Abstract: An indicator suitable for signaling restricted flow of a fluid through a filter mounted in a filter assembly includes a housing having an inner cavity. A diaphragm disposed within the housing separates the inner cavity into first and second chambers and deflects from a neutral position in response to applied pressures within the first and second chambers. A tab assembly opposite the diaphragm includes a spring-loaded flag moveable from a first position within the housing to a second position outside the housing. A pin operably coupled to the diaphragm holds the spring-loaded flag within the housing when the diaphragm is in the neutral position. In response to the diaphragm being deflected sufficiently from the neutral position to release the pin, the spring-loaded flag travels to the second position outside the housing, thereby indicating a restricted flow condition for the filter.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of installing an environmental control system so as to allow for separate sizing of treatment and bypass capacity while also offering the ability to make or change either treatment or bypass capacities at different times. This is accomplished by containing the treatment and bypass functions in separate chambers, using screen, baffle, or coalescing media pack to further refine effectiveness and capacity of each structure independently. The control structure and interceptor structure may be pre-engineered to a variety of sizes, capacities, or other specifications. This allows simple selection of a specific control structure and a specific interceptor structure from a variety of combinations, eliminating the need for custom engineering for each installation.

Abstract: A complete storm water management system and process which incorporates a wetlands water treatment system. This system creates an infrastructure, flow control which is multi-level and multi-stage. This is a modular system which includes three or more chambers and/or ditches through which the storm water or other influent passes and is cleaned. The influent which flows into a storm drain, curb inlet, or inflow pipe into the system is directed first into a screening type catch basin inset filter within the first chamber of the system. The influent is treated within the first chamber before it passes out of this chamber into the incorporated wetlands system. The water flows through the wetlands chamber or ditch where it is further filtered and decontaminated through both an aerobic and anaerobic process. In situations of high runoff there is a bypass component.

Abstract: Ultrasonic devices for preventing microbubbles and/or microparticles from reaching the brain during a PCI or cardiovascular surgery. Devices 27 and 77 are designed for implantation in the chest cavity and operate in combination with needle vents or other vent systems for removing diverted microbubbles. Systems 77 and 83 are designed for noninvasive employment. Devices 57 and 87 are particularly designed to prevent microbubbles from reaching the great origins of the carotid arteries and/or for diverting bubbles that might reach the vicinity and otherwise pass through. Improved devices 11 and 94 separate microbubbles from a flowing bloodstream and produce a cleansed stream.

Abstract: A water dispenser including a water inlet adapted to receive water from a water supply, a water filter operative to filter water received from the water supply via the water inlet, a water outlet operative to provide filtered water received from the water filter, a water spill collector and a pivotably mounted drainage-equipped water container support having a first operative orientation underlying the water outlet and defining a downwardly inclined water spill drainage pathway communicating with the water spill collector and a second, non-operative, orientation not underlying the water outlet.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system for sludge treatment which transfers sludge into a dewatering device while maintaining the sludge density at a predetermined level constant suitable for dewatering the sludge even when the density of the precipitated sludge varies, thus improving the sludge treating efficiency and sludge dewatering efficiency, and reducing the amount of a coagulant to be used. In the system for sludge treatment, a sludge concentration device is installed in a mixing flocculation tank. Thus, the sludge is mixed with the coagulant and flocculated in the mixing flocculation tank to produce flocs and a supernatant, while the supernatant is directly discharged from the mixing flocculation tank. Furthermore, the amount of the supernatant is controlled to maintain the desired density of the flocs to be transferred to the dewatering device. Thus, the dewatering device can be stably operated.

Abstract: Water purification systems include a reverse osmosis unit, a treatment unit, and an electrodeionization unit. A reverse osmosis reject stream from the reverse osmosis unit is treated in the treatment unit and provided to concentrating compartments of the electrodeionization unit.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for removing a contaminant from groundwater wherein it is not necessary for groundwater to be extracted from the soil. To that end, the process according to the invention comprises the following steps: a) a biologically active layer (2) is applied on or in the soil b) the contaminated groundwater is contacted with the biologically active layer (2). The contaminant is converted in the biologically active layer. The biologically active layer (2) may be applied discontinuously. The contaminated groundwater may be contacted with the biologically active layer with the aid of for example a gas.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a hydrophilic substance production method characterized in that polyvinylpyrrolidone-containing material wetted with an aqueous solution of a cationic polymer is treated with radiation. The invention makes it possible to produce material for blood treatment that prevents adsorption of blood platelets.

