous solutions by coating the structures and increasing the surface interaction between the structures and water. Exemplary agents suitable for dispersing nanotube structures in aqueous solutions include synthetic and natural detergents having high surfactant properties, deoxycholates, cyclodextrins, chaotropic salts and ion pairing agents. The dispersed nanotube structures may further be deposited on a suitable surface in isolated and individualized form to facilitate easy characterization and further processing of the structures.

Abstract: A porous carbon composition comprises carbon particles having substantially uniform mesopores, wherein the mesopores have a diameter greater than 5 nanometers. A carbon composition may also comprise carbon particles having a predetermined surface configuration, wherein the surface configuration inversely corresponds to the configuration of at least a portion of an imprinting material. A method of synthesizing mesoporous carbon particles comprises the steps of providing particles of at least one carbon precursor, mixing the particles of at least one carbon precursor with a medium containing an imprinting material to form pretreated solid carbon precursor particles, heating the pretreated solid carbon precursor particles to a temperature at least as high as 20° C.

Abstract: Methods to at least partially reduce a niobium oxide are described wherein the process includes heat treating the niobium oxide in the presence of a getter material and in an atmosphere which permits the transfer of oxygen atoms from the niobium oxide to the getter material, and for a sufficient time and at a sufficient temperature to form an oxygen reduced niobium oxide. Niobium oxides and/or suboxides are also described as well as capacitors containing anodes made from the niobium oxides and suboxides.

Abstract: The present invention provides a cost-effective method of producing pure hydrogen gas from hydride-based solid materials. The hydride-based solid material is mechanically processed in the presence of a catalyst to obtain pure gaseous hydrogen. Unlike previous methods, hydrogen may be obtained from the solid material without heating, and without the addition of a solvent during processing. The described method of hydrogen production is useful for energy conversion and production technologies that consume pure gaseous hydrogen as a fuel.

Abstract: A system and process for monitoring a targeted area of a patient's body to precisely locate the targeted area in real-time are provided. The system includes at least one datum device to be placed a predetemined distance from the targeted area, either on or within the body. The system also includes means for sensing the at least one datum device, means for determining a real-time position of the at least one datum device, and means for calculating changes in the position of the datum device in real-time. Any changes in the position of the datum device are conveyed to a radiotherapy device which emits a radiation beam directed at the targeted area. The radiation beam is controlled according to changes in the position of the datum device in order to maintain precise targeting on the area to be treated.

Abstract: The present invention provides materials and methods for screening for and treating hereditary lymphedema in human subjects.

Abstract: Methods for determining the effect of a Clostridal toxin on muscle are disclosed. In particular, methods for determining a potency and/or diffusion of a toxin based on a nuclear index and/or the extent of muscle atrophy are disclosed.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method for evaluating or diagnosing the condition of skin based on the intercellular structure of skin as well as the intercellular distribution of particular cellular properties of skin.

Abstract: A bio-spectral imaging system and methods for in situ diagnosis of a disease state in biological tissue or cells of a living organism are provided. In one form, a method includes applying to the tissue or cells in situ a biological stain composition that includes at least one metachromatic dye; performing a spectral analysis to obtain at least one spectrum of the stained tissue or cells; comparing the spectrum with spectra from a library of spectra of similarly stained reference tissue or cells that have been categorized as diseased or non-diseased; and correlating the spectrum to a disease state. The system and methods may be used to diagnose, for example, pre-cancer and/or cancer, as well as diseases caused by various microorganisms. Methods for creating a library of spectra, methods for monitoring the efficiency of photodynamic therapy of diseased biological tissue or cells in vivo, as well as methods for improving the efficiency of photodynamic therapy are also provided.

Abstract: This invention relates to an in-vivo diagnostic method based on near infrared radiation (NIR radiation) that uses water-soluble dyes and their biomolecule adducts, each having specific photophysical and pharmaco-chemical properties, as a contrast medium for fluorescence and transillumination diagnostics in the NIR range, to new dyes and pharmaceuticals containing such dyes.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of targeting an agent towards a targeting site in a tissue comprising administering a multi-specific antibody or antibody fragment comprising a targeting arm and a capture arm that binds to a polymer conjugate, and administering a polymer conjugate to the tissue. The present invention also relates to a kit for targeting a target site within a comprising a multi-specific antibody or antibody fragment comprising a targeting arm and a capture arm that binds to a polymer conjugate, and a polymer conjugate.

Abstract: There is provided a microemulsion aerosol composition whose hazards of flammability and explosion are reduced and which is one-layer type and does not require to shake a container containing the composition prior to use.

Abstract: There is described a method of treating or alleviating a respiratory disorder which comprises administering an effective amount of the active ingredients formoterol, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, and fluticasone, or a pharmaceutically acceptable ester thereof, separately, sequentially or simultaneously, provided that the active ingredients comprise separate compositions.

