Abstract: The invention relates to an organic-inorganic hybrid material which comprises an inorganic solid support on which are grafted organic molecules of the general formula (I) hereafter: and relates to methods allowing preparation of this hybrid material as well as to the uses of the hybrid material for extracting uranium(VI) from an aqueous medium comprising phosphoric acid.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for directly producing lactide by subjecting lactic acid to a dehydration reaction in the presence of a catalyst comprising a tin compound, preferably, a tin (IV) compound, wherein lactide can be produced directly or by one step from lactic acid, without going through the step of producing or separating lactic acid oligomer. The method of the present invention has advantages of causing no loss of lactic acid, having a high conversion ratio to lactic acid and a high selectivity to optically pure lactide, and maintaining a long life time of the catalyst. Further, since lactic acid oligomer is not or hardly generated and the selectivity of meso-lactide is low, the method also has an advantage that the cost for removing or purifying this can be saved.

Abstract: Ceramic catalyst carriers that are mechanically, thermally and chemically stable in a ionic salt monopropellant decomposition environment and high temperature catalysts for decomposition of liquid high-energy-density monopropellants are disclosed. The ceramic catalyst carrier has excellent thermal shock resistance, good compatibility with the active metal coating and metal coating deposition processes, melting point above 1800° C., chemical resistance to steam, nitrogen oxides and acids, resistance to sintering to prevent void formation, and the absence of phase transition associated with volumetric changes at temperatures up to and beyond 1800° C.

Abstract: A process for the nitrilation of a fatty acid or of a fatty acid ester, which is optionally unsaturated, by reacting the fatty acid or fatty acid ester with ammonia in a reactor operating continuously in the gas phase or in the mixed gas-liquid phase in a temperature range of from 180 to 400° C., in the presence of a solid catalyst comprising at least one metal oxide, the metal of which belongs to column 8 of the periodic table, as a mixture with at least one metal oxide chosen from aluminum oxides, zirconium oxides, niobium oxides, tantalum oxides and tin oxides, the metal oxide(s), the metal of which belongs to column 8, being present in a volume ratio of 0.1 to 0.6 relative to the volume of the mixture of all the oxides.

Abstract: Catalyst compositions, methods of making catalysts, and methods of conducting Fischer-Tropsch (FT) reactions are described. It has been discovered that a combination of large crystallite size and high porosity results in catalysts and FT catalyst systems with high stability and low methane selectivity.

Abstract: A catalyst and process for the production of methyl acetate by contacting dimethyl ether and carbon monoxide in the presence of a catalyst which is a zeolite of micropore volume of 0.01 ml/g or less.

Abstract: Methods for generating a purified catalyst are provided. The method includes performing a reaction in a reaction vessel to generate a liquid catalyst and reaction products, purging the reaction products using an inert gas to form a purged catalyst, freezing the purged catalyst in the reaction vessel, and applying a vacuum to the reaction vessel while the purged catalyst thaws, wherein the vacuum removes residual reaction products to form a purified catalyst. Systems for generating a purified catalyst and a purified catalyst are also provided.

Abstract: Method of preparing epoxidation catalysts are disclosed, including methods comprising reacting an inorganic siliceous solid with a metal complex of the formulas: wherein the variables are defined herein.

Abstract: A catalyst composition comprising (a) a manganese-containing compound and (b) a carboxylic acid functionalized metal organic framework (MOF) compound; and a process for preparing an olefin oxide compound product including reacting (a) at least one olefin compound with (b) at least one oxidant in the presence of (c) the above catalyst composition.

Abstract: Heterogeneous iridium catalysts for nuclear spin polarization enhancement in solution via signal amplification by reversible exchange are provided. Also provided are methods for preparing heterogeneous iridium catalysts, and methods of using heterogeneous iridium catalysts for nuclear spin polarization enhancement in solution via signal amplification by reversible exchange.

