Abstract: Composites including porous PTFE membranes comprising an intermediate PTFE membrane having a pore rating of from about 2 nanometers to about 20 nanometers, interposed between, and bound to, porous fluoropolymer membranes having larger pore ratings, and methods of making and using the composites, are disclosed.

Abstract: Sulfur contaminants, such as elemental sulfur (S8), hydrogen sulfide and other sulfur components in natural gas liquids (NGLs), diesel fuel and gasoline are removed using a silicone-based chemical filter. In one embodiment, a silicone-based chemical filter includes a membrane having a cross-linked silicone that is a reaction product of an olefin and a polyhydrosiloxane.

Abstract: A container assembly includes a container at least partially bounding a chamber and having a wall with an opening extending therethrough. A tubular stem bounds a passageway and outwardly projects from the wall of the container so that the passageway communicates with the opening. A sparger includes a tubular member having a first end and an opposing second end and an interior surface bounding a passage extending therebetween. A gas permeable sparging member is secured to the first end of the tubular member so that gas passing through the tubular member from the second end passes out through the sparging sheet. A second flange encircles and radially outwardly projects from the tubular member, the second flange being secured to the stem so that at least a portion of the tubular member is disposed within the passageway of the tubular stem.

Abstract: A beverage package includes a bottle including a base, a sidewall extending from the base, a shoulder extending from the sidewall, and a neck extending from the shoulder and including an interior, an interior surface, and a mouth having an end surface. The beverage package also includes an aerator separate from the bottle, extending across the interior of the bottle neck, and disposed entirely within the interior of the neck and spaced axially from the end surface of the bottle neck, and including an inlet end, an outlet end axially spaced from the inlet end, an outer wall in contact with the interior surface of the bottle neck, and a baffle disposed radially inwardly of the outer wall and axially between the inlet and outlet ends.

Abstract: A mixing unit for ready-to-use flushing solutions with a mixing chamber, with which conduits for ultrapure water and for concentrate communicate, in order to form a ready-to use flushing solution therein is characterised in that the concentrate is filled into a concentrate bag, which is provided with a concentrate bag connector, which is connectable to a connector on the mixing unit, that the connector on the mixing unit is covered by a pivotal concentrate valve in its closed state so that a sealed flushing space is defined around the connector and that a flushing liquid conduit communicates with the connector on the mixing unit so that flushing liquid is conveyable into the flushing space, which can completely clean the connector internally and externally.

Abstract: An exhaust system is provided for a diesel engine, including an exhaust passage adapted to be attached to the diesel engine. A diesel oxidation catalyst is provided in the exhaust passage along with a selective catalyst reduction device disposed downstream from the diesel oxidation catalyst. A diesel exhaust fluid mixing system includes a diesel exhaust fluid injection nozzle and a mixing device defining a single inlet opening and a single outlet opening connected to one another by a partial spiral flow passage. The diesel exhaust fluid injection nozzle injects diesel exhaust fluid directly into the inlet opening of the partial spiral flow passage.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a mixer, an apparatus comprising the mixer and a reactor, and processes incorporating the same. The mixer comprises an inlet (104) to a chamber (102), wherein the chamber inlet angle is less than 90°. The mixer further comprises an expander zone (106) that expands outwardly at an expander angle of less than 90°. The mixer may be coupled to a reactor at its outlet, which may closely approximate the size of the reactor inlet due to the expander (106).

Abstract: The present invention relates to the provision of novel centrifuge activated assembly that can be used for reconstitution of dry formulations on addition of diluent and to pharmaceutical or veterinary products suitable for parenteral administration that have been prepared with or in the devices according to the novel method of the invention.

Abstract: The present invention provides a liquid treatment apparatus with ring vortex processor for treating a liquid medium and, more particularly, to an apparatus and method for enhancing chemical reactions occurring in processes utilizing hydrodynamic cavitation. The liquid treatment apparatus with ring vortex processor efficiently utilizes fluid energy for cavitation bubble formation, maximizes the temperatures and pressures generated during bubble collapse, and minimizes damage caused by erosion.

Abstract: A system includes a processing station and a lubricant supply system in fluid communication with the processing station. The processing station is operable to process at least one of a tire and a wheel prior to joining the tire and the wheel to form a tire-wheel assembly. The processing station includes at least one of a tire lubricating sub-station or a wheel lubricating sub-station. The lubricant supply system includes a storage container configured to store a lubricant and a whipping device received by the lubricant container and operable to whip or blend the lubricant from a semi-solid state to a whipped state. The lubricant supply system also includes a pump operable to pump the lubricant in the whipped state out of the storage container.

