Abstract: A blade includes a plurality of first fibers, wherein each of the plurality of first fibers is angled between about 5° and about 35° with respect to a pitch axis of said blade, and a plurality of second fibers, wherein each of the plurality of second fibers is angled between about 95° and about 125° with respect to the pitch axis of said blade.

Abstract: The invention is a sewage lift station having a chamber for accumulating sewage and a pump mechanism for expelling sewage to a remote location. A sewage drop pipe is provided which directs sewage entering into the station below a triggering mechanism on the pump thereby eliminating pump failure caused by solids within the sewage dropping onto it. A remote alarm system is provided to signal pump failure.

Abstract: There is provided a method of driving an electromagnetic pump where noise and vibration that accompany abrupt fluctuations in pressure inside a pump chamber are reduced. A pulse voltage is applied alternately on a positive side and a negative side to drive the electromagnetic coil such that a change in voltage that occurs when the polarity of the pulse voltage is inverted has a continuous slope at least between the positive side and the negative side.

Abstract: A compressible gas ejector is configured to present unexpanded motive gas to a load gas, wherein the interface of the unexpanded motive gas and the load gas can be located in a suction chamber or within a downstream diffuser. The ejector includes a motive funnel for increasing the velocity of a relatively high pressure motive gas, the motive funnel substantially precluding adiabatic expansion of the motive gas.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for releasing a stuck inlet check valve of a paint pump including a solenoid connected to the check valve with a pusher element which momentarily displaces a moveable element such as a ball in the check valve to break any adhesion between the movable element and a valve seat. A control provides a single pulse of energy to the solenoid each time power is applied to the pump. The control includes an SCR connected between a full wave rectifier and a coil of the solenoid, with gate current removed from the SCR to commutate the SCR after a predetermined time interval after power is applied.

Abstract: A hermetic compressor includes: a hermetic container having an oil sump defined in a bottom thereof; a frame arranged in the hermetic container and including a hollow portion; a rotating shaft rotatably inserted in the frame to penetrate through the hollow portion, the rotating shaft having an oil channel array to guide oil upward from the oil sump; and a thrust bearing inserted in a bearing installation groove, which is formed around an upper end of the hollow portion of the frame. The thrust bearing is configured to come into rolling contact with the rotating shaft to support an axial load of the rotating shaft, and the oil channel array is configured to supply at least a portion of the oil to the thrust bearing.

Abstract: An electric motor (1) having a coaxially associated pump (6) for a coolant circuit, in particular in a system with temperature transfer and/or heat transfer, in which a shaft assembly (5) transmits a torque from the electric motor (1) to at least one impeller (8) arranged in the pump housing (7) within housing parts (7, 10) in the form of a hermetically sealed pressure enclosure, and a flywheel (12) is arranged between the electric motor (1) and the pump housing (7). All of the rotating parts are arranged within a hermetically sealed motor/pump unit, and the motor/pump unit is filled with fluid. The flywheel (12) comprises a flywheel body (13) made from a high-strength material having a large number of cavities (16, 17) with inserts (16, 17) formed of or containing a heavy metal having a density greater than 11.0 kg/dm3 arranged in the cavities.

Abstract: A fluid pump includes an electric motor with a casing and a drive shaft extending from the casing, a pumping element coupled to the drive shaft for rotation with the shaft to take in fluid and discharge it under pressure. The fuel pump casing may be sealed and a housing coupled to the casing may provide the inlet and outlet passages for fluid flow to and from the pumping element. The housing may be received in or communicated with other housing or module assemblies to provide a wide array of fuel pump assemblies. The pumping element may include one or more gear rotors, a turbine pumping element, or other pumping element, as desired.

Abstract: The invention relates to a reciprocating pump comprising a drive shaft (2) that is mounted in a housing (1) and that has a freely definable and in exceptional cases sinusoidal control curve (5). A transmission element (6) that is connected to a piston (4) penetrates the control curve (5). The transmission element (6) is guided in an elongated guide section (7) of the housing (1). The displacement directions of the piston (4) run parallel to the rotational axis of the drive shaft (2). The reciprocating pump is extremely compact and is particularly suitable for use as a fuel pump in a motor vehicle.

