Abstract: A first fixing member which fixes to a membrane module unit a tubular member with a protrusion formed at a tip end or near the tip end for connecting a membrane module of the membrane module unit and a water collecting header to form a filtrate flow path from the membrane module to the water collecting header, the first fixing member includes: a fixing member main body which includes an engaging surface formed at a position at which the fixing member main body engages with the protrusion formed in the tubular member; and a second fixing member which fixes the fixing member main body to the membrane module unit.

Abstract: A filter member used in an oxygenator is constructed to provide improved contact with a hollow fiber membrane bundle and to capture bubbles contained in blood. The filter member possesses elasticity at least in the circumferential direction to allow the inner circumference of the filter member to be increased from a natural non-expanded state prior to placement on the hollow fiber membrane bundle to an expanded state in which the inner circumference of the filter member is increased when placed on the hollow fiber membrane bundle. The filter member is constructed to satisfy the condition 0.5?L2/L1<1, wherein L1 represents the outer circumference of the hollow fiber membrane bundle and L2 represents the inner circumference of the filter member in the natural non-expanded state.

Abstract: Membrane elements that use multiple membrane leaves may have a limited total active membrane area due to an increased diameter at the ends of the element. Membrane leaves may comprise a permeate carrier positioned between one or more membrane sheets. Adhesive may be used to seal one or more edges of the membrane leaf. The membrane sheets, permeate carrier and the adhesive contribute to the thickness of the edges of the membrane leaf and the diameter at the ends of the element. A reduced thickness of the edges of the permeate carrier may reduce the diameter at the ends of an element. Another permeate carrier sheet may also be used that is distanced from at least one edge of the membrane sheet so the permeate carrier sheet does not contribute towards the increased diameter at the ends of the element.

Abstract: Disclosed are treated mixed matrix polymeric membranes comprising a plurality of metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) and a polymeric matrix, wherein the plurality of MOFs are attached to the polymeric matrix through covalent or hydrogen bonds or Van der Waals interaction. The membranes can be treated with plasma, electromagnetic radiation, or thermal energy or any combination thereof.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for making porous cross-linked charged cellulosic polymeric membranes capable of binding to a target molecule. The invention provides methods for separating target molecules from other components in a solution comprising use of membranes obtainable by the process of the invention. The method has particular utility in separating proteins and nucleic acids from cell lysates and cultures.

Abstract: A dynamic mixer (1, 100) for a plurality of fluid components contains a housing (2, 102) and a rotor element (3, 103) which is rotatably arranged in the housing, with the housing having an inlet opening (12, 13, 112, 113) for at least one respective component and having at least one outlet opening (20, 120). A ring-shaped intermediate space (15, 115) is provided between the rotor element and the housing in which a mixing element (7, 107) connected to the rotor element (3, 103) is arranged. The housing includes a first antechamber (21, 121) and a main chamber (22, 122). A second antechamber (17, 117) is provided which is arranged downstream of the first antechamber (21, 121) so that the first antechamber (21, 121) can be flowed through by the components before the components enter into the second antechamber (17, 117).

Abstract: One or more embodiments relate to systems and methods for mixing of two or more fluids using a multi-chamber manifold. One or more embodiments relate to optimal mixing.

Abstract: The invention relates to a double cartridge (1), a mixer (3) and a combination consisting of a double cartridge having a mixer. The cartridge has a guiding channel (14b) that is formed between protrusions (14, 14a; 1a). The mixer (3) has at least one guiding rib (13) to guide the mixer (3) in the double cartridge (1).

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to compositions having lecithin and an organic acid and related methods. The disclosed compositions may also include one or more co-surfactants such as anionic surfactants and/or non-ionic surfactants, and may be used as a dispersant.

