Abstract: An improved method of separating a macromolecule by isoelectric focusing comprising subjecting the macromolecule to electrophoresis in an isoelectric-focusing medium including a substantially thiol-free reducing agent, preferably a trivalent phosphorous compound and more preferably tributyl phosphine, the improvement being the solubility and focusing of the macromolecule is enhanced compared to isoelectric focusing of the same macromolecule in a similar isoelectric-focusing medium containing a thiol-reducing agent.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for mineralising demineralised and hypo-mineralised biological material such as tooth or bone. The apparatus has a probe electrode for receiving a mineralisation agent and a counter electrode. It is also provided with a controller to control the electrical signal provided to the probe such that the extent of mineralisation of the biological material is controlled by modulating or changing the electrical signal provided by the probe based upon the measured output of the circuit formed from the probe, counter electrode and biological material. The electrical output provides a measure of the extent of mineralisation of the biological material which is compared with data from a reference technique which gives 3D structural information on an area of interest in the biological material.

Abstract: A microfluidic fluid separator for separating target components of a fluid by filtration is described. Methods for separating target components of a fluid by filtration and methods for processing blood on a large scale with the microfluidic fluid separator are provided.

Abstract: Devices and methods for performing dielectrophoresis are described. The devices contain a sample channel which is separated by physical barriers from electrode channels which receive electrodes. The devices and methods may be used for the separation and analysis of particles in solution, including the separation and isolation of cells of a specific type. As the electrodes do not make contact with the sample, electrode fouling is avoided and sample integrity is better maintained.

Abstract: A system for treating wastewater using electrocoagulation in which fouling of the electrodes is greatly reduced or eliminated. The system comprises an anode comprising an anode surface, with an anode surface area, and a cathode comprising a cathode surface, with a cathode surface area greater than or equal to the anode surface area. A power supply is connected to the anode and the cathode and provides direct current at a current density of between 0.2 and 3.0 A/cm2 of the anode surface area. The wastewater provides electrical conductivity between the anode surface and the cathode surface.

Abstract: Methods of producing neutrophil-depleted platelet-rich plasma by passing a blood, platelet or platelet-rich plasma fraction through a narrow, twisted and/or charged environment to remove neutrophils and produce neutrophil-depleted platelet-rich plasma is described. The neutrophil-depleted platelet-rich plasma may be depleted in neutrophils by 75% or more and includes at least 0.5×106 platelets per ml. The pH of the neutrophil-depleted platelet-rich plasma may be adjusted to 7.3-7.5.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a metal or alloy substrate having a modified surface, and more particularly a stainless steel substrate, produced by the use of an electrochemical process. The invention also relates generally to a method for producing a stable and covalent association between self-assembled layers and a surface of a metal substrate, and more particularly a stainless steel substrate. The metal or alloy substrate, and more particularly the stainless steel substrate, is modified by the covalent attachment of self-assembled monolayers on the surface by using an electrochemical process. These functionalized self-assembled monolayers provide a link to irreversibly attach or immobilize an active or nonactive agent.

Abstract: A method for producing a conductive polymer film using an apparatus comprising a prism having a working electrode, a light-emitting means, a light probe disposed on both sides of the prism, a container having an electrolytic solution containing a conductive-polymer-forming monomer and a dopant, a counter electrode immersed in the electrolytic solution, a power supply connected to a working electrode and the counter electrode, and a controller connected to the light probe and the power supply means. The method comprises determining an absorption spectrum from light reflected by the conductive polymer film, storing the relation between the absorbance of the conductive polymer film obtained from the absorption spectrum and a parameter of the conductive polymer film in the controller, and controlling current supply to the electrodes based on the relation of the absorbance and the parameter to obtain a desired parameter.

Abstract: The invention relates to a coating mask (1) for electrolytically coating the piston ring groove (39) of a piston (38), which is made of an elastically deformable material and has openings (3 to 10) that are arranged axially and are distributed in a uniform manner over the periphery, into which rods (11 to 18) of an expansion device (19) can be introduced, the rods being arranged in a displaceable manner such that the expansion device (19) can increase the radial diameter of the coating mask (1) and also the inner opening (2) so that the piston (38) can be introduced into the inner opening (2). The radial diameter of the coating mask (1) is selected in such a manner that after the reduction of radial diameter of the coating mask (1) and the inner opening, the elastically tensed coating mask (1) presses sealing lips (44, 45) of the coating groove (37) against the piston (38), on both sides of the piston ring groove (39).