Abstract: A blender collar assembly including a plunger moveable between a lower position where a blade assembly is prevented from coupling with a motor, and an upper position where the blade assembly is able to couple with the motor. The plunger includes an arm extending upward and having a u-shaped feature, and a protrusion associated with the u-shaped feature. The assembly further includes a concentric interlock ring rotating responsive to rotation of a blender jar. The interlock ring including a first portion engaging the u-shaped feature preventing the plunger from moving upward, a second gap portion not engaging the u-shaped feature enabling the plunger to move upward and downward within the collar, and a key engaging a protrusion of the blender jar as the plunger moves upward preventing the interlock ring from rotating while the second portion is rotationally aligned with the u-shaped feature.

Abstract: A device for facilitating a chemical reaction while submerged in a liquid catalyst includes an upper member, a lower member, and a dissolvable member disposed between and ultimately enclosed by said upper and lower members such that upper and lower chambers are formed having substantially equal volumes. The upper chamber may receive a dry sodium chlorite and the lower chamber may receive a dry acid mixture. In order to keep the device submerged in the liquid catalyst, an inert ballast may also be added to the upper and/or lower chamber, such as glass shards.

Abstract: A gas decomposition reactor for the decomposition of a gas into a mixture of solid and gaseous by-products is disclosed. The gas decomposition reactor includes a reactor vessel, a Raman spectrometer, and a processor. The reactor vessel has an inlet for receiving inlet gas and an exhaust outlet for releasing exhaust gas. The Raman spectrometer is connected with the exhaust outlet for determining a chemical conversion within the reactor chamber and generating a corresponding signal. The processor is connected with the Raman spectrometer to receive the signal from the Raman spectrometer. The processor is capable of comparing the signal with a set of values and calculating differences between the signal and the set of values. The processor is connected with the inlet to regulate a flow of the inlet gas.

Abstract: A feed injector for a circulating fluid bed reactor is fitted with a discharge nozzle with a circular, radially notched discharge orifice to improve the surface-to-volume ratio of the spray pattern formed by the nozzle. The feed injector is useful for injecting fluids into various types of circulating fluid bed reactors in which good contact between the components of the fluidized bed and the injected fluid is required. It is particularly useful in fluid coking reactors.

Abstract: A method and system for producing methanol that employs an integrated oxygen transport membrane based reforming system is disclosed. The integrated oxygen transport membrane based reforming system carries out a primary reforming process, a secondary reforming process, and synthesis gas conditioning to produce synthesis gas having a desired module of between about 2.0 and 2.2 for a methanol production process thereby optimizing the efficiency and productivity of the methanol plant.

Abstract: Methods for fabricating flexible substrate nanostructured devices are disclosed. The nanostructures comprise nano-pillars and metallic bulbs or nano-apertures. The nanostructures can be functionalized to detect biological entities. The flexible substrates can be rolled into cylindrical tubes for detection of fluidic samples.

Abstract: An apparatus and system for contacting a mobile elongate solid phase, e.g. a ribbon with a flowing fluid phase, and a method for using the same in, for example solid phase synthesis. A particular apparatus comprises (i) a conduit which is of circular or non-circular transverse cross section and which defines a lumen to contain both the flowing fluid phase and the mobile elongate solid phase; (ii) fluid phase ports in communication with the lumen to allow the fluid phase to enter the lumen, flow through it and exit it; and (iii) solid phase ports in communication with the lumen to allow the mobile solid phase to enter the lumen, move through it and exit it, the apparatus being adapted to prevent fluid egress from its interior through the solid phase ports.

Abstract: A combustion synthesis system includes: a supplying unit that produces a composite by mixing particle powder containing Si, particle powder containing SiO2, and an N2 gas; a reaction unit having heat resistance and pressure resistance in which combustion synthesis that uses the composite supplied from the supplying unit as a source material proceeds; an ignition unit that ignites the composite supplied to the reaction unit; and a heat collection unit that takes reaction heat from a combustion synthesis reaction in the reaction unit out of the reaction unit.

Abstract: Disclosed is a novel adsorbent having excellent adsorption durability and high adsorption efficiency while having improved durability, thereby improving a carbon dioxide (CO2) separation process. A mesoporous cellular foam impregnated with an iron (Fe)-substituted heteropolyacid includes a mesoporous cellular foam support and an Fe-substituted heteropolyacid, and the mesoporous cellular foam impregnated with an Fe-substituted heteropolyacid has superior CO2 adsorption performance and exhibits excellent reproduction performance even after CO2 adsorption and desorption are performed several times through temperature changes, thereby enabling efficient and economical CO2 separation.

