Abstract: Asymmetric membranes comprising a first asymmetric porous zone including a first porous asymmetry that increases from the first exterior surface through the first porous zone of the bulk, and a second asymmetric porous zone including a second porous asymmetry that increases from the second exterior surface through the second porous zone of the bulk, wherein the first average pore size is larger than the second average pore size, as well as methods of making and using the membranes, are disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for molding rubber blocks by combining rubber chips and a urethane binder, and more specifically to a molding method for rubber blocks whereby it is possible to improve the processing time and the physical properties of the product by introducing high-temperature steam during molding. The present invention has advantageous effects in that the molding can take place in a short time without affecting the physical properties of the product even in situations involving heavy molded products, and in that there is no risk of ignition due to self-heating even if the finished products are kept stacked.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for manufacturing a soundproofing material by finely crushing a discarded car seat, mixing the crushed car seat with polyester fiber, low-melting polyester fiber such as LM PET, polypropylene fiber and hemp, and carding the resulting mixture, and a soundproofing material composition prepared thereby. The disclosed method allows recycling of polyurethane foam of the discarded car seat into a soundproofing material composition having superior appearance quality and soundproofing performance. The disclosed method also prevents generation of excessive static electricity and allows preparation of a soundproofing material with smooth surface.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method of manufacturing a retainer ring for a chemical mechanical polishing device. Insert pins are coupled to an insert ring member. The insert ring member is thereafter disposed in a mold such that a space is defined around the insert ring member in the mold. Subsequently, molten shell material is injected into the mold to form a shell member. Thereby, the retainer ring is manufactured, having a structure such that the insert ring member is completely covered with the shell member.

Abstract: When extrusion of a molten resin by means of an extruder is started, a simple polyetherimide resin is melt extruded from a lip portion 7a of a T-die 7, and a film of the simple polyetherimide resin is molded. The molding material is then switched to a resin composition including the polyetherimide resin and a fluorine resin and then a film of the resin composition is continuously extruded and molded from the T-die 7. Having been covered with a very thin film 8a of the simple polyetherimide resin, on a flow passage face of the lip portion 7a of the T-die 7, a resin composition layer 8b including a polyetherimide resin and a fluorine resin, which has affinity with the film 8a, is then formed at a center part.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and an apparatus for producing a film web made of thermoplastic material in which the thermoplastic material is extruded in at least one layer as plastic melt from a wide-slit nozzle in an extrusion direction and subsequently led away over at least roller, wherein tensile forces are exerted in the extrusion direction and transversely to the extrusion direction in order to stretch the film web longitudinally and transversely, wherein during application of the tensile forces in and transversely to the extrusion direction the film web has a temperature at least corresponding to the melting temperature of the same.

Abstract: The object of the invention is to provide a mold that is capable of high-precision, stable patterning, and improved in terms of handleability as well, and a manufacturing method thereof. The mold of the invention has a pattern-formation surface defined by one surface, wherein the pattern-formation layer has a projection-and-depression structure area for patterning, and a base surface defined by another surface. At least the pattern-formation layer and the base surface each comprise a polydimethylsiloxane layer. Given a low-molecular-weight siloxane of a cyclic structure represented by [—Si(CH3)2O—]k where k is an integer of 3 to 20 inclusive, the polydimethylsiloxane layer positioned on the pattern-formation layer comprises a high-content polydimethylsiloxane layer containing the low-molecular-weight siloxane in a larger amount, and the polydimethylsiloxane layer positioned on the base surface comprises a low-content polydimethylsiloxane layer containing the low-molecular-weight siloxane in a smaller amount.