Abstract: A method of making nanoparticles of interferon gamma for use in pharmaceutical formulations, and the treatment of various ailments by inhalation of these formulations are described. The interferon gamma is made into nanoparticle size using supercritical fluids technology.

Abstract: A method for reducing an abrasivity of a dentifrice composition containing an abrasive, includes incorporating into the dentifrice composition a zinc salt in an amount sufficient to reduce a dentinal abrasivity of the composition by at least 10% and reduce an enamel abrasivity of the dentifrice composition by at least 10%. The method provides an improved dentifrice composition, which is at least 90% as effective at stain removal as the original dentifrice composition. Suitable zinc salts include, e.g., zinc citrate, zinc chloride, zinc acetate, zinc oxide and zinc sulfate. Suitable abrasives include, e.g., silica, alumina and alkali metal meta-phosphates.

Abstract: Novel aqueous slurries capable of removing calculus, plaque or stains, adherent to tooth surfaces of a warm-blooded animal, when used in methods that are self-practicable by an individual human or practicable by an individual human on another warm-blooded animal, combine finely-divided charcoal; water; and alcohol, ammonia or hydrogen peroxide to form the slurries. Also disclosed are self-practicable methods that utilize the disclosed aqueous slurries by applying to, and contacting affected tooth surfaces with, the same, then removing the treated calculus, plaque or stains by means of devices and techniques that are safe to use according to the methods. Further, kits are disclosed that comprise the disclosed aqueous slurries, as well as apparatus, devices and tools for effectively using the same for the above purposes.

Abstract: A periodontal structure regeneration composition for treatment of periodontal disease is a mixture of particles of a bone growth material and collagen. All particles are sized to be less than 1 mm in diameter. The periodontal regeneration composition is injected into the periodontal pocket through an 18 gauge needle. The composition is available in pre-filled syringes offered in a kit that may also contain strips of surgical sponge or gauze that are sized to fit within a periodontal pocket, a tube of adhesive, a dental bur, a probe, a gauze placement tool, gauze counter and a brush for cleaning the dental bur.

Abstract: A well-dispersed thixotropic sunscreen composition having no greasy or powdery after effects is provided, along with a method for their production. The composition comprises an oleaginous liquid base, a thickening agent, and a coated particulate sunscreen material. The sunscreen agents are coated with, for example, dimethicone, which enables van der Waals forces to provide hydrogen bonding, keeping the sunscreen agents in suspension and without appreciable reaggregation.

Abstract: The invention relates to a transparent or translucent colored cosmetic composition for making up the skin, lips and superficial body growths comprising a transparent or translucent cosmetic base and at least one coloring agent in an amount such that the transmission of a 10 &mgr;m layer of the final composition, measured at the wavelength of the maximum of one of the absorption peaks of the coloring agent, is between 20% and 80%.

Abstract: Disclosed are liquid anhydrous antiperspirant emulsions, comprising (a) an external phase containing a non-volatile hydrophobic liquid; and (b) an internal phase containing an antiperspirant active solubilized in a polar solvent; wherein the emulsions have an external to internal phase ratio of at least about 1.25 and a weight ratio of the non-volatile hydrophobic liquid to the combination of antiperspirant active and polar solvent in the internal phase of at least about 0.33. The anhydrous antiperspirant emulsions provide little or no visible residue on the skin and also provide for a smooth, dry, non-sticky, skin-feel during and after application. These emulsions are especially useful when delivered from a roll-on applicator.

Abstract: The invention provides compositions comprising

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a self-foaming shaving composition in the form of a lotion. The shaving composition comprises water, a water dispersible surface active agent capable of forming a lather, a volatile self-foaming agent, and a water soluble thickening agent wherein the composition is in the form of a self-foaming lotion having an elastic modulus (G′) of about 100 to about 1000 Pascals, preferably about 200 to about 900 Pa, most preferably about 400 to about 800 Pa (measured with a rheometer at frequency 1 Hz, oscillatory stress range 0.01-1.0 Pa, temperature 5° C., Gap 1000 &mgr;m). The present invention is also directed to an improved shaving method in which a shaving composition of the present invention is applied to an area of skin, then said area is shaved, preferably with a wet razor.

Abstract: Provided are a water-soluble ginger root extract which is a water extract or a hydrous alcohol extract of a ginger root and is substantially free of gingerols; and a hair growth inhibitor and a preparation for external use each containing the extract.

Abstract: An isolated chemokine is disclosed. The isolated chemokine is expressed preferentially in breast tissue or can be detected in breast milk. It includes from about 100 to about 132 amino acids, has a deduced molecular weight of from about 10 to about 16 kDa, and has a deduced isoionic point of from about pH 10.1 to about pH 10.7. Antibodies and binding portions thereof recognizing the subject chemokine and peptides which include the antigenic portions of the subject chemokines are described. DNA molecules which encode the subject chemokines as well as nucleic acid molecules which, under stringent conditions, hybridize to nucleic acid molecules encoding the subject chemokines or to a complement thereof are also disclosed.