Abstract: The present invention relates to a thermoforming apparatus (1) for producing shaped bodies of plastic sheet (50), such as cups, containers, lids, secondary packagings for foodstuffs or the like, which comprises a forming station with a two-part forming tool (20). The two-part forming tool (20) comprises an upper tool table (28) adapted to be adjustably fixed and having an upper tool (30) with pre-stretch means (92) movably mounted therein, and a movable lower tool table (32) having a lower tool (34) with cavities. The movable lower tool table (32) is guided through the intermediary of guide means (42) and capable of being approached to the upper tool table (28) and moved away from it. In accordance with the invention, the upper tool table (28) for the first time includes associated drive means (26) for adjusting the upper tool table (28) in its position relative to the upper dead point of the lower tool table (32) in correspondence with the respective shaped body to be produced.

Abstract: A titanium based carbonitride alloy containing Ti, Nb, W, C, N and Co. The alloy also contains, in addition to Ti, 9-14 at % Co with only impurity levels of Ni and Fe, 1-<3 at % Nb, 3-8 at % W and has a C/(C+N) ratio of 0.50-0.75. The amount of undissolved Ti(C,N) cores should be kept between 26 and 37 vol % of the hard constituents, the balance being one or more complex carbonitrides containing Ti, Nb and W. The alloy is particularly useful for milling of steel.

Abstract: A method of molding an article comprises inserting a mandrel into the cavity of the mold; placing a niobium based refractory metal intermetallic composite powder into a cavity of a mold; consolidating the niobium based refractory metal intermetallic composite around the mandrel; and chemically removing the mandrel from the composite. In one embodiment, the molded article comprises a turbine component for use in a turbine system.

Abstract: A socket for a lamp comprising housing; a lamp holder displaceable relative said housing between an engaged and disengaged position; power cord associated with one of said housing; a lamp holder for powering said lamp in said engaged position; inhibiting displacement of said housing relative said lamp holder in said engaged position.

Abstract: A system for filtering and processing blood that is simple to implement and that reduces the need for human intervention. The system may be used to collect red blood cells (RBCs). For such a system, a disposable set may be provided with an inlet port, an RBC container, a centrifuge rotor having a variable total volume, and a filter, along with tubing connecting the port, the container, the rotor and the filter. The filter is located in tubing between the inlet port and the rotor. A control unit is also provided and includes a spinner in which the rotor may be held, a flow-control arrangement for controlling flow among the various components of the disposable set, and an electronic controller. The whole blood is directed by the flow-control arrangement from the inlet through the filter to the rotor. The rotor includes an elastic diaphragm, and the control unit's flow-control arrangement includes a pump or other device for applying a positive and negative pressure to the rotor's elastic diaphragm.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for performing the steps of nucleic acid template purification, thermocycling reaction and purification of the products of the thermocycling reaction characterized in that the steps take place sequentially in a microfluidic disc. Also disclosed is a microstructure for fluids comprising at least one inlet opening connected to a first chamber incorporating a means for purifying template nucleic acid which, in turn, is connected to a second chamber incorporating a means for a thermocycling reaction which, in turn, is connected to a third chamber incorporating a means for purifying products of the thermocycling reaction, and a microfluidic disc comprising a plurality of such microstructures.

Abstract: A DNA probe synthesis system may include a target holder for holding a target chip, an ejector array chip, a wash and dry station, and conveyance means for moving the target holder and the chip between the ejector array chip and the wash and dry station. The ejector array chip may include ejectors, reservoirs for containing DNA bases, and microchannels all on the same substrate. The ejectors may be Self Focusing Acoustic Transducers (SFATs).

Abstract: A dissolution system provides remote flow cells integrated into a manifold device. The manifold device communicates with liquid input and output lines associated with each flow cell, as well as fiber-optic input and output lines associated with each flow cell. Liquid samples are respectively drawn from dissolution vessels, optically-related measurements are taken, and the samples are thereafter returned their respective vessels. The manifold device can be adapted to receive probe-type instruments that incorporate the fiber-optics, wherein each probe-type instrument is associated with each flow cell. Alternatively, each corresponding pair of fiber-optic input and output lines are disposed in opposing, optically-aligned relation and probe-type instruments are not used. The gap between the ends of the opposing fiber-optic lines provides a light path across the corresponding flow cell.