Abstract: Methods and devices for pumping fluid are disclosed herein. In one exemplary embodiment, a pump is provided having a first member with a passageway formed therethrough, and a plurality of electrically expandable actuators in communication with the first member and adapted to change shape upon the application of energy thereto such that sequential activation of the activators can create a pumping action to move fluid through the first member.

Abstract: Disclosed are embodiments of systems, apparatus, and methods for delivering a fluid. In one illustrative embodiment, a fluid delivery device includes a master piston coupled with at least one slave piston to move in unison with the master piston. A fluid power source, such as an electroosmotic plump, is also provided, which is configured to drive the master piston. The various pistons may be sized differently to provide for delivery rates that vary in proportion to the size difference between the pistons. In some embodiments, the fluid delivery device may provide both a driving force and a suction force such that a first fluid can be delivered out of a chamber while a second fluid is delivered into that chamber or a separate chamber.

Abstract: Disclosed is an eccentric pump comprising an interior rotor (2) that is connected in a torsion-proof manner to an eccentric rotor (3) located in a housing (1) via a locking member (14). Said locking member (14) separates an area that is connected to an inlet duct (8) from an area which is connected to an outlet duct (9) in a pump chamber (12). The inventive eccentric pump requires an exceptionally small number of parts and can be produced in a particularly inexpensive manner.

Abstract: To manufacture a synchronizing ring of a synchronizing device for a variable-ratio gear transmission, this synchronizing ring having a ring body having locking teeth on an outer circumference and a friction lining made of a carbon nonwoven material bonded to a duroplastic resin on the conical inner circumference, the ring body is compressed from a sintering powder and sintered before the sintered ring body is axially compressed in a die at least in the region of the conical inner circumference. The friction lining is then glued onto the conical inner circumference of the ring body and secured in a mold under pressure while supplying heat.

Abstract: There is disclosed a method of making a ready to press cemented carbide powder with low compaction pressure suitable for the production of submicron cemented carbide by means of powder metallurgical techniques milling, pressing and sintering. The method comprises using from about 1 to about 3 wt-% pressing agent with the following composition, less than about 90 wt-% PEG and from about 10 to about 75 wt-% of blends of high molecular (C12-<C20) saturated or unsaturated fatty acids, or salts thereof containing at least one element of Al, Ba, Ca, Co, Cr, Mg, N, Na, V, Zn. Preferably the grain size of the cemented carbide powder is submicron. In a preferred embodiment the method includes a dry pre-milling of the hard constituents mainly WC-powder for about 2-45 hours in ball mills with cemented carbide milling bodies or using other suitable dry milling techniques prior to a wet milling step. The invention also relates to the powder obtained by the method.

Abstract: A corrosion resistant, martensitic steel alloy having very good cold formability is described. The alloy has the following weight percent composition. Carbon 0.10-0.40 Manganese 0.01-2.0 Silicon 2.0 max. Phosphorus 0.2 max. Sulfur 0.030 max. Chromium 10-15 Nickel 0.5 max. Molybdenum 0.75-4.0 Nitrogen 0.02-0.15 Copper 1.5-4.0 Titanium 0.01 max. Aluminum 0.01 max. Niobium + Tantalum 0.10 max. Vanadium 0.20 max. Zirconium less than 0.001 Calcium less than 0.001 The balance of the alloy is essentially iron. Nickel and copper are balanced in the alloy such that the ratio Ni/Cu is less than 0.2. A second embodiment of the alloy contains at least about 0.005% sulfur, selenium, or a combination thereof to provide good machinability.

Abstract: A method of disinfecting comprising directing a laser fluid jet through atmospheric air onto a surface, moving the jet relative the surface so that the jet directly impacts on substantially the entirety of a portion of the surface to be disinfected, the laser fluid jet comprising a stream of fluid and laser energy directed via the fluid stream.

