Abstract: The invention recites a filter comprising a block including an outer wall defining an inner chamber and a block exterior, and a conduit having a conduit wall, a first conduit end, a second conduit end, and an inner flow path providing fluid communication between the first and second conduit ends. The conduit wall includes an orifice therethrough. The conduit is coupled to the block such that the first conduit end is in fluid communication with the inner chamber of the block and the second conduit end and the orifice are in fluid communication with the block exterior.

Abstract: A filter device made of less expensive material than comparable filter devices heretofore has basic filter components plus some unique design aspects and an additional ring component. The ring provides an interface inside the filter which enables the potting compound to adhere to the filter and create a seal between a first and second fluid compartment within the filter. An embedded region of the ring possesses a detailed geometry which helps ensure that a delamination would be localized and unable to propagate from the first to the second compartment, maintaining the structural integrity of the filter device. To ensure that the sealing interface remains intact and free from delamination, the ring is subjected to a surface treatment, which modifies the surface energy of the ring. This modified surface energy of the ring allows the hydrophilic potting compound to more effectively bond to the modified hydrophobic ring.

Abstract: Each cap of a pair of end caps mounted on opposed ends of a conventional radial flow cylindrical filter element of a filter cartridge includes a circular sleeve extending axially from the filter element for penetrably receiving a supporting stud and for maintaining an O-ring seal therebetween. The area of one of the end caps radially outwardly of its circular sleeve is greater than the corresponding area of the other end cap to cause fluid to be filtered to pressure bias the filter cartridge toward the other end cap and to positionally retain the filter cartridge within its housing. A positioning member extending into the filter element from one of the end caps receives and stabilizes sleeve for a u/v lamp disposed within the filter element to kill any microorganisms present and to oxidize any organic matter subjected to the emitted ultra-violent radiation.

Abstract: A fuel strainer assembly includes a filtration member and an inlet connector connected to the filtration member for connection to an inlet of a fuel pump. The fuel strainer assembly also includes a push pad connected to the filtration member. The fuel strainer assembly further includes a compression retainer operatively supported by the push pad to engage the inlet connector to cause an interference fit between the inlet connector and the inlet of the fuel pump to secure the inlet connector to the fuel pump.

Abstract: The wastewater treatment systems have a plurality of treatment modules between the inlet and the outlet, each for treating water with a selected process. Influent is directed to a covered anaerobic reactor, and then to an attached growth pretreatment filter that is at least intermittently exposed to atmospheric oxygen. Following the filter are a first and a second hydroponic reactor in series, followed in turn by a vertical-flow wetland. A second embodiment includes, following the filter, two or more tidal vertical-flow wetlands in series, and a pump for recycling water exiting the final wetland upstream of the filter.

Abstract: A multi-phase process for removing phosphorus from wastewater in a triple ditch or triple basin system where wastewater influent is sequentially directed to each of the three basins or ditches, sometimes referred to as first and second outer basins and an intermediate basin. During each phase of the process, the mixed liquor in at least one of the basins is subject to settling. In one or more phases of the process, the mixed liquor, in certain basins, is subjected to anaerobic and aerobic treatment. Anaerobic treatment results in the growth or proliferation of phosphorus storing microorganisms. These phosphorus-storing microorganisms take up phosphorus when the mixed liquor is subjected to aerobic conditions. One of the basins, the intermediate basin, can be designed to have a volume greater than either of the first or second outer basins. Further, the triple basin or triple ditch system is designed to transfer mixed liquor suspended solids or biomass from one basin to another.

Abstract: A process for treating organically contaminated waste water is provided comprising an initial treatment step whereby microorganisms are replicated and either attach to support media or remain suspended in the waste water. The microorganisms reduce the incoming biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) level by consuming the organic contaminants. At least a part of the suspended portion of microorganisms are subsequently removed from the initially treated waste water, and the waste water under goes a further treatment step to further reduce the level of organic contaminants.

Abstract: Economical processes of the present invention are for separation of fluid mixtures to recover desired products using apparatus comprising a plurality of membrane modules disposed in a first product group, a second product group, and optionally one or more intermediate group. Advantageously integrated processes of the invention with the membrane modules in multiple groups are employed for simultaneous recovery of a very pure permeate product and a desired non-permeate product from a mixture containing organic compounds.

