Abstract: The conductive polymer solution of the present invention contains a ?-conjugated conductive polymer, a solubilizable polymer, a phase transfer catalyst, and an organic solvent. The method for preparing a conductive polymer solution of the present invention comprises adding a phase transfer catalyst adding an organic solvent to an aqueous polymer solution prepared by dissolving the ?-conjugated conductive polymer and a solubilizable polymer in water.

Abstract: An aspect of the present invention relates to a method of manufacturing a polarizing eyeglass lens comprising forming an orientation layer on a substrate, sliding a rubbing member across the orientation layer in a state of contact with the orientation layer to form curved rubbing traces on a surface of the orientation layer, forming a polarizing layer by depositing and orienting a dichroic dye on the orientation layer, and subjecting the polarizing layer to a treatment of immobilizing the dichroic dye in the polarizing layer.

Abstract: A method for producing a transparent polymer film, comprising heat-treating a polymer film containing a polymer and a plasticizer having a number-average molecular weight of from 500 to 10000 and having a repetitive unit, at a temperature T (unit, ° C.) satisfying the following formula (1): Tc?T<Tm0??(1) wherein Tc means the crystallization temperature of the polymer film and Tm0 means the melting point of the polymer film.

Abstract: The present invention relates to aqueous processes for the production of silicone hydrogel contact lenses.

Abstract: Processes for producing porous carbon foam composites and activated carbon/carbon (AC/C) composites from polyimide precursors, activated carbon powder, and optionally carbon fiber and other additives. The AC/C composites may be used for carbon electrodes in electrochemical capacitors.

Abstract: The present invention refers to a method of fabricating a membrane made of a nanostructured material and its use.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing continuous chopped, coarse, staple inorganic fibers from such natural minerals and rocks as sand, quartz, reduced quartz sand stone and quartzite. The inventive method consists in melting silicon-based stone, which is used in the form of a raw material, at a temperature of 1750-1850° C., the melt being homogenated and stabilized at said temperature, in forming a decompression zone on the path of the melt flow to the discharge orifice die, in which the melt flow is shaped in the form of a strip with a thickness of 3-20 mm, and in passing said strip through the decompression zone at a speed V=(7 . . . 9)10?4 m/s. The air pressure in the decompression zone above the melt flow is maintained within a range of 0.10-0.30 Pa. The inventive device comprises a furnace for producing melt, a feeder, at the output of which a transfer chamber is mounted, a discharge orifice, a stream feeder assembly and a fiber producing mechanism.

Abstract: The invention relates to composite components and methods of producing composite components. In yet another embodiment, the present invention relates to a method of producing a composite component using anaerobically digested biomass. In still yet another embodiment, the method further comprises using liquid effluent from the digester. In still yet another embodiment, the method further comprises wet-mat forming and cold pressing the anaerobically digested biomass and wet-mat drying under heat and pressure.

Abstract: Stoppers made from composite material for sparkling wines consisting of two types of cork agglomerate which are closely bonded and produced from two ranges of granulates of different granulometry, where the joining surface between the two agglomerates is irregular due to their interpenetration. A production process of such stoppers by individual molding (piece by piece), where there is simultaneous feeding of two types of granulate and respective additives into a mold. The mold is then closed and the material compressed and heated for an appropriate time for polymerization. The granulates used are normally treated with a reactive agglomerant consisting of, for example, quasi-prepolymer based on TDI or quasi-prepolymer based on MDI base. After de-molding, the unfinished stopper is stabilized, and later machined to the final dimensions.

Abstract: Provided are, among other things, systems, methods and techniques for manufacturing sheet material. In one representative embodiment, a sheet of fabric material is positioned across a patterning template that has a number of openings; and the sheet of fabric material and the patterning template are fed through an extrusion device in which extrusion material coats the fabric material and forces the fabric material into the openings in the patterning template, thereby producing a composite sheet material.