Abstract: An anion exchange method using an anion exchange precursor based on a metal-chalcogenide compound is provided. The anion exchange method includes exchanging an anionic element of a nanoparticle with an element X of an anion exchange precursor represented by Na2Xn via a reaction between the anion exchange precursor and the nanoparticle in the presence of a reaction medium, wherein X is at least one element selected from the group consisting of Se, S, and Te, and n is an integer from 2 to 10.

Abstract: A pipettor includes a wash chamber between an upper plate, a lower plate, an upper seal, and a lower seal. The upper and lower seal retain each other and are located between the upper and lower plates. The pipettor includes a gasket located below the lower plate, a pipette tip retained by the gasket, and a piston with a tapered tip that passes through the plates, seals, and gasket into the pipette tip. The upper and lower seal isolate the piston from the wash chamber. The pipettor includes a channel defined by the piston, extending into the pipette tip, and an actuator that advances and retracts the piston. When the actuator retracts the piston such that the piston loses sealing contact with the lower seal and the wash chamber is supplied with wash fluid and pressurized, wash fluid passes through the groove in the upper seal and into the channel.

Abstract: A fluid container includes a container body configured to hold one or more fluids. The container body has a first side wall and an opposing second side wall. The fluid container also includes one or more container alignment features disposed on an outer surface of the first side wall and configured to self-align the container body with a datum. The fluid container also includes one or more anti-evaporation tube alignment mechanisms disposed on one or more inner surfaces of the container body and configured to self-align an anti-evaporation tube within the container body.

Abstract: The invention provides a lid mechanism suitable for use with automated instrumentation. The lid mechanism has a compact design enabling it to function in very small spaces, and therefore on very compact instrumentation. One embodiment of the lid mechanism has a nut positioned around a jackscrew; a motor translationally attached to the nut for driving rotational motion of the nut around the jackscrew and vertical motion of the jackscrew; a main shaft positioned around the jackscrew with a bearing support positioned on the main shaft; a moving support comprising a bearing guide track and positioned on the main shaft so that the bearing support is positioned within the bearing guide track; and a lid plate positioned on the moving support so that vertical movement of the moving support causes vertical movement of the lid plate and rotational movement of the moving support causes rotational movement of the lid plate. Also provided is an automated laboratory instrument having a lid mechanism of the invention.

Abstract: The present invention includes microfluidic systems having a microfabricated cavity that may be covered with a removable cover, where the removable cover allows at least part of the opening of the microfabricated cavity to be exposed or directly accessed by an operator. The microfluidic systems comprise chambers, flow and control channels formed in elastomeric layers that may comprise PDMS. The removable cover comprises a thermoplastic base film bonded to an elastomer layer by an adhesive layer. When the removable cover is peeled off, the chamber is at least partially open to allow sample extraction from the chamber. The chamber may have macromolecular crystals formed inside or resulting contents from a PCR reaction. The invention also includes a method for making vias in elastomeric layers by using the removable cover. The invention further includes methods and devices for peeling the peelable cover or a removable component such as Integrated Heater Spreader.

Abstract: A biological sample containment system and a label for a container that includes a first layer having a first readable information portion and a second layer removably attached to the first layer, the second layer having a second readable information portion, is disclosed. In one embodiment, the first layer and the second layer of the label are both formed of a thermosensitive material. In one embodiment, at least a part of the first readable information portion is identical to at least a part of the second readable information portion. The label of the present disclosure allows a portion of the label having readable information to be removed and adhered to a patient record, for example, while a portion of the label having identical readable information remains on the container.

Abstract: The invention provides disposable microfluidic devices that incorporate magnetic media and methods of using such devices to perform diagnostic assays on a sample. One exemplary microfluidic device comprises a first magnetic layer, a second magnetic layer, and a substantially planar member containing at least one hydrophilic region, where the substantially planar member is disposed between the first magnetic layer and the second magnetic layer, and the magnetic layers provide an attractive force useful for reducing the loss of fluid and/or s reagent from the device.