Abstract: The invention relates to a special amino acid mixture for hemodialysis as well as to the dialysis solution that can be prepared from the amino acid mixture. When the amino acid mixtures according to the invention are used for such purposes, the “shrinking men” phenomenon cam be prevented. The present invention also relates to a hemodialysis process and apparatus. This aspect of the invention provides a closed dialysis system with a dialyzer solution containing the amino acid mixtures according to the invention.

Abstract: A method of setting up a dialysis treatment in a dialysis machine may include the steps of determining conditions of a dialysis treatment adapted to a specific patient, determining a first function (U(t)) of a first quantity (U) characterizing the dialysis treatment as a function of time (t), and determining a second function (C(t)) of a second quantity (C) characterizing the dialysis treatment. The first function (U(t)) satisfying the conditions of the dialysis treatment and corresponding to a curve having a defined shape. The second function (C(t)) is correlated with the first function (U(t)) by constants (M, N) determined experimentally and the second function (U(t)) corresponding to a curve having a shape of the same kind as the shape as the first curve.

Abstract: Components are separated from liquid or gaseous media with the aid of a nanocomposite comprising nanoparticles in a matrix, wherein the liquid or gaseous medium is brought into contact with the nanocomposite in such a way that at least part of the components to be separated off is bound to the nanocomposite and the resulting laden nanocomposite is separated from the liquid or gaseous medium.

Abstract: An in situ process for treating ambient solid materials (e.g., soils, aquifer solids, sludges) by adding one or more divalent metal cations to the ambient solid material. The added divalent metal cations, such as Cu2+ or Zn2+, combine with metal oxide/hydroxides (e.g., ferric oxide/hydroxide or aluminum oxide/hydroxide) already present in the ambient solid material to form an effective sorbent material having a large number of positively-charged surface complexes that binds and immobilizes anionic contaminant species (e.g., arsenic or chromate). Divalent metal cations can be added, for example, by injecting an aqueous solution of CuSO4 into an aquifer contaminated with arsenic or chromate. Also, sludges can be stabilized against leaching of anionic contaminants through the addition of divalent metal cations. Also, an inexpensive sorbent material can be easily formed by mixing divalent metal cations with soil that has been removed from the ground.

Abstract: A method of treating spent alkaline pulping liquor (black liquor) includes the steps of providing black liquor containing lignin, and acidulating a phosphate containing material, wherein phosphoric acid is generated by the acidulating step. The black liquor is mixed with phosphoric acid from the acidulated phosphate containing material, wherein lignin is separated and clarified liquor results. The method can include the step of adding a water soluble, surface active, polymeric, coagulant agent to the black liquor before mixing with the phosphoric acid from the phosphate containing material. The clarified liquor comprises anion species including phosphate.

Abstract: A radiation source module for use in a fluid treatment system. The radiation source module comprises: a frame (205) having a first support member, at least one radiation source assembly (125) extending from and in engagement with a first support member, the at least one radiation source assembly comprising at least one radiation source disposed within a protective sleeve; and an optical radiation sensor (150) disposed within the protective sleeve. The radiation source module is particularly useful in ultraviolet radiation treatment systems used to disinfect wastewater.

Abstract: An apparatus for generating free radical species can be used to sanitize water systems. The apparatus generates hydroxyl free radical species using substantially pure water, or using a liquid that is substantially free of oxygen-reactive species, to maximize free radical species generation to sanitize the water system. The free radical species are generated by ultraviolet radiation having a wavelength of less than or equal to 254 nm.

Abstract: A method and a device for the restriction of blooms of micro-organisms in an aqueous system are described. A smaller portion of the body of water in the system is subjected to a radiation treatment, preferably a UV-treatment, whereupon the treated quantity of water is returned to the aqueous system. The UV radiation will induce activation of latent viruses, and when these are returned to the water system, micro-organisms in this system will be killed or inactivated, and new micro-organisms will not be formed.

Abstract: A method and device for removing particulate matter from a liquid medium, especially a molten salt bath. The structure includes a device for capturing and removing particulate matter from a liquid medium. In operation, the device is inserted into the liquid having the particulate matter, with a particulate matter collector in the particle collecting position. An agitator circulates the liquid having the particulate matter therein. A portion of the particulate matter is collected in the particulate matter collector during the circulation. Thereafter, the circulation is ceased and the device is removed from the liquid with the particulate matter in the particulate matter collector. The device is moved to a discharge position, and the particulate matter collector is moved to a particle discharge position to discharge the particulate matter.