Abstract: Modified diamond particles for use in chromatography with a desired functional group at the diamond surface, formed from reaction of hydroxyl groups at diamond surfaces with a reactive molecule.

Abstract: In accordance with the present subject matter there is provided a process for producing mono-, di- and triesters of glycerol over a catalyst composition. The catalyst composition including a base catalyst and a support material based on phyllosilicates of montmorillonite structure and the process for preparing the catalyst composition is also described.

Abstract: A method for making catalysts of noble metal nanoparticles or alloy nanoparticles or both having shaped morphology, the method including the steps of: pretreating a support material; impregnating metal precursors onto the support material; and then reducing the impregnated metal precursors into shaped metal nanoparticles or shaped alloy nanoparticles or both using a functional gas atmosphere.

Abstract: A catalyst is provided. The catalyst includes a carrier and a metal Pd. The carrier is represented by a formula: MxAl(1-x)O(3-x)/2, where M is an alkaline earth metal, and x is between 0.09 and 0.24. The metal Pd is loaded on the carrier. A method for manufacturing the catalyst and a method for manufacturing a hydrogenated bisphenol A or derivatives thereof using the catalyst are also provided.

Abstract: The disclosure provides catalyst materials useful for hydrogenating olefins and shifting carbon monoxide and methods for using such catalyst materials.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a Fe-based hydrogenation catalyst having Fe as a primary active metal component, and zinc and potassium as a first co-active metal component. The molar ratio of the primary active metal component to the first co-active metal component is 0.5-200:1. The Fe-based hydrogenation catalyst in present invention overcomes the problem of limiting to the active metal components as used over decades for the conventional hydrogenation catalyst, and thus has long-term values for industrial application.

Abstract: This invention is directed to novel mixed transition metal iron (II/III) catalysts for the extraction of oxygen from CO2 and the selective reaction with organic compounds.

Abstract: The disclosure provides catalyst materials in the form of annular solids with high mechanical integrity useful for water gas shift reactions and methods for using such catalyst materials, for example, for converting carbon monoxide and steam to carbon dioxide and hydrogen.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for preparing an iodine-doped TiO2 nano-catalyst and use of the catalyst in heterogeneously catalyzing configuration transformation of trans-carotenoids. The iodine-doped TiO2 nano-catalyst is prepared by a sol-gel process using a titanate ester as a precursor and an iodine-containing compound as a dopant in the presence of a diluent, inhibitor and complexing agent. The catalyst exhibits high activity for isomerization of the trans-carotenoids into their cis-isomers within a short catalytic time. The catalyst can be easily prepared and is highly efficient, economical, recyclable and environmentally friendly.

Abstract: A catalyst containing nanosize zeolite particles supported on a support material for alkylation reactions, such as the alkylation of benzene to form ethylbenzene, and processes using such a catalyst is disclosed.

Abstract: There is provided a photocatalyst sheet comprising a base material and a photocatalyst layer containing at least a photocatalyst, wherein the photocatalyst layer is firmly adhered to the base material. In an embodiment, there is provided a photocatalyst sheet comprising a base material; and a photocatalyst layer that contains at least a photocatalyst, and is formed on at least one surface of the base material through an aerosol deposition method. This photocatalyst sheet has an excellent photocatalytic activity and an excellent adhesion.

Abstract: Provided is a photocatalytic air purification vehicle wrap for at least partially covering an exterior surface of a vehicle. The vehicle wrap comprises a film or laminate material comprising a first surface area and a second surface area, the first surface area adapted to adhere to the exterior surface of the vehicle. The vehicle wrap further comprises a coating layer disposed on the second surface, the coating layer comprising a titanium dioxide solution cured onto the film or laminate material with ultraviolet radiation, wherein the coating layer is an outermost layer of the vehicle wrap such that the cured titanium dioxide solution is exposed to air surrounding the vehicle when the first surface area is adhered to the exterior surface of the vehicle.

Abstract: A visible light response photocatalyst structure and a process for manufacturing the same are disclosed, where the structure is manufactured by the GRR for two times, so that the structure has a large surface area, high surface activity, being apt to get integrated with a silicon substrate and endurable to the environment, and further has the rapid and simple manufacturing characteristics without any additional energy required and has a high reproductively.