Abstract: The liquid feeding device includes a branched portion at which a fluid is branched into a main flow passage that feeds the fluid from an upstream side to a downstream side and a first flow passage being branched from the main flow passage; a narrow flow passage being provided at a terminal end portion, and has a smaller cross-sectional area than the first flow passage; and a liquid feeding mechanism which feeds the fluid to the main flow passage and the first flow passage, wherein the narrow flow passage suppresses the fluid, being fed from the main flow passage side to the first flow passage using the mechanism in the branched portion, from leaking from first flow passage, quantitatively determines fluid as a first volume by filling the first flow passage, which has the first volume, with the fluid, and feeds the quantitatively determined fluid to the main flow passage.

Abstract: A device for detecting the concentration of biological materials is formed in a body having a plurality of fluidic paths connectable to a multi-microbalance structure carrying a plurality of microbalances, each microbalance having a sensitive portion facing a reaction chamber. The body and the multi-microbalance structure are configured to be mechanically coupled together and each microbalance is configured to be coupled to a respective fluidic path. Each fluidic path includes an inlet, a duct and a liquid waste, each duct being configured to be coupled with a respective reaction chamber. The plurality of fluidic paths and microbalances form at least one first and one second reference cells and one first sample cell.

Abstract: Microfluidic devices for the rapid and automated processing of sample populations are provided. Described are multiplexer tiplexer microfluidic devices configured to serially deliver a plurality of distinct sample populations to a sample processing element rapidly and automatically, without cross-contaminating the distinct sample populations. Also provided are microfluidic sample processing elements that can be used to rapidly and automatically manipulate and/or interrogate members of a sample population. The microfluidic devices can be used to improve the throughput and quality of experiments involving model organisms, such as C. elegans.

Abstract: A disposable cartridge configured as a digital microfluidics system for manipulating samples in liquid portions having a cartridge accommodation site and a central control unit for controlling selection of individual electrodes of an electrode array located at the site and for providing plural electrodes with individual voltage pulses for manipulating liquid portions by electrowetting. The cartridge has a hydrophobic working surface and a rigid cover with a second hydrophobic surface, the hydrophobic surfaces facing each other and being separated in parallel planes by a gap. The cartridge has plural pipetting guides for safe entering/withdrawing liquids into/from the gap with a pipette tip. At least one of the pipetting guides provides an abutting surface sealingly admittable by a counter surface of a pipette tip, located at a pipetting orifice that reaches through the rigid cover, and configured to prevent a pipette tip from touching the hydrophobic working surface.

Abstract: A portable system for extracting, optionally amplifying, and detecting nucleic acids or proteins using a compact integrated chip in combination with a mobile device system for analyzing detected signals, and comparing and distributing the results via a wireless network. Related systems and methods are provided.

Abstract: Aspects of embodiments of the invention relate to a simulator including a visual display capable of outputting to a user a display one or more effects of a command series selected and a system including a droplet microactuator electronically coupled to and controlled by a processor capable of executing instructions, the droplet microactuator including a substrate comprising electrodes for conducting droplet operations. Further aspects of embodiments of the invention relate to a droplet operations troubleshooting apparatus. Other aspects of embodiments of the invention relate to a computer implemented method of displaying simulated microactuator droplets.

Abstract: The invention relates to a support device (14) for supporting a bag (20) containing material to be centrifuged in a centrifuge receptacle (12), said support device (14) comprising a resiliently elastic panel (16) which—when bent—will generate a restoring force, said panel (16) being of a material and a size which will allow it to be bent elastically at least to such an extent that its two ends will contact one another.

Abstract: A gyratory crusher hydraulic pressure relief valve includes a hydraulic fluid vestibule arranged to be fluidly connected to a hydraulic fluid space. A logic element is arranged to dump hydraulic fluid from the hydraulic fluid space, which includes a plunger having a first plunger surface and a second plunger surface, and a control pipe arranged for fluidly connecting the second plunger surface to the hydraulic fluid vestibule. A supply orifice restricts the flow of hydraulic fluid from the vestibule towards the second plunger surface to make the time TC it takes for the logic element to switch from open position to closed position exceed the time TF it takes for a closed side setting position of the crusher to make one full round.

