Abstract: The invention is directed to a method for manufacturing a thin-wall, single-piece optical obturator having an integral tip and shaft. The invention includes providing an injection mold defining a mold cavity having a core pin positioned within the mold cavity. The mold includes at least one gate and multiple core support pins between the core pin and the mold cavity walls, with at least one primary core support pin positioned on a side opposite the at least one gate. The method also includes injecting a transparent molten polymeric material having high flow properties into the injection mold such that the polymeric material flows between the surface of the mold cavity and the core pin. The core support pins substantially prevent the core pin from shifting while the polymeric material is injected into the mold. The high-flow nature of the polymeric material allows for complete filling of the mold cavity.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for preparing a biodegradable piece for medical use including the steps of: a) preparing a mixture including glycerol and sebacic acid, b) pouring said mixture into a one-piece mould made of elastic material, c) placing the mould containing said mixture on a support, d) placing the support into a chamber with controlled temperature and vacuum level until a polymer having the desired consistency is obtained, e) removing the support from the chamber and allowing it to cool down to room temperature, and f) removing the piece thus obtained from the mould.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a mold used in impression process is provided. The method includes the following steps: forming a negative photoresist layer between a transparent substrate and a supporting substrate; exposing the negative photoresist layer via the transparent substrate by direct writing technology; removing the supporting substrate; and developing the negative photoresist layer to form the mold.

Abstract: A method of providing improved powder materials for selective laser sintering (SLS). and related sintering including High Speed Sintering and Selective Inhibition Sintering, processing by orienting a polymer material. The improved materials increase the melting temperature thus increasing the process temperature window, reduce or eliminate amorphous regions thus reducing water absorption, reduce the toughness thus making size reduction easier, and increase heat of fusion. The orientation may be accomplished by deforming the polymer by drawing, rolling, machining, equal channel angular extrusion or similar processes, or by a high shear two roll mill.

Abstract: A tundish carriage with a lifting device (1) for a tundish (2) for liquid steel materials, in particular in a multi-strand caster, wherein the tundish (2) is supported, with a possibility to be lifted or lowered, by controlled electromechanical or hydraulic lifting devices (1a, 1b) on a carriage frame (7), prevents a quadruple arrangement of piston-cylinder units and a complicated synchronization control, with security for personnel and a noticeable simplification of construction, by providing a single vertical support (9) and only two lifting devices (1a, 1b).

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method of making heat cells that are suitable for incorporation into disposable heating wraps. The heat cells comprise an exothermic composition comprising an absorbent gelling material, wherein the absorbent gelling material provides for improved heat application in the relief of temporary or chronic body aches and pains.

Abstract: A graphite-containing, heat-resistant cast iron for exhaust equipment members used at temperatures exceeding 800° C., comprising 3.5-5.6% of Si and 1.2-15% of W on a weight basis, and having intermediate layers, in which W and Si are concentrated, in the boundaries of graphite particles and a matrix. An exhaust equipment member formed by this heat-resistant cast iron has an AC1 transformation point is 840° C. or higher when measured from 30° C. at a temperature-elevating speed of 3° C./minute, and a thermal cracking life of 780 cycles or more in a thermal fatigue test, in which heating and cooling are conducted under the conditions of an upper-limit temperature of 840° C., a temperature amplitude of 690° C. and a constraint ratio of 0.25.

Abstract: Method for reducing the segregated seams of a steel which has high mechanical strength and high wear resistance and whose composition comprises by weight: 0.30%?C?1.42%; 0.05%?Si?1.5%; Mn?1.95%; Ni?2.9%; 1.1%?Cr?7.9%; 0.61%?Mo?4.4%; optionally V?1.45%, Nb?1.45%, Ta?1.45% and V+Nb/2+Ta/4?1.45% ; less than 0.1% of boron, less than 0.19% of (S+Se/2+Te/4), less than 0.01% of calcium, less than 0.5% of rare earths, less than 1% of aluminum, less than 1% of copper; the balance being iron and impurities resulting from the production operation. The composition further complies with: 800?D?1150 with D=540(C)0.25+245 (Mo+3 V+1.5 Nb+0.75 Ta)0.30+125 Cr0.20+15.8 Mn+7.4 Ni+18 Si. According to the method, the molybdenum is completely or partially replaced with double the proportion of tungsten so that W>0.21%, and Ti, Zr, C are adjusted so that, after adjustment, Ti+Zr/2?0.2 W, (Ti+Zr/2)×C?0.07, Ti+Zr/2?1.49% and D is unchanged at approximately 5%. Steel obtained and method for producing a steel workpiece.

