Abstract: Heat engine comprising a body (2) provided with an annular cavity (3) therein, two coaxial discoidal sectors (7, 7?) that comprises two diametrically opposite tangential pistons (7a and 7c or 7?b and 7?d) that project, both radially and axially, from their corresponding discoidal sector and can slide through the annular cavity, each pair of consecutive pistons defining a chamber (Cab, Cbc, Ccd, Cda), a means of control of the rotational speed of the two discoidal sectors that makes their respective rotational speeds to vary cyclically and in antiphase between a maximum speed and a minimum speed, so that the speed of each sector is kept at a substantial maximum for most of the duration of a half-cycle, and is kept at a substantial minimum for most of the duration of the other half-cycle, and a means (8) of integration of the speeds of the sectors into a mean speed for the power transmission shaft (9).

Abstract: A compressor may include non-orbiting scroll, an orbiting scroll, and a bearing housing. The non-orbiting scroll may include a recess. The orbiting scroll may be intermeshed with the non-orbiting scroll to from a plurality of compression pockets therebetween. The orbiting scroll may include first and second apertures. The first aperture may communicate with one of the compression pockets. The second aperture may communicate with the recess. The bearing housing may support the orbiting scroll and cooperate with the orbiting scroll to define a chamber therebetween. The chamber may communicate with the first and second apertures.

Abstract: A scroll compressor is provided, in which a fixed side discharge opening is formed eccentric from a geometrical center of an orbiting scroll toward an orbiting side discharge opening, so as to overlap the orbiting side discharge opening across a relatively wide area. This may reduce flow resistance between the orbiting side discharge opening and the fixed side discharge opening. Accordingly, a refrigerant compressed in a final compression chamber may be rapidly discharged without being blocked by an upper frame, while maintaining a proper discharge pressure. Since uniform pressure may be maintained in compression chambers positioned at both sides of the scroll compressor, input losses due to over-compression may be reduced.

Abstract: A scroll-type compressor for a CO2 vehicle air conditioning system, having a movable displacement spiral which is rotatably connected to an eccentric bearing and which engages into a counterpart spiral such that, between the windings of the displacement spiral and of the counterpart spiral, there are formed chambers which travel radially inward in order to compress the refrigerant and discharge the refrigerant into a pressure chamber, wherein the displacement spiral is arranged on the suction side and the counterpart spiral is arranged on the high-pressure side. The scroll-type compressor is wherein the eccentric bearing is arranged in the displacement chamber between the displacement spiral and the counterpart spiral and has a bearing bushing which is formed integrally with the displacement spiral and the base of which is in alignment with the face side of the windings of the displacement spiral.

Abstract: A scroll-type compressor for a CO2 vehicle air conditioning system, having a mechanical drive which is connected by a drive shaft to an eccentric bearing. A movable displacement spiral is rotatably connected to the eccentric bearing and engages into a counterpart spiral such that, between the displacement spiral and the counterpart spiral, radially inwardly traveling chambers are formed in order to compress the refrigerant and discharge it into a pressure chamber. Wherein the counterpart spiral is movable in alternating fashion relative to the displacement spiral in an axial direction, wherein, between the counterpart spiral and the displacement spiral, there is arranged at least one spring for exerting an axial release force on the counterpart spiral, and at least one piston engages on the counterpart spiral, in order to exert an axial closing force on the latter, adjacent to the pressure chamber in an off-center position.

Abstract: According to one embodiment of the invention, a gerotor apparatus includes a first gerotor, a second gerotor, and a synchronizing system operable to synchronize a rotation of the first gerotor with a rotation of the second gerotor. The synchronizing system includes a cam plate coupled to the first gerotor, wherein the cam plate includes a plurality of cams, and an alignment plate coupled to the second gerotor. The alignment plate includes at least one alignment member, wherein the plurality of cams and the at least one alignment member interact to synchronize a rotation of the first gerotor with a rotation of the second gerotor.