Abstract: In a manufacturing method for an interposer, a seed layer is formed at an opening portion in a through hole on back surface side of a substrate, an electrode layer for electroplated coating is formed based on the seed layer, and an electroplated coating layer is formed to fill the through hole from the electrode layer for electroplated coating layer to a front surface side. As a result, a manufacturing method for an interposer is provided in which the manufacturing process is simple and the void is not generated inside of the through hole.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a color filter by copper and silver film, comprising: a lower copper layer; a lower silver layer formed on the lower copper layer; a medium formed on the lower silver layer; an upper copper layer formed on the medium; and an upper silver layer formed on the upper copper layer.

Abstract: An electrochemical cell having a cation-conductive ceramic membrane and an acidic anolyte. Generally, the cell includes an anolyte compartment and a catholyte compartment that are separated by a cation-conductive membrane. A diffusion barrier is disposed in the anolyte compartment between the membrane and an anode. In some cases, a catholyte is channeled into a space between the barrier and the membrane. In other cases, a chemical that maintains an acceptably high pH adjacent the membrane is channeled between the barrier and the membrane. In still other cases, some of the catholyte is channeled between the barrier and the membrane while another portion of the catholyte is channeled between the barrier and the anode. In each case, the barrier and the chemicals channeled between the barrier and the membrane help maintain the pH of the liquid contacting the anolyte side of the membrane at an acceptably high level.

Abstract: An electrochemical cell having a cation-conductive ceramic membrane and an acidic anolyte. Generally, the cell includes a catholyte compartment and an anolyte compartment that are separated by a cation-conductive membrane. While the catholyte compartment houses a primary cathode, the anolyte compartment houses an anode and a secondary cathode. In some cases, a current is passed through the electrodes to cause the secondary cathode to evolve hydrogen gas. In other cases, a current is passed between the electrodes to cause the secondary cathode to evolve hydroxyl ions and hydrogen gas. In still other cases, hydrogen peroxide is channeled between the secondary cathode and the membrane to form hydroxyl ions. In yet other cases, the cell includes a diffusion membrane disposed between the secondary cathode and the anode. In each of the aforementioned cases, the cell functions to maintain the pH of a fluid contacting the membrane at an acceptably high level.

Abstract: In a process for chlorine-alkali electrolysis, use is made of an oxygen depletion cathode. The process is run with a high excess of oxygen. The oxygen needed for this is provided for a device of the gas separation, for example a VPSA plant or an air fractionation plant. The large quantities of oxygen produced lead to considerable costs of the process. According to the invention, the oxygen-rich atmosphere remaining after passing through the process is fed back into the device for gas separation as input gas. The device the gas separation is therefore operated with an oxygen-rich input gas and therefore produces a larger quantity of oxygen-rich gas, which in turn is fed to the oxygen depletion cathode. As a result of the circulation of the gas, the economy of the overall process is increased considerably.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses relating to large scale FET arrays for analyte detection and measurement are provided. ChemFET (e.g., ISFET) arrays may be fabricated using conventional CMOS processing techniques based on improved FET pixel and array designs that increase measurement sensitivity and accuracy, and at the same time facilitate significantly small pixel sizes and dense arrays. Improved array control techniques provide for rapid data acquisition from large and dense arrays. Such arrays may be employed to detect a presence and/or concentration changes of various analyte types in a wide variety of chemical and/or biological processes.

Abstract: This invention relates to a pouch-type food pad for use in a food tray to absorb and withhold liquid, comprising an absorbing kernel (11) enclosed in a pouch (10, 12) formed by a first layer (10) and a second layer (12) adjoined by a bond (13), wherein that said absorbing kernel (11) is in the form of a SAP/SAF free airlaid high absorbing material and that said first layer (10) is in the form of a breathable biodegradable film.