Abstract: A dental prosthesis may be cast and machined from a cobalt-, iron- and/or nickel-chromium base dental alloy comprising at least 25% metal selected from the group consisting of ruthenium, platinum, palladium, iridium, osmium, rhodium, and gold wherein the major portion or at least 15%, whichever is larger, of metal in this group is ruthenium; from 15 to 30% chromium; and a principal balance of metal selected from the group consisting of iron. nickel and cobalt.

Abstract: Apparatus for treating allografts, having a sonication tank configured to transmit ultrasonic energy to the interior of the tank; a treatment canister rotatably positioned in said sonication tank, and configured to receive allografts therein; and a treatment fluid source in fluid communication with said treatment canister. Methods of treating allografts and methods for determining microbial contamination using the apparatus.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method for producing integrated, diagnostic test elements (1) which have a lancing area (2) and a detection area (3). The lancing area is used to generate an opening in the skin and the detection area is used to detect an analyte in a body fluid. The selective sterilization sterilizes the lancing area but not the detection area by electron radiation. The method according to the invention comprises the steps of screening the detection area on the test element against electron radiation and subsequently irradiating the test element with electron radiation. The invention additionally concerns a method according to the invention in which the test elements and lancing areas are in a connected arrangement and are brought into the radiation area by moving the entire arrangement. Finally the invention concerns a diagnostic test element which has been produced according to the inventive method.

Abstract: A test fluid measurement device includes an output acquisition unit for acquiring an output value from a urinary sugar sensor, when a reference fluid, set to a specified density, is applied to the urinary sugar sensor. By using this output value to set a reference value, a reference value setting unit calibrates the sensitivity of the urinary sugar sensor. During sensitivity calibration, an output value judgment unit determines according to an output value that is already acquired by the output acquisition unit whether or not the output value that is newly acquired by the output acquisition unit is suitable to be set as the reference value. After an output value is determined not to be suitable as the reference value setting, a reference fluid detection unit detects when more reference fluid from which another output value is to be acquired by the output acquisition unit has been additionally applied.

Abstract: An apparatus for detection of an analyte of interest in a solid, semi-solid, or liquid biological sample, using a lateral flow assay test strip, is described. The apparatus minimizes sample handling and manipulation upon introduction of the sample into a sample-receiving chamber and transfer of the sample to a test chamber containing the assay strip.

Abstract: A device is disclosed which is a highly sensitive and selective sensor. The device is comprised of a sensor material secured into a fixed position on substrate, a deformable arm and a signaling component which creates a detectable signal in response to movement of the arm. The sensitivity of the device is enhanced by using a sensor material which undergoes a dramatic change in volume which may be accompanied by a phase change in response contact with a target such a molecule of interest. The selectivity of the device is enhanced by incorporating highly specific binding receptors (e.g. antibodies) into the sensor material which receptors bind to specific targets (e.g. peptide epitopes). The binding of the target molecule to the receptor causes the sensor material to change dramatically in volume thereby moving the arm causing the signaling component (e.g. a piezoresistor) to create a detectable signal (e.g. change in resistance) thereby indicating the present of the target.

Abstract: System, circuits, and methods to reduce or eliminate uncompensated voltage drop between an electrode of an electrochemical cell usable for analyte measurement. In one example, a system is provided that includes a test strip, a reference voltage circuit, an operational amplifier connected to the reference voltage circuit to provide a pre-determined fraction of a reference voltage substantially equal to the test voltage applied to the first line, the operational amplifier having an output configured for one of a connected or disconnected state to the first line, and a processing circuit connected to the output of the operational amplifier and the first line such that, during a disconnected state between the output and the first line, the processing circuit remains in connection with the first line.