Abstract: Sample processing devices including process chambers having bypass slots and methods of using the same are disclosed. The bypass slots are formed in the sidewalls of the process chambers and are in fluid communication with distribution channels used to deliver fluid sample materials to the process chambers.

Abstract: A system and method for preventing or reducing unwanted heat in a microfluidic of the device while generating heat in selected regions of the device. In one example, current is supplied to a heating element through electric leads, wherein the leads are designed so that the current density in the leads is substantially lower than the current density in the heating element. This may be accomplished using conductive leads which have a cross-sectional area which is substantially greater than the cross-sectional area of the heating element. In another example, unwanted heat in the microfluidic complex is reduced by thermally isolating the electric leads from the microfluidic complex. This may be accomplished by running each lead directly away from the microfluidic complex, through a thermally isolating substrate. After the leads pass through the thermally isolating substrate, they are then routed to the current source.

Abstract: A feed nozzle assembly located near the bottom of an FCC riser reactor includes a plurality of feed nozzles, each feed nozzle including a discharge end which is angled toward the center of the riser. The angled discharged ends provide a combined discharge of hydrocarbon feed and atomization gas into the central portion of the riser thereby providing a desirable feed/catalyst contact condition while preventing impingement of the feed upon the riser walls.

Abstract: An apparatus and process for stripping gases from solids comprises a structured packing in a stripping section of a vessel. The structured packing comprises a plurality of corrugated ribbons with each corrugated ribbon having at least two faces angular to each other. The ribbons at least partially obstruct passage of the solid particles. Edges of adjacent ribbons defining openings for the passage of contacted particles.

Abstract: An improved cyclone system for disengaging solid and gaseous particles in fluid catalytic cracking (FCC) processes with reduced coke formation in disengager vessels, without favoring release of the disengaged catalyst into cyclones in subsequent stages, said system comprising legless cyclones 42 fitted with external collector pipes 43, is described. The collector pipes 43 optimize the purge of gases coming from the disengager vessel 49, reducing the time the hydrocarbons remain inside said disengager vessel 49, thus preventing overcracking and subsequent coke formation. Positioning of the external collector pipes 43 prevents release of the disengaged catalyst into cyclones in subsequent stages.

Abstract: A reactor apparatus and related method for controlling at least one process variable in a circulating fluid bed oxygenates to olefins reactor system comprising a riser are provided. The process variable is selected from at least one of (i) space velocity, (ii) average reaction temperature, (iii) conversion of reactant, and (iv) average coke level on catalyst. Typically, a corresponding set point for at least one process variable is selected from (1) reactant feed rate, (2) feed enthalpy, (3) reactor temperature-related function, e.g., mid-temperature or rate of temperature rise along a portion of the reactor, and (4) catalyst hold-up in the riser of the reactor. A corresponding manipulated variable is selected from (a) feed flow control valve(s), (b) feed preheat rate, (c) activity of the catalyst in the reactor, and (d) amount of catalyst in the reaction zone.

Abstract: This catalyst system simultaneously removes ammonia and enhances net NOx conversion by placing an NH3-SCR catalyst formulation downstream of a lean NOx trap. By doing so, the NH3-SCR catalyst adsorbs the ammonia from the upstream lean NOx trap generated during the rich pulses. The stored ammonia then reacts with the NOx emitted from the upstream lean NOx trap—enhancing the net NOx conversion rate significantly, while depleting the stored ammonia. By combining the lean NOx trap with the NH3-SCR catalyst, the system allows for the reduction or elimination of NH3 and NOx slip, reduction in NOx spikes and thus an improved net NOx conversion during lean and rich operation.

Abstract: An air box in a regenerative thermal oxidiser has one or several beds of a heat-storing and heat-transferring material. The air box is connected with a gas inlet/outlet and comprises a gas permeable surface that is turned towards one of the beds. The air box has distribution devices provided in the air box.

