Abstract: A reaction-based process developed for the selective removal of CO2 from a multicomponent gas mixture to provide a gaseous stream depleted in CO2 compared to the inlet CO2 concentration. The proposed process effects the separation of CO2 from a mixture of gases by its reaction with metal oxides. The Calcium based Reaction Separation for CO2 (CaRS-CO2) process consists of contacting CO2 laden gas with CaO in a reactor such that CaO captures CO2 by the formation of CaCO3. CaCO3 is regenerated by calcination leading to the formation of fresh CaO sorbent and the evolution of a concentrated stream of CO2. The “regenerated” CaO is then recycled for the further capture of CO2. This carbonation-calcination cycle forms the basis of the CaRS-CO2 process. This process also may use a mesoporous CaCO3 structure that attains >90% conversion over multiple carbonation and calcination cycles.

Abstract: A plasma generation system and related method for generating plasma in a cavity of a narrow tube, the system including: a first electrode including a conductive member covered with an insulator or dielectric, the first electrode being inserted into the cavity of the narrow tube to generate the plasma; a power supply to apply an alternating voltage or pulse voltage to the first electrode; and a second electrode located outside the narrow tube and connected to the power supply, the power supply applying the alternating voltage or pulse voltage between the first electrode and the second electrode, wherein the conductive member is made of a wire, a portion of the narrow tube is provided between the first electrode and the second electrode, and the second electrode is arranged and shaped so that a discharge is unevenly performed in a circumferential direction of the first electrode.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for generating mercury (II) sulfide from elemental mercury. Elemental mercury is injected into a heated and sealed reaction vessel containing vaporized sulfur. The elemental mercury reacts with at least a portion of the vaporized sulfur to form the mercury (II) sulfide within the reaction vessel. The formed mercury (II) sulfide is then unloaded from the reaction vessel.

Abstract: When growing carbon nanotubes, a substrate is delivered into a thermal CVD chamber whose internal temperature is a room temperature, and a mixed gas of an inert gas and a raw gas is introduced in the inside thereof. After a pressure inside of the chamber is stabilized at 1 kPa, the temperature in the chamber is raised to 510° C. in 1 minute. As a result, the carbon nanotubes start to grow linearly from the respective catalytic particles without any fusion of each of the catalytic particles. Subsequently, the temperature and an atmosphere are maintained for about 30 minutes. Once the carbon nanotubes start to grow, surfaces of the catalytic particles are covered by carbon, so that any fusion of each of the catalytic particles can be avoided even during the maintenance for about 30 minutes.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a disinfection system, arrangement comprising at least two sequentially arranged disinfection systems and containers comprising various chambers usable for the disinfection system. In particular, the present invention relates to a disinfection system comprising at least one chamber adapted for containing at least one first chamber adapted to contain disinfectant and at least one second chamber adapted to contain at least one swab and/or sponge, said at least one swab and/or sponge and additional separated space for taking up the disinfectant. The system is designed such that a predetermined amount of disinfectant is brought into contact with the at least one swab and/or one sponge immediately before use.

Abstract: A sterilizing tunnel for pharmaceutical containers has an entry zone, a heating zone, and two cooling zones. The individual zones contain ventilating fan units that generate air currents, which serve to heat and cool the containers that a transport apparatus conveys through the sterilizing tunnel. The heating and cooling units, which operate using the principle of heated and cooled air flow, is supplemented with radiant heat-generating unit. The sterilizing tunnel makes it possible to achieve a uniform heating and cooling of the containers, preventing stress cracks in the containers and permitting intentional heating that makes it possible, for example, for the containers to be coated with a substance.

Abstract: A fast acting sensor designed to accommodate an aqueous analyte-containing sample having a volume of less than one microliter and that can be used to quantify the amount and concentration of such analyte in the sample through light reflectance or fiber-optic light reflectance. The sensor includes a storage chamber, a capillary passage, and a reaction membrane. The storage chamber acts to collect the sample and to secure such sample while it undergoes detection. The capillary passage acts to direct the sample over the reaction membrane and controls the diffusion of the sample in the storage chamber. The reaction membrane contains all of the chemicals and enzymes needed to cause a color-change reaction when contacted with the sample. The amount of analyte can be determined by light reflectance intensity with an optical measurement instrument.