Abstract: A gyratory crusher spider arm shield is configured for releasable attachment to a spider arm. The shield includes a main body having an underside foot for engaging onto an upper region of the arm. The secure attachment is provided by cooperation between an attachment element that extends radially inward from an outermost end of the shield and a mount guide provided at sidewalls of the shield that extend laterally each side of the spider arm.

Abstract: An apparatus and continuous process for making milled solid in liquid dispersions comprises several steps: 1) Forming a pre-mill mixture of pre-mix, milling media, and previously milled dispersion. 2) Milling the pre-mill mixture to form a milled mixture of milling media and milled dispersion. 3) Separating a portion of the milled dispersion, which is substantially free of milling media, from the milled mixture. 4) Recycling the un-separated mixture by adding additional pre-mix to form the pre-mill mixture to create a continuous milling process. The pre-mix comprises a liquid and a solid. The process is a continuous process and the milling media is recycled through the milling step. Much of the milled dispersion is also cycled through the milling step several times and only a portion of the milled dispersion, which is substantially free of milling media, is removed as the milled dispersion product.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for accelerating food product in order to cause the product to be stretched aligning the fibers of the product.

Abstract: A safety system prevents cutting machine operators from being accidentally carried through the infeed chute into the machine's cutting mechanism. An operator wears a safety device on his wrist and/or ankle and a sensor array mounts on opposing sides of the cutting machine's infeed chute. The sensor array elements are wound in opposite directions and connect in series opposing. The magnetic field of the safety device induces a current in the sensor array as it moves in the proximity of the sensor array. The safety system generates a signal which is proportional to the sum of the induced currents. When the signal exceeds a threshold, the safety system shuts off power to the feed mechanism and/or the cutting blades of the cutting machine, preventing injury to the operator.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus and method for purging charged powder particles from a mixture of said powder particles and ferromagnetic carrier particles. Purging is effected by moving the carrier particles relative to a first side of a support surface which supports said carrier particles, while attracting the powder particles towards an attracting surface which is spaced apart from said support surface and at a different potential than said support surface. The movement of the carrier particles is driven by moving the support surface relative to a plurality of magnets which are arranged on a second side of the support surface opposite to said first side, for attracting the carrier particles to said first side.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides systems and devices for the sorting of objects using acoustic waves and magnetic forces as well as methods of using the systems and devices.

Abstract: A bean roaster with controllable fluid loft and electrostatic collector is provided. An example system reduces large industrial features into a smaller roaster, without sacrificing roast flavor. A user can select custom airflow parameters to establish a bean loft mode and fluid loft pattern for a particular roast. Airflow parameters, including air volume and pressure may be user-selected along a continuum. Selected airflow interacts with a cyclonic diffuser to create airflow streams in the roast hopper, which in turn interact with the geometry of the roast hopper itself and the beans, including their size, mass, number, and streamline properties, to create a fluid loft pattern, such as helical pattern or spray pattern. An electrostatic collector applies static charge to chaff and smoke particulates enabling these to be secured within a small machine footprint. The condensed features provide a bean roaster that can use ordinary electrical hookup and common residential venting.

Abstract: A centrifugal separator includes a centrifuge rotor mounted to a spindle and includes a rotor casing enclosing a separation space. Peripheral ports extend from the separation space through the rotor casing. A valve slide is movable between a closed position closing the peripheral ports and an open position opening the peripheral ports. A closing chamber is provided between the valve slide and the rotor casing. An inlet channel supplies hydraulic medium to the closing chamber to hold the valve slide in the closed position. An outlet passage permits an outlet flow of the hydraulic medium for moving the valve slide to the open position. The outlet passage includes outlet channels extending though the rotor casing. A valve body is provided in each outlet channel and is axially movable from a closing position to an opening position against the direction of the outlet flow.

Abstract: Disclosed is a loading apparatus and system adapted to load unprocessed sample containers in a centrifuge and provide improved balance thereof. The apparatus has a staging platform containing at least two bucket inserts, a weight scale operable to determine a combined weight of each of the bucket inserts, a centrifuge configured to receive the bucket inserts as pairs, a robot operable to insert an unprocessed sample container into the bucket inserts, and a controller operable to command the robot to carry out placement of the unprocessed sample container into a highest priority empty receptacle of a lowest combined weight bucket insert. Methods of operating the system are provided, as are other aspects.