Abstract: A pump comprises a housing (10) and a rotor (11) that rotates in the housing. The housing (10) has a fluid inlet (14) and a fluid outlet (15). The rotor (11) includes two shaped surface (21, 22; 50a, 50b, 50c) radially inwardly of the housing (10) and forming with the interior surface of the housing respective chambers (23, 24; 51a, 51b, 51c) for conveying fluid from the inlet (14) to the outlet (15) on rotation of the rotor (11). A seal (12; 56) is provided between the outlet (15) and the inlet to engage the shaped surfaces (23, 24; 50a, 50b, 50c)) to prevent the passage of fluid from the outlet (15) to the inlet (14) as each shaped surface (23, 24; 50a, 50b, 50c) travels from the outlet (15) to the inlet (14). The shape of the surfaces (21, 22; 50a, 50b, 50c) provides an optimised volume for the chambers (23, 24; 51a, 51b, 51c) and the seal (12; 56) is urged into contact with the rotor (11) by spring arrangements (13, 39, 41, 59) that provide an even force along the axial length of surfaces (21, 22).

Abstract: A shaft assembly includes a shaft with a first radial shoulder and a second radial shoulder. The first radial shoulder and the second radial shoulder each include at least one slot. An axial separation between the first radial shoulder and the second radial shoulder defines an axial distance SA along an axis of rotation. The at least one slot defines a lowermost radial dimension SR from the axis of rotation. A ratio of SR/SA is 0.25-0.77.

Abstract: A gear pump for pumping a fluid while adjustably controlling a gap between gears and end plates of the gear pump housing. The gear gap is controlled by a gear gap adjustment mechanism operably associated with a gear shaft to move the gear and shaft along a longitudinal axis of the shaft. The gear pump can also include a removable and replaceable friction shield to adjust the gap between the gear and the end plate. The gear pump can further include a dynamic shaft seal assembly for adjusting the sealing about the shaft.

Abstract: A rotary piston pump with at least two double- or multi-lobe rotary pistons rotating in opposite directions, the drive shafts whereof include seals, wherein the seals are constituted as slip ring seals or lip seals or stuffing-box seals, which in each case are disposed on the shaft shoulder belonging to the respective rotary piston, and one slip ring per seal is provided with a locking device, which includes a large number of fixing positions. The seals are pushed onto a tubular shoulder of the rotary piston, the rotary piston is introduced into the pump housing, the securing element is connected to the slip ring seal in a form-fit manner by rotation of the rotary piston and the shaft shoulder is then rigidly connected to the drive shaft.

Abstract: A method for fabricating porous metal constructs (such as porous Ti constructs) which may be used as implants in bone repair is disclosed. The method employs a new saltbath sintering process coupled with conventional powder metallurgy technology which is capable of fabricating porous metal constructs with controlled porosity and pore size having a lower production cost than conventional powder metallurgy methods.

Abstract: A nickel-base alloy having the following composition (in weight percent unless otherwise stated): Cr 10.5-15.0; Co 1.7-8.8; Fe 0-5.9; Si 0-0.65; Mn 0-0.65; Mo 0.3-2.3; W 2.3-4.4; Al 2.7-4.1; Nb 1.0-4.2; Ti 1.0-3.0; Ta 2.0-5.0; Hf 0.0-0.6; C 0.02-0.06; B 0.015-0.035; Zr 0.035-0.11; S<20 ppm; P<60 ppm; the balance being Ni and incidental impurities. The alloy has an improved combination of properties (principally resistance to surface environmental damage and dwell fatigue crack growth) compared with known alloys, and is intended to operate for prolonged periods of time above 700° C., and up to peak temperatures of 800° C.