Abstract: An actuator is made by depositing an electrode layer on an initial layer. A patterned layer of sacrificial material is formed on the first electrode layer such that a region of the first electrode layer is exposed through the subsequent layer. A second electrode layer is deposited and patterned on the subsequent layer. Then, a third patterned layer of sacrificial material is formed on the second electrode layer with an opening there through to the exposed region of the first electrode layer. A structure is deposited, patterned and planarized on the third layer expose a surface of the third layer. A third electrode layer is deposited and patterned on the planarized structure and the exposed surface of the third layer. The sacrificial material is partially removed, whereby the first electrode layer, the structure, and the third electrode layer are free to move together relative to the second electrode layer.

Abstract: The invention relates to fabricating a single-trench alternating phase shift mask (PSM). A chromium layer over a mask layer, which is itself over a quartz layer, of the PSM is patterned according to a semiconductor design. The mask layer and the quartz layer are dry etched through a photoresist layer that has been applied over the chromium layer and patterned according to an alternating PSM design. The dry etching initially forms single trenches of the PSM. The quartz layer is next wet etched through the mask layer to completely form the single trenches of the PSM, where the photoresist layer has first been removed. The mask layer is dry etched again, where the single trenches of the PSM are initially filled with filler material to protect the single trenches from the dry etching.

Abstract: This invention relates to compositions that include at least one fluoroether and at least one hydrofluorocarbon. Included in this invention are compositions of a cyclic or acyclic hydrofluoroether of the formula CaFbH2a+2−bOc wherein a=2 or 3 and 3≦b≦8 and c=1 or 2 and a hydrofluorocarbon of the formula CnFmH2n+2−m wherein 1≦n≦4 and 1≦m≦8. Such compositions may be used as refrigerants, cleaning agents, expansion agents for polyolefins and polyurethanes, aerosol propellants, heat transfer media, gaseous dielectrics, fire extinguishing agents, power cycle working fluids, polymerization media, particulate removal fluids, carrier fluids, buffing abrasive agents, and displacement drying agents.

Abstract: A 2-cyanoacrylate composition useful as an adhesive contains a Lewis acid metal salt comprising a metal such as aluminum, gallium, indium or thalium, and the conjugate base of an acid such as a monohalo-, dihalo- or trihalo-acetate (e.g. aluminum trifluoroacetate salt). A clathrate such as a crown ether is also present.

Abstract: The invention relates to liquid stable MDI prepolymers and curative systems which are suitable for room temperature casting and which yield high performance low-shrinkage urethane elastomers upon room-temperature curing, the prepolymer and curative components, the elastomers themselves, and separately packaged prepolymer component and its complementary curative component provided as a single unit or kit.

Abstract: Small particle divalent europium activated alkaline earth halide aluminate phosphors are produced by thermal decomposition of respective oxides, carbonates and nitrates in presence of activated charcoal carbon by solid-state reaction. The phosphor of the present invention has the empirical formula: (AE1-xMgEux).(AH)y.Al10O17 wherein AE is an alkaline earth metal, such as Ba, Sr and Ca; wherein AH is an alkali metal halide wherein the halide is selected from the group consisting of: Cl and F; and wherein 0.01≦x≦0.1 and 0≦y≦0.1.

Abstract: A temperature indicating material of the present invention includes at least an electron donating compound, an electron accepting compound, a reversible material causing reversible transformation between crystal and amorphous states, or reversible transformation between phase separation and non-phase-separation, with respect to a part or all of the composition system; and a temperature characteristic controller having a solid-state in room temperature and at least a part of the temperature characteristic controller dissolves in the electron accepting compound, the reversible material, or the electron accepting compound and the reversible material so as to change the speed of the reversible transformation between crystal and amorphous, or speed of the reversible transformation between phase separation and non-phase-separation, with respect to the composition system, by its reversible transformation between crystal and amorphous states, or the speed of the reversible transformation between phase separation and

Abstract: Disclosed is a novel composition of matter comprising a polyacid and a polymer containing repeating units which contain one or more basic atoms. The complex is water-soluble and electrically conductive. The complex is useful in providing organic discharge layers for use in electronic applications and fabrications.

