Abstract: The invention relates to methods, compositions, and systems for calibrating a fluorescent polynucleotide separation apparatus. One aspect of the invention is multiple color calibration standards and their use. A multiple color calibration standard is a mixture of at least two polynucleotides of different length, wherein each of the polynucleotides is labeled with a spectrally distinct fluorescent dye. Another aspect of the invention is to produce total emission temporal profiles of multiple color calibration standards for use in calibrating fluorescent polynucleotide separation apparatus. The peaks corresponding to the fluorescently labeled polynucleotides in the total emission temporal profile may be detected using a peak detector that is driven by changes in the slopes of the total emission temporal profile.

Abstract: A technique processes a sample of biomolecular analyte. The technique uses an apparatus having a support assembly that receives and supports a test module, a load assembly that loads the sample of biomolecular analyte onto the test module, an electrophoresis assembly that applies a current to the test module such that components within the sample separate by electrophoresis, and a controller that controls operations of the load assembly and the electrophoresis assembly. The load assembly and the electrophoresis assembly are coupled to the support assembly. The controller controls the operation of the load assembly in an automated manner. Preferably, the test module includes a dielectric plate member having an upper planar surface and a lower planar surface that is spaced apart from and coplanar with the upper planar surface. The dielectric plate member has at least one set of channels that includes an injection channel and a separation channel.

Abstract: A sample taking apparatus comprises a plurality of separation tools (10) (for example, punching capillaries) on a holding device (20), wherein the separation tools (10) are each provided with actuating means (30) for separate control thereof. In a sample taking method (for example, for punching samples from separation gels), successively removed samples are deposited in parallel onto a target substrate.

Abstract: The claims provide for detecting prions in a sample by (a) subjecting a sample to membrane-based electrophoresis to separate and/or concentrate at least some prions present in the sample; and (b) detecting and or identifying the presence of the separated and/or concentrated prions.

Abstract: In a device for electro-deionization (EDI) in the demineralization of aqueous solutions, which device includes ion exchange membranes arranged alternately and in spaced relationship so that between the membranes compartments are formed of which at least some are filled with cation and anion resin exchange particle fractions forming a mixed bed ion exchanger, the ion exchange resin particles of one of the two fractions include a magnetic material and a magnetic field generator is provided for generating a field for orienting the magnetic resin particles and arranging them in parallel chains extending between the membranes.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a web handling apparatus and process ideally suited for applications involving wet chemistry. The invention involves the horizontal processing of webs in processing containers. The web is redirected into the processing container by inserting a cassette across the web and into the processing container. The cassette includes at least one functional fluid element that facilitates processing of the web. The web handling practices of the invention improve the quality of the processed web. The invention is preferably used in electrodeposition processes.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an electrochemical process for producing ionic liquids. The ionic liquids may be hydrophilic or hydrophobic ionic liquids. The ionic liquids are made by subjecting an electrochemical cell to electrolysis.

Abstract: A method for the production and storage of hydrogen. The hydrogen is produced via electrolysis and as the hydrogen is formed it is absorbed into a hydrogen storing cathode. Once the hydrogen storing cathode has become completely hydrided, it is shipped to end users as a metal hydride supply of hydrogen.

Abstract: Structured catalysts comprising thick porous inorganic catalyst support coatings disposed on monolithic catalyst support structures, the support coatings having open interconnected porosities of controlled pore size but being characterized by improved durability, physical integrity, and adherence sufficient for use in liquid phase applications under harsh reaction conditions, and methods for making and using them, are disclosed.

Abstract: A water filtration and pumping apparatus typically for use with swimming pools includes a pump casing having mounted therein an electric motor driving an impeller within an impeller housing. The impeller housing has a water inlet. A filter casing mounted directly atop of the pump casing has a water outlet. The filter casing is attached to the pump casing via a number of support legs extending between the two casings. One of the support legs provides a water flow passage between the impeller housing and the filter casing via which water from the water inlet pumped by the impeller passes en route to the filter casing for filtration and dispensation via the water outlet.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed which allows the hydrate formed in the hydrate formation region of a desalination fractionation apparatus to be cooled as it rises in the apparatus. This has the beneficial effect of increasing its stability at lower pressures and reducing the depth at which the hydrate will begin to dissociate. The present invention provides for more efficient management of the distribution of thermal energy within the apparatus as a whole by controlling the flow of water through the system—particularly residual fluids remaining after hydrate forms—such that it is substantially downward through the fractionation column and out through a lower portion thereof. Hydrate thus separates from the residual fluid at or nearly at the point of formation, which helps keep the hydrate formation region of the apparatus at a temperature suitable for the formation of hydrate and improves efficiency.