Abstract: Described herein are compositions and methods useful for the purification of water using dendritic macromolecules. The process involves using dendritic macromolecules (dendrimers) to bind to contaminants, and a filtration step to produce water from which contaminants have been removed or modified. Examples of dendrimers that may be used in the process include cation-binding dendrimers, anion-binding dendrimers, organic compound-binding dendrimers, redox-active dendrimers, biological compound-binding dendrimers, catalytic dendrimers, biocidal dendrimers, viral-binding dendrimers, multi-functional dendrimers, and combinations thereof. The process is readily scalable and provides many options for customization.

Abstract: A process is disclosed that relates to the recovery of a metal catalyst from an oxidizer purge stream produced in the synthesis of carboxylic acid, typically terephthalic. More particularly, the process involves recovery of a metal catalyst from an oxidizer purge stream through the use of a pressure filter, the combining of water with a mother liquor to recover the metal catalyst and then subjecting an aqueous mixture so formed to a single stage extraction with an extraction solvent to produce an extract stream comprising organic impurities and a raffinate stream comprising the metal catalyst.

Abstract: A platelet collection device comprising a centrifugal spin-separator container with a cavity having a longitudinal inner surface. A float in the cavity has a base, a platelet collection surface above the base, an outer surface. The float density is below the density of erythrocytes and above the density of plasma. The platelet collection surface has a position on the float which places it below the level of platelets when the float is suspended in separated blood. During centrifugation, a layer of platelets or buffy coat collects closely adjacent the platelet collection surface. Platelets are then removed from the platelet collection surface. Movement of a float having a density greater than whole blood through the sedimenting erythrocytes releases entrapped platelets, increasing the platelet yield.

Abstract: A device for the treatment of an influent with a porous media. The influent passes radially through the porous media and into an internal volume of the device. The treated influent then passes through an open check valve in the internal volume, and then to downstream equipment. During a backwash operation, a backwash fluid is passed into the internal volume of the device in a direction to close the check valve. The blocked path in the internal volume of the device causes the backwash fluid to pass radially outwardly into the porous media and fluidize the same.

Abstract: An optical interference display panel is disclosed that has a substrate, an optical interference reflection structure, and an opaque protection structure. The optical interference reflection structure has many color-changeable pixels and is formed on the substrate. The opaque protection structure is adhered and fixed onto the substrate with an adhesive and encloses the optical interference reflection structure between the substrate and the opaque protection structure. The opaque protection structure blocks and/or absorbs light, and light is thus not emitted outward by passing through defects in the optical interference reflection structure. Moreover, the opaque protection structure and the adhesive also prevent the optical interference reflection structure from being damaged by an external environment.

Abstract: A manufacturing method of a magnetic recording medium, and the like are provided, which can suppress misalignment of a processed shape of divided recording elements and magnetic degradation and can efficiently manufacture a magnetic recording medium having good magnetic characteristics. In the manufacturing method, ion beam etching is used as a dry etching technique for a continuous recording layer 20. Before dry etching of the continuous recording layer 20, a resist layer 26 is removed. As the material for a first mask layer covering the continuous recording layer, diamond like carbon is used.

Abstract: A method for precisely manufacturing a liquid supply orifice of an ink-jet recording head, even if a masking material includes pinholes which may affect the forming of the ink supply orifice, is provided. The substrate face provided with a mask used for forming the ink supply orifice has an area covered with the mask for anisotropic etching, the area consisting of a part provided with OSF layers and a part not provided with the OSF layers which are determined by considering the amount of a side etching.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a phototunable chiral dopant represented by the following structure: wherein: A, B, C and D are independent divalent groups; X and Z are any independently selected substituent; n is an integer and independently varies from 0 to 3; q is an integer and independently varies from 0 to 5; RNG1 and RNG2 independently represent any ring group; m represents an integer independently varying from 0 to 4; p represents an integer independently varying from 1 to 4; Q independently represents a carbon C—RC, or nitrogen, wherein RC is independently hydrogen or any substituent. The invention also relates to the use of the dopant in a liquid crystalline composition and a display containing the same, as well as a material composition comprising an enantiomeric excess of one enantiomer of the compound.