Abstract: A stripping vessel for removing hydrocarbons from a catalyst and a process for removing hydrocarbons from a catalyst. In an FCC unit, the stripping vessel includes first and second stripping sections. The first stripping section includes at least one grid having a plurality of interesting members and openings therebetween. The second stripping section includes structured packing such as a plurality of ribbons. The one or more grids are spaced from the structured packing, and from each other, so as to minimize the accumulation of catalyst within the stripping vessel, preferably between about 0.91 m (3 ft) to about 1.5 m (5 ft).

Abstract: A method for dosing a liquid using a pipette with adjustable dosing step size and an indicating equipment and a syringe that can be operated using the pipette, wherein the syringe is detachably connected to the pipette, at option, the dosing step size is set, or the dosing step size set before is maintained, the dosing volume adjusted via the dosing step size is indicated by means of the indicating equipment, the maximum number of dosing steps possible without refilling the syringe, with the set dosing step size and completely filled syringe is indicated by means of the indicating equipment, liquid is aspirated into the syringe, a reverse stroke is performed after the syringe is filled with liquid, dosing steps are performed, the performed dosing steps are counted and the number of performed dosing steps and/or the number of dosing steps still possible without refilling the syringe is determined and indicated by means of the indicating equipment, after performing the maximum number of dosing steps possible wi

Abstract: A fluid container comprises a first vessel, a second vessel connected or connectable to the first vessel, and a sealing partition preventing fluid flow from the second vessel.

Abstract: A closure for attachment to a sample container for use in a centrifuge includes a top wall, an annular skirt wall depending from the top wall and defining a maximum outer diameter, and a handle extending from the top wall and including a central boss and at least two finger grips extending radially outward from the central boss. A respective free terminal end of each of the finger grips is located so as not to extend beyond the maximum outer diameter.

Abstract: A closure for attachment to a container body of a sample container for use in a centrifuge includes a top wall, an annular skirt wall depending from the top wall and defining a maximum outer diameter, and a handle extending from the top wall and including a central boss and at least two finger grips extending radially outward from the central boss. A respective free terminal end of each of the finger grips is located so as not to extend beyond the maximum outer diameter.

Abstract: A disposable fluidic cartridge has a recess therein. A mechanically-actuated mechanism is disposed within the recess for effecting an operation of the fluidic cartridge. The cartridge further comprises a machine-readable identification code on a breakable label covering at least a portion of the recess such that the portion of the breakable label covering the recess may be broken upon insertion of a mechanical actuator into the recess to actuate the mechanically-actuated mechanism. This renders the identification code unreadable and prevents reuse of the cartridge.

Abstract: A sample processing device for a microchip, including: a sample vessel for packing a sample therein; and a reaction vessel which is continuous with the sample vessel through a channel, and to which the sample is sequentially delivered to be packed and mixed therein, in which the sample is repeatedly delivered between the sample vessel and the reaction vessel through the channel so that the sample is stirred and mixed.

Abstract: Single-sided optoelectrowetting (SSOEW)-configured substrates are provided, as well as microfluidic devices that include such substrates. The substrates can include a planar electrode, a photoconductive (or photosensitive) layer, a dielectric layer (single-layer or composite), a mesh electrode, and a hydrophobic coating. Fluid droplets can be moved across the hydrophobic coating of such substrates in a light-actuated manner, upon the application of a suitable AC voltage potential across the substrate and the focusing of light into the photoconductive layer of the substrate in a location proximal to the droplets. Walls can be disposed upon the substrates to form the microfluidic devices. Together the walls and substrate can form a microfluidic circuit, through which droplets can be moved.

Abstract: A cover for a biological sample well tray, comprising a cap for sealing a sample well. The cap comprises a well lens for focusing light into the sample well and collecting light from the sample. In another aspect, the cap comprises an elongate portion configured to permit incoming light to pass into the sample well and out of the sample well. Various other aspects comprise a microcard for biological material, and an apparatus for a plurality of sample well strips. A method for testing a biological sample is also provided.

Abstract: Microfluidic devices are provided for conducting fluid assays, for example biological assays, that have the ability to move fluids through multiple channels and pathways in a compact, efficient, and low cost manner. Discrete flow detection elements, preferably extremely short hollow flow elements, with length preferably less than 700 micron, preferably less than 500 micron, and internal diameter preferably of between about 50+/?25 micron, are provided with capture agent, and are inserted into microfluidic channels by tweezer or vacuum pick-and-place motions at fixed positions in which they are efficiently exposed to fluids for conducting assays. Close-field electrostatic attraction is employed to define the position of the elements and enable ready withdrawal of the placing instruments.