Abstract: A method of making an electrical stimulation lead includes disposing conductive contacts in a spaced-apart longitudinal arrangement within a mold. A portion of a stylet tube is disposed within the mold, and the stylet tube extends through the conductive contacts. Conductive wires are positioned external to the stylet tube and each contact is coupled to at least one of the wires. A non-conductive material is molded between adjacent pairs of the contacts, around the wires, and over the stylet tube, to form a portion of the lead. This portion includes the contacts, the stylet tube, the wires, and one or more non-conductive spacers formed from the non-conductive material. Finally, the portion of the lead is removed from the mold. Another method includes placing a temporary tube around the conductive contacts and forming spacers by introducing flowable, curable, non-conductive material within the tube and between the conductive contacts.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a resin molded electronic component using a first mold having a cavity with an open top surface and a second mold combined with the first mold on top includes the following steps: (A) inserting a element of the electronic component and a liquid resin precursor into the cavity of the first mold, the liquid resin precursor having viscosity of 10 Pa·s or lower at 40° C.; (B) arranging the second mold such that the element and the resin precursor are sandwiched after the step (A); and (C) pressing the element and the resin precursor between the first mold and the second mold, and curing the resin precursor by heat from the second mold after the step (B). A temperature of the second mold is set to be higher than that of the first mold.

Abstract: Device for identifying articles such as animals, comprising a male part and a female part, which male part comprises an arrow-shaped element and which female part is provided with a passage with a front end and a rear end, wherein the arrow-shaped element can be inserted into the passage along the front end, wherein the passage is provided close to the front end with at least one protruding element, and wherein the passage is partly closed close to the rear end by a closing part, wherein the partly closed passage, including the protruding element, are manufactured integrally from a hard material; method for manufacturing such a device.

Abstract: A manufacturing method and a manufacturing apparatus of a fiber reinforced composite material are provided, in which the whole fiber-based material is impregnated with a resin and a molding can be performed with high dimensional accuracy. A manufacturing method of a fiber reinforced composite material according to the present invention includes fixing a fiber-based material having a first surface to a first mold to provide an opening for the first surface; setting a second mold having a second surface such that the first surface faces the second surface through a space; filling resin into the space; and relatively moving the second mold and the first mold to bring the second surface closer to the first surface, such that the fiber-based material is impregnated with the resin.

Abstract: A method including the steps of forming an inner ring of a wheel hub, by joining a spindle and an insert ring fitted onto the spindle, on a side of a first end of the spindle; axially blocking the insert ring on the spindle by plastically deforming the first end of the spindle to form an upset collar therewith, which axially protrudes from the insert ring; and after forming the upset collar, frontally obtaining on the collar, on the side opposite to the insert ring a frontal toothing by means of a single creator tool provided, towards the collar, with a toothing which is complementary to that to be obtained, by impressing onto the collar, in sequence, one or more teeth of the complementary toothing, which have ridges with a rounded profile having a curvature radius (R) varying in the direction of an axis of symmetry (A1) of the tool.

Abstract: An automated mandrel dip coating process assembly for RTV silicone dispersions is described, including an enclosure adapted to hold a moisture-cure ambient temperature curable medium for mandrel dip molding and at least one mandrel having a surface for contacting the moisture-cure ambient temperature curable medium. An automated motive drive assembly is arranged to removably translate one or more of the mandrel(s) into contact with the moisture-cure ambient temperature curable medium in the enclosure, and to subsequently translate at least one mandrel contacted with the moisture-cure ambient temperature curable medium into at least one of (A) contact with a bubble crusher in the enclosure, and (B) disengagement from the moisture-cure ambient temperature curable medium in the enclosure and rotation of the mandrel at a vertical displacement angle of from 70° to 110°.

Abstract: An apparatus for controlling the rate of flow of mold material to a mold cavity, including a valve system in fluid communication with an actuator to drive the actuator at one or more rates of travel, the valve system having a start position, one or more intermediate drive rate positions and a high drive rate position, the start position holding the valve pin in a gate closed position; a controller that instructs the valve system to move from the start position to the one or more intermediate drive rate positions and to remain in the one or more intermediate drive rate positions for one or more corresponding predetermined amounts of time and further drives the valve system to move from the one or more intermediate drive rate positions to the high drive rate position on expiration of the one or more predetermined amounts of time.

Abstract: Processes for forming polymer fibers, comprising: (a) providing a colloidal dispersion of at least one essentially water-insoluble polymer in an aqueous medium; and (b) electrospinning the colloidal dispersion; polymer fibers prepared by such processes; and colloidal dispersions comprising: at least one essentially water-insoluble polymer in an aqueous medium; and at least 10% by weight of a water-soluble polymer having a solubility in water of at least 0.1% by weight.