Abstract: The invention relates to novel mono-, oligo- and polymeric compounds comprising thiophene and selenophene, to their use as semiconductors or charge transport materials, in optical, electro-optical or electronic devices, and to optical, electro-optical or electronic devices comprising the novel compounds.

Abstract: Sialon fluorescent materials with activated Eu or other rare earth ions have been known as fluorescent materials capable of being excited by blue light to emit yellow light. An oxynitride fluorescent material can emit light having a far wider range of wavelengths than ever before, and can be included in a light-emitting device. A fluorescent material contains as a main component a crystal phase having a general formula La3Si8N11O4 or La3Si8?xAlxN11?xO4+x where 0<x?4, to which an optically active element (M) including one or more elements selected from Mn, Ce, Pr, Nd, Sm, Eu, Gd, Tb, Dy, Ho, Er, Tm, Yb and Lu is added and contained as a luminescence center component.

Abstract: The ionic conjugates include an inorganic particle electrostatically associated with a macromolecule which can interact specifically with predetermined chemical species or biological targets.

Abstract: A conductive composition consisting essentially of (a) 50-95 wt % finely divided particles of an electrically-conductive material dispersed in (b) a liquid vehicle, for use in the manufacture of an electrically-conductive pattern on a substrate for the use of reducing cross-sectional area and width while retaining conductivity and resistivity.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a functional fluid comprising A) 1 to 99% by weight based on the total weight of the functional fluid of alkyl(meth)acrylate polymers obtainable by polymerizing a mixture of olefinically unsaturated monomers and B) 1 to 99% by weight based on the total weight of the functional fluid of an oxygen containing compound selected from to group of organophosphorus compounds, carboxylic acid esters and/or polyether polyols.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to achieve favorable injection molding with reduced mold clamping force required for molding and with suppression of weld line occurrence without repeating trial and error manually, by prompt calculation of adequate production parameters, when conducting injection molding of resin products. When the injection molding is conducted using a mold having a plurality of resin inflow conduits N, R, G1, G2, and G3 to the cavity CV, the combination of a numerical analysis method for calculating the injection molding process and a computer-aided optimization method, derives the production parameters which determine time-sequentially the inflow of resin material through resin inflow conduits.

Abstract: A submersible pump drop pipe and casing assembly and method of manufacture is disclosed. The drop pipe/casing has a seated connector and base. The seated connector has a first and second cylinder section, the first cylinder section being used to align and direct the base into the seated connector and to provide lateral strength to the pipe.

Abstract: In order to produce a cellulose ester film constructed of a front layer, an intermediate layer and a rear layer, a dope solution is doped on a supporter. In at least one of the front layer and the rear layer, a mass ratio of a cotton linter to a wood pulp (cotton linter/wood pulp) is between 5/95 and 0/100, and a solvent of the dope contains more than 15 wt.% alcohols and hydrocarbons whose carbon number each is 1-10. Further, a ratio of a solid content density of a solution for forming the front layer and the rear layer to a solid density of a solution for forming the intermediate layer is less than 0.9 wt.%, and a total thickness of the solutions for front and rear layers is more than 5% of the dope ribbon.

Abstract: A cellulose acylate film is produced by using a cellulose acylate solution and forming a film consisting of two or more layers by the co-casting method. The cellulose acylate to be used is selected so that the association molecular weight of cellulose acylate due to the static light scattering in the solution forming the outer layer becomes smaller than the association molecular weight of cellulose acylate due to the static light scattering in the solution forming the inner layer.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a polymer shim and a roll-to-roll process for its manufacture.

Abstract: The present invention provides a laterally movable lifting arm and follower which may be mounted adjacent a mold. The lifting arm is movable from a cap engaging position wherein it initially moves the cap away from the mold into the path of the follower. The cap is initially moved across the lid by lateral movement of the lifting arm. The follower is subsequently passed across the cap to lockingly engage the closure.