Abstract: A case for sterilizing contact lenses wherein a contact lens sterilization process using a hydrogen peroxide solution can be carried out easily and rapidly while effectively preventing both damage to the lenses and deposition of a heavy metal from a metal catalyst on the lenses. The contact lenses are horizontally supported in the hydrogen peroxide solution on a bottom surface of a lens containing portion which opens upward, and a contact preventing member which prevents the contact lenses from coming into contact with the metal catalyst is provided between the metal catalyst and the lens containing portion.

Abstract: Amusement attractions are entertaining and sometimes challenging games that are designed to excite patrons. Attractions may be constructed inside portable, pre-constructed containers designed to be moved over short or long distances. Portability allows attractions to be constructed off-site, moved between a plurality of sites, or moved into different locations at a single site.

Abstract: A drink caddy has an assembled mode and a deployed mode and includes a lower bucket, a sealed beverage held within the lower bucket, a liner having a liner upper edge and a liner lower edge, a lid connected to the liner upper edge and a lid handle disposed on the lid. The liner is held to the lower bucket at a liner lower edge. The liner separates from the bucket when a user deploys the product in a deployed mode. An intermediate separator can be fitted inside the liner and a pair of glassware retained on the intermediate separator. The sealed beverage can be a bottle of alcoholic beverage. The lower bucket is preferably made of a clear transparent plastic to allow viewing of the bottle.

Abstract: A multi-purpose tool may be comprised of a body having a gripping configuration on the outer surface of the body and a lengthwise bore through the center of the body for a sleeve. The multi-purpose tool has a socket located in the sleeve at a first end of the sleeve and a crown located at the second end of the body to receive various fasteners, such as flange and wing nuts. The sleeve has a lengthwise bore through the center of the sleeve for long bolts or to accept a tool shaft. The tool shaft may accept various tool bits, and the tool shaft may be inserted into and engaged with the sleeve bore along its length.

Abstract: A golf bag includes a housing having a side wall and a bottom wall and a strap receiver attached to the side wall. The strap receiver includes an outer wall connecting opposing receiver side walls, wherein the receiver side walls are attached to the golf bag. The strap receiver further includes first and second open ends formed by the outer wall and the receiver side walls and forming an opening perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the golf bag, wherein the opening is adapted for insertion of a strap therein.

Abstract: Arrow securing devices and quivers along with various methods of using and making the same are disclosed herein. An exemplary arrow securing device typically includes a cord, one or two nock coupling end. Additionally, the exemplary arrow securing device typically includes a locking mechanism and a one of an anchor point and an anchor member operatively coupled to the cord. Each nock coupling end is typically located proximal an end of the cord. The locking mechanism can be connected to the cord and is releasably lockable. The one of the anchor point and the anchor member is adapted to couple the cord to a portion of a quiver. Arrow securing devices having the locking mechanism or the one of an anchor point and an anchor member, such as a hooking mechanism, can be attached to various portions of a quiver.

Abstract: The Invention is a hand carried barrel shaped plastic molded case with two mating sides connected with a hinge, which when the case is closed around a spool of wire, protect the wire from damage during storage, transport and use. The case has an integral handle to make transport of the wire easier and helps protect the spool from damage if the case is dropped. The case incorporates locking tabs on the two sides of the case. The case also comes with a locking hole in the handle through which a padlock can be placed to prevent theft of the wire. The case has a dispensing hole or slot for the wire. The case can be translucent or molded of different colors to correspond to specific types or gauges of wire.

Abstract: A drink container, such as a baby bottle, having a time indicator is described. The container includes a body and nipple assembly, and further includes the ability to display a relevant time. The body is suitable for retaining an amount of a drinkable fluid and has an opening therein. The nipple assembly detachably connects to the body over the opening using a securing collar. Alternatively, a detachable lid having a liquid dispensing opening may connect to the body. A numerical array integral to one of either the body, the securing collar or the lid, and an indicator cooperating with the numerical array, wherein at least one of the numerical array and the indicator are movable to align the indicator with any point on the array, provide the ability to indicate a relevant time on the container.