Abstract: An automated analyzer for performing multiple diagnostic assays simultaneously includes multiple stations in which discrete aspects of the assay are performed on fluid samples contained in reaction receptacles. The analyzer includes stations for automatically preparing a sample, incubating the sample, preforming an analyte isolation procedure, ascertaining the presence of a target analyte, and analyzing the amount of a target analyte. An automated receptacle transporting system moves the reaction receptacles from one station to the next. A method for performing an automated diagnostic assay includes an automated process for isolating and amplifying a target analyte, and, in one embodiment, a method for real-time monitoring of the amplification process.

Abstract: A fluid content monitor including a cuvette, a calorimeter adapted to generate a signal indicative of contents of a fluid sample contained in the cuvette, a container for holding a reagent, and a pump assembly for delivering reagent from the container to the cuvette. The pump assembly includes a tube extending from the container to the cuvette, check valves preventing reverse flow in the tube, and a hammer driven by a solenoid for repetitively compressing the tube to pump reagent to the cuvette. The cuvette can be removed for cleaning and replacement.

Abstract: In a fluorescence detection method: each of one or more biological specimens is irradiated with excitation light while a substrate disk is rotated, where the one or more biological specimens are labeled with a fluorescent material and fixed on the substrate disk. Fluorescence which is emitted from each of the one or more biological specimens is detected when a predetermined time elapses since the biological specimen is irradiated with the excitation light.

Abstract: An apparatus and system for measuring the presence or absence of reaction between a first and second material of interest by measuring osmotic pressure changes of reaction detector. The reaction detector is capable of measuring the small changes in pressure that occur due to osmotic pressure shifts during a catalytic or binding reaction at species concentrations down to approximately 10?7 M.

Abstract: A method for solid material detection in a medium includes receiving an exhaust gas downstream with respect to a workpiece from which a photoresist material is removed. An electromagnetic circuit is configured to include the exhaust gas, the exhaust gas is excited with electromagnetic energy and an impedance value of the electromagnetic circuit is determined, wherein the impedance value corresponds to an amount of solid material within the exhaust gas.

Abstract: A pipette tip includes a main body having an upper end, a lower end and a sidewall extending between the two ends. A bore extends axially through the main body between the upper and lower ends. The lower end has a bottom surface in which is formed a central opening that communicates with the axial bore to allow the passage of fluid therethrough. The bottom surface is formed with at least one groove that may be concentrically disposed or spirally disposed about the central opening. The at least one groove acts to inhibit fluid passing through the central opening from at least partially flowing along the outer surface of the sidewall from the central opening toward the upper end of the main body of the pipette tip.

Abstract: A fluidic device includes a first material defining a first region, a second material defining a second region that is separated from the first region, and a connector coupled between the first region and the second region. The connector includes a brittle material and has an open end and a closed end, the open end being disposed in the second region, the closed end being disposed in the first region. The first region is closed off from the second region by the closed end of the connector. The connector is configured such that when the closed end of the connector is broken, the connector defines a passage from the first region to the second region.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for controlling the temperature of one or more reaction vessels in a bio-chemical analyzer comprises a heat-exchange block, preferably made of cast aluminum or the like, and a thermoelectric device for heating or cooling the block to within a desired temperature range. The heat-transfer block cradles one or more reaction vessels in a thermal energy-transferring relationship, and further supports, in a thermal energy-transferring relationship, one or more fluid conduits serving to transmit a liquid or gas to the interior of the reaction vessels. Preferably, the heat-transfer block is cast from aluminum, and the fluid conduits are disposed inside the casting.

Abstract: A process gas to a reactor volume of a semiconductor processing reactor is provided through gas injector ports of a gas ring. The process gas flows horizontally from the gas injector ports across a principal surface of a rotating susceptor to exhaust ports of the gas ring. The spent process gas is removed from the reactor volume through the exhaust ports.

Abstract: A reaction vessel for use in an apparatus for parallel synthetic chemistry with a reaction chamber space for containing contents of a chemical reaction and a discharge channel for selectively removing liquid contents of the reaction chamber. The invention includes an apparatus for receiving a plurality of the reaction vessels, a method for using the apparatus and a method for forming the vessels.