Abstract: The sample support comprises at least one sample receiving chamber for a sample liquid, and a distributor channel for sample liquid connected to said at least one sample receiving chamber, with at least one such distributor channel extending from each sample receiving chamber. The sample support further comprises at least one reaction chamber entered by an inflow channel branched off said at least one distributor channel, and a venting opening for each reaction chamber. Each distributor channel and each inflow channel are dimensioned to have the liquid transport through the distributor and inflow channels effected by capillary forces. In each reaction chamber, the entrance region of the inflow channel is provided with a means for generating a capillary force causing the sample liquid to flow from the inflow channel into the reaction chamber.

Abstract: An analysis cartridge for use in a chemical analysis device comprises a reagent cartridge having a plurality of reagent containers formed therein to be able to contain reagents, and a reaction cartridge connected to the reagent cartridge and having a reaction container formed therein. The reagent cartridge and the reaction cartridge are each made up of a base plate and a cover covering recesses formed in a surface of the base plate. Channels for interconnecting the plurality of reagent containers and the reaction container are formed in the reagent cartridge and the reaction cartridge. The channels are formed inside the base plates of the reagent cartridge and the reaction cartridge in their connected portions. The structure of the analysis cartridge for mixing and reacting a specimen and reagents can be simplified.

Abstract: A medical diagnostic apparatus including a display screen for displaying a graphical user interface (GUI) including virtual switches, a user input device for allowing the virtual switches of the GUI to be selected, a processor connected to the display screen and the user input device, and a computer program having alphanumeric input instructions that cause the processor to display one of a numeric entry GUI and an alphanumeric entry GUI on the display screen. Selecting a predetermined virtual switch of the numeric GUI using the input device causes the alphanumeric GUI to be displayed, while selecting a predetermined virtual switch of the alphanumeric GUI causes the numeric GUI to be displayed.

Abstract: An airtight configuration for keeping down the permeation of corrosive gas from silicone adhesive, and for preventing corrosive gas from entering the case. An electronic device mounted on vehicle. the electronic device has at least one of a portion connecting components, and a portion sealing the clearance or hole where exists in the electronic device. The at least one of the connection portion and the seal portion is constituted by using adhesive or sealant which has at least one of a function adsorbing corrosive gas and a function trapping corrosive gas with chemical reaction. A car-mounted electronic device characterized by reduced permeation of corrosive gas into a case and high reliability.

Abstract: An apparatus for introducing a specimen into a flow cytometer comprises: a syringe having a hollow barrel containing the specimen, a plunger partially within the barrel and a needle that extends into a volume of a nozzle of the flow cytometer; a one-way port in the nozzle forming a seal against the needle; a mounting platform coupled to both the syringe and to the flow cytometer; and a syringe pump coupled to the plunger, the syringe pump comprising a motor, a drive mechanism coupled to the motor; and a clamping mechanism coupled to the drive mechanism, wherein the motor operates the drive mechanism so as to cause the clamping mechanism to depress the plunger into the barrel.

Abstract: The invention proposes the drawing and deposition of liquid droplets while preventing any contact with the ambient air before the liquid is deposited, by providing a device which can be closed, and which can be supplied to the user in the form of a pre-filled cartridge. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the device for drawing and depositing droplets (100) of at least one liquid (32) comprises an outer tube (101) with an opening (107) at one of the ends thereof, a flange (109) defining the opening (107), a rod (111, 211, 221) which can slide inside said outer tube (101), an inner volume (117) between said rod (111, 211, 221) and the outer tube (101), a capillary-sized open port (119) in the wall of said outer tube (101), and a closure element (113, 213) for closing said opening (107), connected to said rod (111, 211, 221).

Abstract: An assembly and an associated method for collecting a sample of material desired to be characterized with diagnostic equipment includes or utilizes an elongated member having a proximal end with which the assembly is manipulated by a user and a distal end. In addition, a collection tip which is capable of being placed into contact with the material to be characterized is supported upon the distal end. The collection tip includes a body of chemically-inert porous material for binding a sample of material when the tip is placed into contact with the material and thereby holds the sample of material for subsequent introduction to the diagnostic equipment.