Abstract: A method for flexibly sintering rare earth permanent magnetic alloy comprises: (1) weighing fine powder of rare earth permanent magnetic alloy, loading the fine powder in moulds, and orientedly compacting the fine powder in a press machine and in inert atmosphere to obtain blanks and loading the blanks into charging boxes; (2) opening the two isolating valves connected with each other; wherein after a first rolling wheel transmission in the second conveying vehicle transfers the charging tray into the first chamber of the glove box, the two isolating valves are closed, and the second conveying vehicle leaves; (3) locking two matching flanges of the two isolating valves tightly; (4) locking matching flanges tightly; and (5) processing the blanks with heating and heat preservation according to a preset process curve; wherein the blanks are sintered at a highest temperature of 1200° C.

Abstract: A method for forming a three-dimensional article through successive fusion of parts of a powder bed, which parts corresponds to successive cross sections of the three-dimensional article, said method comprising the steps of: providing a model of said three dimensional article, providing a first powder layer on a work table, directing a first energy beam from a first energy beam source over said work table causing said first powder layer to fuse in first selected locations according to said model to form a first cross section of said three-dimensional article, directing a second energy beam from a second energy beam source over said work table causing said first powder layer to fuse in second selected locations according to said model to form the first cross section of said three-dimensional article, wherein said first and second locations of said first powder layer are at least partially overlapping each other.

Abstract: An apparatus and a process for manufacturing a three-dimensional object by successive layer-by-layer consolidation of selected zones of a powder stratum, the consolidated zones corresponding to successive sections of the three-dimensional object, each layer being divided into a central internal portion and an external border , said process comprising the following steps in order: a—depositing a powder layer on a holder; b—fusing the external border of said powder layer by means of a laser beam originating from a first energy source by moving the laser beam of said first energy source relative to the object along a preset path that follows the contour of said external border corresponding to the contour of the cross section of the object so as to selectively fuse said layer; and c—fusing the central internal portion of the powder layer by means of an electron beam originating from a second energy source, by moving the electron beam of said second energy source relative to the object so as to sweep it over s

Abstract: A casting system for molding metal. The casting system has a mold comprising a cavity in a predefined shape. A riser in flow communication with the mold wherein the riser provides molten metal to said cavity as the molten metal freezes. A riser breaker insert is between the mold and the riser wherein the riser breaker insert comprises voids. A molten metal supply is provided which is capable of filling the mold and the voids of said riser breaker insert and at least partially filling the riser.

Abstract: A process for producing spheroidal graphite cast iron includes a spheroidization treatment, an inoculant treatment and a pouring inoculation treatment. A molten iron is subjected to the spheroidization treatment using a spheroidizing agent of an Fe—Si—Mg—Ca-based alloy which contains a given amount of Ba and contains substantially no rare-earth element.

Abstract: A low alloy steel, containing, by mass percent, C: 0.01 to 0.15%, Si: 3% or less, Mn: 3% or less, B: 0.005 to 0.050%, and Al: 0.08% or less, and the balance being Fe and impurities, wherein in the impurities, N: 0.01% or less, P: 0.05% or less, S: 0.03% or less, and O: 0.03% or less. In the alloy steel, a HAZ has excellent resistance to embrittlement attributable to hydrogen such as stress corrosion cracking in wet hydrogen sulfide environments.

Abstract: A method for increasing formability of magnesium alloy sheet and the magnesium alloy sheet prepared by the same are provided, in which the method includes the following steps: forming {10-12} twins in magnesium alloy sheet (step 1); and annealing the magnesium alloy sheet of step 1 (step 2). The present invention also provides the magnesium alloy sheet containing {10-12} twins prepared by the method. Accordingly, the room temperature formability and the warm formability are increased by forming {10-12} twins through deformation on the magnesium alloy sheet and subsequently performing annealing, because it is possible to artificially form {10-12} twins without increasing dislocations in the magnesium alloy sheet and accommodate the deformation generated during the forming via annihilation of the twins.