Abstract: An apparatus for cushioning and protecting body parts of a human or animal is described. The apparatus includes a blend of dual durometer resilient flexible materials with a plurality of degrees of hardness to personalize the properties of comfort, proper fit, structure, and protection. The resilient flexible materials comprise thermoplastic, thermoset, casting, curing, epoxy, or resin materials, and a soft part is customizable.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the injection molding of a body having at least one wall portion covered on the outside by a label, that comprises: a) using a molding assembly (50) including two mobile parts, one of which at least includes a cavity for making said wall portion; b) using a pick-up means (10), a transfer means (20) and a deposition means (29) for the labels; c) actuating said transfer means so that the label is brought to the cavity and depositing said label in said cavity; d) removing said transfer means, and closing the molding assembly in order to proceed with molding; characterized in that it comprises using a machine including: A) a rotary platen (60) for supplying a plurality of work stations, and on which the molding assembly is mounted; B) an injection press provided at a work station, the molding assembly arriving in a closed and locked configuration at the station and being pressed against said injection press in order to fill the chamber; C) said transfer means (20) at an upstr

Abstract: In a method of making multi-component plastic molded parts, using an apparatus which includes two outer platens with first half-molds, and a middle platen with second half-molds interacting with the first half-molds such as to define cavities in two parting planes for injection of a plastic melt and/or a PUR mixture, one of the first and second half-molds can move in increments relative to the other one of the first and second half-molds, thereby forming different cavities in the parting planes from cycle to cycle. In a first cycle preforms are produced in respective cavities and then held in one of the first and second half-molds as the other one of the first and second half-molds moves in increments. Further components can then be injected into cavities formed in the parting planes from cycle to cycle, while another process step can be executed from cycle to cycle in free half-molds.

Abstract: A biodegradable polymer stent with radiopacity and a method of making and using a stent with enhanced mechanical strength and/or controlled degradation for use in a bodily lumen is described.

Abstract: Described herein is a method forming a belt suitable for use with an image forming system. The method includes coating a composition of a polyimide, a phosphate ester and a solvent onto an outer surface of a rotating metal belt, and subsequently curing and releasing the composition from the metal belt.

Abstract: A culm block and a method of manufacture are disclosed. The culm block comprises a plurality of straw stalks forming a first rigid wall and a second rigid wall as a result of an application of heat and pressure to the same and the inherent bonding agent found in the straw stalks. Preferably, the culm block further comprises a plurality of through-holes for receiving structural reinforcements or otherwise and a restraining device wrapped about the block for added structural support.

Abstract: The invention relates to a hairbrush (40), bristles (10) for use in a hairbrush, and method for the production of a hairbrush and such bristles.

Abstract: The invention relates to a hairbrush, bristles for use in a hairbrush and a method of producing a hairbrush and such bristles.

Abstract: During the production of teat rubbers, in particular of teat rubbers containing a high percentage of silicone, pressure is applied when the teat rubber preforms are removed, the radial expansion of teat rubber areas being appropriately limited to a maximum value. Hence, the removal can be executed automatically and at a comparatively high temperature without irreversible damage being caused to the material. The removal process can be supported by an appropriate contact surface whose contour corresponds, at least partially, to the outer contour of the preform. Furthermore, an appropriate removal device is provided.

Abstract: A composite interbody device includes superior and inferior endplates with a plastic core molded therebetween. The core includes one or more features for permitting bone growth through the core. Each endplate includes a bone interface side coated with hydroxyapatite, for promoting bone on-growth. Pores in the bone interface sides permit bone in-growth. Core interface sides of the endplates include relatively larger pores for accepting molten material from the core, for example during injection molding, to enhance bonding of the endplates with the core. Each endplate has a central barrier layer for preventing the molten core material from extruding through the core interface pores into the bone interface pores, reserving the bone interface pores for bone in-growth. A method of manufacturing the composite interbody device is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method for electrostatic spinning of thermoplastic polymers for obtaining nano and microfibers, is introduced. The method if characterized by the following steps: solving the thermoplastic polymer in a corresponding solvent; adding a thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) to this solution, and introducing the solution into an electric field and spinning under the effect of the electric field to nano and microfibers.