Abstract: The present invention is intended to, in a configuration in which a liquid container for analysis sealed by a sealing member is penetrated by a penetrating member, prevent the sealing member from being unexpectedly broken to leak a liquid for analysis. Also, the present invention has: a container holder part that holds a liquid container for analysis; a penetrating member that penetrates a sealing member of the liquid container for analysis; a first moving mechanism that enables the penetrating member to be moved between a hole making position and a receding position; and a second moving mechanism that enables the penetrating member moved to the hole making position by the first moving mechanism to be moved toward the sealing member to a penetrating position where the penetrating member penetrates the sealing member.

Abstract: The invention relates to processes and devices for detecting an analyte in a sample by fluorescence measurement of a fluorophore, wherein the detection medium which contains a fluorophore or a precursor of the fluorophore is admixed with an absorber whose absorbance spectrum superimposes the fluorescence excitation range of the fluorophore. The system consisting of the fluorophore and the absorber, which is produced in the detection medium, has an altered effective fluorescence excitation range with an altered fluorescence excitation maximum. Illumination with fluorescence excitation light can take place within the range of this altered excitation maximum. The measured signal obtained from determining fluorescence emission exhibits only low dependence on the wavelength of the excitation light.

Abstract: A curettage collection apparatus includes a plate that has first side, a second side, and a perimeter edge. The perimeter edge includes a first edge, a second edge, a third edge and a fourth edge wherein the first and second edges are positioned opposite of each other. The first edge is convexly arcuate and the second edge is concavely arcuate. An elongated rod is attached to and extends away from the first side.

Abstract: Systems, devices, and methods for automating laboratory protocols utilizing modular processing components to allow systems to be reconfigured for processing a wide variety of disparate laboratory protocols are provided. In one aspect, a sample processing module is provided, including a housing configured to accommodate a pre-identified sample process, a standardized temperature input capable of interfacing with a temperature controller, a standardized fluid input capable of interfacing with an input fluid controller, and a standardized agitation connector capable of interfacing with an agitator. These standardized components provide interchangeability of the module with a module having a housing configured to accommodate a different pre-identified sample process in a sample processing system.

Abstract: The invention provides extraction columns for the purification of an analyte (e.g., a biological macromolecule, such as a peptide, protein or nucleic acid) from a sample solution, as well as methods for making and using such columns. The invention is characterized by the use of low dead volume columns, which is achieved in part by the use of low pore volume frits (e.g., membrane screens) to contain a bed of extraction media in the column. Low dead volume facilitates the elution of the captured analyte into a very small volume of desorption solution, allowing for the preparation of low volume samples containing relatively high concentrations of analyte.

Abstract: Apparatuses, systems, and methods utilizing capillary action and to control the movement or placement of liquids or other materials in micro-devices and nano-devices. In some embodiments, the present invention may be used to control polymer addition to micro-cantilevers and nano-cantilevers for biological sensing, chemical sensing, and other sensing. In other embodiments, the present invention may be used to deliver adhesives, dielectrics, chemo resistor materials, and other materials to micro-devices and nano-devices.

Abstract: A disposable pipette tip having that is configured to mount on a tip mounting shaft having a locking section and a separate sealing section. The locking section has outwardly extending locking lobes circumferentially spaced around the mounting shaft and located above a stop member that separates the lower sealing section from the upper locking section. The collar flexes out of round when it is mounted over the locking lobes on the mounting shaft. The circumferential shelf on the tip isolates the tip barrel from distortion to enable robust sealing in the barrel below the shelf.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing more reliable wireless communication and power to sensors in electrically challenging bioprocess environments is disclosed. An unconnected antenna is located within the bioprocess environment, preferably in the same plane as the primary powered antenna. This unconnected antenna, also referred to as reflective antenna, enhances and confines the electromagnetic field created by the powered antenna. This reflective antenna is incorporated in or proximate to the devices containing a sensor or communication device. In one embodiment, the reflective antenna is incorporated into the filter housing. In another embodiment, it is incorporated into the filtering element itself. In another embodiment, it is incorporated into or affixed on the disposable bioprocess components, such as bags and tubes.