Abstract: The method enables the series production of light structural components out of long-fiber thermoplastic material (LFT) with integrated continuous fiber (CF)-reinforcements in a single stage LFT-pressing step. In this, CF-tapes (5) are melted open and transferred into a profile tool (21) of a CF-profile forming station (20), there are pressed for a short time period and shaped into the required CF-profile (10). In doing so, by means of contact with the thermally conditioned profile tool (21) on the profile surface (11) a shock-cooled, dimensionally stable, thin casing layer (12) is formed and the inside of the CF-profile remains melted. Following a defined short shock-cooling period (ts), the CF-profile (10) is transferred into an LFT-tool (31) and pressed together with an introduced molten LFT-mass (6). In doing so, the casing layer (12) is melted open again on the surface (11) and is thermoplastically bonded together with the surrounding LFT-mass.

Abstract: A new fiber-forming method, and related apparatus, and webs prepared by the new method and apparatus are taught. In the new method a) a stream of filaments is extruded from a die of known width and thickness; b) the stream of extruded filaments is directed through a processing chamber that is defined by two narrowly separated walls that are parallel to one another, parallel to said width of the die, and parallel to the longitudinal axis of the stream of extruded filaments; c) the stream of filaments passed through the processing chamber is intercepted on a collector where the filaments are collected as a nonwoven fibrous web; and d) a spacing between the walls of the processing chamber is selected that causes the stream of extruded filaments to spread before it reaches the collector and be collected as a web significantly wider in width than the die. Generally the increase in width is sufficient to be economically significant, e.g., to reduce costs of web manufacture.

Abstract: To provide a production method of a polycrystalline ceramic body with excellent density, a preparation step, a mixing step, a forming step and a heat-treating step are performed. In the preparation step, a coarse particle ceramic powder, and a fine particle powder having an average particle diameter of ? or less of the average particle diameter of the coarse particle ceramic powder are prepared. In the mixing step, the coarse particle ceramic powder and the fine particle powder are mixed to produce a raw material mixture. In the forming step, the raw material mixture is formed to a shaped body. In the heat-treating step, the shaped body is heated and thereby sintered to produce a polycrystalline ceramic body. In the heat-treating step, a temperature elevating process and a first holding process are performed and at the same time, a second holding process and/or a cooling process are performed.

Abstract: The producing unit for continuously producing metal microparticles formed of a multicomponent alloy accompanied by the generation of a byproduct gas through an early reaction of the formation of the metal particles comprises a first mixing unit for continuously supplying and mixing a plurality of solutions for conducting the early reaction, a second mixing unit for continuously supplying another solution to the reaction liquid containing the metal microparticles formed in the early reaction and for mixing the two solutions, to introduce dissimilar metal atoms into the crystal lattices of the metal microparticles, and a gas-liquid separation unit that is installed in a midway of the pipe which is made so as to have enough length to finish the early reaction, and which continuously passes the reaction liquid to the second mixing unit from the first mixing unit, and that continuously removes the byproduct gas generated with the proceeding of the early reaction.

Abstract: Improved components for a molten metal pump include a coupling for connecting a rotor shaft to a motor shaft, a rotor shaft and a rotor. The rotor shaft has a first end and a second end wherein the first end optionally has a vertical keyway formed in the outer surface of the shaft. The second end optionally has flat, shallow threads. The coupling can be one-piece or multi-piece, includes a cavity for receiving the first end of the rotor shaft and, if the first end of the rotor shaft has a keyway, the coupling includes a projection in the cavity for being received at least partially in the keyway. The rotor includes a connective portion that connects to the second end of the rotor shaft. If the second end of the rotor shaft includes flat, shallow threads, the connective portion is essentially a bore having flat, shallow threads configured to receive the second end of the rotor shaft.