Abstract: The present invention describes a method for curing polymers and polymer composites with X-rays generated by the bremsstrahlung effect, using a high power, high energy electron beam. The process generates X-rays with sufficient throughput and penetration for commercial use. The present invention employs high power, high energy electron beams to create the X-rays. The beams are typically run at energies ranging from 1 MeV to 10 MeV, preferably from 3 MeV to 10 MeV, and more preferably from 5 MeV to 7 MeV. The beams typically have powers ranging from 30 kW or higher, preferably 80 kW or higher, more preferably 100 kW of higher, and ideally at least 200 kW. Suitable polymers and polymer composites include, but are not limited to, polymeric molding materials, fiber reinforced molding materials, reactive monomer impregnated wood, similar and dissimilar materials bonded through adhesives.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a process for producing a container having at least one layer and a top layer, wherein the layer contains polycarbonate and the top layer contains polyarylethersulfone or polyarylsulfone, characterised in that a) polycarbonate is melted on an extruder at 230-320° C., b) polyarylethersulfone or polyarylsulfone is melted on a further extruder, c) the melts obtained from steps a) and b) are shaped by coextrusion into a tube, which is then enclosed in a mould, d) the extrudate is inflated inside the mould and pressed against the wall of the mould, forming the shape of the container, and e) the container obtained from d) is trimmed and cooled, such containers and the use of the containers as bottles or medical devices.

Abstract: Method for producing a large size mirror from a thin film, involving (a) the attachment of a thin film to a suction chamber, the edge of which has the required geometry of the mirror, and (b) the production of a controllable partial vacuum in the suction chamber so that the thin film takes on the required geometry of the mirror. The method is characterized in that the region of the mirror having the required geometry is enlarged by preshaping the thin film, prior to the attachment thereof to the suction chamber, by controlled tensioning in a closed pressurization chamber comprising two circular discs with a common axis and a thin film which is attached to the edges of the discs and the lateral sides of which are conjoined so as to form a conical surface, and by additionally tensioning the thin film by means of a mechanism for moving the discs apart along the common axis thereof.

Abstract: Exemplary embodiments provide a movable sweat hearth for use with a metal melting furnace having a wall provided with a metal-loading entrance. The sweat hearth includes a hearth body movable relative to the furnace into and out of contact with the wall of the furnace at the entrance. The body has exterior walls enclosing a hollow interior except at a furnace-engagable side wall of the hearth body provided with an opening communicating with the interior. The interior has a floor adapted to support a charge of scrap metal, and the opening is positioned relative to the floor to allow molten metal to drain from the interior through the opening. The floor is arranged at an angle to horizontal to slope in a downward direction towards the opening when the container is moved into sealing engagement with the wall of the furnace with the opening aligned with the furnace entrance.

Abstract: A device for exchanging tundish nozzles juxtaposed at a bottom of a tundish includes a pair of first arms and a pair of second arms. The pair of first arms presses and supports a first lower nozzle. The first lower nozzle is located at an undersurface of a first upper nozzle. The first upper nozzle us placed at the bottom of the tundish. The pair of second arms presses and supports a second lower nozzle. The second lower nozzle is located at an undersurface of a second upper nozzle. The second upper nozzle is places at the bottom of the tundish and next to the first upper nozzle. The pair of first arms and the pair of second arms are adjoined to each other, and the pairs at least partly overlap each other.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a porous lightweight iron and a method for preparing the same, and more particularly to a porous lightweight iron having decreased weight due to pores formed therein while having a strength similar to that of existing steel products; and a method for preparing a porous lightweight iron having desired properties or various properties according to intended use. As described above in detail, according to the present invention, the thickness, weight and strength of lightweight iron to be produced, can be controlled, thus making it possible to prepare porous lightweight iron having desired properties by controlling the sintering temperature during the preparation process, the mixing ratio of diamond or silicon carbide and the mixing ratio of raw materials.

Abstract: A material is presented that exhibits excellent corrosion resistance to supercritical ammonia and is suitable for a supercritical ammonia reactor. An Ni-based corrosion resistant alloy includes from 15% or more to 50% or less by mass of Cr and any one or both of Mo and W, wherein a [(content of Mo)+0.5×(content of W)] is from 1.5% or more to 8.5% or less by mass, a value of 1.8×[% content of Cr]/{[% content of Mo]+0.5×[% content of W]} is from 3.0 or more to 70.0 or less and the balance is Ni and an unavoidable impurity. The alloy may be used to configure a supercritical ammonia reactor or the material is coated on a surface that contacts with a supercritical ammonia fluid. The alloy exhibits excellent corrosion resistance to supercritical ammonia and a mineralizer added the supercritical ammonia. The safety and reliability of an apparatus can be improved, the producing cost can be reduced, the apparatus lifetime can be extended and the running cost can be reduced.