Abstract: An underdrain system having a bottom formed of concrete. The concrete bottom includes a plurality of depressions formed therein. A porous plate is operably associated with at least one of the depressions. An anchor assembly is provided for anchoring the porous plate to the concrete bottom in an efficient and cost effective manner. Preferably, the anchor assembly permits the porous plate to be readily replaced. An optional insert may be used to enhance the distribution of the flow of fluid through the porous plate.

Abstract: The filter assembly for a fuel checker includes a filter housing, a removable screen assembly, a first protective cap and a second protective cap. The filter housing includes a fuel receiving end portion and a fuel exiting end portion. The fuel receiving end portion is shaped to securely attach to a fuel checker. The filter housing defines a volume for containing checked fuel. A removable screen assembly is securely attachable to the fuel exiting end portion. The removable screen assembly includes a flexible screen housing and a filter screen supported by the flexible screen housing. The filter screen is a barrier to water and desired particulate debris. A first protective cap fits over the fuel receiving end portion for containing evaporative fumes while the filter assembly is being stored. A second protective cap fits over the removable screen assembly and protects the screen when the filter assembly is being stored.

Abstract: A switchable fuel filter assembly with alternate fuel paths which carry fuel, respectively, through alternate fuel filters depending on the position of a valve member.

Abstract: The invention recites a filtration system including a block including a first wall and a second wall substantially parallel to the first wall. A top surface that is substantially perpendicular to the first wall is disposed between, and coupled to, the first and second walls to at least partially define an inner chamber. The top surface further includes an orifice defining a passageway between a block exterior and the inner chamber. A plate including a plurality of slots, each slot having a width of less than about 0.065 inches, and a slot outlet, is coupled to the top surface of the block. The slot outlets in the plate are substantially coplanar and the plate, when coupled to the block, substantially covers the orifice.

Abstract: This invention is directed to systems and methods for removing lipids from a fluid, such as plasma, or from lipid-containing organisms. These systems contact a fluid with an extraction solvent, which causes the lipids in the fluid to separate from the fluid or causes lipids in the lipid-containing organisms to separate from the lipid-containing organism, using at least one hollow fiber contactor. The separated lipids are removed from the fluid. The extraction solvent is removed from the fluid or at least reduced to a level below a particular threshold enabling the fluid to be administered to a patient without the patient experiencing undesirable consequences. Once the fluid has been processed, the fluid may be administered to a patient who donated the fluid, to a different patient, or be stored.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a treatment system for treating primary waste onsite. The treatment system includes a separation cone which separates the solid waste from the liquid waste and the different wastes are subsequently treated separately. The solid wastes are subject to aerobic decomposition by worms and other suitable organisms while liquid wastes are filtered through alternate layers of coarse and fine filter media. The resulting treated liquid can be recirculated or pumped out of the system for other purposes or further treatment. The treatment system is designed as a compact modular system and maybe used for the treatment of domestic human waste.

Abstract: The objectives of this invention are to provide a filler for separating optical isomers, capable of efficiently carrying out optical resolution of optical isomer mixtures, a process for producing the filler, and a method for using the filler. The present invention provides a process for producing a filler for separating optical isomers which process comprises stirring a carrier and a solution including an optically active polymer compound with a double spindle vertical mixer. The present invention further provides a filler produced by the process and a method for using the filler in liquid chromatographic separation methods and simulated moving bed chromatographic separation methods.

Abstract: Methods for removing organolead compounds from aqueous and non-aqueous organolead compositions. The methods of the present invention include: providing aqueous or non-aqueous compositions including organolead compounds; ozonating the organolead compositions with ozone, wherein the organolead compounds are oxidized producing insoluble lead oxide polymers; contacting the aqueous or non-aqueous compositions including insoluble lead oxide polymers through activated carbon to remove the insoluble lead oxide polymers; filtering the aqueous or non-aqueous compositions including lead oxide polymers through at least one filtering means to remove the insoluble lead oxide polymers; and recovering the aqueous or non-aqueous compositions substantially free of organolead compounds and/or other unwanted contaminants or impurities.