Abstract: The present invention describes an integrated apparatus that enables identification of migratory cells directly from a specimen. The apparatus only requires a small number of cells to perform an assay and includes novel topographic features which can reliably differentiate between migratory and non-migratory cell populations in a sample. Both the spontaneous and chemotactic migration of cancer cells may be measured to distinguish between subpopulations within a tumor sample. The migratory cells identified using the apparatus and methods of the present invention may be separated and further analyzed to distinguish factors promoting metastasis within the population. Cells in the apparatus can be treated with chemotherapeutic or other agents to determine drug strategies to most strongly inhibit migration. The use of optically transparent materials in some embodiments allows a wide range of imaging techniques to be used for in situ imaging of migratory and non-migratory cells in the apparatus.

Abstract: Methods and devices for the formation of droplets of a first fluid in a second fluid and the encapsulation of particles or cells within such droplets are disclosed. Impetus for droplet formation is provided by the creation of a transient bubble, which may be induced using a pulsed laser. Droplet volume and the frequency at which droplets are formed can be controlled by modulation of the pulsed laser. The disclosed methods and devices are particularly suitable for use in microfluidic devices.

Abstract: A fluid control and processing system for controlling fluid flow among a plurality of chambers comprises a body including a fluid processing region continuously coupled fluidicly with a fluid displacement region. The fluid displacement region is depressurizable to draw fluid into the fluid displacement region and pressurizable to expel fluid from the fluid displacement region. The body includes at least one external port. The fluid processing region is fluidicly coupled with the at least one external port. The fluid displacement region is fluidicly coupled with at least one external port of the body. The body is adjustable with respect to the plurality of chambers to place the at least one external port selectively in fluidic communication with the plurality of chambers.

Abstract: The present teaching relates to photo-responsive hydrogels comprising a copolymer comprising N-isopropylacrylamide (NIPAM), a polymerisable derivative of benzospiropyran, a cross-linking agent and an acid, the acid having a pKa of less than 6, wherein the hydrogel is operably responsive to exposure to water so as to undergo spontaneous protonation and swelling. The photo-responsive hydrogels described can be used in the field of microfluidic platforms.

Abstract: Disclosed is a chip for preliminary sample evaluation and cell collection. The chip for preliminary sample evaluation and cell collection includes: a substrate having a first hole formed in a first position and a second hole formed in a second position, the second hole being smaller in size than the first hole; and a mesh filter installed on a lower surface of the substrate in alignment with the first hole, the mesh filter having a plurality of filtering holes. The chip is capable of preliminarily evaluating a state or a property of a sample. If the sample is unacceptable, it is possible to replace the entire sample with a new sample and to take an additional measure so that the sample becomes acceptable. If the sample is acceptable, the next process is performed to collect cells contained in the sample.

Abstract: A magnetic separation device has a membrane having a plurality of pores, a magnetically soft material layer disposed on the membrane, and a passivation layer disposed on the magnetically soft material layer. The magnetic separation device may be part of a microfluidic device having a lateral flow channel and a vertical flow magnetic separation filter. The magnetic separation device may be used to separate magnetically tagged particles, such as cells.

Abstract: A microfluidic device can comprise a plurality of interconnected microfluidic elements. A plurality of actuators can be positioned abutting, immediately adjacent to, and/or attached to deformable surfaces of the microfluidic elements. The actuators can be selectively actuated and de-actuated to create directed flows of a fluidic medium in the microfluidic (or nanofluidic) device. Further, the actuators can be selectively actuated and de-actuated to create localized flows of a fluidic medium in the microfluidic device to move reagents and/or micro-objects in the microfluidic device.

Abstract: An improved actuator for use in a microfluidic particle sorting system utilizes a staggered packing scheme for a plurality of actuators used to selectively deflect a particle in an associated sorting channel from a stream of channels. An actuator block may be provided for housing a two-dimensional array of actuators, each configured to align with an actuation port in an associated sorting chip containing a plurality of sorting channels. The actuator block may include a built-in stressing means to pre-stress each actuator housed by the block. An actuator comprising a piezo-electric stack may employ contact-based electrical connection rather than soldered wires to improve packing density. The actuator may be an external actuator. That is, the external actuator is external to the substrate in which the sorting channels are formed.