Abstract: The invention concerns a diagnostic tape cassette comprising an analytical test tape, a supply spool for winding off unused test tape and a take-up spool for winding used test tape, a housing and a rotational lock for the take-up spool at least against inadvertent unwinding of test tape, wherein the rotational lock comprises one of a locking teeth arrangement, friction elements, and a catch spring and spring latch arrangement.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a holder for biological sample containers such as well plates. The holder comprises a flat vacuum bed surrounded by a seal. A container is placed within the seal and a vacuum is applied, pressing and flattening the lower surface of the sample container against the flat vacuum bed. Samples in all portions of the container may then be imaged without the need to refocus on each portion of the container. For imaging, a sample in a well can be illuminated by a beam of light arranged so that a part or all of the sample is illuminated by direct rays that have not passed through the well plate. The beam is redirected to other parts of the well if a single illumination does not cover the whole well, so that the sample is imaged using a series of partial images.

Abstract: A chlorine gas sensor system includes carbon nanotubes at least partially coated with a metal oxide deposited on a substrate, and a source of infra-red light positioned to illuminate at least a portion of the coated nanotubes.

Abstract: The invention is a chromatography apparatus which comprises at least one capillary column, which has a coil assembly of column material and a small diameter wire coated with an electrically insulating high temperature material encased within a high temperature sheath. The small diameter wire is at least one electrically conductive element co-linear with the column material. Also provided is means for directly resistively heating the at least one capillary column, and means for controlling the temperature of the capillary column. Additionally, the apparatus includes an oxygen gas containing inlet, a hydrogen inlet, an analyte port and a flame region, oxygen delivery means for delivering oxygen through the oxygen inlet to the flame region, a hydrogen and analyte delivery system for delivering hydrogen and analyte to the flame region, and a detector arranged to detect flame emission.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for increasing the concentration of a chemical substance in a fluid comprise a micro-fluidic elongated channel formed in a substrate, with the channel being in fluid-flow communication with an ambient region along its elongated dimension. In general, the fluid includes first and second chemical substances having different vapor pressures. The apparatus includes an evaporation controller for increasing the evaporation rate of the fluid from the channel into the ambient region, thereby increasing the concentration of the lower vapor pressure (LVP) substance in the portion of the fluid remaining in the channel and increasing the concentration of the higher vapor pressure (HVP) substance in the portion of the fluid evaporated into the ambient region.

Abstract: A scent dispersing device for use with an artificial tree having a hollow trunk, the device comprising a disk comprising a container for housing a replaceable fragrance cartridge and an energizable heater in communication with the cartridge. When the heater is energized, the cartridge emits a fragrance through openings in the disk. The invention comprises a motorized fan, such that when the fan operates, air is forced into the hollow trunk and through at least one disk located at the bottom or between sections of the assembled trunk and fragrance is forced through openings in the disk or holes in the trunk. The invention includes a tree stand that houses a fan, lighting, and audio each wired to a control panel and timer connected to an energy source.

Abstract: The present invention relates to oxygen storage components for catalytic converters for automobile exhaust systems, particularly for those with petrol-driven engines. In accordance with the present invention there is provided a ceria containing mixed oxide suitable as an oxygen storage material having a ceria content in the range 10 to 80% by weight and at least one metal oxide in an amount of less than 0.5% by weight, wherein the metal is selected from the first row transition elements and the group IVB elements of the periodic table. The inventions also provides an oxygen storage material for catalytic converters for automobile exhaust systems comprising an oxide of the present invention.