Abstract: The invention relates to a pipetting apparatus (1) having a pipette tip (2) for aspirating and dispensing liquid samples; a pump (4) for generating negative pressure or positive pressure in the pipette tip (2) that is connected to the pipette tip (2) by means of a pump conduit (3); a fluid chamber (5) defined by the pipette tip (2) and/or the pump conduit (3); a measurement probe (6) functionally connected to the fluid chamber (5) for measuring the physical parameters resulting in this fluid chamber (5) during pipetting; and a device control system (7) with a processor (8), in which an activated computer program product enables the control system (7) of the pipetting apparatus (1) to individually accept or reject pipetted liquid samples on the basis of the physical parameters measured.

Abstract: The invention provides parylene membrane filters, filter devices and methods of making them and using them in the mechanical separation of cells and particles by size. The provision of parylene membrane filters with high figures of merit and finely controlled hole sizes allows the separation of cells and particles in a variety of biological and other fluids according to sizes.

Abstract: A sampling cup for microbiological suspension particles in an atmosphere and portable sampling device provided with one such cup. The sampling cup for microbiological particles in a suspension in an atmosphere comprises a rotary cup body provided with a bottom (30) and a peripheral wall (32) which is generally cylindrical, extending from said bottom and defining with said bottom a volume filled with a trapping medium for the suspension particles. The body of the cup also comprises a crown (34) partially closing the outer section of the peripheral wall of the body and defining a passage (36) for the particles. The crown is provided with channels (38) extending in an externally outer radial manner in the direction of the periphery of the body and adapted in such a way that it produces an air flow towards the receiving medium filling the body via said passage when the body is rotated in a housing.

Abstract: A microtitre plate having a relieved perimeter includes a plate defining a plurality of wells and the perimeter of the plate is horizontally relieved. Alternatively, a microtitre plate may include a base and a holding section extending from the base. The holding section defines a plurality of wells and the perimeter thereof being horizontally relieved.

Abstract: A body fluid collecting, transporting, and dispensing system includes a body fluid collecting receptacle and a handle for supporting the receptacle in a fluid collection position. The handle includes a fluid sample chamber in fluid communication with the receptacle to receive a sample of the body fluid and the handle is further removable from the receptacle for transport and dispensing of the body fluid sample through a tip. A flexible hollow streaker, attachable to the tip, enables streaking of fluid sample from the chamber onto an agar plate or the like.

Abstract: A handling unit that comprises a first clamping element and a second clamping element, and an actuation mechanism adapted for driving at least one of the clamping elements. When the at least one of the clamping elements is driven to a first position, a microfluidic device may be placed between the clamping elements or taken out of the clamping elements, and when the at least one of the clamping elements is driven to a second position, the microfluidic device is gripped and fastened by the clamping elements.

Abstract: A diffuser includes a heat source, a rotating element, and a fragranced article. The rotating element is disposed above the heat source and has a pivot. The fragranced article includes a fragrance and a fragrance carrier. The fragranced article is associated with the rotating element, such that movement of the rotating element about the pivot according to convection currents produced by the heat source causes the fragrance to be diffused from the fragranced article.

Abstract: Reactors including a chamber having a mixing apparatus within the chamber are provided. Reactors are also provided that include a chamber with a separation apparatus and/or a catalyst apparatus within the chamber. Reactor assemblies are provided that can include: a base configured to define at least a portion of a reaction chamber volume, a separation apparatus within the reaction chamber volume, a catalyst apparatus within the reaction chamber volume, and a lid coupled to both the separation and catalyst apparatuses. Production processes are provided that can include combining at least two reactants within a chamber to form a gas-phase reaction mixture and mechanically mixing the mixture within the chamber to form a product.

Abstract: An apparatus for administering a therapeutic is provided. In various embodiments, the apparatus includes a syringe having a barrel and a plunger and having an ozone generator associated therewith. The generator is initiated and a therapeutic gas is accumulated within the barrel, at which point it can be delivered from the barrel into a target site via a needle, thereby delivering therapeutic effects to that target site.

Abstract: An apparatus for synthesizing nanotubes is provided. The apparatus includes a reactor, a first electrode and a second electrode, and an actuator. The reactor is configured for receiving a catalyst used for growing nanotubes. The first electrode and the second electrode are disposed in the reactor and configured for generating an electric field therebetween. The second electrode is spaced apart from the first electrode and movable relative to the first electrode along a direction perpendicular to another direction oriented from the first electrode to the second electrode. The actuator is configured for adjusting a direction of the electric field generated by the first electrode and the second electrode.