Abstract: Disclosed is a chemical reaction cartridge including a substrate which is a rigid body and an elastic body, and a flow path and two or more chambers connected by the flow path are formed inside the cartridge, the cartridge is structured so as to move or block a fluid substance in the flow path or the chamber by partially sealing the flow path, the chamber or the both of the flow path and the chamber by applying external force to the elastic body from outside, and the substrate includes convex portions which protrude further than the elastic body at a surface of the substrate, on which the elastic body is formed.

Abstract: Method and apparatus of producing polymers in a gas phase polymerization reactor, which has an elongated reactor body, and an essentially vertically disposed central axis. The reactor comprises an upper part and a lower part, which are separated by a distribution plate, which promotes distribution into the fluidized bed of monomers flowing from the lower part into the upper part. According to the invention, at least a part of the gas stream fed into the lower part of the reactor is conducted along the inside of the reactor walls past the distribution plate to prevent the formation of stagnant zones in the fluidized bed at the reactor walls in the vicinity of the distribution plate.

Abstract: There is provided a holding sealer comprising inorganic fibers, in which the holding sealer has a first surface and a second surface, wherein the first surface has a reentrant portion within a region that is a fixed distance inside from an end of the first surface.

Abstract: A catalytic converter assembly is provided that includes a metallic tubular member having a first end and a second end. The metallic tubular member includes an aperture centrally formed between the first end and the second end. A sensor is received in the aperture and extends into an interior of the metallic tubular member for sensing a content of gas flowing through the metallic tubular member. At least one substrate is disposed within the metallic tubular member. The at least one substrate has a cavity formed in an exterior surface of the at least one substrate and extends radially inward. The cavity is aligned with the aperture of the metallic tubular member and receives a portion of the sensor extending into the interior of the metallic tubular member.

Abstract: A lamp assembly comprising one or more lamp clusters. Each lamp cluster comprises one or more electrodeless UV lamps which are excited by microwaves emitted from a microwave generator. The microwave generator and power supply are enclosed within a housing that is integral with the lamp clusters. The lamp clusters are wholly surrounded by a waveguide. The waveguide, comprising a flange and a distal end cap connected by a mesh, forms an enclosure. The waveguide is essentially UV transparent to allow UV light to pass through but effectively opaque to microwaves in order to substantially contain the microwaves within the waveguide enclosure.

Abstract: A consolidated vacuum sublimation module (VSM) can comprise an upper body portion, a middle body portion, a lower body portion, a bushing, and a seal. A vapor director cartridge can be loaded with a crude material and manually inserted into a cartridge-holding member of the lower body portion. Assembly of the middle and upper body portions form a structural unit that can compressively and sealably connect to the lower body portion. During sublimation, heat is effectively transferred to the lower body portion that contains the crude material. A substantial fraction of the middle body portion is conically tapered about a central longitudinal axis to promote desublimation. The middle body portion is a unitary structure that consolidates valving, cooling, and desublimation functions.

Abstract: A medical swab pouch is disclosed. The inexpensive elastic pouch contains disinfectant and is configured for protecting and swabbing a wide variety of luer systems to prevent and eliminate bacterial contamination. The pouch has a flattened configuration and can be elastically dilated, as by squeezing the pouch between the thumb and index finger and is readily carried in large numbers in nurse's pockets (in a manner similar to that for conventional alcohol swabs). The pouch covers and protects the luer valve at the discretion of the user and without transmission of torsion or longitudinal force which might loosen the luer valve or otherwise be transmitted to the vein.

Abstract: Reactor for a catalytic conversion reaction comprising within a catalyst housing a perforated catalyst support plate supporting a catalyst bed, the perforated catalyst support plate being supported by a plurality of elongated support elements, and catalyst particles in the catalyst bed being placed outside the elongated support elements, the perforated catalyst support plate being attached to the lower ends of the elongated support elements, the perforated catalyst support plate being divided into a plurality of perforated catalyst support plate segments, at least one perforated catalyst support plate segment being supported by an elongated support element.

Abstract: Methods and systems for removing copper minerals from a molybdenite concentrate. One embodiment provides leaching copper from the molybdenite concentrate with a leaching solution comprising ferric chloride, removing molybdenite from the leaching solution, introducing an acid into the leaching solution and introducing O2, O3, or a combination of both, into the leaching solution. A method for regenerating ferric chloride in a leaching solution is also provided. One embodiment provides adding a leaching solution comprising Fe(II) ions, Fe(III) ions, or a combination of both, to a mixture of mineral sulfides, introducing an acid into the leaching solution, and introducing O2, O3, or a combination of both, into the leaching solution.