Abstract: An exhaust system may include an exhaust line through which exhaust gas that is formed in an engine is exhausted, a nitrogen oxide purification catalyst that is disposed on the exhaust line to reduce nitrogen oxide that is included in the exhaust gas, an injector to additionally inject fuel into the exhaust line or a cylinder, and a fuel cracking catalyst that is disposed between the injector and the nitrogen oxide purification catalyst to crack the fuel that is injected through the injector, to transform the injected fuel into a high efficiency reducing agent, and to raise the temperature of the latter part thereof through an oxidation reaction.

Abstract: A first porous catalytic layer is provided in an exhaust passage, and a second porous catalytic layer is stacked on the exhaust-gas downstream-side surface of the first layer. The first layer includes an iron-zeolite catalyst to decrease 60% or more of NOx in the exhaust gas within an exhaust gas temperature range of 150-400° C. The second layer includes one or more of a single catalyst, a mixed catalyst, and a complex oxide catalyst selected from iron-alumina, iron-zirconia, iron-ceria, and iron-titania, to decrease 60% or more of NOx in the exhaust gas within an exhaust gas temperature range of 400-700° C. The first and second layers cooperatively exhibit catalytic activity to decrease 70% or more of NOx in the exhaust gas within an exhaust gas temperature range of 150 to 700° C.

Abstract: A honeycomb filter includes cell walls. The cell walls extend along a longitudinal direction of the honeycomb filter to define a plurality of cells each of which has one end and another end opposite to the one end along the longitudinal direction. A majority of the plurality of cells are sealed cells sealed at either the one end or the another end. A part of the plurality of cells are open cells open at both of the one end and the another end. A number of the open cells is from about 0.1% to about 4.9% of a number of the plurality of cells.

Abstract: Retrofit apparatus for retrofitting an ozone generator to a spa, hot tub, recreational fountain, or similar facility, and a method for treating biofilms therein, are disclosed. Fittings inserted into water and air circulating lines associated with such water holding facilities, and covers provided over inlets, generally inject, retain, and concentrate ozonated gas in such lines, especially while they are not filled with water. In some embodiments, an ozone-providing plug is provided to at least one water outlet of a spa or hot tub, with other outlets being blocked. In some embodiments, covers for suction inlets, and plugs for water jets, have features to provide ozone to water circulation lines when not filled with water as well as when the tub is filled and water is circulating. In some embodiments, plugs for water jets are ejected and subsequently provide ozone to water circulating in a tub.

Abstract: Isothermal vertical reactor (1) for a chemical reaction, comprising a shell (2) with internal gas-permeable walls (16, 18) defining an inlet distribution chamber (17) and a product collecting chamber (19), an open-top catalytic bed between said gas-permeable walls, and a tube heat exchanger (5) embedded in said catalytic bed, the tube heat exchanger (5) comprising a bundle of U-tubes, where an inlet (14) is disposed to direct a fresh charge in an upper chamber (21) over the catalytic bed and the U-shaped top portion of the tube bundle; a portion (F1) of the fresh charge passes through the catalytic bed with a mixed axial-transversal flow, and another portion (F2) of the fresh charge enters the inlet gas-distribution chamber (17) and passes through the catalytic bed with a substantially transversal flow.

Abstract: A suspended mass transfer and reaction tower system used for the scrubbing, stripping or chemical reaction between gases and liquids. The system comprises a top head having a suspension means, a bottom head, and a shell capable of retaining and supporting a suspended packing bundle. The shell is capable of securely and removably attaching to the top head and bottom head, thereby creating a single tower capable of being suspended by the suspension means in the top head. Various embodiments of the system can be adapted for the purposes of chemical vent scrubbing, absorption, odor abatement, gas-liquid chemical reactions, or similar processes. The tower can be operated in the classical counter current or concurrent flow modes, under pressure, or in a partial vacuum.

Abstract: A reactor for treating a material in a medium. It includes a body (2) in which is defined a reaction area (10) capable of containing a reaction medium, at least one inlet for introducing the reaction medium into the reaction area, one outlet for discharging effluents out of the reaction area. A protective casing (8) positioned inside the body (2) delimits the reaction area (10). It is spaced apart from the body in order to delimit a confinement area (12) isolating the reaction area of the body. The reaction area and the confinement area are sealably isolated from each other.