Abstract: The liquid effluent from solvent extraction contains radioactive thorium Th-231 and Th-234. This invention uses an ion exchange process to remove and concentrate the thorium. The process is designed so that the thorium remains on the ion exchange column until it decays to uranium and protactinium. These decay products are subsequently replaced by additional thorium. Therefore, the thorium never reaches break-through and the column can be used continuously without regeneration.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for the recovery of a fluorosurfactant present in an aqueous solution, in a gaseous effluent or in both involving a) obtaining an aqueous solution or gaseous effluent comprising 1 to 1,000 ppm of surfactant, b) removing any suspended solids, c) optionally concentrating the solution, d) passing the aqueous solution over a stationary bed of granular active charcoal such that all the surfactant is adsorbed without any solvents being adsorbed, e) halting the passage of the solution and gaseous effluent over the beds of activated charcoal which are eluted with a solution comprising a solvent and an inorganic acid, and then f) treating the solution recovered in stage e) to regenerate the fluorosurfactant.

Abstract: In order to reduce a total organic carbon (TOC) in ultrapure water to a level less than 1 ppb, several cycles of ozone contact/UV irradiation treatments are carried out in sequence. Preferably, the first cycle further includes an ion exchange treatment which is applied to the resulting UV irradiation water.

Abstract: Apparatus for receiving and dispersing stormwater beneath the earth surface is comprised of an array of chambers, preferably having arch shape cross section, buried in crushed stone. Surface stormwater flows first through a diverter, then into a solids retention subsystem (SRS), and then into the array of chambers, which is spaced apart in the stone from the SRS. The SRS chambers are layered with geotextile or other filtering media. Solids entrained in the stormwater are retained in the SRS by a combination of settling and filtering actions. If the stormwater inflow exceeds the capacity of the SRS, the water level rises in the diverter to the point where it flows through a bypass line, directly to the chambers of the array.

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: The invention pertains generally to dental units (e.g., a high-speed dental handpiece (11), an ultrasonic scaler (13) and an air/water syringe (12)) connected to a water supply that provides coolant and rinse water to the dental units. More particularly the invention pertains to a dental unit using water that is continuously treated with a water treatment agent, such as microbiocidal silver ions. The treated dental unit water is supplied to the dental units via dental unit waterlines (6, 7, 8, 9, and 10).

Abstract: A filtering method including the steps of preparing a water purifying apparatus 1 with a cell structure 2 having units for constituting cell structure 4, and a cap portion 3, and making raw water flow into cells 10 from one end, and filtered by a partition walls 9 to take out filtrate water from the side of an outer peripheral surface 8. The cell structure 2 is so constructed that the ratio of maximum value to minimum value in water permeability among the partition walls 9 provided therein is within a range from of 110 to 300% in terms of percentage, and the cells 10 located on the side of an outer periphery 7 of the cell structure 2 have a greater water permeability.

Abstract: A process includes coating a cylinder having an inner wall and a cylinder axis with a gel coating on the inner wall. Then a specimen mixture including solvent is made to flow through the cylinder while the cylinder is being continuously rotated. The specimen mixture is initially directed to flow along the cylinder axis and such that specimen particles from the specimen mixture are accelerated off the cylinder axis toward the inner wall, so as to form a film of specimen particles embedded into the gel coating.

Abstract: A method of photoresist removal is described. A substrate is located in a processing chamber. A mixture of gases is excited, the mixture comprising a majority component of a reducing process gas and a minority component of between 0.1% and 10% by volume of an oxidizing process gas. Reactive gas species are thereby generated. A photoresist layer with an exposed dielectric layer on the substrate in the chamber is then exposed to the reactive gas mixture to selectively remove the photoresist layer from the dielectric layer.

Abstract: An improvement in a polishing apparatus for planarizing substrates comprises a tenacious coating of a low-adhesion material to the platen surface. An expendable polishing pad is adhesively attached to the low-adhesion material, and may be removed for periodic replacement at much reduced expenditure of force. Polishing pads joined to low-adhesion materials such as polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) by conventional adhesives resist distortion during polishing but are readily removed for replacement.