Abstract: The invention relates to a system for continuous flow production of nanometric or sub-micrometric powders under the action of laser pyrolysis by interaction between a beam emitted by a laser and a flow of reagents emitted by at least one injector, wherein the laser is followed by an optical device allowing the energy of the beam to be distributed along an axis perpendicular to the axis of the flow of reagents, in an elongated cross-section with adjustable dimensions at least at one interaction area between this beam and the flow of reagents emitted by at least two injectors located perpendicularly to the axis of the beam. It also concerns a method for producing such powders.

Abstract: A resist layer constituted by a resist composition (which may include unavoidable impurities) including a polymerizable compound that includes polyfunctional monomers that become polymers having three dimensional structures by cross linking when polymerized and a polymerization initiating agent which is activated by one of light and an electron beam is formed on a substrate. A surface of a mold having a predetermined pattern of protrusions and recesses is pressed against the resist layer. Light is irradiated onto the resist layer to cure the resist layer. The mold is separated from the resist layer under conditions that the temperature of the resist layer is 40° C. or greater.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to easily eliminate fumes inside a chamber, so as to improve a positional accuracy of irradiation with a light beam and a machining accuracy in a method for manufacturing a three-dimensional shaped object. A stacked-layers forming device 1 includes a powder layer forming unit 3, a light beam irradiating unit 4, a base 22 which is fixed and on which a powder layer 32 is formed, a lifting/lowering frame 34 which surrounds the circumference of the base 22 and is freely capable of being lifted and lowered, a cover frame 36 which has a window 36a allowing transmission of light beam in its top surface, and whose bottom surface is opened, and which is disposed on the lifting/lowering frame 34 to form a chamber C, and a gas tank 71 for supplying an ambient gas. The lifting/lowering frame 34 is lowered to reduce the volume of the chamber C, so as to discharge fumes generated inside the cover frame 36, which performs replacement with the ambient gas.

Abstract: The presently disclosed subject matter is directed to methods of making and using films that serve as barriers to atmospheric oxygen. More particularly, the presently disclosed subject matter pertains to methods of making and using films wherein at least one layer of the film contains a blend of primary and secondary barrier components. The primary barrier component is present in the layer in an amount of from about 65 to 95 weight percent, based on the blend weight, and comprises ethylene vinyl alcohol copolymer having an ethylene unit content ranging from 21 to 30 mol %. The secondary barrier component is present in the layer in an amount of from about 5 to 55 weight percent, based on blend weight, and comprises ethylene vinyl alcohol copolymer having an ethylene unit content ranging from 41 to 50 mol %.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for the manufacturing of a container or parts of a container for fuel or compressed gases by extrusion blow molding and container or parts of container for fuel or compressed gases made thereof.

Abstract: The manufacturing method includes a mixing step of mixing a plurality of zeolite particles, an inorganic binding material and an organic binder, to prepare a zeolite raw material, a forming step of extruding the zeolite raw material to obtain a formed zeolite article, and a firing step of firing the formed zeolite article to prepare the zeolite structure. The mixing step includes an inorganic binding material containing at least one type of silica sol selected from the group consisting of acid silica sol, silica sol containing silica particles coated with alumina, cationic silica sol, silica sol containing string-like silica particles, and silica sol containing bead-like silica particles. A content ratio of silica particles contained in the silica sol selected from the group is from 10 to 30 mass% with respect to 100 mass% of the zeolite particles.

Abstract: A method for making a cordierite filter article, including: firing an extruded green body batch composition according to: a first temperature ramping from ambient temperature up to a first soaking temperature; a first soaking at a temperature of at least 1255° C. for at least 2 hours; a second temperature ramping from the first soak temperature down to a second soak temperature; and a second soaking at a temperature of at least 1250° C. and at least 5° C. below the first soaking temperature, as defined herein.