Abstract: An irrigation sprinkler including a base defining an axis, a pressurized water inlet mounted onto the base, a nozzle, communicating with the inlet, and providing a pressurized water stream which is generally outwardly directed relative to the axis and a water stream deflector for engaging the pressurized water stream and deflecting at least part of the water stream azimuthally with respect to the axis, the deflector including a first pressurized water stream engagement surface and a second pressurized water stream engagement surface downstream of the first engagement surface, the first engagement surface having a pressurized water stream directing configuration arranged to direct a first portion of the stream impinging thereon, which does not exceed a predetermined quantity, onto the second surface and to direct at least a second portion of the stream impinging thereon, which at least a second portion exceeds the predetermined quantity, not onto the second engagement surface.

Abstract: A slot die coater planarizing an upper surface of an encapsulation layer and a coating method using the same. The slot die coater includes a slit nozzle configured to supply a coating solution. The slit nozzle includes a hole vertically penetrating a center portion thereof, a first bottom surface disposed at a movement direction side of the slit nozzle with reference to the hole, and a second bottom surface disposed at an opposite direction side of the movement direction of the slit nozzle with reference to the hole. A width of the first bottom surface is different from the width of the second bottom surface.

Abstract: A system and method are disclosed for determining component-related delay times for the spray application of viscous fluids, which includes an actuable application system for a viscous fluid having at least components of a metering device, fluid valve and application nozzle. The dynamic behaviour of the application system can be dependent, with respect to the volume flow profile of the viscous fluid during the application and component-related delay times, and an impacted object to be sprayed with the viscous fluid by the application nozzle. The system can include a vibration sensor for continuously sensing vibrations of the impacted object, and at least one computing device which is provided for actuating the application system with a sequence of predefinable input parameters, for bringing about a chronological correlation between the change in an input parameter and a change occurring thereafter in the vibration profile and determining therefrom, a respective component-related delay time.

Abstract: An adapter is provided for connection with a garden hose and a lawn sprinkler or other fluid dispersion devices, which mixes a substance stored in a reservoir connected to the adapter, with water for spraying onto a lawn or other area.

Abstract: A fluid delivery system for dispensing fluid can include a dispenser, such as a trigger engine-type dispenser (100), configured to draw fluid up from a container. A nozzle assembly can include a nozzle (160), and a nozzle slide (112). The nozzle slide can be configured to slide and/or rotate relative to the shroud (102) to provide different dispensing modes. In alternative examples, the nozzle (160) can be configured to rotate in 30 degree increments relative to the shroud (102) to provide the different dispensing modes or the nozzle assembly can include a nozzle extension, and the nozzle extension can be configured to rotate relative to the shroud to provide different dispensing patterns out of the nozzle. In another example a first nozzle can be configured to provide one or more dispensing modes, and a second nozzle can be configured to provide a different dispensing mode than the first nozzle. Methods of dispensing fluids and methods of assembling fluid dispensers are also disclosed.

Abstract: A contact nozzle for coating an elastic strand with an adhesive. Air is discharged at the adhesive in contact with the strand, causing the adhesive to spread around the periphery of the strand. The air assists with release of the adhesive from the nozzle and also cleans the nozzle to discourage adhesive build-up on the nozzle.

Abstract: A device to contain liquid cleaner and attach to a shower head and shower arm so as to submerge the shower head and shower nozzle in the liquid cleaner to allow it to soak in the cleaner without having to first remove the shower head.

Abstract: Activator applying device including a receiving pan that stores an activator for activation of a transfer film, and a spreading roller that rotates while being dipped in the activator in the receiving pan and applies the activator that has adhered to the surface thereof in a dip section of the activator applying device to the transfer pattern in a different section of the activator applying device. The activator is fed to the receiving pan in an amount greater than the amount of the activator applied to the transfer pattern, and an excessive activator is discharged through a discharge port of the receiving pan. The activator is applied to the transfer pattern with the discharge port being located on the side where the activator is drawn up from the dip section, and the discharge port being located at the position of a streak caused by uneven dispersion of the additive pigment.