Abstract: A crystallizer for crystallizing solute contained in a solution has first (2) and second (1) communicating chambers, for the solution, and a heat exchanger (20) for keeping a state of supersaturation therein. A first circuit extracts from a calm zone (15) of the latter chamber a first stream of liquid containing small crystals and recycles this stream into the first chamber. A second circuit extracts from the second chamber a second stream of liquid containing coarse crystals and brings this second stream into the first chamber. The downstream end (26) of the first circuit runs into the second circuit so that the first and second liquid streams are made to flow in the same direction into said second circuit.

Abstract: A portable, lightweight, rugged, easy-to-operate biosensor useful for rapidly detecting cells, viruses, antibodies, and other proteins. A capillary tube has a capture antibody immobilized on its interior surface. The specific capture antibody is selected based upon a desired target analyte to be detected. A sample potentially containing the target antigen is introduced into the capillary tube. Thereafter, a second antibody labeled with a fluorescent dye is introduced. Upon excitation by electromagnetic energy, typically supplied by a laser, the fluorescence of the sample is captured and analyzed. The apparatus is extremely compact and rugged making it ideal for field use. In addition, accurate results may be obtained by relatively unskilled operators directly from a self-contained readout. Optionally, an external device (e.g., a computer) may be connected to the apparatus via an optional interface.

Abstract: A sample processing vessel may include a branch segment and at least two tracks. The at least two tracks may be fluidly isolated from one another by a permanent seal. The tracks may be segmented by breakable seals. The branch segment may be temporarily isolated from the tracks by breakable seal(s) and put in fluid communication with the tracks once those seal(s) are broken, such that fluid received by the branch segment is divided into portions that pass into both tracks.

Abstract: The present invention is a single self-contained device for collecting, transferring, extracting, and testing for the presence of a target analyte in a sample obtained from a surface by swabbing, solid materials (pills, capsules, unknown powders), air samples and biological and non-biological fluids. The device includes a swab, a retention well including eluent fluid, and analysis technologies which can include but are not limited to lateral flow testing analysis. The major improvement is the invention of rinsing the swab with proprietary elution fluid prior to testing thereby not compromising the chemistry and allowing for a wide variety of applications under extremely hot or cold field conditions. Also, the device is in one self-contained unit instead of having a separate water dropper or spray.

Abstract: Materials, components, and methods consistent with the present invention are directed to the fabrication and use of micro-scale channels with a fluid, where the temperature and flow of the fluid is controlled through the geometry of the micro-scale channel and the configuration of at least a portion of the wall of the micro-scale channel and the constituent particles that make up the fluid. Moreover, the wall of the micro-scale channel and the constituent particles are configured such that collisions between the constituent particles and the wall are substantially specular.

Abstract: A substrate including a channel part having a chamber in which a liquid can be fed stepwise from a chamber to another chamber at the channel part formed in the substrate, depending on the rotational speed of the substrate. A first chamber, a second chamber, a third chamber, and a channel interconnecting them are formed at the channel part formed in the substrate. Furthermore, the width and/or the depth of the first chamber is set smaller than the width and/or the depth of the second chamber. Consequently, the volume of solution subjected to centrifugal force in the first chamber is larger than the volume of solution subjected to centrifugal force in the second chamber.

Abstract: Embodiments described herein provide micro-fluidic systems and devices for use in performing various diagnostic and analytical tests. According to one embodiment, the micro-fluidic device includes a sample chamber for receiving a sample, and a reaction chamber for performing a chemical reaction. A bubble jet pump is structured on the device to control delivery of a fluid from the sample chamber to the reaction chamber. The pump is fluidically coupled to one or more chambers of the device using a fluidic channel such as a capillary. A valve may be coupled to one or more chambers to control flow into and out of those chambers. Also, a sensor may be positioned in one or more of the chambers, such as the reactant chamber, for sensing a property of the fluid within the chamber as well as the presence of a chemical within the chamber.

Abstract: A rectification column and system for the working-up of a vitamin E (VE)- and/or vitamin E acetate (VEA)-containing product stream includes purification of a vitamin E-containing product stream, acetylation of at least a part of the purified vitamin E and purification of at least a part of the acetylated vitamin E, the purification of vitamin E and vitamin E acetate preferably being effected by distillation, for example rectification.