Abstract: The invention provides sensor plates, particularly plates having a plurality of sensors, and related methods for assembling such plates. The sensors can be arrays of probes, such as microarrays, including high density oligonucleotide microarrays. The methods include the steps of selecting a substrate having a plurality of sensors, aligning the substrate to a support plate, and attaching the substrate to the support plate. Moduled sensor plates, and methods of assembling such plates, are also provided. The moduled sensor plates can include a plurality of sensor plates, such as sensor or microarray strip plates, with each strip plate having an attachment feature that is used to attach the strip plate to a frame. The sensor plates and moduled sensor plates can be inserted into processing plates, including hybridization plates, washing plates, staining plates, and detection plates.

Abstract: An improved process for removing polymeric by-product (ASO) from the HF alkylation acid in an HF alkylation unit used for the production of gasoline boiling range alkylate product by olefin/iso-paraffin alkylation, comprises fractionating a portion of the circulating HF alkylation acid inventory of the unit with a portion of hot alkylate product in a fractionation zone to from an overhead product comprising HF alkylation acid and water and a bottoms fraction comprising the polymeric by-product and alkylate. The bottoms fraction is sent to the isoparaffin stripper of the unit to remove trace HF alkylation acid as overhead and form a product stream of hot alkylate as a bottoms fraction.

Abstract: A method is described for recovering rare earth elements from a solid mixture including a halophosphate and at least one compound of one or more rare earth elements. The method includes: (a) acid etching the mixture; (b) adding a base to bring the pH back up to a value of at least 1.5; (c) etching the solid from step (b) with a solution of soda or potash; (d) acid etching the solid from step (c) until a pH of less than 7 is obtained, resulting in a solid phase and a liquid phase including at least one rare earth salt, and separating the solid phase from the liquid phase.

Abstract: Systems and methods of capturing and sequestering carbon dioxide, comprising mixing a substantially non-aqueous solvent and an alkali such that the solvent and alkali form a solvent suspension, mixing water and a flue gas containing carbon dioxide with the solvent suspension such that a reaction occurs, the reaction resulting in the formation of a carbonate, water and heat. Methods and processes of environmental remediation and recovering metals from waste streams are also provided.

Abstract: An method and apparatus is disclosed that causes a chemical reaction to reduce emissions. The method includes a mandrel that is plated, bonded, or by other means affixed with a catalyst. The mandrel moves to control a rate of catalyst available to react via a controlled change in contact surface area per unit volume flow to remove or reduce effluent matter.

Abstract: An neutralization system includes a main chamber and a secondary chamber linked by a tube, wherein main chamber includes a gas main inlet duct and a gas outlet tube; a tube with nozzles that allows passage of steam in form of steam curtain; a propeller located at a center portion of main chamber; a first flexible tube placed on an upper side and exiting out of a top face of main chamber and rejoining main chamber in a main entrance of gases; at least two additional flexible tubes exiting a side of main chamber; an electric motor that extracts gases and allows pressurized gas to enter flexible tubes; an eviction-tube of liquid waste located at a bottom portion and inwardly of main chamber; an exhaust duct for treated gases located in a rear portion of main chamber which connects through a tube main chamber to secondary chamber.

Abstract: Sorbent components containing halogen, calcium, alumina, and silica are used in combination during coal combustion to produce environmental benefits. Sorbents such as calcium bromide are added to the coal ahead of combustion and other components are added into the flame or downstream of the flame, preferably at minimum temperatures to assure complete formation of the refractory structures that result in various advantages of the methods. When used together, the components reduce emissions of elemental and oxidized mercury; increase the level of Hg, As, Pb, and/or Cl in the coal ash; decrease the levels of leachable heavy metals (such as Hg) in the ash, preferably to levels below the detectable limits; and make a highly cementitious ash product.

Abstract: The subject of the invention is a method for reduction of the CO2 content of flue and atmospheric gases and equipment for application of the method. The characteristic of the solution according to the invention is, that “hydroxide” ionized water containing (OH?) ions of alkaline characteristics is used as reaction medium for binding carbon dioxide (CO2) gas, and carbon dioxide (CO2) gas gets into reaction with alkaline ionized water, and during the reaction from the carbon dioxide (CO2) gas and water, carbonate ion (CO32?) and hydrogencarbonate/bicarbonate (2HCO3?) are formed, and they leave for the outside atmosphere and/or outside water with the bound CO2 content in stable gas or liquid form.