Abstract: An end cone assembly for an exhaust emission control device includes an inner cone spacedly disposed within an outer cone. The outer cone comprises a small outer cone end a large outer cone end and an outer wall that diverges from the small outer cone end to the large outer cone end. The inner cone comprises a small inner cone end and a large inner cone end with an inner wall having a first diameter proximal the first inner cone end, wherein the inner wall diverges to a second diameter, wherein the second diameter is disposed proximal a recessed portion having a third diameter at the second inner cone end, and wherein the first diameter is smaller than the third diameter and the third diameter is smaller than the second diameter. The outer wall is disposed in a spaced relation to at least a portion of the inner wall, and, with the exception of the recessed portion, the space between the inner and outer walls is free of insulating material.

Abstract: A fixed bed catalytic reactor for converting process fluids having an upper catalyst bed and a lower catalyst bed below the upper catalyst bed for converting process fluids flowing through the upper and lower beds. A mixing zone is located between the upper bed and lower beds, and at least one jet is provided for injecting an inclined fluid jet into the mixing zone against the flow of the process fluids to entrain process fluids within the jet and to radially mix the process fluids across the mixing zone.

Abstract: Reactions between at least two fluid reactants are performed in a reactor comprising wall elements (1), slot-shaped reaction spaces (3) and cavities (5) for conducting a fluid heat-carrier through. Depending on the process and throughput, a modular structural design is chosen wherein an arbitrary number of wall elements (1) are assembled to a right-parallelepipedal block (24), the reaction spaces (3) are formed between lateral surfaces (2) of right-parallelepipedal wall elements (1), the reactants are introduced into the reaction spaces (3) from edge regions of one side of the block (24) and are conducted through the reaction spaces (3) in parallel flows and the fluid heat-carrier is conducted through the tubular cavities (5) extending in the interior of the wall elements (1).

Abstract: An improved air sterilization system has unobstructed air passageways from a chamber substantially enclosing a volume of air to the air sterilization assembly unit in which the air sterilization assembly unit has heating elements located within air passageways in the unit to exterminate airborne micro-organisms by applying heat to the continuously flowing airstream, and in which the temperature of air leaving the system is insignificantly higher than the temperature of air entering the system.

Abstract: A chemical process that recovers the vanadium contained in inorganic acid solutions, precipitating it as a solid compound of vanadium and alkali metal or monovalent cation ferrocyanide, is disclosed. Separation is carried out electrochemically, depositing the compound onto a metal immersed in the acid solution that contains vanadium as well as other dissolved metals, to which a ferrocyanide salt of an alkali metal or a monovalent cation has been previously added. If the inorganic acid present in solution is different than nitric acid, the vanadium can also be separated by direct addition of a ferrocyanide salt of an alkali metal or a monovalent cation to the acid solution containing vanadium. The method described allows recovery of vanadium without modifying the initial composition of the solution, except for the concentration of the vanadium dissolved.

Abstract: An apparatus comprises an exhaust system and an injection system. The injection system is configured to vaporize a first liquid portion of an agent into at least one bubble so as to inject a second liquid portion of the agent into the exhaust system by use of the at least one bubble for delivery of the agent to an emission abatement device of the exhaust system. An associated method is disclosed.

Abstract: NOx and SO3 emissions from combustion of a sulfur containing carbonaceous fuel are reduced simultaneously. The combustion gases comprising NOx and SO2 are mixed with a NOx control agent into the combustion gases at a point upstream of a selective catalytic reduction catalyst for reduction of NOx. Following an SCR catalyst or other equipment that can oxidize SO2 to SO3 and prior to contact with an air heater for heating incoming combustion air, magnesium hydroxide is introduced in amounts and with droplet sizes and concentrations effective to form nano-sized particles in the effluent and reduce SO3 caused by the oxidation of SO2 in the catalyst. Computational fluid dynamics is employed to determine flow rates and select reagent introduction rates, reagent introduction location(s), reagent concentration, reagent droplet size and/or reagent momentum.