Abstract: A method of room temperature synthesis of magnetic metal oxide nanoclusters within a diblock copolymer matrix includes the step of synthesizing, by ring opening metathesis polymerization technique, a diblock copolymer having a repeat unit ratio m/n, introducing, at room temperature, one or several metal containing precursors into the one block of the diblock copolymer, and processing the metal containing diblock copolymer by wet chemical technique to form nanoclusters of the metal(s) oxide within the diblock copolymer matrix. Specific reaction for synthesis of CoFe3O4 and Co3O4 nanoclusters within diblock copolymers, such as [NOR]m/[NORCOOH]n and [NOR]m/[CO(bTAN)]n, respectively is used in the method of the present invention.

Abstract: A Mn—Zn ferrite and a coil component are provided which obtains a low core loss in a frequency band above 1 MHz and even above 5 MHz and which can duly function in such a high frequency band. The Mn—Zn contains as basic components 44.00 to 50.0 mol % Fe2O3 (50 mol % excluded), 4.0 to 26.5 mol % ZnO, and remainder MnO, and has a dielectric loss tan ? of 0.3 or less at 1 kHz, and a complex relative permittivity ? of 1,000 or less at 1 MHz, whereby a core loss decreases in the high frequency band.

Abstract: A refrigerant comprising: a hydrofluorocarbon component comprising a mixture of: R134a, R227ea and optionally R125, and not more than 6.5% of a hydrocarbon component; wherein the amount of R227ea and R125 if present, is at least 35% of the hydrofluorocarbon component.

Abstract: The present invention provides compositions that are useful for compatibilizing a conventional, non-polar, compression refrigeration lubricant and a hydrofluorocarbon and/or hydrochlorofluorocarbon refrigerant in a compression refrigeration apparatus. Additionally, these compositions promote efficient return of lubricant from the non-compressor zones to the compressor zones of the aforesaid refrigeration apparatus.

Abstract: Methods of applying a polymer coating to a substrate are disclosed. By disrupting a bank of polymer precursor, a smooth coating of fast setting polymer can be applied to a substrate. Apparatus for applying a polymer coating is also disclosed. In one embodiment, an oscillating dispenser is used to apply polymer precursor onto a dispersive surface. The polymer precursor flows down the surface and is transferred to a moving web. Flowing solvent downwardly through the dispenser can provide efficient cleaning without the need for disassembly or production delays.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a new high functionality MDI. In particular, this invention relates to polymeric allophanates based on diphenylmethane diisocyanate having an NCO group content of 12 to 30%, prepolymers thereof, and processes for the production of these compositions. The prepolymers are stable liquids having NCO group contents of about 10 to about 28%.

Abstract: A new chromotropic compound, compositions containing such a compound and methods of using such compound, such as in a test method for identifying the presence of free radicals, are disclosed.

Abstract: In a process for the production of a shielding gas mixture argon is withdrawn from a liquid argon supply, vaporized and mixed with a gas premix. The gas premix contains helium and/or argon and a doping gas. A shielding gas mixture prepared this way is outstandingly suited, especially because of the helium content, for arc welding of aluminum and aluminum alloys.

Abstract: The new fluorocarbon-functionalized and/or heterocycle-modified polythiophenes, in particular, ?,?-diperfluorohexylsexithiophene DFH-6T can be straightforwardly prepared in high yield and purity. Introduction of such modifications to a thiophene core affords enhanced thermal stability and volatility, and increased electron affinity versus the unmodified compositions of the prior art. Evaporated films behave as n-type semiconductors, and can be used to fabricate thin film transistors with FET mobilities ˜0.01 cm2 Vs—some of the highest reported to date for n-type organic semiconductors.

Abstract: A composition for an antistat layer comprising: a chlorinated polyolefin; a conductive agent; and a solvent.

Abstract: A conductive powder is incorporated in a pressure-sensitive adhesive composition comprising a silicone gum, an MQ resin, and a crosslinking agent. The conductive powder consists of core particles of inorganic material or organic resin, an interlayer of silicon-base polymer, and a metal plating. The resulting conductive silicone pressure-sensitive adhesive composition is satisfactorily adherent to silicone rubber and cures into a product that exhibits stable conductivity and adhesive properties in the temperature region where silicone rubber is used.

Abstract: There is provided a positive electrode active material for a non-aqueous electrolyte secondary battery, comprising a composite oxide represented by the general formula (1): (Li1-xMx)a(Co1-yMy)bOc where lithium and cobalt are partly replaced with element M in the crystal structure of LiCoOc, wherein element M is at least one selected from the group consisting of Al, Cu, Zn, Mg, Ca, Ba and Sr, and 0.02?x+y?0.15, 0.90?a/b?1.10, and 1.8?c?2.2 are satisfied.