Abstract: An apparatus to introduce a reagent to reduce nitrogen oxides in flue gas including: nozzles mounted to a passage for the flue gas, wherein the nozzles are mounted downstream of a SNCR system and upstream of a SCR system, wherein the nozzles are mounted on one or more walls of the passage and are configured to inject a pressurized fluid into the flue gas; a source of the pressurized fluid which is in fluid communication with the nozzles such that the pressurized fluid flows to the nozzles; a source of a NOx reducing reagent and a mixing device which mixes the reagent with the pressurized fluid such that the pressurized fluid flowing to the nozzles includes the reagent.

Abstract: A nanocomposite particle, its use as a catalyst, and a method of making it are disclosed. The nanocomposite particle comprises titanium dioxide nanoparticles, metal oxide nanoparticles, and a surface stabilizer. The metal oxide nanoparticles are formed hydrothermally in the presence of the titanium dioxide nanoparticles. The nanocomposite particle is an effective catalyst support, particularly for DeNOx catalyst applications.

Abstract: A catalyst for treating exhaust gases containing nitrogen monoxide, carbon monoxide and volatile organic compounds includes a plurality of layers, an upper layer of which has an active component contained uniformly therein and a lower layer of which has no active component contained therein. The catalyst is obtained through the steps of: forming the lower layer by coating the surface of substrate with a slurry of a porous inorganic compound, followed by drying; and forming the upper layer, which is to be the top surface of the catalyst, by coating the surface of the lower layer with a slurry of a porous inorganic compound that has the active component composed of one or more precious metals supported thereon, followed by drying. The oxidation power of the resulting catalyst is enhanced without increasing the amount of precious metal supported thereon.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process and catalyst for the oxidative desulfurization of hydrocarbonaceous oil. In one aspect, solid carbon materials are provided having stable sulfur trioxide and nitrogen dioxide oxidative species on the surface thereof. Such materials are useful in the production of low sulfur hydrocarbon feedstocks and in the removal of refractory sulfur compounds.

Abstract: A method of reducing sulfur compounds from an incoming gas stream, comprising flowing the gas stream over a hydrolysis catalyst to convert COS and CS2 to H2S and reduce SO2 to elemental sulfur to form an effluent stream; providing an acidic gas removal unit comprising an absorbent; flowing said effluent stream over said absorbent to produce a stream free of acidic gases; applying an acidic-gas desorption mode to said acidic-gas rich absorbent to produce an acidic gas stream; introducing oxygen to said acidic gas-rich stream; providing a direct oxidation vessel containing catalyst suitable for catalyzing the oxidation of the H2S to sulfur wherein the temperature of the vessel is at or above the sulfur dew point at the reaction pressure; and flowing said acidic gas-rich stream over said catalyst to produce a processed stream having a reduced level of sulfur compounds.

Abstract: A method for preparing single-crystalline, rare-earth metal hexaboride nanowires by a chemical vapor deposition process is described. Also described are the nanowires themselves, the electron emitting properties of the nanowires, and the use of the nanowires in electron emitting devices, particularly as point electron sources.

Abstract: A compound of formula M(AlH3OR1)y, wherein R1 is phenyl substituted by at least one of: (i) an alkoxy group having from one to six carbon atoms; and (ii) an alkyl group having from three to twelve carbon atoms; wherein M is an alkali metal, Be or Mg; and y is one or two.

Abstract: A production method of high purity silver tetrafluoroborate, capable of producing silver tetrafluoroborate (AgBF4) at purity higher than the conventional, without using an organic solvent. The production method of the present invention is characterized in that the method comprises the step of: reacting silver fluoride with boron trifluoride in the presence of anhydrous hydrofluoric acid. Boron trifluoride is delivered into a solution obtained by dissolving or suspending silver fluoride in an anhydrous hydrofluoric acid solution.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention is a method for producing a silicon (Si) and/or germanium (Ge) foil, the method including: dissolving a Si and/or Ge source material in a molten metallic bath at an elevated temperature T2, wherein the density of Si and/or Ge is smaller than the density of the molten metallic bath; cooling the molten metallic bath to a lower temperature T1, thereby causing Si and/or Ge to separate out of the molten metallic bath and to float and grow as a Si and/or Ge foil on a top surface of the molten metallic bath; and separating the floating Si and/or Ge foil from the top surface of the molten metallic bath.