Abstract: An apparatus for manufacturing a wavelength conversion part and a method for manufacturing a wavelength conversion part using the same are provided. According to an exemplary embodiment of the disclosed technology, an apparatus for manufacturing a wavelength conversion part of a light emitting apparatus is provided to include: a dispenser including a first storing part configured to store materials including a resin and phosphors; and a first temperature adjusting part connected to the dispenser, wherein the first temperature adjusting part includes a temperature sensor.

Abstract: A paint edging tool that deliver paint with sharp, clear edges at wall junctions. The paint edging tool includes a base wherein the base may include a handle, at least one wheel, a painting pad, a built-in-deflector, and at least one pad ejector. The handle may be configured to allow rotation between multiple positions. The handle may further include an adapter wherein the adapter is configured to be mounted on the handle, thereby allowing a pivoting motion in relation to the wall. The base may include at least one lobe, wherein the lobe is configured to be located on each side of the base, and is further configured to connect with the at least one wheel. The painting pad may be configured to be notched around the at least one deflector and the at least one wheel in order to allow painting inside a corner area of a wall.

Abstract: A discharging device simultaneously delivers at least two flowable components of a multi-component compound from different storage volumes. The discharging device includes at least two pistons which are movable along an extension direction thereof to deliver the components from the at least two storage volumes, and an advancing unit for moving the pistons along the extension direction thereof. The advancing unit has at least one energy storage element, which is provided for supplying a force for moving the pistons and at least one release element, which is provided for releasing the movement of the pistons by the at least one storage element.

Abstract: A dispenser for dispensing a mixing of viscous materials is provided, to dispense a two or more component material such as a two or more component sealant or adhesive. The dispenser comprises a dispensing mechanism for dispensing respective materials from a material holder through a dynamic mixer. The dispensing mechanism is driven by a first electric motor and the dynamic mixer is driven by a second electric motor. Advantageously, a simple and effective multicomponent dispenser with a dynamic mixer is provided.

Abstract: A method for joining a filler material to a substrate material includes melting the filler material within a melting chamber of a crucible such that the filler material is molten. The crucible has an outlet fluidly connected to the melting chamber. The method also includes holding the filler material within the melting chamber of the crucible by applying a first pressure differential across the outlet of the crucible, and releasing the filler material from the melting chamber of the crucible by applying a second pressure differential across the outlet of the crucible to deliver the filler material to a target site of the substrate material. The second pressure differential has a different value than the first pressure differential.

Abstract: Provided are capacitive micromachined ultrasonic transducer (CMUT) modules. A CMUT module includes a CMUT chip which includes a plurality of first electrode pads on a first surface thereof; a flexible printed circuit (FPC) which is disposed on the first surface of the CMUT chip, the FPC including a plurality of first holes which are configured to expose the plurality of first electrode pads; a plurality of second electrode pads formed on the FPC so as to correspond to the plurality of first electrode pads; and a plurality of wires which connect each respective one of the plurality of first electrode pads to the corresponding one of the plurality of second electrode pads.

Abstract: A capacitive micromachined ultrasonic transducer (CMUT) having at least two deflectable membranes. The membranes are spaced from each other, and the membranes contribute to and/or are responsive to receive or transmit an ultrasonic signal. Spacing between the at least two deflectable membranes is adjustable through application of a voltage to cause deflection of at least one of the deflectable membranes, to affect the receive/transmit properties of the CMUT.

Abstract: A piezoelectric transducer is mounted in a housing. An impedance matching layer is provided between the piezoelectric transducer and the housing. The impedance matching layer includes high-permittivity regions that have a first permittivity, and low-permittivity regions that separate the high-permittivity regions and have a second permittivity. The second permittivity is lower than the first permittivity.