Abstract: A refractory bottom lining for lining the bottom of a metallurgical vessel. The refractory bottom includes a stepped portion and an impact portion. The impact portion is formed of a first refractory material. The stepped portion is formed of a second refractory material and is disposed around the impact portion. The stepped portion includes an upper surface that has a plurality of discrete surface sections. The plurality of discrete surface sections includes an uppermost surface section, at least two intermediate surface sections and a lowermost surface section. Each surface section has a different elevation such that the uppermost surface section has a highest elevation and the lowermost surface section has a lowest elevation. The uppermost surface section, the at least two intermediate surface sections and the lowermost surface section define a continuously downward stepped path from the uppermost surface section to the lowermost surface section.

Abstract: This invention relates to power metallurgical material, production method and application thereof. A metallurgy powder material with pressure-proof & good compactness, satisfactory to the component content requirements for 316 stainless steel, wherein, 5˜9% (by weight) of Fe3P (or Fe3PO4). The powder metallurgical material has properties of pressure resistance and corrosion resistance, and excellent compactness.

Abstract: The invention concerns steels having excellent resistance over time, in a corrosive atmosphere due to oxidizing environments such as, for example, fumes or water vapor, under high pressure and/or temperature. The invention concerns a steel composition for special applications, said composition containing, by weight, about 1.8 to 11% of chromium (and preferably between about 2.3 and 10% of chromium), less than 1% of silicon, and between 0.20 and 0.45% of manganese. It has been found that it is possible to adjust the contents of the composition based on a predetermined model, selected to obtain substantially optimal properties with respect to corrosion in specific conditions of high temperature performances. Said model can involve as additive of as residue at least one element selected among molybdenum, tungsten, cobalt, and nickel.

Abstract: The distribution of Ni—Si compound grains is controlled to thereby improve the properties of Corson alloys. The copper alloy for electronic materials comprises 0.4 to 6.0% mass of Ni and 0.1 to 1.4% by mass of Si, with the balance being Cu and unavoidable impurities. The copper alloy comprising: small particles of Ni—Si compound having a particle size of equal to or greater than 0.01 ?m and smaller than 0.3 ?m; and large particles of Ni—Si compound having a particle size of equal to of greater than 0.3 ?m and smaller than 1.5 ?m. The number density of the small particles is 1 to 2000 pieces/?m2 and the number density of the large particles is 0.05 to 2 pieces/?m2.

Abstract: A platinum-free silver alloy may include about 0.1% to 0.9% Au, about 83% to 90% Ag, about 2% to 3% Pd, about 3% to 5% Zn, about 2% to 8% Cu, about 0.01% to 0.4% B, about 0.1% to 0.3% Ge, and about 0.01% to 0.03% Ir.

Abstract: A method of decontaminating a room or space, comprising the steps of providing a cold-mist decontamination device capable of generating an atomized mist comprised of a decontaminant and water, inputting into an internal processor the parameters of the room or space and the concentration of the decontaminant in the decontamination solution, measuring the temperature and humidity in the room or space, and determining the maximum amount of the decontamination solution that can be introduced into the room or space in atomized form without condensing the decontaminant on surfaces within the room or space.

Abstract: The present invention provides a series of systems, devices, and methods relating to the determination of explosives, such as peroxides or peroxide precursors, and other species. Embodiments of the invention may allow a sample suspected of containing an explosive (e.g., a peroxide) or other species to interact with a reactant, wherein the sample may react and cause light emission from the reactant. Advantages of the present invention may include the simplification of devices for determination of peroxide-based explosives, wherein the devices are portable and, in some cases, disposable. Other advantages may include relative ease of fabrication and operation.

Abstract: A transportable, self-contained assay facility built in a modified standard shipping container that is completely equipped to melt and assay precious metals, particularly gold and silver. An induction furnace melts the metal that is then poured into an ingot. The ingot is weighed and analyzed using an XRF alloy analyzer and the percentage of gold and/or other metals recorded. The value of the gold at current market prices is calculated and the assay and the value of the ingot is printed and given to the seller. The seller may opt to receive the ingot and pay the assayer an assay fee. Alternately, the seller may ask to be paid in cash, by bullion, wire transfer, or by an open hedge. A transfer or hedge is initiated and confirmed from the assay facility. The ingots may be securely stored in a safe within the assay facility.