Abstract: A fuel cell reformer includes a main body having a first pipe with a second pipe inside the first pipe, a thermal source unit in the second pipe, a reforming reaction unit in a first region between the first pipe and the second pipe to generate a reforming gas containing hydrogen through a reforming reaction of a fuel, and a carbon monoxide reduction unit in a region other than the first region between the first pipe and the second pipe to reduce a concentration of carbon monoxide contained in the reforming gas. A thermal treatment unit in the main body supplies thermal energy to the reforming reaction unit and the carbon monoxide reduction unit at a time of initial driving of the reformer such that the supplied thermal energy corresponds to a unique operational temperature range in the reforming reaction unit, and to a unique operational temperature range in the carbon monoxide reduction unit.

Abstract: A catalytic reactor or heat exchanger includes a monolith defining a plurality of leaves, the monolith having a generally annular cross-section. The monolith is disposed within a generally cylindrical outer tube, and around a corrugated inner tube. The reactor includes a device for urging the monolith radially outward, so as to maintain contact between the monolith and the outer tube. Such device may include a coned washer, or it may be defined by a folded flap that is integral with the inner tube. In either case, the reactor compensates for metal creep, and virtually insures continued contact between the monolith and the outer tube.

Abstract: A two stage-carbon monoxide preferential oxidation article and method that uses a single injection of an O2-containing gas.

Abstract: A device that enables protein materials dialyses against crystal mother liquid and methods for fabricating and using the device to screen crystallization cocktail solution are described herein. The device includes an open lumen attached by dialysis membrane at one end, which is immersed in the cocktail pool. In operation, a layer of liquid inert oil covers the protein material and prevents it evaporated in the crystallization process. The protein material loaded in the dialysis chamber may grow crystals through dialysis crystallization process.

Abstract: An apparatus for processing oil sand to produce a liquid stream comprising water and bitumen and a solid stream comprising solid particles, and a method and control system for controlling the apparatus. The apparatus includes a drum having first and second ends, a conditioning zone adjacent the first end, a compressing zone adjacent the second end and a processing zone therebetween. A rotatable spiral trough, having lifting members therein, extends through each zone for imparting a spiral rolling motion to the oil sand. An oil sand inlet communicates with the conditioning zone, while a water inlet communicates with the processing zone. A liquid stream outlet is located at the first end of the drum, while a solid stream outlet is located adjacent the second end. Preferably, the spiral trough has a width through the compressing zone less than through the processing zone and a height through at least a portion of the compressing zone greater than through the processing and conditioning zones.

Abstract: An antimicrobial application system is disclosed, comprising an antimicrobial application unit and a recycle unit. An initial, dilute antimicrobial composition is prepared. The composition is provided to the antimicrobial application unit and applied to work pieces, such as raw poultry. After application to the work pieces, the composition is returned to the recycle tank. The concentration of the antimicrobial in the recycle tank is monitored, and additional antimicrobial is automatically added if the concentration of the antimicrobial in the composition falls below a desired amount. The composition is periodically diverted to a capture tank, and the antimicrobial is selectively removed from the composition. The removed antimicrobial and remaining composition are then disposed of in appropriate manners. The antimicrobial is preferably a quaternary ammonium compound, is more preferably an alkylpyridinium chloride, and is most preferably cetylpyridinium chloride.

Abstract: A device that prolongs the life of a shaving blade including a condenser, a pair of spaced apart and substantially parallel copper plates adapted to receive the shaving blade between the plates, a source of DC of 1.5V and a conductor of electricity that leads electrical energy from the source to the copper plates.

Abstract: The process of this invention is directed to the removal of metals from an unsupported spent catalyst. The catalyst is subjected to leaching reactions. Vanadium is removed as a precipitate, while a solution comprising molybdenum and nickel is subjected to further extraction steps for the removal of these metals. Molybdenum may alternately be removed through precipitation.

Abstract: A process relating to the production of energy from a stream comprising hydrogen sulfide to produce greatly increased quantities of energy.