Abstract: The invention relates to a liquid composition measurement method. One embodiment of the method comprises the steps of: i) subjecting a liquid composition containing fine particles and a solvent to the following pretreatment steps (a) to (c) to form an agglomerate of fine particles: (a) evaporating the solvent of the liquid composition at 120° C. for 10 hours in an ambient atmosphere, and drying the liquid composition; (b) burning the dried liquid composition resulting from the pretreatment step (a) at 700° C. after raising the temperature from 120° C. to 700° C. over one hour; (c) cooling a burned product obtained in the pretreatment step (b) to room temperature, powdering the burned product to obtain agglomerates of the fine particles; and ii) vacuum degassing the agglomerates at 120° C. for 8 hours, and measuring physical properties of pores of the agglomerates by a nitrogen adsorption and desorption method.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a microcomposite powder comprising particles from 1 um to 300 um of an electrically conductive product, which are coated with particles from 0.1 &mgr;m to 0.5 &mgr;m of a fluoropolymer. According to one advantageous form of the invention the microcomposite powder comprises a product (A) which is a polymer or an oligomer which can be dissolved with a solvent which is not a solvent for the fluoropolymer or for the electrically conductive product. The present invention also relates to objects consisting of this powder. These objects may be bipolar plates for fuel cells, or supercapacitor components.

Abstract: An optoelectronic component has a lens that is formed in the surface of an encapsulant surrounding a semiconductor diode element. With respect to emitters, the lens reduces internal reflection and reduces dispersion to increase overall efficiency. With respect to detectors, the lens focuses photons on the active area of the detector, increasing detector sensitivity, which allows a detector having a reduced size and reduced cost for a given application. The lens portion of the encapsulant is generally non-protruding from the surrounding portions of the encapsulant reducing contact surface pressure caused by the optoelectronic component. This non-protruding lens is particularly useful in pulse oximetry sensor applications. The lens is advantageously formed with a contoured-tip ejector pin incorporated into the encapsulant transfer mold, and the lens shape facilitates mold release.

Abstract: The present provides deformable molds and methods for manufacturing ophthalmic lenses using deformable molds. The molds of the invention may be used in the custom manufacture of ophthalmic lenses.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses are provided for the manufacture of coextruded polymeric multilayer optical films. The multilayer optical films have an ordered arrangement of layers of two or more materials having particular layer thicknesses and a prescribed layer thickness gradient throughout the multilayer optical stack. The methods and apparatuses described allow improved control over individual layer thicknesses, layer thickness gradients, indices of refraction, interlayer adhesion, and surface characteristics of the optical films. The methods and apparatuses described are useful for making interference polarizers, mirrors, and colored films that are optically effective over diverse portions of the ultraviolet, visible, and infrared spectra.

Abstract: A process, and a suitable apparatus, for production of particles of a material in which stream of a dispersion of the material in a solvent and a stream of a compressible fluid antisolvent substance are mixed under conditions such that the substance is in compressible fluid antisolvent state. The mixture then flows along a conduit (17) toward an orifice (18), from which it flows into a downstream region in which the compressible fluid antisolvent substance decompresses and the material is isolated in a particulate state. Preferably the antisolvent substance is a supercritical fluid. The process and apparatus can generate a co-formulation of the material with additives which can be introduced in a suitable aqueous or solvent based carrier vehicle.

Abstract: Method and device for producing elastane threads from spinning solutions using recycled elastane material.

Abstract: When resins are injected into a cavity of an injection mold separably formed of a movable mold and an immovable mold to form a casting, a high-pressure gas is supplied into the cavity during a time period after completion of forming the casting till the injection mold opens partway, and the high-pressure gas is allowed to jet out through a clearance formed between joint surfaces of the movable and immovable molds while the injection mold is opening. More than one attraction gripper is used to hold, move and place an insert at a predetermined position in the injection mold. Magnetic shielding is provided between the injection mold and a magnet embedded at the predetermined position in the injection mold to restrict a leakage of a magnetic flux into the injection mold.