Abstract: A hydrophobic silica fine powder is prepared by premixing a hydrophilic silica fine powder with a dimer diol siloxane or cyclic siloxane as a hydrophobizing agent, mixing them in a ball mill for achieving dispersion and for achieving cleavage or disintegration and consolidation, and thereafter heating at 100-300° C. in an ammonia or amine-containing atmosphere. The powder has an aerated bulk density of 100-300 g/l, a specific surface area of 40-300 m2/g, a primary particle diameter of 10-120 nm, and a degree of hydrophobization of 40-80 as measured by methanol titration and is less bulky, easy to handle and disperse and stable in a kneaded mixture.

Abstract: Disclosed is a process for the treatment of gas containing mercaptans and acid gases, including the following steps: (1) separating the acid gases from the said gas and obtaining a sweetened gas and the flow of acid gases containing H2S; (2) reacting the H2S thus obtained in step (1) according to the Claus reaction; (3) concentrating the mercaptans in at least one cut of the said sweetened gas; (4) extracting the mercaptans of the said cut; and further comprising: (5) transforming the mercaptans into dialkyl-disulfide (DSO); (6) hydrogenating DSO into H2S; and (7) reacting the H2S thus obtained at step (6) according to the Claus reaction. An installation for carrying out this procedure is also described.

Abstract: Processes, methods, systems and devices for zero emission liquid hydrogen production directly from a variety of methane sources, such as natural gas and landfill gas, are disclosed. Five embodiments of plant designs for liquid hydrogen production are presented. The embodiments combine hydrogen production and liquefaction into a single process to produce liquid hydrogen directly via methane containing gases; thus, eliminating the conventional technology of pressure swing adsorption process for gas mixture separation. The innovative process can be applied to produce high purity liquid hydrogen with no carbon dioxide emission to the atmosphere; and can also co-produce highly pure solid carbon and liquid carbon dioxide as by-products for industrial application.

Abstract: A process is provided for reforming a hydrocarbon with carbon dioxide using a selectively permeable membrane reactor including a catalyst for accelerating a chemical reaction and a selectively permeable membrane exhibiting selective permeability, wherein a carbon dioxide reforming reaction of the hydrocarbon is accelerated by the catalyst to produce reaction products, and a specific component among the reaction products is allowed to pass through the selectively permeable membrane so specific component is selectively separated. The process includes the steps of adding steam to a raw material gas containing the hydrocarbon and the carbon dioxide and supplying the raw material gas mixture to the selectively permeable membrane reactor.

Abstract: A stabilized metal promoted aluminosilicate zeolite, useful in the selective catalytic reduction of nitrogen oxides with ammonia, having a silica to alumina mole ratio of at least 8 and less than 30 and an FT-IR absorption peak at 3781 plus or minus 2 cm?1 which stabilizes the zeolite against further dealumination such as under oxidizing and harsh hydrothermal conditions.

Abstract: The present invention describes novel compounds of the formula: (Q)d—Ln—Ch, useful for the diagnosis and treatment of cancer, methods of imaging tumors in a patient, and methods of treating cancer in a patient. The present invention also provides novel compounds useful for monitoring therapeutic angiogenesis treatment and destruction of new angiogenic vasculature. The present invention also provides novel compounds useful for imaging atherosclerosis, restenosis, cardiac ischemia, and myocardial reperfusion injury. The present invention also provides novel compounds useful for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. The pharmaceuticals are comprised of a targeting moiety that binds to a receptor that is upregulated during angiogenesis, an optional linking group, and a therapeutically effective radioisotope or diagnostically effective imageable moiety.

Abstract: A material is proposed as an essential abrasive component for cleaning agents in cleaning products for delicate surfaces which is essentially composed of platelets. These platelets are preferably shaped without sharp points, i.e. their circumference is similar to a polygon whose corners do not show angles that are in the majority smaller than 30° and greater than 330°. Glass flakes are for example such a material. The abrasive component of the invention may for example be used for the manufacture of toothpastes and prophylaxis pastes that are efficient but nevertheless not harmful to teeth.