Abstract: Methods of fabricating cermet materials and methods of utilizing the same such as in filtering particulate and gaseous pollutants from internal combustion engines having intermetallic and ceramic phases. The cermet material may be made from a transition metal aluminide phase and an alumina phase. The mixture may be pressed to form a green compact body and then heated in a nitrogen-containing atmosphere so as to melt aluminum particles and form the cermet. Filler materials may be added to increase the porosity or tailor the catalytic properties of the cermet material. Additionally, the cermet material may be reinforced with fibers or screens. The cermet material may also be formed so as to pass an electrical current therethrough to heat the material during use.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for producing heating elements in the form of tubes with a resistive heater therein, surrounded by refractory powder. A filling pipe is inserted into said tube, and powder is allowed to flow down said pipe. The pipe is moved upwardly, to allow powder to flow out, and then moved downwardly to rest on the powder. In a preferred form, the pipe is forced downwardly to further compact the powder, preferably by means of an impact with a hammer. Means may be provided to selectively grip the pipe to move it upwards, and the gripping means and the hammer can have a common drive mechanism. A valve may be provided to allow flow of powder into the pipe to be shut off when said tube is filled with powder.

Abstract: A transportable flamer, mounted on a tractor or similar, may be used to sterilize poultry litter, soil, concrete, etc. The flamer disclosed comprises a hood to contain the heat, an external frame, and burners. A fuel tank may be carried on the flamer or on a tractor or trailer in front of, or behind the flamer. An additional embodiment provides for mounting the flamer on wheels, permitting the unit to be towed by a truck, four-wheeler, tractor, etc. The burners are adjustable as to angle, and fueling rate.

Abstract: A device for establishing an isolated perfusion including a pump arrangement, a venous catheter, and an arterial catheter, for establishing an artificial circulation in a target area of a human or animal body, which artificial circulation is isolated from the systemic circulation. The device has first means for feeding an analysis gas into the artificial circulation, and second means for monitoring whether a blood exchange takes place between the artificial circulation and the systemic circulation.

Abstract: The invention provides disintegratable film compositions for diagnostic test devices. The films are prepared with a combination of components that yield films of sufficient film strength and desired disintegration profiles. A disintegratable film according to the present invention contains a water soluble high molecular weight component, a water soluble low molecular weight component, and one or more reagents for use in a diagnostic device. Optionally, the films further contain a starch component, a glucose component, a plasticizer and/or a humectant, and/or a filler. The invention further provides a diagnostic testing device, which includes a film according to an embodiment of the invention, and methods of using such devices.

Abstract: A specimen testing apparatus includes an outer case and an inner case that adjustably extends beyond the bottom end of the outer case. The inner case has a plurality of test strips for biologically testing a specimen, whereby a wick affixed to the bottom end of the inner case draws the specimen into each of the test strips after the inner case is extended and the wick is exposed to the specimen. A cover is provided to protect the apparatus from contamination and to seal the apparatus after exposure to the specimen.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel device for the collection, storage, shipping and retrieval of hair follicles from animals for the purpose of isolating DNA or other genetic material from the follicles for analysis. The device has outer flaps for the protection as well as identification of the samples and an inner part where samples are placed. The inner device has thicker base and a clear plastic cover, the easy peel back of which is facilitated by a) low tack adhesives that hold the two together and b) a touch cut on one end, through the base sheet which creates a grip. This makes the device convenient and easy to use, and yet a robust collection device for hair follicles from animals in a farm or real-life situation. Hair follicles can be punched out through the inner device for direct DNA isolation and analysis.

Abstract: A sensor cartridge (1) for use on a sensor feeder includes a cartridge body (10) and a mold (12). The cartridge body (10) has an upper surface (10a), a front (10c) extending continously from the upper surface, and a plurality of sensor-holding slots (11). Each of the sensor-holding slots (11) includes a first opening formed in the upper surface (10a) and a second opening formed in the front (10c) and communicating with the first opening. The mold (12) closes the first opening and second openings in case sensors are charged in the sensor-holding slots (11).

Abstract: Improved systems and methods for tissue processing are described here. The chemical process and the construction of the apparatus are simplified by using only two different solutions in two separate reaction modules. They are compatible with processing of tissue specimens for genetic analysis, histology, in situ antibody binding and hybridization, archival preservation of morphology and nucleic acids, and combinations thereof.