Abstract: The invention provides a catalyst for catalytic direct decomposition of nitrogen oxides contained in exhaust gases wherein fuel is supplied and subjected to combustion under periodic rich/lean conditions and the resulting exhaust gases are brought into contact therewith, which catalyst comprises: (A) a first catalyst component comprising at least one metal selected from the group consisting of rhodium and palladium supported on zeolite; (B) a second catalyst component comprising at least one selected from the group consisting of (a) ceria, (b) praseodymium oxide, and (c) a mixture and/or a composite oxide of oxides of at least two elements selected from the group consisting of cerium, zirconium, praseodymium, neodymium, terbium, samarium, gadolinium and lanthanum; and (C) a third catalyst component comprising (a) at least one selected from the group consisting of platinum, rhodium, palladium and oxides thereof, and (b) a carrier.

Abstract: A process for the recovery of fluorinated carboxylic acid or derivative thereof from adsorbent particles on which fluorinated carboxylic acid or a salt thereof is adsorbed. The process includes contacting the adsorbent particles with a liquid composition capable of removing at least part of the fluorinated carboxylic acid or salt thereof from the adsorbent particles. The fluorinated carboxylic acid or salt thereof is selected from the group consisting of fluorinated carboxylic acids or salts thereof that correspond to the general formula: [RfO-L-COO?]iXi+??(I) wherein L represents a linear partially or fully fluorinated alkylene group or an aliphatic hydrocarbon group, Rf represents a linear partially or fully fluorinated aliphatic group or a linear partially or fully fluorinated aliphatic group interrupted with one or more oxygen atoms, Xi? represents a cation having the valence i and i is 1, 2 or 3.

Abstract: A method for forming ammonia is disclosed and which includes the steps of forming a plasma; providing a source of metal particles, and supplying the metal particles to the plasma to form metal nitride particles; and providing a substance, and reacting the metal nitride particles with the substance to produce ammonia, and an oxide byproduct.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a composition comprising an alkaline earth metal carbonate and a substrate, where the composition has a reduced amount of grit, such as an amount less than or equal to about 0.5% by weight relative to the total weight of the composition. The composition can be a filler composition for use in, for example, paper making applications. Where the alkaline earth metal is a calcium carbonate, the grit can be reduced by degritting a slaked lime slurry prior to precipitation of the alkaline earth metal with the substrate. The degritting can be performed by hydrocycloning the lime slurry. The invention also relates to a method of coprecipitating calcium carbonate onto a substrate, and to a method of reducing grit in such compositions. The invention also relates to uses of these compositions, such as in paper-making applications, and to systems for producing these compositions.

Abstract: In a nanocarbon-producing device (173), a plane mirror (169) and a parabolic mirror (171) are arranged in a production chamber (107). Light, emitted from a laser light source (111), transmitted through a ZnSe window (133) is reflected at the plane mirror (169) and the parabolic mirror (171), collected at the parabolic mirror (171), and then irradiated onto the surface of a graphite rod (101).

Abstract: Method for the manufacture of carbon nanotubes by thermal decomposition of at least one gaseous hydrocarbon (14) in the presence of a solid catalyst in a reactor (4) into which the catalyst is introduced via an inlet lock chamber (17) flushed by an inert gas (21, 22, 25, 26) and from which the carbon nanotubes are withdrawn via an outlet lock chamber (37) which is flushed with a flow of inert gas (39, 40).

Abstract: A method of fabricating nano-tips involves placing a precursor nanotip with an apex and shank in a vacuum chamber; optionally applying an electric field to the precursor nanotip to remove oxide and other contaminant species; subsequently admitting an etchant gas to the vacuum chamber to perform field assisted etching by preferential adsorption of the etchant gas on the shank; and gradually reducing the applied electric field to confine the adsorption of the etchant gas to the shank as etching progresses.

Abstract: In one aspect, the invention relates to activated aluminum hydride hydrogen storage compositions containing aluminum hydride in the presence of, or absence of, hydrogen desorption stimulants. The invention particularly relates to such compositions having one or more hydrogen desorption stimulants selected from metal hydrides and metal aluminum hydrides. In another aspect, the invention relates to methods for generating hydrogen from such hydrogen storage compositions.