Abstract: A plastic container (1), in particular a plastic preform (1), having a base body (2), a thread region (4) arranged on the base body, wherein the thread region (4) is formed in one piece with the base body (2), and a section (6) of which at least parts are annular and which is arranged underneath the thread region (4), extends outwards in a radial direction (R) of the plastic container (1) and is formed in one piece with the base body, wherein the annular section has a first surface (6a) facing the base body (2) and a second surface (6b) facing the thread region (4). According to the invention, at least one optically perceivable marking (10) is arranged on the surface (6a) facing the base body (2).

Abstract: A package is disclosed comprising a reclosable blister attached to a paperboard card.

Abstract: Paperboard security packages are disclosed wherein content items are contained between two cards and held in place by one or more straps.

Abstract: A device and process for softening, freshening, preventing static and de-wrinkling clothes in a timely and non-labor-intensive manner. The device includes a generally spherical holder with an exterior support with an exterior support surface, generally bounding the interior of the holder. Absorbent material is in the interior of the holder. The exterior support surface has one or more retainers to secure a fabric softener sheet on the outside of the holder. The absorbent material may also include a chamber to hold a nested stack or roll of fabric softener sheets. The fabric softener sheets are dispensed through an opening in the chamber and then through an opening in the exterior support. A user moistens the holder with water, dispenses a fabric softener sheet and secures the sheet to the outside of the holder using the at least one retainer. He then places the holder in the laundry dryer with wrinkled, stale or staticky clothes and operates the laundry dryer.

Abstract: A cup assembly configured to be coupled to a second cup assembly is provided. The cup assembly includes a container having an open top, a closed bottom base, and a sidewall extending between the open top and the base. The open top, the base, and the sidewall define a cavity of the container. The cup assembly further includes a lid configured to removably couple to the container. The lid includes a lower portion configured to be received within the cavity of the container to couple the lid to the container.

Abstract: A circulating fluid amusement device is provided having a transparent globe stirred using a stirring motor, and preferably a magnetically coupled stirring system, which also includes LED lighting, in order that the circulating fluid amusement device can also act as a nightlight. The globe is removable from the base, and can be replaced with other globes, to create different effects. Additionally, the circulating fluid amusement device of the present invention is preferably provided in a packaging system which allows the circulating fluid amusement device to be tested and/or its functionality demonstrated without having to remove it from its shipping packaging.

Abstract: A packaged article comprising in combination the article retained within packing having at least a portion by which the article may be visually observed; wherein the article has (i) operation means to effect operations of a desired function of the article; and (ii) control means by which the packing operation means is controlled and the packing allows of access to the control means to effect operation of said operation means to produce the desired function. As a result, the desired function of the article can be tested and seen by a potential purchaser even though the article is still sealed in its package.

Abstract: A food storage container system including a plurality of food containers and a tray is provided. Each food container includes a container body defining an interior space for holding a product therein and a lid configured to open and close the interior space. The container body is formed from a material including a silicone elastomer. The tray includes a plurality of holders. Each holder defines a recess sized and shaped to removably hold one container of the plurality of containers therein.

Abstract: A packaging box includes a box body having a bottom board, side boards, and bending flaps; and a cushioning material having a bottom surface section and side surface sections. A restrainer is formed at least one of the bending flaps, the restrainer having a portion that is separated from and opposes the bottom board when the portion of the restrainer is bent into an accommodation space of the box body. A restrain portion is formed at the side surface section of the cushioning material opposing the restrainer formed at the at least one of the bending flaps, the restrain portion having a portion that is positioned at a side of the bottom board so as to abut upon the portion of the restrainer and that opposes the portion of the restrainer when the cushioning material is fitted in the accommodation space of the box body.

Abstract: A protection cover for a portable terminal preferably includes a rear cover, on and from a surface of which the portable terminal is mountable and removable, and a front cover pivotally coupled to the rear cover to open or close access to the portable terminal mounted on the rear cover. Friction members may be provided on at least one of the rear cover and the front cover, respectively, in which the front cover is disposed at a predetermined angle with respect to the rear cover while facing another surface of the rear cover to support the friction members on a planar surface, thereby opening the portable terminal and cradling the portable terminal inclinedly with respect to the planar surface. The protection cover provides both a cradle and a cover in one device.