Abstract: An effluent gas scrubber and a method of scrubbing effluent gases are provided. An inlet port receives an effluent gas. The gas passes through successive chambers in which it is sprayed with a scrubbing fluid. An oxidizer within the scrubbing fluid is effective to oxidize non-water soluble gases within the effluent gas. An oxidation-reduction potential probe measures the oxidation-reduction potential of the scrubbing fluid and adds the oxidizer to the scrubbing fluid as needed. A pH probe measures the pH of the scrubbing fluid and adds a base to the scrubbing fluid as needed to maintain the pH at or above a threshold such as pH 7, or pH 12.

Abstract: The invention provides a catalyst for catalytically reducing nitrogen oxides in diesel engine exhaust gas by use of unburnt carbon contained in the diesel engine exhaust gas as a reducing agent, the catalyst comprising: (a) an acid zeolite, or (b) an alkali metal- and/or alkaline earth metal-containing zeolite, or (c) a rare earth metal-containing zeolite, or (d) a zeolite containing at least one transition metal selected from Fe, Co, Ni and Cu.

Abstract: A first catalyst for reducing nitrogen oxides comprising a crystalline silicate containing an iron in ?-framework structure wherein a SiO2/Fe2O3 mol ratio is 20-300 and at least 80% of the contained iron is an isolated iron ion Fe3+. A second catalyst for reducing nitrogen oxides comprising a crystalline silicate containing an iron in ?-framework structure wherein a SiO2/Fe2O3 mol ratio is 20-300 and log(SiO2/Al2O3) by mol is at least 2. A predominant part of the contained iron is isolated iron ion Fe3+ and at least a part thereof preferably has a tetrahedral coordination. These catalysts have high hydrothermal stability and exhibit enhanced activity for reducing nitrogen oxides by a reaction with a reducing agent such as ammonia, urea or an organic amine in a broad temperature range between lower temperature and higher temperature.

Abstract: An efficient method for producing a silicon oxide powder at a low cost is provided. This method comprises the steps of heating a powder mixture of a silicon dioxide powder and a metal silicon powder to a temperature of 1,100 to 1,450° C. in an inert gas or under reduced pressure to generate silicon monoxide gas, and precipitating the silicon monoxide gas on a surface of a substrate to produce the silicon oxide powder, and in this method, the silicon dioxide powder has an average particle diameter of up to 1 ?m, and the metal silicon powder has an average particle diameter of 30 ?m.

Abstract: A method of extracting fullerenes from a carbon matrix in which they are produced. The method is applicable to both fullerenes that exhibit greater than 0.1 mg/ml solubility in toluene and to fullerenes that are essentially insoluble in toluene, i.e., those exhibiting less than or equal to 0.1 mg/ml solubility. The method disclosed herein extracts more of the soluble fullerenes from the carbon matrix than extraction conducted by solely contacting with solvent. A method is also provided for creating salts of the extracted fullerenes.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for the preparation of a carbon nanotube from an amino-functionalized carbon nanotube via an amino oxidation reaction. The carbon nanotube includes nitrogen based functional groups that are covalently attached to lattice carbons of the carbon nanotube, directly or via a chemical linker. The synthetic methods of the present invention allow the nitrogen based functional groups to be attached selectively to one of two distinct regions of the carbon nanotube, and thus enable the synthesis of a carbon nanotube having nitrogen based functional groups substantially concentrated on the ends and/or the sidewall of the carbon nanotube.

Abstract: Methods of producing carbon nanostructures utilizing a polymer and a nanostructure template to form carbon nanostructures are disclosed. The method does not require a metal catalyst.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing gaseous hydrogen and strong sulphuric acid (97-100 wt-%) simultaneously from sulphur dioxide gas and water. Sulphur dioxide gas stream is divided into two separate sub-streams, the first sub-stream is routed for water decomposition in a partial thermochemical cycle of the hydrogen and sulphuric acid production and the second sub-stream is fed to the oxidation of the sulphur dioxide to sulphur trioxide.