Abstract: A method for producing fine particles, including: discharging a fine particle material liquid, where solid materials to be formed into fine particles are dissolved or dispersed in a solvent or are melted, from two or more discharge holes in a downward vertical direction, to thereby form liquid droplets; and solidifying the liquid droplets discharged to form fine particles, wherein in the discharging a fine particle material liquid, gas flow is supplied at angle of greater than 0° but 90° or smaller to the downward vertical direction, and wherein an initial discharge velocity of the liquid droplets discharged from the discharge hole located at an upstream side of the gas flow in a flowing direction thereof is equal to or higher than an initial discharge velocity of the liquid droplets discharged from the discharge hole located at a downstream side of the gas flow in the flowing direction thereof.

Abstract: A self-regulating gas generator that, in response to gas demand, supplies and automatically adjusts the amount of gas (e.g., hydrogen or oxygen) catalytically generated in a chemical supply chamber from an appropriate chemical supply, such as a chemical solution, gas dissolved in liquid, or mixture. In some embodiments, the gas generator may employ a piston, rotating rod, or other element(s) to expose the chemical supply to the catalyst in controlled amounts. In another embodiment, the self-regulating gas generator uses bang-bang control, with the element(s) exposing a catalyst, contained within the chemical supply chamber, to the chemical supply in ON and OFF states according to a self-adjusting duty cycle, thereby generating and outputting the gas in an orientation-independent manner. The gas generator may be used to provide gas for various gas consuming devices, such as a fuel cell, torch, or oxygen respiratory devices.

Abstract: A method of preparing a spray dried catalyst by combining spray dried catalyst particles with wax so the spray dried catalyst particles are coated with wax, yielding wax coated catalyst particles, and shaping the wax coated catalyst to provide shaped wax coated catalyst. A method of activating Fischer-Tropsch catalyst particles containing oxides by contacting the catalyst particles with a reducing gas in an activation vessel to produce an activated catalyst, wherein contacting is performed in the absence of a liquid medium under activation conditions. A system for activating a Fischer-Tropsch catalyst containing an activation reactor configured to introduce an activation gas to a fixed or fluidized bed of the Fischer-Tropsch catalyst in the absence of a liquid medium and at least one separation device configured to separate a gas stream comprising entrained catalyst fines having an average particle size below a desired cutoff size from the activation reactor.

Abstract: Disclosed is a process and apparatus for switching oligomerization feed between a first oligomerization zone that includes a uni-dimensional small pore zeolite to make more diesel and a second oligomerization zone that includes SPA catalyst for making more gasoline. The diesel can be recycled to make more propylene. The process and apparatus will provide refiners with flexibility to produce the most valuable product commensurate with fluctuating market conditions.

Abstract: Apparatus for preparing maleic anhydride by heterogeneously catalyzed gas-phase oxidation of a stream containing hydrocarbons having at least 4 carbon atoms per molecule, which includes a reactor with reaction tubes into which a solid-state catalyst over which the exothermic reaction of the stream with an oxygen-comprising gas stream takes place is introduced and one or more pumps and heat exchangers located outside the reactor and through which a heat transfer medium formed by a salt melt flows through the intermediate space in the reactor between the reaction tubes and takes up the heat of reaction, with the temperature of the melt being in the range from 350 to 480° C. The reaction tubes are made of a heat-resistant alloy steel which includes at least 0.5% by weight of chromium or at least 0.25% by weight of molybdenum or both.

Abstract: Distillate cracks to propylene more readily than VGO. Additionally, less branched hydrocarbons crack to propylene more readily than more branched hydrocarbons. Oligomerization to diesel range oligomers followed by catalytic cracking with less branched oligomers can provide more propylene.