Abstract: A method improves yield of an upgraded metallurgical-grade (UMG) silicon purification process. In the UMG silicon purification process, in a reaction chamber, purification is performed on a silicon melt therein by one, all or a plurality of the following techniques in the same apparatus at the same time. The techniques includes a crucible ratio approach, the addition of water-soluble substances, the control of power, the control of vacuum pressure, the upward venting of exhaust, isolation by high-pressure gas jet, and carbon removal by sandblasting, thereby reducing oxygen, carbon and other impurities in the silicon melt, meeting a high-purity silicon standard of solar cells, increasing yield while maintaining low cost, and avoiding EMF reduction over time. An exhaust venting device for the purification process allows exhaust to be vented from the top of the reactor chamber, thereby avoiding backflow of exhaust into the silicon melt and erosion of the reactor.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to effectively add Ge in the production of GaN through the Na flux method. In a crucible, a seed crystal substrate is placed such that one end of the substrate remains on the support base, whereby the seed crystal substrate remains tilted with respect to the bottom surface of the crucible, and gallium solid and germanium solid are placed in the space between the seed crystal substrate and the bottom surface of the crucible. Then, sodium solid is placed on the seed crystal substrate. Through employment of this arrangement, when a GaN crystal is grown on the seed crystal substrate through the Na flux method, germanium is dissolved in molten gallium before formation of a sodium-germanium alloy. Thus, the GaN crystal can be effectively doped with Ge.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to carbonizing and activating carbonaceous material.

Abstract: A single crystal diamond prepared by CVD and having one or more electronic characteristics; making the diamond suitable for electronic applications. Also provided is a method of making the single crystal CVD diamond.

Abstract: Methods of manufacturing polycrystalline diamond are disclosed. More particularly, a mixture including diamond and fullerenes may be provided. Further, the mixture may be exposed to a high pressure, high temperature sintering process. In addition, a volume of polycrystalline diamond bonded to a substrate may be formed by providing a mixture including diamond and fullerenes and exposing the mixture to a high pressure, high temperature sintering process. A drill bit for drilling a subterranean formation is disclosed. Further, polycrystalline diamond compacts are disclosed including polycrystalline diamond bonded to a substrate, wherein the polycrystalline diamond includes less than about 1% by weight or is substantially free of non-fullerenes, non-diamond carbon. Polycrystalline diamond exhibiting an increased diamond volume fraction due to the presence of fullerenes during manufacture relative to polycrystalline diamond formed without fullerenes is disclosed.

Abstract: A method for growing carbon nanowalls on a base material is disclosed. The method comprises mixing a predetermined amount of a hydrocarbon gas with a predetermined amount of at least one non hydrocarbon gas; placing said base material in a reaction chamber having a first portion and a second portion, first portion is extended from a first end of reaction chamber to first end of base material; creating a radical in reaction chamber which comprises a hydrocarbon radical and a non hydrocarbon radical; applying the radical to the base material; and growing carbon nanowalls on said base material based on said hydrocarbon radical.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for preparing hollow carbon fibers having an empty space in the cross section thereof. More specifically, the disclosed method includes melt-spinning an acrylonitrile-based polymer by using a supercritical fluid as a plasticizer; drawing spun fibers to prepare hollow precursor fibers; and stabilizing and carbonizing the hollow precursor fibers to prepare the hollow carbon fibers. The hollow carbon fibers obtained by the disclosed method have at least a 10 to 50% lower specific gravity than conventional hollow carbon fibers (solid), but have similar mechanical properties to the conventional fibers. Furthermore, the diameter of carbon fibers can be adjusted, thereby making it possible to widen the application of hollow carbon fibers.

Abstract: This disclosure includes a process that unexpectedly can produce very inexpensive graphene and a new compound called graphenol in particulate or dispersions in solvents. The process can also produce graphene layers on metallic and nonmetallic substrates. Further, the graphenol and graphene can be utilized to form nanocomposites that yield property improvements exceeding anything reported previously.