Abstract: A liquid animal hoof conditioner for moisturizing, protecting and preventing animal hoofs, especially those of horses, from developing painful and debilitating cracks, such as quarter cracks and sand cracks, and for healing such cracks after they occur, includes whole leaf aloe vera, flax seed oil, turpentine, pine tar, and an emulsifier in a composition that can be easily brushed onto the horse's hoof without any inconvenience or discomfort to the horse so that the hoof can naturally heal over a period of time. The animal hoof conditioner can also be applied to the hoofs on a regular basis for hoof maintenance during the dry summer months.

Abstract: A cosmetic composition is provided comprising vitamin B6, vitamin B3 and an organic acid. The components of the composition interact synergistically to enhance skin lightening.

Abstract: Cosmetic formulations containing a cosmetic active and a continuous phase comprising a water-immiscible liquid carrier, such as, amongst other materials, silicone oils, branched aliphatic alcohols or liquid aromatic/aliphatic esters that is structured by a cyclodipeptide derivative having the general formula in which RA represents a carbocyclic or heterocyclic group containing not more than 2 rings, other than unsubstituted cyclohexyl.

Abstract: The disclosure provides deodorant cosmetic compositions comprising: (a) zinc gluconate, and (b) at least one antiperspirant aluminum salt; wherein the zinc gluconate/antiperspirant aluminum salt weight ratio ranges from 1/100 to 10/1. The disclosure also provides cosmetic processes for treating human perspiration and human underarm odors with these compositions and aerosols comprising these compositions.

Abstract: The invention provides surfactant-containing cosmetic, dermatological, and pharmaceutical agents comprising at least one water-soluble or water-swellable copolymer obtainable by free-radical copolymerization of A) acryloyldimethyltaurine and/or acryloyldimethyltaurates, B) optionally, one or more further olefinically unsaturated, noncationic comonomers, C) optionally, one or more olefinically unsaturated, cationic comonomers, D) optionally, a silicon-containing component(s), E) optionally, a fluorine-containing component(s), F) optionally, one or more macromonomers, G) the copolymerization taking place if desired in the presence of at least one polymeric additive, H) with the proviso that component A) is copolymerized with at least one component selected from one of the groups D) to G).

Abstract: Provided are methods of treatment for skin disorders. In particular, treatment, the skin disorders are generally inflammatory skin disorders, including improper wound healing. Provided are methods of using of a cytokine molecule.

Abstract: A method of preparing a human recipient for a graft from a human which includes: inducing mixed chimerism in the recipient (e.g., by administering to the recipient irradiation or chemotherapy), administering thymic irradiation, administering an antibody that depletes T cells, administering donor hematopoietic progenitor cells to the recipient, and administering an immunosuppressant.

Abstract: The disclosure includes protocols of activating and administering human blood cells to myelosuppressed patients, including patients treated for cancer, e.g., by chemotherapy or radiation. The protocol may include culturing blood cells in the presence of a cytokine and an ionophore.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for inhibiting reperfusion injury in the brain. The method involve injecting via the carotid artery or jugular vein an antioxidant-loaded nanoparticle. A nanoparticle formulation containing an inert plasticizer is also provided for sustained release of an active agent.

Abstract: The present invention relates to medical devices that are to be implanted or inserted into the body of a patient for the purpose of removing undesired body tissues. In one embodiment of the invention the medical device comprises a body tissue removal agent for removing undesired body tissue simultaneously with or prior to treatment of body tissue that is in proximity to the undesired body tissue with a biologically active material. Such biologically active material may facilitate regeneration of the body tissue that was removed or may prevent the recurrence of the undesired body tissue.

Abstract: Antibodies directed against an antigenic determinant of high molecular weight kininogen domain 5, particularly a determinant located in the region formed by light chain amino acids Gly(440) to Lys(502), inhibit angiogenesis.