Abstract: An optically active composition (100) for optical applications has been identified. The optically active composition (100) can include at least one cyclic molecule having a nanocore (112) disposed within the cyclic molecule to form a filled ring (108). The composition (100) is optically transmissive for at least one photonic wavelength that would not otherwise be transmitted by the composition (100) if the nanocore were absent from the cyclic molecule. The cyclic molecule can be a carbon ring, an aromatic ring, or a heterocyclic ring. The filled ring (108) can be attached to a chiral molecule which is a repeat unit (102) in a polymeric backbone. A second filled ring (110) which causes the composition to be optically transmissive at a second wavelength also can be attached to the chiral molecule (102) as well. An electric field can be applied to the filled ring (108) to adjust the wavelength at which filled ring (108) is transmissive.

Abstract: Energy devices such as batteries and methods for fabricating the energy devices. The devices are small, thin and lightweight, yet provide sufficient power for many handheld electronics.

Abstract: A technique and tool are provided for repairing damaged areas of honeycomb structures. The tool includes a plurality of rods axially translatable into the damaged area. Foam material is inserted about the rods and allowed to cure. The rods are later withdrawn leaving a porous core of material. Sleeves may be provided to receive and support the rods as they translate into the damaged area. The sleeves may remain in the damaged area after the rods are withdrawn into the sleeves.

Abstract: A heat exchange apparatus for a metal mold is provided, which includes a heat exchange passage provided for the metal mold, a first supply unit for supplying hot heat carrier to the heat exchange passage and a second supply unit for supplying cold heat carrier to the heat exchange passage. The heat exchange apparatus performs heat exchange for the metal mold by supplying the hot heat carrier and cold heat carrier to the heat exchange passage switching alternately. And the heat exchange apparatus has a feature that it includes an air supply unit for supplying air to the heat exchange passage so that the heat carriers are purged when the hot heat carrier and cold carrier are switched.

Abstract: A caring doctor blade for a paper/board machine having layers of fiberglass and carbon fibers, and a caring layer as a rigid laminated structure, where the caring layer has carbon fibers and grinding particles in direct proximity to the carbon fibers. The orientation of the fiberglass layers is parallel to the longitudinal axis of the blade. At least some of the layers that contain carbon fibers. The orientation of the carbon fibers is substantially diverging from the direction of the longitudinal axis of the blade. A method for manufacturing the doctor blade for a paper/board machine by a pultrusion method is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method and a device for production of a web with good breathing properties, for example having a nonwoven web based on plastic filaments and/or plastic fibers and a plastic film, applied on one side of the nonwoven web and containing at least one mineral filler. For the production of the good breathing properties, the web is stretched in the longitudinal direction of the same, in two successive steps, and an embossing is carried out, at least in certain sectors of the surface, between the two steps which effect the stretching in the longitudinal direction.

Abstract: The present invention provides a process for preparation of semi-conducting polymer film containing beta crystalline phase of polyvinylidene fluoride which have a large number of application in piezoelectric devices viz. electromechanical sensors, tactile sensors for robotics, touch sensitive switches etc, which can be made at low temperatures and at low electric fields and having low resistivity/semi-conducting range.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for vulcanizing tires are provided. An unvulcanized tire is transferred and loaded onto a lower mold member when a plurality of arcuate sector mold members aligned along the peripheral direction locate at the radially outermost positions as well as upper ends of the sector mold members incline radially outwards about their lower ends. An upper mold member moves toward the lower mold member while the sector mold members are swung about their lower ends to straightly stand the sector mold members, and the sector mold members are then synchronously displaced radially inwards, so that the unvulcanized tire is hermetically enclosed in a mold space formed by these mold members. The unvulcanized tire is vulcanized within the mold space to give a vulcanized tire.

Abstract: An automated system for management of information and distribution of materials associated with sterilization procedures includes a network server and client computers that communicate via a computer network. The client computers are distributed among sterilization facilities that require sterilization services. The network server exchanges a variety of information with the sterilization facilities. In response to information from client computers, the network server may trigger distribution of materials to sterilization facilities, and generates reports for record-keeping or cost-accounting purposes. The information distributed by the network server may pertain to the operation, maintenance and control of sterilization equipment, characteristics and capabilities of sterilization materials, and expert technical advice.