Abstract: A black matrix or coating includes carbon black including a first carbon black having an I2 number from 30 mg/g to 200 mg/g and a DBP from 20 cc/100 g to 45 cc/100 g.

Abstract: Systems and methods of removing sulfur from a gas stream comprising hydrogen sulfide (H2S) are provided. The systems and methods may utilize iodine to remove sulfur from the gas stream. In certain systems and methods, the iodine may be regenerated. In particular, the present systems and methods may be capable of reducing sulfur content in a gas stream comprising hydrogen sulfide H2S gas to levels that are undetectable.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for producing a metal oxide by heating a porous metal-organic framework material, the framework material comprising at least one at least bidentate organic compound bound to at least one metal ion by coordination, and the metal ion being selected from the metals comprising groups 2 to 4 and 13 of the Periodic Table of the Elements, above the complete decomposition temperature of the framework material, and also to metal oxides obtainable by this method, and to the use thereof.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a method, apparatus and method of manufacturing an apparatus; all to produce hydrogen gas, particularly synthesis gas. Preferred embodiments of the invention include an alpha alumina membrane which has been treated with a TiO2 wash coat on one side and has an active gamma alumina layer on an opposite side. A metal catalyst, preferably rhodium, is deposited within the pores of the alumina. Oxygen travels through the membrane and is activated before contacting methane on the other side of the membrane and forming synthesis gas through partial oxidation of the methane. Embodiments of the invention have a number of benefits including the high conversion rate of oxygen (100%), the separate feed streams of methane and oxygen which allow for optimal ratios to be used without danger of explosion, and the opportunity to vary the feed rates without changing the products formed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of radiolabelling carbon nanotubes, to the radiolabelled carbon nanotubes that can be obtained by implementing this method, and to applications thereof.

Abstract: The present invention provides a PET tracer that has improved properties for imaging the peripheral benzodiazepine receptor (PBR) as compared with known such PET tracers. The present invention also provides a precursor compound useful in the preparation of the PET tracer of the invention and methods for the preparation of said precursor compound and said PET tracer. Also provided by the present invention is a radiopharmaceutical composition comprising the PET tracer of the invention. Methods for using the PET tracer and the radiopharmaceutical composition are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of differentiating between a singular and a multiple lung embolism in a subject suspected to suffer from acute lung embolism comprising determining the amount of NT-proBNP in a sample of a subject suspected to suffer from acute lung embolism and comparing the amount to a reference amount. Further, the present invention also relates to a method of differentiating between acute and chronic lung embolism in a subject comprising determining the amount of NT-proANP at a first and a second time point and comparing the determined amounts with each other. The present invention also encompasses devices and kits for carrying out the aforementioned methods.

Abstract: Described herein is a method for non-invasive detection and treatment of intra-cranial aneurysms. Antibodies are provided to specifically react/bind with antigens of the cerebral aneurism wall. The antibodies may be bound to a label and/or to a therapeutic agent for diagnosis and/or for treatment purposes thereof. Intra-cranial aneurysms are thus non-invasively detected before rupture occurs and are specifically treated.

Abstract: A CDR grafted humanized recombinant antibody against infection from Venezuelan equine encephalitis virus (VEEV) comprises a human Ig framework having CDRs from murine mAb 1A4A1 VH and VL. DNA sequences, expression vectors incorporating such sequences and transformed host cells are also provided. Also provided are pharmaceutical compositions and methods of prophylaxis and treatment against VEEV infection using the humanized recombinant antibodies of the invention.

Abstract: Pharmacological compositions, and methods for administration, of the type employing an iron oxide complex with a polyol or polyether. The methods of administration may comprise parenteral administration of an effective dose of the complex formulated in a biocompatible liquid delivered at a rate of from about 1 mL/sec to less than 1 mL/min and wherein upon administration the complex provides minimal detectable free iron in a subject, and minimal incidence of anaphylaxis. The pharmacological compositions are of the type employing a polyol or polyether iron oxide complex, which, upon parenteral administration to a subject, are substantially immunosilent, provide minimal anaphylaxis and minimal free iron, and undergo minimal dissolution in vivo.