Abstract: A polymer-based PLOT capillary column prepared by in situ copolymerization of a functional monomer and a crosslinking monomer, which enhances the strength of the polymer matrix, is disclosed. Also disclosed is a system comprising the polymer-based PLOT column coupled to a mass flow or concentration sensitive detector, for carrying out a chemical analysis method on samples separated by liquid chromatography using the column, and a process for using the system. Columns of the invention can be prepared in a robust fashion with a very narrow i.d., e.g., 5-15 ?m. Thus, they are suitable for commercial use in ultratrace LC/MS proteomic analysis. Columns according to the invention are characterized by high resolving power and high column-to-column reproducibility. When these columns are coupled on-line with, e.g., ESI-MS detection, the resulting systems are capable of detecting the component parts of complex proteomic samples down to the low attomole to sub-attomole level.

Abstract: A biosensor system determines an analyte concentration of a biological sample using an electrochemical process without Cottrell decay. The biosensor system generates an output signal having a transient decay, where the output signal is not inversely proportional to the square root of the time. The transient decay is greater or less than the ?0.5 decay constant of a Cottrell decay. The transient decay may result from a relatively short incubation period, relatively small sample reservoir volumes, relatively small distances between electrode surfaces and the lid of the sensor strip, and/or relatively short excitations in relation to the average initial thickness of the reagent layer. The biosensor system determines the analyte concentration from the output signal having a transient decay.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the collection, transportation and analysis of gas samples which may be required in various scientific, environmental and natural resource contexts is provided. The apparatus comprises a sampling container assembly for sampling a fluid. The container assembly comprises a body defining a sampling chamber having a first end and a second end, a first valve assembly fluidly coupled with the first end and a reactant material positioned within the sampling chamber for reacting with the fluid. After collection of the sample in the sampling container assembly, hazardous fluids are converted to non-hazardous materials that can be transported without additional hazardous material restraints. Further, the flow through design of the sampling container assembly allows for the collection of gases such as H2S at low concentrations by flowing the gas over the reactant materials for longer periods of time.

Abstract: A housing having a suction port and a discharge port, an impeller 21 and a casing 22 that houses the impeller 21, an air blower 2 housed in the housing, a filter that lets through the air suctioned from the suction port by the air blower 2, and two ion generating sections that generate positive and negative ions are provided. The ion generating section is arranged on a circular-arc guide wall 2a in the casing 22. The positive and negative ions generated by the ion generating section are efficiently included in the air passing through as laminar flow along the circular-arc guide wall 22a.

Abstract: The air compressor has an air intake, a tank, means for pressurizing the air in the tank and an air outlet connected to the tank. High power 365 nm UV LED light sources are mounted within the tank to disinfect the interior tank surface. The light source has a cover for protecting the light source which may take the form of a quartz diverging lens for directing the output of the light source toward the portion of the interior tank surface where fluid tends to accumulate, such as the bottom of the tank. Air flow is directed through the area proximate the light source to remove particles from the light source cover. The effect of this air flow can be amplified by creating turbulence proximate the light sources utilizing a member with an arcuate profile.

Abstract: An apparatus for the decontamination of air, the apparatus comprising a housing (1) having an air inlet (4) and an air outlet (6) with an air passage (2) there between, means (20) for directing a stream of air through the housing, the housing containing a non-thermal plasma cell (30), an ultraviolet emitting device (40) and an ozone depletion catalyst (42), the non-thermal plasma comprising an anode (32), a dielectric (32) and a cathode (33), the cathode being in the form of a meshed enclosure which surrounds the ultraviolet emitting device and ozone depletion catalyst to form a reaction chamber and Faraday cage. The non-thermal plasma cell may also be provided as a columnar cell for forming an array of cells and the dielectric may comprise water droplets to improve the efficiency of the device.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for continuous recovery of (meth)acrylic acid, and more specifically to a method of continuous recovery of (meth)acrylic acid, including: conducting gas phase oxidation of at least one compound selected from the group consisting of propane, propylene, butane, i-butylene, t-butylene, and (meth)acrolein in the presence of a catalyst to obtain a mixed gas containing (meth)acrylic acid; quenching the (meth)acrylic acid-containing mixed gas to remove high boiling point by-products in the (meth)acrylic acid-containing mixed gas; contacting the high boiling point by-product-free (meth)acrylic acid-containing mixed gas with water or an aqueous solution to obtain an aqueous solution containing (meth)acrylic acid; and purifying the aqueous solution containing (meth)acrylic acid to obtain (meth)acrylic acid.