Abstract: A process and apparatus is disclosed for converting heavy hydrocarbon feed into lighter hydrocarbon products. The heavy hydrocarbon feed is slurried with a catalyst comprising iron oxide and alumina to form a heavy hydrocarbon slurry and hydrocracked to produce lighter hydrocarbons. The slurry hydrocracking reaction can be controlled by measuring the production of mesophase using X-ray diffraction. Upon a mesophase yield fraction reaching a predetermined level, reaction conditions should be moderated to avoid excessive coke production.

Abstract: The invention is to provide a support which can give a zeolite-based hydrocracking catalyst having a stable catalyst life and showing high cracking activity over a long period, and to provide a hydrocracking catalyst employing the support and a method for hydrocracking of hydrocarbon oil containing aromatics using the catalyst. The invention relates to a support for hydrocracking catalyst of hydrocarbon oil, which comprises a modified zeolite obtained by incorporating titanium into a faujasite-type zeolite, wherein the modified zeolite satisfies the followings (a) to (e), and to a hydrocracking catalyst employing the support and a method for hydrocracking of hydrocarbon oil containing aromatics using the catalyst. (a) The modified zeolite has a titanium content of 1-17% by mass in terms of metal oxide amount, (b) the modified zeolite contains aluminum and silicon in an Al/Si atomic ratio of 0.14-0.35, and (c) the modified zeolite has a lattice constant of 24.36-24.

Abstract: One exemplary embodiment can be a system for separating a plurality of naphtha components. The system can include a column, an overhead condenser, and a side condenser. Generally, the column includes a dividing imperforate wall with one surface facing a feed and another surface facing at least one side stream. Typically, the wall extends a significant portion of the column height to divide the portion into at least two substantially vertical, parallel contacting sections. Typically, the overhead condenser receives an overhead stream including a light naphtha from the column. Usually, a side condenser receives a process stream from the column and returns the stream to the column to facilitate separation. A cooling stream may pass through the overhead condenser and then the side condenser.

Abstract: A method and a device for electrostatically separating polyvalent granular insulating materials that have good properties, are energy efficient, and easily adapt to ambient atmospheric conditions and to physiochemical properties of the granules to be separated.

Abstract: Method for separating a non-ferrous metal-comprising fraction from ferrous scrap, wherein the ferrous scrap is conveyed to a processing device for separating the non-ferrous metal-comprising fraction from the remainder of the ferrous scrap. The processing device supplies a beam of water, and the ferrous scrap is conveyed and released into the waterbeam so as to cause that the ferrous scrap is allowed to fall and move further, subject to the forces of gravity and the waterbeam.

Abstract: An apparatus for separating magnetic pieces of scrap-material of a first group from magnetic pieces of scrap-material of a second group, wherein a mixture of pieces of scrap-material from the first group and from the second group is collectively transported with a conveyor to a separating zone, in which separating zone the pieces or scrap-material are subjected to forces induced by a magnetic field and to gravitational forces.

Abstract: There is provided an apparatus for grouping randomly oriented articles traveling on a conveyor, said conveyor having an in-feed end, an out-feed end and a predetermined width. The apparatus comprises an inspection head located in a fixed position above the conveyor, the inspection head for capturing images of the articles traveling on the conveyor, a grouping unit located in a fixed position relative to the conveyor and downstream of the inspection head and a control unit for receiving and processing the captured images from the inspection head. The grouping unit comprises a plurality of individually controllable pins, the individually controllable pins each moveable between a buffering position wherein the pin arrests movement of an article in alignment with the pin and a grouping position wherein the pin allows the article to move to a grouping location.

Abstract: A water improvement/purification container has: a) an elongated housing; b) a water entry; c) two water exit ports adjacent one distal end of the housing; d) the water port providing supply water first to a macrofilter within the housing; e) the intermediate water source exiting the macrofilter flowing into a reverse osmosis membrane; f) the intermediate water being separated into two streams, g) the first stream being vented through the second of the two water exit ports; and h) the second stream being vented out of the housing as waste water through the first of the two water exit ports.