Abstract: The present invention provides a heat resistant titanium alloy sheet excellent in cold workability having high temperature strength characteristics better than JIS Class 2 pure titanium and having a cold workability and high temperature oxidation resistance equal to or better than that of JIS Class 2 pure titanium and a method of production of the same, that is, a heat resistant titanium alloy sheet excellent in cold workability characterized by comprising, by mass %, 0.3 to 1.8% of Cu, 0.18% or less of oxygen, 0.30% or less of Fe, and, as needed, at least one of Sn, Zr, Mo, Nb, and Cr in a total of 0.3 to 1.5%, and the balance of Ti and less than 0.3% of impurity elements and by a ?-phase and Ti2Cu-phase being included in a volume percentage of 0 to 2% and, further, a method of production of that titanium alloy sheet characterized by performing the final annealing at 630 to 850° C. in temperature range or performing the hot-rolled sheet or coil annealing or intermediate annealing at 630 to 850° C.

Abstract: An aluminum alloy member is used for joining ends of a sheet-like aluminum alloy member by friction stir welding, and forming an anodic oxidation coating on a weld front surface or a weld back surface, the aluminum alloy member including 0.3 to 1.5 mass % of Mg, 0.2 to 1.2 mass % of Si, 0.5 mass % or less of Cu, and 0.2 mass % or less of Fe, with the balance being Al and unavoidable impurities, Fe-containing second phase particles having a particle size (circle equivalent diameter) of more than 1 ?m, among second phase particles dispersed in a matrix of the aluminum alloy member, having an average particle size of 5 ?m or less.

Abstract: An austenitic alloy comprising (in weight %): C: 0.01-0.05 Si: 0.05-0.80 Mn: 1.5-2 Cr: 26-34.5 Ni: 30-35 Mo: 3-4 Cu: 0.5-1.5 N: 0.05-0.15 V: <0.15 the balance being Fe and unavoidable impurities, wherein 40<% Ni+100*% N<50.

Abstract: A process and system for sterilization of a product pathway of a blow-fill-seal machine. The process comprises steps of: (1) isolating a holding tank from the product pathway; (2) supplying a sterilizing agent to the product pathway of the BFS machine when the holding tank is isolated; (3) stopping the supply of sterilizing agent to the product pathway when a threshold is reached; and (4) supplying filtered compressed air to the product pathway when the supply of sterilizing agent is stopped. The process is preferably executed automatically without human intervention once initiated. Also described is a system for carrying out the process including a processor, valves and temperature and/or pressure sensors which provide information to the processor to determine when to open and close the valves to supply sterilizing agent and/or compressed air to the product pathway or holding tank.

Abstract: A system, unit, device and method are shown for providing substantially simultaneous disinfection of bacteria or other pathogens in air passing through the system using C-band ultraviolet radiation from an ultraviolet light source and that is also capable of substantially simultaneous and efficient disinfecting air and surfaces outside the device using the same ultraviolet light source.

Abstract: The presently disclosed subject matter relates generally to a system and method of generating at least one disinfecting gas within a package through a photochemical reaction. More particularly, the presently disclosed subject matter is directed to a system and method for controlled release of a generated gas from a polymeric film or lamination through selection of a suitable combination of lighting conditions.

Abstract: In one aspect, there is provided assembling an analyte sensor with an analyte sensor insertion device, packaging the assembled analyte sensor and sensor insertion device in a substantially airtight seal, and irradiating the packaged assembled analyte sensor and sensor insertion device at a predetermined dose using one or more electron beam accelerators.

Abstract: Provided is an analyzing program for a laboratory test, which stores a measurement program for concurrently processing inspection cartridges regarding all the combinations of prepared reaction and measurement patterns, the analyzing program causing an analyzing apparatus to execute the processes of reading the reaction and measurement patterns of the inspection cartridges in each of which one of the reaction and measurement patterns prepared in advance is provided, invoking a measurement program corresponding to a combination of the read reaction and measurement patterns, and performing reaction and measurement in accordance with the invoked measurement program.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for controlling actuation of label particles in a biosensor device, in particular a biosensor device using frustrated total internal reflection. By applying a predetermined actuation force on the label particles and determining the effect of the applied actuation force in a binding volume or surface of a sensor cartridge of the biosensor device, a feedback control of the actuation force is applied. Furthermore, a biosensor device is provided which is adapted for forming the method according to the invention.