Abstract: A PCM device (1) is provided for an exhaust system of an internal combustion engine, especially of a motor vehicle. A simplified installation of the PCM device (1), with reduced heat stresses, is achieved through the provision of at least one storage plate (2), which has two plate bodies (3, 4), which follow each other, enclose a storage space (7) filled with heat storage material (18) and have a wave structure (5, 6) each. The wave structure (5) of one plate body (3) extends sloped in relation to the wave structure (6) of the other plate body (4).

Abstract: In flue-gas desulfurization equipment, in order to gypsumize sulfur dioxide in a byproduct at approximately 100% and to make desulfurization rate approximately 100%, the flue-gas desulfurization equipment (1) according to the present invention is provided with a basket-shaped rotation cylinder (20) arranged in the fixing duct (10) in a state of being supported rotatably around a horizontal shaft (21), a rotation packed bed (30) formed by filling fillers for gas-liquid contact in the basket-shaped rotation cylinder (20), a slurry storage tank (40) having plural communication storage sections (41) located below the rotation packed bed (30) and divided by separation plates (43) each of which has a communication part (43a), and slurry spraying means (63) which are provided corresponding to the plural communication storage sections (41) and which spray the absorbent slurry extracted from the corresponding communication storage sections (41) to upper parts of the communication storage section (41) in the rotation p

Abstract: An exhaust treatment device includes an inner shell, an outer shell and insulation material positioned between the inner shell and the outer shell. An inlet tube has an end in communication with a cavity defined by the inner shell. A substrate for treating engine exhaust is positioned within the inner shell. A baffle plate includes a plurality of apertures positioned such that the exhaust passes through the apertures prior to entering the substrate. The baffle plate supports an end of the inner shell and the inlet tube.

Abstract: Apparatus and method converting feedstock (e.g., chicken litter) into oil, gas, and ash fertilizer has a reformer unit with (i) a feedstock input, (ii) an outer wall, (iii) a reaction chamber with an inner wall, (iv) a combustion gas input, (v) a scrubbing liquid input, (vi) a feedstock stirrer, (vii) an ash stirrer, (viii) an ash plate below the reaction chamber, and (ix) a combined liquid/gas output. The ash plate is separated from the inner wall. Feedstock and scrubbing liquid are preferably reacted within the reaction chamber to release useful hydrocarbon liquids and gasses which migrate to the top of the reformer, while ash from the reaction falls onto the ash plate from where it is output. Liquid/gas pump structure sends the combined liquid/gas from the reformer to gas/liquid separator structure which provides a gas output and a liquid output. The gas output may be used, flamed off, and/or recirculated to the reaction chamber. Oil/water separator structure receives the liquid output and provides a (e.g.

Abstract: A continuous high capacity system for converting a combination of natural gas and coal into liquid fuel, using a pug for blending less than 200 micron diameter particulate with a plasticizing agent; a sealing auger for forming an agglomerated material and sealing, a cutting device, a vacuum chamber to remove air from the cut material, a second sealing auger for forming a de-aerated agglomerated material and sealing, a second cutting device, a gas injection chamber for impregnating the de-aerated cut material with natural gas, an extruder forming an extrudate, a heating chamber to evolve at least one gas; a pressure sensor and temperature sensors in the heating chamber, a cooling chamber providing controlled pressure and controlled temperature cooling of the evolved gasses, wherein the cooling chamber liquefies sequentially at least 50 percent of the evolved gasses forming a liquid.