Abstract: A method for casting-in-place composite and/or non-filled structures which are useful as sorptive or reactive media or for size-based separations. Any particular housing size or configuration can be used, and the inclusion of a large amount of adsorptive particles in polymer is achieved while still maintaining the membrane three dimensional structure. In a first preferred embodiment, the composite structures comprise particles entrapped within a porous polymeric substrate, and are cast in-place into a housing such as a pipette tip, thereby providing an effective platform for micromass handling. With the appropriate selection of particle chemistry, virtually any separation or purification operation can be conducted, including selective bind/elute chromatography operations, on sample mass loads less than 1 microgram in volumes of a few microliters, as well as larger mass loads' and volumes.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a honeycomb structure, the method comprising the steps of forming staggered cells through the entire thickness of a fiber fabric, causing loosely held pegs to penetrate into respective ones of the cells, each peg having a cross-section of size smaller than that of the corresponding cell and being made of a material that is suitable for expanding; expanding the pegs so that they fill the cells and exert pressure on the inside faces of the cells; and shrinking the pegs and then withdrawing them.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for preventing board warpage during the application and curing or drying of liquid epoxies, or the like, on printed circuit boards using a clamping fixture assembly, which includes at least one clamping fixture support and at least one clamping fixture overlay. If desired, a plurality of printed circuit boards may be processed using an appropriate clamping fixture assembly. Furthermore, the clamping fixture may be constructed so a slight bow or curvature thereof can counter either a convex or concave bow or curvature of the printed circuit board.

Abstract: A method for forming a top for a cooling tower having a bottom wall at least one opening therein for accommodating an air current generator. The cooling tower top additionally includes a plurality of hot liquid distributors for distributing hot liquid. The cooling tower top also includes a top wall having an opening for accommodating an air cooling generator and a liquid inlet.

Abstract: A liquid dispensing closure for bottles and the like comprising a one-piece body having an end wall for covering the mouth of the bottle and a depending skirt for threading onto the neck of the bottle. A dispensing aperture in the end wall is surrounded by a spout that affords directional control of a stream of liquid being dispensed and reduced dribbling when dispensing is discontinued. A flap is hinged on the end wall to open and close the aperture with an associated depending plug that fits in the spout. The end wall, spout and hinged flap are arranged in a manner relative to one another that permits the flap to be advantageously molded in an upright position.

Abstract: It is a method of manufacturing a pneumatic tire provided with a bead guard having an excellent appearance without forming spews and bare, wherein when a pneumatic tire (1) provided with a bead guard (5) of a trapezoidal shape at section is vulcanization-shaped in a split type mold (11) comprising a pair of annular side rings (13) and many divided segments (12) for the formation of a tread portion integrally united and engaged therewith, an edge (13-1 SE, 13-2iSE) of a dividing face (13-1S, 13-2iS) between mutually adjoining side ring pieces (13-1, 13-2) formed by annularly dividing a side ring (13) inward and outward in a radial direction with respect to a center axis line of the split type mold (11) and located at a side of a tire shaping face is positioned in a place corresponding to a depressing portion (15) forming a bead guard (5).

Abstract: An apparatus for treating molten metal includes a treatment vessel for holding molten metal and a removable cover or hood for the vessel. Sealing means are provided between the cover and the vessel to provide a gas tight treatment zone. The sealing means include mating peripheral flanges on the vessel and cover, with the cover flange having two spaced annular sealing strips for contacting the vessel flange and a metal annular splash protector. These sealing strips include a thermal barrier strip formed of a deformable fibrous refractory material to provide a gas tight, a thermal barrier between the interior of the vessel and the exterior and a metal annular strip upon which the cover is supported on the vessel with the cover flange at a fixed distance above the vessel flange and the thermal barrier strip is compressed therebetween to a controlled degree.

Abstract: A method of producing a ceramic matrix composite is provided, which production method reduces metal residual percentage within matrix with little energy consumption, without requiring special external heating means and special equipment while it is industrially simple and at a low price. It is a method of producing a ceramic matrix composite having the steps of filling mixed powder obtained by mixing metal powder and boron nitride powder into a predetermined container to form a green compact having a porous structure, and infiltrating the above described green compact with molten Al to form a composite material containing metal boride and having aluminum nitride as a matrix. The green compact is formed by compressing the mixed powder whose mixing ratio of metal powder to boron nitride powder is 1:1.8 to 1:2.2 (molar ratio) so that porosity of the green compact is 34 to 42%.

Abstract: Electrochemical and thermal hydrogen storage alloy compositions that provide superior performance, including an electrochemical hydrogen storage alloy that provides superior low temperature discharge characteristics. The alloy compositions include microstructures in the interface region that are highly porous and that include catalytic metallic particles. The microstructures include a large volume fraction of voids having spherical or channel-like shapes and are sufficiently open structurally to facilitate greater mobility of reactive species within the microstructure and in the vicinity of catalytic metallic particles. Greater accessibility to reactive sites accordingly results. The greater mobility of reactive species and/or the greater density of catalytic particles lead to faster kinetics and improved performance (e.g. higher power), especially at low operating temperatures.