Abstract: A method for producing ammonium metatungstate from ammonium paratungstate includes preparing an ammonium paratungstate mixture including solid ammonium paratungstate and water. The mixture is contacted with a cation exchange material to lower a pH of the mixture to a pH range wherein metatungstate ion is stable and an insoluble tungstic acid is not formed. The pH of the mixture may be maintained in the pH range until the ammonium paratungstate mixture is converted into an ammonium metatungstate solution.

Abstract: This invention relates to an improved amorphous zirconium hydroxide and a method for its production. The hydroxide has a surface area of at least 300 m2/g, a total pore volume of at least 0.70 cm3/g and an average pore size of between 5 nm and 15 nm, and is prepared by a process which comprises the steps of: a) preparing an aqueous solution comprising sulphate anions and a zirconium salt such that the ZrO2:SO3 ratio is 1:0.40 to 1:0.52, (b) chilling the solution to below 25° C., (c) adding an alkali in order to precipitate the amorphous zirconium hydroxide, (d) filtering and washing the precipitated zirconium hydroxide with water or an alkali to remove residual sulphate and chloride, (e) hydrothermally treating the zirconium hydroxide at a pressure of less than 3 barg, and (f) drying the zirconium hydroxide. The zirconium hydroxide of the present invention, which can be doped, is particularly useful in catalytic applications.

Abstract: Magnesium oxychloride cement is formed by mixing a magnesium chloride (MgCl2) brine solution with a magnesium oxide (MgO) composition in a selected stoichiometric ratio of MgCl2, MgO, and H2O that forms the 5 phase magnesium oxychloride cement composition. Although Sorel cements formed from the mixture of MgCl2, MgO can form a variety of compounds, the inventive systems and methods provide for controlling the cement kinetics to form the five phase magnesium oxychloride cement composition and results in an improved and stable cement composition. Various fillers can be optionally added to form preferred cement materials for uses as diverse such as road stripping, fire-proofing, fire barriers, cement repair, and mortar.

Abstract: A method for steam reforming carbonaceous material into a synthesis gas by using a single stage process of heating the carbonaceous material in a rotary kiln at an elevated reforming temperature so that the carbonaceous material undergoes substantially complete conversion to synthesis gas or by using a dual stream, multiple-stage process of heating carbonaceous material to a reforming temperature, below that at which metallic materials will typically vaporize, to form gaseous and solid materials; further reforming the gaseous materials in a second stage reforming kiln at an elevated reforming temperature to form synthesis gas; and separating carbon char from the solid material for further processing.

Abstract: A carbon sequestration and dry reforming process for the production of synthesis gas and sequestered carbon from carbon dioxide. Two-dimension catalysts for sequestering carbon and a process to produce same. A method for activating two dimension catalysts.

Abstract: Methods of using Th-226 or mother radionuclides thereof, namely U-230 or Th-226, in medicine. These radionuclides are particularly appropriate for the treatment of human and/or non-human mammals, in particular for therapeutic, diagnostic (detection/imaging), prophylactic and pain palliation purposes. These radionuclides may be used in various forms for treatment and/or diagnostic purposes, in particular in cationic form or in the form of radioconjugates or bone-targeting complexes. Methods of making such radionuclides.

Abstract: The invention provides binding proteins that bind to misfolded or monomeric SOD1, and not to native homodimeric SOD1. The invention also includes methods of diagnosing, detecting or monitoring amyotrophic lateral sclerosis in a subject. In addition, the invention provides methods of identifying substances for the treatment or prevention of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and kits using the binding proteins of the invention.

Abstract: Peptide vectors having high KDR binding affinity and processes for making such vectors are provided. The peptide vectors may be conjugated to phospholipids and included in ultrasound contrast agent compositions. Such ultrasound contrast agents are particularly useful in therapeutic and diagnostic methods, such as in imaging KDR-containing tissue and in the evaluation and treatment of angiogenic processes associated with neoplastic conditions. The present invention also provides processes for the large scale production of highly pure dimeric and monomeric peptide phospholipid conjugates as well as precursor materials used to form the conjugates. The present invention further provides processes for the large scale production of highly pure peptide phospholipid conjugates which contain very low levels of TFA.