Abstract: A microfluidic device and a microfluidic system are provided. The microfluidic device includes a support substrate; and at least one filter array arranged on the support substrate and configured so as to trap a single cell in contact with the support substrate within the at least one filter array when a sample including a plurality of cells flows into the microfluidic device from a direction substantially perpendicular to a plane of the support substrate and flows out in a direction substantially parallel to the plane of the support substrate.

Abstract: A sol-gel deposition technique that forms ion sensitive layers is compatible with CMOS fabrication methods and is applied to build sensors of concentrations of solutions of selected target ions. The ion sensitive sensor may be formed on an exposed portion of a signal trace of a printed circuit board. Additionally, the ion sensitive layer may be formed within an ion sensitive field effect transistor.

Abstract: A combustible gas sensor includes at least a first sensing element comprising a first conductive element having, for example, an average diameter less than 20 ?m in electrical connection with electronic circuitry. The combustible gas sensor further includes a first support element having a first anchored end, a second anchored end and an extending intermediate section between the first anchored end and the second anchored end, the extending intermediate section providing support for the first conductive element. Another combustible gas sensor includes a first sensing element and a second sensing element. The first sensing element includes a first catalyst support member having a volume less than a sphere having a diameter of 500 ?m. The second sensing element includes a second catalyst support member having a volume less than a sphere having a diameter of 500 ?m.

Abstract: A combustible gas sensor includes at least a first sensing element comprising a first conductive element having, for example, an average diameter less than 20 ?m in electrical connection with electronic circuitry. The combustible gas sensor further includes a first support element having a first anchored end, a second anchored end and an extending intermediate section between the first anchored end and the second anchored end, the extending intermediate section providing support for the first conductive element. Another combustible gas sensor includes a first sensing element and a second sensing element. The first sensing element includes a first catalyst support member having a volume less than a sphere having a diameter of 500 ?m. The second sensing element includes a second catalyst support member having a volume less than a sphere having a diameter of 500 ?m.

Abstract: A drag chain carbonizer is provided with a system and methods for anaerobic thermal transformation processing to convert waste into various solid carbonized products and varied further co-products. The drag-chain carbonizer includes an adjustable bed depth mechanism, a heating mechanism, a pressure management mechanism, and a chain tensioning mechanism containing at least one position sensor for communication of an actuator position to at least one programmable logic controller (PLC). Carbonaceous waste is transformed into useful co-products that can be re-introduced into the stream of commerce at various economically advantageous points. Depending upon the input materials and the parameters selected to process the waste, including real time economic and other market parameters, the system adjusts co-products output to reflect changing market conditions.

Abstract: A mechanical filter-based air pollution control system for removing particle and gas phase pollutants in a waste airstream exhausted from commercial cooking operations is described, which includes a housing enclosing at least three filter stages to remove particle and gas pollutants in the airstream. The example system may include a fogger assembly that sprays fog droplets into the waste airstream to condense a portion of gas phase pollutants into condensed particles, a wash mechanism including spray nozzles to wash surfaces of the first stage filter to remove grease therefrom, and injection means for injecting activated ozone, which comprises ozone with a surplus of hydroxyl radicals, into the housing to initiate advanced oxidation processes (AOPs) to decompose particle and gas phase pollutants within the waste airstream in the filters. Where activated ozone is employed, the system includes a fourth stage filter that adsorbs and retains gas phase pollutants for subsequent oxidation.