Abstract: One exemplary embodiment may be a process for fluid catalytic cracking. The process can include providing a stream through a plurality of distributors to a riser terminating in a reaction vessel. Often, the plurality of distributors includes a first distributor set having at least two distributors positioned around a perimeter of the riser, a second distributor set having at least two distributors positioned around the perimeter of the riser, and a third distributor set having at least two distributors positioned around the perimeter of the riser.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for forming a dispersion comprising non-lamellar amphiphile particles having improved phase behavior, particle size distribution and/or storage stability, said method comprising forming a dispersion of lamellar and optionally non-lamellar particles comprising at least one structuring agent in a polar solvent, heating said particles to an elevated temperature, followed by cooling, wherein said heating is to a temperature and for a period sufficient to provide, after cooling, a measurable improvement in phase behavior, particle size distribution and/or storage stability.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to a method and a system of producing nanoparticles and nanoparticle matrices of thermolabile, biocompatible matrix materials, like lipids and biopolymers with controlled properties. A prototype pulse-heat aerosol system is described for single-step production of free, thermolabile nanoparticles with sufficient control over size, morphology and crystallinity with controlled-release properties, for possible therapeutic, cosmetic or diagnostic use. Nanoparticles of the range 50 to 500 nm are obtained and are found suitable for controlled drugs delivery.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to systems and methods for reducing and/or harvesting drag energy from transport vehicles. A system in accordance with a particular embodiment includes a mobile transport platform, a donor substance source carried by the platform, and a thermochemical reactor carried by the platform and coupled to the donor substance. The reactor is configured to carry out a non-combustion dissociation process that dissociates the donor substance into a first constituent and a second constituent. An energy extraction system carried by the transport platform and positioned to extract energy from an airstream passing the transport platform is coupled to the reactor to provide energy for the dissociation process.

Abstract: A precision volumetric liquid dispensing instrument is disclosed that includes two pressure sensors and a fluid passageway with a defined volume portion in communication with the two sensors for receiving and distributing liquid in relatively small volumes. One of the pressure sensors is positioned to measure pressure at one portion of the defined volume portion of the fluid passageway and the other of the gas pressure sensors is positioned to measure gas pressure at a different portion of the defined volume portion of the passageway. At least one valve is in communication with the passageway for moving fluids into or out of the defined volume portion of the fluid passageway, and a processor carries out a step selected from the group consisting of (i) calculating the volume of the liquid based upon the measured pressure and (ii) metering a liquid into the defined volume portion of the fluid passageway until the measured pressure indicates that a desired volume of fluid is in the fluid passageway.

Abstract: Method to obtain methylene malonate and related monomers following a bis(hydroxymethyl) malonate pathway. A bis(hydroxymethyl) malonate intermediary is subsequently reacted (i.e., subjected to thermolysis) to provide a methylene malonate monomer species. A source of formaldehyde (e.g., formalin) is provided in the presence of a basic catalyst (e.g., calcium hydroxide), to which a malonate (e.g., diethyl malonate) is added under suitable reaction conditions to obtain the desired intermediary (e.g., dialkyl bis(hydroxymethyl) malonate). The intermediary is reacted (i.e., subjected to thermolysis) under suitable conditions in the presence of a suitable catalyst (e.g., a zeolite) to obtain a methylene malonate monomer. In an exemplary embodiment, the thermolysis reaction includes the addition of the bis(hydroxymethyl) malonate intermediary onto a heated catalyst. The reaction product is collected and purified. The disclosed methods may be performed in a continuous operation.

Abstract: Methods for making designed carbohydrate affinity columns and lectin columns are provided. Reducing sugar of choice is dissolved in pH 6.0 acetate buffer and injected onto a primary amino group functionality column. The column is washed with pH 6.0 acetate buffer and the column effluent monitored with a variable wavelength UV detector. Lectin columns are made by injecting appropriate lectin to the designed carbohydrate and the lectin binds to this scaffold. The lectin column is formed.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a method of producing a magnesia-zirconia complex carrier for a catalyst for oxidative dehydrogenation of n-butane by sol-gel method; a method of producing a magnesium orthovanadate catalyst containing vanadium supported by said magnesia-zirconia complex carrier; and a method of producing n-butene and 1,3-butadiene using said catalyst.

Abstract: The invention provides a photocatalytic structure comprising a carrier and a photocatalytic film formed on the carrier, in which the photocatalytic film comprises titanium dioxide with shape of rhombus particles. The titanium dioxide particle has anatase structure. The titanium dioxide particle is rhombus with a major axis 10-15 nm and minor axis 3-6 nm. The photocatalytic film which is formed by titanium dioxide with shape of rhombus particles has a high overall photocatalytic activity so that the effects of stainproofing and self-cleaning can be improved. The invention also relates to a method for manufacturing photocatalytic sol-gels.