Abstract: A grinder pump basin system is provided which includes a basin; a cover plate; a bracket secured to the cover plate; and a grinder pump with cutter plate with openings and a cutter blade secured to the bracket above a bottom surface of the basin. The bracket includes a front portion, which prevents waste water from interacting adversely with the grinder pump when it enters the basin. A discharge system for the grinder pump is secured to an outlet of the grinder pump and includes a discharge pipe and a flexible discharge coupling. Flow directional jets are also provided in an elbow of the pump discharge system to direct waste water and solids away from the grinder pump.

Abstract: An oil filtering and distributing device for supplying a first oil pump and a second oil pump of an aircraft engine, the pumps sucking up oil in a common housing, the device including a casing with a lower part and an upper part; a first sleeve coupling for supplying the first pump; a second sleeve coupling for supplying the second pump; the casing including a first compartment receiving oil via a first screen and supplying the first pump with oil via the first sleeve coupling, a second compartment receiving oil via a second screen and supplying the second pump with oil via the second sleeve coupling, an isolator arranged between the first compartment and the second compartment.

Abstract: The invention provides a primary treatment unit and system for the collection of methane-containing biogas from sewage. The primary treatment unit is configured to separate sewage settling and sludge digestion into separate regions or chamber of the tank. The settling region is adapted to receive the sewage and output liquid effluent and the digestion region is adapted to receive solid components of the sewage from the settling region and output methane-containing biogas substantially generated in the digestion. The primary treatment unit is designed such that the methane-containing biogas is outputted without coming into substantial contact with sewage scum. The system further comprises a biogas collection system configured to receive the methane-containing biogas from the digestion region of the primary treatment unit.

Abstract: Fluid purification or treatment apparatus (10) for treating or purifying contaminated liquids such as water which includes at least one upright elongated primary treatment chamber (11) having an inlet (14) for fluid to be treated at an upper end of the chamber (11) such that fluid flows downwardly through the chamber (11) and means (20 or 24) for introducing a sterilizing agent such as ozone or ozone enriched air into a lower end of the chamber (11) for bubbling upwardly through liquid flowing downwardly through the chamber (11), means (16) at the upper end of the chamber (11) for removing waste and an ultraviolet lamp (29) for UV treatment of the liquid, the ultraviolet lamp (29) being located in a separate chamber (12) connected to the primary treatment chamber (11) or within the primary treatment chamber (11). A plurality of chambers (11) and (12) may be provided for multiple treatment of the liquid.

Abstract: Described is an affinity microcolumn comprising a high surface area material, which has high flow properties and a low dead volume, contained within a housing and having affinity reagents bound to the surface of the high surface area material that are either activated or activatable. The affinity reagents bound to the surface of the affinity microcolumn further comprise affinity receptors for the integration into high throughput analysis of biomolecules.

Abstract: An oil skimmer includes a frame for attaching a porous collection bag. The frame automatically tilts in response to water flow, relative to the frame, and the frame automatically returns to its original (“neutral”) position when the water flow ceases. In the tilted position, the frame orients a portion of the mouth of the bag below the surface of the water, so the bag collects floating contaminants. However, in the neutral position, the frame orients the mouth of the bag upward and such that the mouth is above the surface of the water to prevent previously captured contaminants from escaping from the bag and floating away. Optionally, the frame may be releasably locked in the neutral position to facilitate bag replacement or when no collection is desired. The skimmer may be mounted between hulls of a catamaran.

Abstract: Systems and methods for filtering and collecting algae from fluid including a piston and pressurized air system to scrape and clean algae from the filter.

Abstract: Disclosed is a media (such as a filter media) having one or more carbon nanotube (CNT)-containing layer. Each CNT-containing layer contains high temperature refractory fibers (e.g., staple quartz fibers and/or ceramic refractory fibers) that have melting temperatures greater than about 600° C. and in situ grown CNTs. Substantially all of the in situ grown CNTs have one end thereof associated with the fibers. This results in substantially all of the in situ grown CNTs extending away from substantially all of the fibers. Moreover, substantially all of the in situ grown CNTs are dispersed throughout the fibers. In one embodiment the media also includes one or more supporting layer. Each supporting layer contains high temperature refractory fibers that have melting temperatures greater than about 600° C., optionally bulk refractory fibers, optionally E-glass fibers, and optionally microglass fibers.