Abstract: A dome valve selectively dispenses a silicon product from a chamber of a vessel. The dome valve comprises a valve body defining a pass-through channel in communication with the chamber of the vessel to allow the silicon product to exit the vessel. The dome valve also comprising a valve seat defining an opening through which the silicon product enters the pass-through channel. The dome valve further comprising a domed body having a semi-hemispherical configuration. The domed body has a sealing surface. The domed body is rotatable between a closed position and an open position for allowing the selective dispensing of the silicon product from the vessel.

Abstract: A process for at least one of a chemical and a physical treatment of fluidizable substances in a reactor includes introducing a hot gas into an interior of the reactor through a gas supply tube and cooling at least one of the hot gas and the gas supply tube with a coolant. The cooling is performed by contacting the hot gas with the coolant so as to provide a temperature of a wall of the gas supply tube at least 50° C. lower than a temperature of the gas at an inlet of the gas supply tube facing away from the interior of the reactor.

Abstract: Provided is a hydrogen station that supplies hydrogen, including: a shaft power generation unit that generates shaft power and heat; a reactor that obtains hydrogen by causing a reaction in a raw material using the heat supplied from the shaft power generation unit; and a compressor that compresses the hydrogen obtained by the reactor, wherein the shaft power generation unit drives the other devices and drives the compressor by applying the shaft power thereto.

Abstract: Provided is an exhaust treatment device including a cylindrical shell into which an exhaust gas is introduced, and a flow channel pipe that penetrates through the cylindrical shell. One end of the flow channel pipe is connected to an exhaust-gas flow path of an internal combustion engine, and the exhaust gas is introduced into the cylindrical shell via the flow channel pipe. A pair of through holes, in which the flow channel pipe is disposed, are provided in a pipe wall of the cylindrical shell. A lid member configured to occlude one of the through holes is welded to the other end of the flow channel pipe so as to occlude an opening in the other end. The lid member is welded to the pipe wall so that the one of the pair of through holes is occluded by the lid member.

Abstract: An apparatus for reducing an exhaust gas for heavy equipment is provided, which can satisfy the intensified diesel engine exhaust gas regulation conditions through further providing of the selective catalytic reduction (SCR) device in addition to the diesel particulate filter (DPF), and minimize an influence of vibration due to engine driving through mounting of the diesel particulate filter (DPF) and the selective catalytic reduction (SCR) device on the cowl frame.

Abstract: A vacuum pump with abatement function is used for evacuating a chamber of a manufacturing apparatus. The vacuum pump with abatement function includes a vacuum pump having a discharge port to which at least one abatement part for treating an exhaust gas discharged from the vacuum pump to make the exhaust gas harmless is attached. The abatement part is selected from a plurality of abatement parts having different treatment types of exhaust gas and/or different treatment amounts of exhaust gas and/or different treatment performances of exhaust gas.

Abstract: Systems and methods for extracting and processing gases from submerged sources are disclosed. A system for removing and processing a gas from a submerged area in accordance with a particular embodiment includes a membrane or other open-bottom structure having a port and being disposed over at least a portion of the submerged area so as to at least partially enclose a volume of the gas. The system can further include a chemical reactor coupled to the open-bottom structure to receive the gas, and positioned to conduct a non-combustion reaction to dissociate a constituent from a donor substance of the gas.

Abstract: In one aspect, the invention relates to filter apparatuses useful as sampling media and stabilizing pharmaceutical compounds, methods of making same, compositions useful for stabilizing pharmaceutical compounds, and methods of isolating pharmaceutical compounds from an air stream using the apparatuses and compositions. This abstract is intended to be used as a scanning tool for purposes of searching in the particular art and is not intended to be limiting of the present invention.

Abstract: According to an embodiment of the present invention, a gas-liquid circulating type gas hydrate reactor, includes: a reactor body configured to be supplied with gas and water to generate a gas hydrate; and a bubble generator configured to be disposed around a lower portion of the reactor body, wherein the gas supplied from the lower portion of the reactor body is jetted into the reactor body through the bubble generator. The gas-liquid circulating type gas hydrate reactor in accordance with the present invention makes it possible to jet gas at a high speed by using the bubble generator disposed at the low portion of the reactor body so as to promote the reaction of water and gas which are accommodated in the reactor body while forming a water stream at the lower portion of the reactor body that enables a smooth agitation of the water and the gas.