Abstract: This invention relates to a radiation-resistant acrylic adhesive composition with less reduction in the adhesion thereof upon irradiation with radiations, which composition comprises an acrylic polymer and a radiation-resistant agent, and a radiation-resistant adhesive product comprising the composition.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for stocking and preserving green round wood and sawn timber, which is stored in an airtight and lighttight sealing cover. The oxygen inside the cover is decomposed by the respiratory process of fungi, bacteria and wood cells that are still alive, thereby forming CO2 and H2O. Fermentation processes also lead to the decomposition of hemicelluloses and saccharides which are converted to organic acids and CO2. The oxygen content in the cover is less than 0.1 vol. % after an adjustment time of 3 to 10 days of total stocking, while said CO2 content rises to more than 21 and up to 40 vol. %. This method enables green round wood a swan timber to be stocked over long periods without wastage or environmental damage.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for detecting presence of an analyte in ambient air. The apparatus comprising a valve for admitting ambient air, a line for conveying the air to a sensing element, a housing for isolating the environment around the sensing element, an inlet port for flowing the air tho the sensing element in a turbulent flow in a direction substantially perpendicularly to the sensing element, an outlet port for conveying the air from the sensing element, and a pump in communication with the outlet port for providing suction for drawing the air to the sensing element. The method includes the steps of drawing in ambient air that may contain an analyte, projecting the air at a sensing element in a turbulent flow by flowing the air at the sensing element, the sensing element having on its surface a chemoselective material that selectively interacts with the analyte, and detecting the interaction of the analyte with the sensing element.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus and method for storing a particle-containing liquid. The storage apparatus comprises a microfluidic convoluted flow channel having a plurality of particle capture regions. The storage channel is preferably an isotropic spatially periodic channel. Sedimented particles can be resuspended following storage. This invention further provides a microfluidic analysis cartridge having a convoluted storage channel therein. The sample analysis can use optical, electrical, pressure sensitive, or flow sensitive detection. A plurality of analysis channels can be included in a single cartridge. The analysis channels can be joined to reagent inlets for diluents, indicators or lysing agents. A mixing channel can be positioned between the reagent inlet and the analysis region to allow mixing and reaction of the reagent. The cartridge can include additional valves and pumps for flow management.

Abstract: An improved on-stream analyzer for monitoring sulfur or nitrogen content of liquid petroleum or beverage products is described. It consists of the following main components: a sample injector for injecting predetermined fixed volumes of the liquid into a thermal oxidizer (pyrolyzer) at a preset, controlled rate, a thermal oxidizer in which an inert carrier gas and oxygen are introduced at measured and preset, controlled rates to thermally oxidize the sample at a temperature of about 1050° C., sample conditioner to control the relative humidity and temperature of the resulting gas mixture, an electrochemical cell sensitive to sulfur dioxide (SO2) or NO to measure the concentration of SO2 or NO in the gas mixture, and a programmable logic controller (PLC) to calculate the sulfur content of the original sample and manage the analyzer.

Abstract: A fluorometer for sensing the fluorescence of a sample utilizes an optical energy source for exciting a sample to be tested and an optical energy detector for detecting the emitted energy from the excited sample. Drive electronics are used for positioning the sample with respect to the optical components allowing a plurality of sample regions to be tested. A processor is utilized to control the operation of the test in accordance with test instructions and for processing the emitted energy detected from the sample to determine test results. A ROM chip socket accepts a plurality of ROM chips, wherein each ROM chip stores test data sets for one or more test types to be performed. ROM chips can be swapped to allow the fluorometer to be configured and reconfigured to perform a plurality of different tests. A communications interface facilitates the sharing of test information between the fluorometer and external entities.

Abstract: The invention relates to a new multiwell filtration plate for high throughput applications in nucleic acid technology, preferably in a 96-well or 384-well format, consisting of two individual parts, which are firmly and tightly connected together. The upper part of the plate is a sample holder 1 for holding a sample to be filtered. The lower part of the plate is an outlet part with a filter insert for receiving a sample from the sample holder part and filtering the, sample through the filter insert.

Abstract: An artificial flower includes a hollow stem and a flower portion disposed adjacent one end of the hollow stem. A fragrance source is associated with the artificial flower. In one embodiment, the fragrance source is disposed within the hollow stem of the artificial flower and the fragrance source is adapted to emit a fragrance that moves through at least a portion of the hollow stem.