Abstract: The invention relates to an automatic precision pipetting device. The inventive device comprises at least two cylinder/piston-type pumping units (1, 2), the rods of which are rotated by means of a common motor unit (MP). Moreover, the pumping chamber of each of the pumping units (1, 2) is connected to a circuit comprising, successively, a conduit that opens into a container of rinsing liquid (RL), three successive solenoid valves (EV1, EV2, EV3) and a portion of circuit which connects the second solenoid valve (EV2) with the pipetting means (AP). The larger pumping chamber is connected in the part of the circuit that provides the connection between the two solenoid valves (EV1, EV2) while the second pumping chamber is connected to the above-mentioned portion of circuit by means of a connector, said portion of circuit comprising a solenoid valve (EV3) which is disposed between said connector and the aforementioned pipetting means.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of using the same are provided for generating a gradient of particles within a microfluidic device. The microfluidic device includes a channel having an input and an output. The channel is filled with a predetermined fluid. Thereafter, particles from a source pass through a porous membrane into the input of the channel. A second membrane is provided adjacent the output of the channel to minimize convection therein. A sink communicates with the output of the channel. The source/sink combination creates a pseudo-steady state in the channel wherein the concentration of particles at a point does not vary dramatically with time.

Abstract: A collection and testing cup for fluid characterization is disclosed. The cup has a lid assembly with a tamper evident closure; a cylinder that extends into the fluid in the collection cup, also with a tamper evident closure; a piston with a conduit and one-way valve through which a portion of the fluid can be forced into an isolation chamber separate from the main collection cup for testing. The lid assembly cylinder is configured with an aperture or passage near the bottom of the cylinder to allow a small portion of fluid to enter the lower portion of the cylinder from the collection cup chamber and a piston with a central conduit and valve initially positioned near the top of the cylinder adjacent to the lid.

Abstract: A microchannel reactor is disclosed that provides superior performance for three-phase (gas/liquid/solid-catalyst) reactions. The reactor may be used, for example, in industrial-scale catalysis, e.g., in large-scale chemical production, and also in catalyst screening. Each microchannel in the reactor has a separate micro-outlet to supply gas to the channel. Each microchannel is open on both ends, so that liquid may freely flow through the channels in both directions. Oscillatory forcing is applied to the liquid outside the microreactor. The combined effect of the separate gas inlets for each microchannel, the open nature of the microchannels on both ends, and oscillatory forcing results in highly efficient transport of both gas and liquid through all of the microchannels, promotes efficient mixing, and enhances catalysis.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for metering catalyst in a fluid catalytic cracking catalyst injection system are provided. In one embodiment, apparatus for metering catalyst in a fluid catalytic cracking catalyst injection system includes a low pressure storage vessel coupled to a pressure vessel that defines a high pressure side of the apparatus, where the determination of the amount of catalyst transferred is made on the low pressure side of the apparatus.

Abstract: A reducing apparatus 16 for carbon particles PM is provided with one or more filters 19 of a wire mesh structure. The filter 19 is formed in a substantially short column-shape and is provided with a central through-hole 21 and a pair of exhaust ducts 26. The filter 19 is situated within an outer cylindrical casing 4 on an axis perpendicular to the axis of the outer cylindrical casing 4. Exhaust gas 1 discharged from a diesel engine flows from an outer periphery 22 side of the filter 19 to the central through-hole 21 side, wherein the carbon particles PM contained in the exhaust gas 1 are captured, burned and reduced. A plurality of filters 19, each formed in a hollow cylinder-shape, can also be provided side by side in the same direction as the axis of the outer cylindrical casing 4.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods, systems and apparatus in which one fluid passes through an orifice or orifices and mixes with another fluid as it flows through a microchannel.

Abstract: A process for reducing fouling during cracking of a hydrocarbon feedstock containing resid is provided which comprises: introducing a mixture stream of heated hydrocarbon feedstock mixed with steam to a flash/separation apparatus to form i) a vapor phase at its dew point which partially cracks causing a temperature decrease and partial condensation of said vapor phase in the absence of added heat, and ii) a liquid phase. Partial condensation is reduced by adding a heated vaporous diluent, e.g., light hydrocarbon or superheated steam, to the flash/separation apparatus to an extent sufficient to at least partially compensate for the temperature decrease and to dilute and superheat the vapor phase, prior to removing the vapor phase as overhead for subsequent cracking and recovery of cracked product. An apparatus for carrying out the process is also provided.