Abstract: The present invention relates to single walled and multi-walled carbon nanotubes (CNTs), functionalized CNTs and carbon nanotube composites with controlled properties, to a method for aerosol synthesis of single walled and multi-walled carbon nanotubes, functionalized CNTs and carbon nanotube composites with controlled properties from pre-made catalyst particles and a carbon source in the presence of reagents and additives, to functional, matrix and composite materials composed thereof and structures and devices fabricated from the same in continuous or batch CNT reactors. The present invention allows all or part of the processes of synthesis of CNTs, their purification, doping, functionalization, coating, mixing and deposition to be combined in one continuous procedure and in which the catalyst synthesis, the CNT synthesis, and their functionalization, doping, coating, mixing and deposition can be separately controlled.

Abstract: A surgical sterilizing container is provided, having a bottom and a container wall. A through-opening is formed on the sterilizing container for the exchange of media. A valve device having an outlet valve is provided for opening and closing the through-opening. In order to remove fluid which has formed in the container interior while reducing the risk of germs penetrating into the container interior, the through-opening is formed in the container wall at a distance from the bottom, and the sterilizing container has a fluid lifting device for providing a fluid connection from the bottom to the outlet valve and for lifting fluid from the bottom to the outlet valve. A surgical fluid extraction device is also provided for use with a surgical sterilizing container having a container wall and a bottom.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for sterilization of infectious waste including animals, infected animal herds, infected human corpses and other infected material and proper disposal of resultant waste. The method and apparatus specifically relates to methods of safely sterilizing and disposing of infectious and non-infectious bio-waste in a cost effective manner.

Abstract: Automated apparatus and methods for dispensing fluids into microplates utilizing microwell covers, the covers comprising open portions to allow a pipette access to one or more wells and impermeable portions which prevent the fluids from getting into wells shielded by the impermeable portion. The open portions and impermeable portions are preferably arranged and sized to align with alternating rows of wells in a particular microplate. Preferred covers are movably positioned on the microplate. Automated dispensing apparatus for use with microplates and microwell covers comprises a programmable controller, and suitable interfaces which allow the apparatus to be programmed, and which control a dispensing head such that pipettes are moved in the desired manner in order to take advantage of the protective features of the microwell covers. The apparatus also preferably comprises at least one transfer mechanism for moving a cover relative to a microplate at a dispensing station.

Abstract: An apparatus (10) for handling specimen slides comprises a first module receiving region (18) in which a coverslipping module (100, 200), for coverslipping thin sections arranged on the specimen slides with a coverslipping medium and a coverslipping element, is receivable. A first electrical interface is provided in the first module receiving region (18) for attachment of a coverslipping module (100, 200), this interface being embodied so that by way of it, both a glass coverslipping module (100) for coverslipping with glass wafers and a tape coverslipping module (200) for coverslipping with tapes is attachable. The first module receiving region (18) is furthermore embodied in such a way that a tape coverslipping module (200) or a glass coverslipping module (100) is selectably receivable in it.

Abstract: A centrifuge container comprising a centrifuge bucket, a locking lever and a lid is disclosed. The lid is adapted to be locked on the centrifuge bucket, and the locking lever is adapted to be pivoted from an open position to a closed position. The lid and centrifuge bucket can be made to engage each other via respective connection means by means of the locking lever such that the lid will be locked in place in the closed position of the lever and will be released in the open position of the lever. The locking lever is provided in the form of a carrying handle and that carrying handle is adapted to be pivotably mounted on one carrying handle mounting unit integrally formed on the centrifuge bucket, and that the carrying handle, in its closed position, allows the centrifuge container to be carried by means of the carrying handle.

Abstract: A system and method for the calcination of minerals.