Abstract: The invention pertains to a reactor tube comprising a fixed bed of Fischer-Tropsch catalyst particles, wherein the catalyst particles in 5%-40% of the fixed bed volume at the upstream end have an average outer surface to volume ratio (S/V) of between 3.0 to 4.5 mm-1, and the remaining catalyst particles have an average S/V of between 4.5 to 8.0 mm-1, and wherein the difference between the average S/V of the particles at the upstream end and the remaining fixed bed volume is at least 0.5 mm-1. Additionally the fixed bed volume at the upstream end shows a full-bed apparent catalytic activity per volume unit lower than the full-bed apparent catalytic activity per volume unit in the remaining fixed bed volume and/or the weight of catalytically active metal per weight unit at the upstream end is more than 70% lower than in the remaining fixed bed volume.

Abstract: A reaction chamber including an upper region for processing a substrate, a lower region for loading a substrate, a susceptor movable within the reaction chamber, a first sealing member positioned on a perimeter of the susceptor, a second sealing member positioned between the upper region and the lower region, wherein the first and second sealing members are selectively engaged with one another to limit communication between the upper region and the lower region.

Abstract: Hollow conjugated polyelectrolyte (HCPE) microcapsules contain at least one conjugated polyelectrolyte and at least one other polyelectrolyte of complementary charge and the microcapsule has a hollow core. The conjugated polyelectrolyte is a polymer with a multiplicity of charged repeating units where a portion of the charged repeating units form a pi-conjugated sequence. The complementary polyelectrolyte is a polymer with a complementary charged repeating unit to the charged repeating units of the conjugated polyelectrolyte. The HCPE microcapsules can be formed by successively coating a sacrificial core with alternating layers of complementary polyelectrolytes, at least one of which is a conjugated polyelectrolyte. The sacrificial core can be removed to form the hollow center of a HCPE microcapsule.

Abstract: A medical sterilization container has a removable container cover, which is provided in a wall area (4) with gas-exchange openings (5), with a filter unit (55) for gas exchange has an interchangeable filter sheet covering the gas-exchange openings (5) on the inside, which is arranged within a ring-shaped circumferential frame element (15) and is held pressably against an inside of the wall area (4) by a pressure washer (36) provided with openings (45). The pressure washer (36) is detachably connected to frame element (15) or the wall area (4) and has a ring groove (48) with a preferably elastic sealing ring (49), which seals the wall area (4) provided with the gas-exchange openings (5) against the frame element (15). To prevent a shifting of and/or damage to the filter sheet during a clamping process, the pressure washer (36) can be pressed against the wall area (4) by a spring washer (35).

Abstract: The storage arrangement has a chamber. Several Dewar flasks are arranged in the chamber and above them a picking device. The picking device has at least one cassette lift, with which storage cassettes can be removed from above from the Dewar flasks. This arrangement is suitable for storing laboratory objects at very low temperatures.

Abstract: An apparatus for punching and extracting analytes from a dried biological fluid spot includes a tube and a sorbent bed. The tube includes a proximal tube opening, a distal tube opening, and a distal section. The distal section includes a tube wall having a tapered diameter that reduces down to the distal tube opening. The apparatus may also include a tube extension that includes an extension wall having a tapered diameter that reduces from a proximal extension opening to a distal extension opening. The tube extension is movable between an attached position and a detached position. At the attached position, the tube extension is secured to the tube by frictional contact between the extension wall and the tube at the distal tube opening. At the detached position the tube extension is physically separate from the tube. The sorbent bed is disposed at an axial distance from the distal tube opening and in the tube or the tube extension. The sorbent bed has a composition configured for solid phase extraction.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods of performing microchemical reactions and electro-wetting-on-dielectric devices (EWOD devices) for use in performing those reactions. These devices and method are particularly suited for preparing radiochemical compounds, particularly compounds containing 18F.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for detecting the presence and/or the reaction of a biomolecule by monitoring changes of electrical property accurately according to the biological, biochemical or chemical reaction of the biomolecule, and a biochip provided for this purpose.