Abstract: A ligand derived from, e.g. a Fab fragment of, a monoclonal antibody obtainable from the cell line deposited with the Belgian Coordinated Collections of Micro-organisms under accession number LMBP 5108CB binds to the human platelet glycoprotein GPib and prevents the binding of von Willebrand factor to said GPIb without inducing thrombocytopenia. The said ligand is useful, in admixture with a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier, in a pharmaceutical composition, optionally further comprising a thrombolytic agent, for preventing and/or treating haemostasis disorders.

Abstract: Monoclonal antibodies which specifically bind human CD23, the low affinity receptor for IgE (FceRII/CD23), and contain either a human gamma-1 or human gamma-3 constant domain, are disclosed. The antibodies are useful for modulating or inhibiting induced IgE expression. Accordingly, they have practical utility in the treatment or prophylaxis of disease conditions wherein inhibition of induced IgE production is therapeutically desirable, including allergic conditions, autoimmune diseases and inflammatory diseases.

Abstract: Heterobifunctional polymeric prodrug platforms for delivering biologically active compounds, including proteins, monoclonal antibodies and the like are disclosed. One preferred compound is Methods of making and using the compounds and conjugates described herein are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides means and methods for obtaining an antibody in a mammary secretion product of a farm-animal comprising administering to said animal at least two compositions, which may be the same or different, comprising an antigen to which said antibody is to be raised, the method comprising administering at least a first of said compositions such that a high mucosal and/or systemic immune response is obtained and wherein at least a second of said compositions is administered to a mammary gland and/or a supramammary lymph node of said animal.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to ligand/receptor and antigen/antibody specificity exchangers comprising a saccharide or glycoconjugate. Methods of making these specificity exchangers and methods of using said specificity exchangers to treat or prevent human disease are described herein.

Abstract: Three hemoglobin-response genes in the pathogenic yeast Candida albicans are disclosed. The expression of these genes is specifically induced when the organism is exposed to hemoglobin during disseminated infections. The invention relates to the nucleic acid and amino acid sequences of these hemoglobin-response genes. The invention also relates to diagnostic methods, kits and compositions which employ the nucleic acid and amino acid sequences of the invention.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a composition for the selective elimination of autoreactive B-cells comprising at least one (poly)peptide construct consisting of at least two domains wherein one of said domains comprises an autoreactive antigen or (a) fragments(s) thereof specifically recognized by the Ig receptors of said autoreactive B-cells and wherein one of said domains comprises an effector molecule capable of interacting with and/or of activating NK-cells, T-cells, macrophages, monocytes and/or granulocytes and/or capable of activating the complement system.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for generating infectious Newcastle disease virus (NDV) entirely from cloned full-length cDNA and to the use of vaccines and diagnostic assays generated with and derived from the process. The process offers the possibility to modify the NDV genome by means of genetic modification and allows for the introduction of mutations, deletions and/or insertions. The process can be used to modify the virulence of NDV, thus generating new attenuated live vaccines with enhanced properties. The process can be used to modify the antigenic make-up of NDV, to allow the generation of live NDV marker vaccines that can be serologically distinguished from NDV field strains.

Abstract: Transposon linker insertion mutagenesis of a full-length infectious clone of the highly pathogenic classical swine fever virus (CSFV) isolate Brescia (pBIC) was used to identify genetic determinants of CSFV virulence and host range. A virus mutant, RB-C22 (RB-C22v), possessing a 19-residue tag insertion at the carboxyl end of E1 was constructed. RB-C22v and the parental virus pBIC (pBICv) exhibited similar growth characteristics on primary porcine macrophage cell cultures although RB-C22v produced significantly smaller plaques on SK6 cell cultures. In vivo, RB-C22v was markedly attenuated in swine. In contrast with pBIC infection, where mortality was 100%, all RB-C22v-infected pigs survived infection remaining clinically normal. Additionally, chimeras of the Brescia strain and the attenuated vaccine strain CS were constructed and evaluated for viral virulence in swine. Chimeras 138.8v and 337.14v, chimeras containing the E2 glycoprotein of CS and chimeric virus 319.