Abstract: The object of the present invention is to provide a novel exhaust gas purifying catalyst having excellent NOx purification performance. The object can be achieved by an exhaust gas purifying catalyst comprising: a substrate; and a catalyst layer disposed on the substrate which comprises a first carrier, and platinum and a first palladium supported on the first carrier; in which the weight ratio of the platinum to the first palladium is 3:1 to 8:1.

Abstract: The invention relates to a catalyst suitable for use in the hydrogenation of carbon dioxide-containing gas, said catalyst comprising spinel phase of the formula [Fe2+(Fe3+yAl3+1-y)2O4]. Processes for preparing the catalyst and processes for the hydrogenation of carbon dioxide-containing gas in the presence of the catalyst are also disclosed.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a system includes a nanoporous gold structure and a plurality of oxide particles deposited on the nanoporous gold structure; the oxide particles are characterized by a crystalline phase. In another embodiment, a method includes depositing oxide nanoparticles on a nanoporous gold support to form an active structure and functionalizing the deposited oxide nanoparticles.

Abstract: A nanoparticle comprises a nano-active material and a nano-support. In some embodiments, the nano-active material is platinum and the nano-support is alumina. Pinning and affixing the nano-active material to the nano-support is achieved by using a high temperature condensation technology. In some embodiments, the high temperature condensation technology is plasma. Typically, a quantity of platinum and a quantity of alumina are loaded into a plasma gun. When the nano-active material bonds with the nano-support, an interface between the nano-active material and the nano-support forms. The interface is a platinum alumina metallic compound, which dramatically changes an ability for the nano-active material to move around on the surface of the nano-support, providing a better bond than that of a wet catalyst. Alternatively, a quantity of carbon is also loaded into the plasma gun.

Abstract: Photocatalytic materials are described herein which include thin nanostructures. For example, the catalytic material can include a nanostructure that has a thin structure of a photocatalytic composition, wherein the thin structure is defined by a first surface and a second surface on opposite sides of the thin structure of the photocatalytic composition. The photocatalytic composition may include an inorganic compound, such as a titanium and/or stannous oxide. The first surface and a second surface may be relatively large as compared to the thickness of the thin structure, or the thickness of the nanostructure.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to the synthesis of novel delaminated layered zeolite precursor materials prepared by fluoride/chloride anion-promoted exfoliation. The method comprises, for example, using a combination of fluoride and chloride anions at a mild pH in aqueous solution to affect delamination of a layered zeolite precursor. The method can also comprise using a combination of fluoride and chloride anions in a non-aqueous solution comprising an organic solvent. The method may be used in conjunction with either acidification or sonication, or both. The resulting delaminated zeolite precursors are then isolated. Precursors that are then isolated lack amorphous silica content. The UCB-1 product is an example of such a novel oxide material and is obtained in yields in excess of 90% without the need for sonication.

Abstract: The first object is to increase the life of a selective CO methanation catalyst, and the second object is to enhance the CO removal rate of a selective CO methanation catalyst to reduce the outlet CO concentration in a wide temperature range. Provided a selective CO methanation catalyst including a supported metal catalyst which selectively methanizes CO in a hydrogen-rich gas containing CO and CO2 and a coating layer which covers a surface of the supported metal catalyst, has many pores, and is configured to reduce a CO concentration on the surface of the supported metal catalyst.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods of making, and processes of using phosphorous-promoted zeolite-containing catalysts in the conversion of hydrocarbonaceous materials such as hydrocarbons and biomass. Such disclosed methods of making include: spray drying of the catalyst precursor slurry followed by phosphorous promotion of the resulting spray dried material.

Abstract: A catalyst composition for hydrogenation including (A) to (D), in which a mass ratio (D)/(A) is 0.01 to 2.00. (A): a titanocene compound represented by following formula (1), (wherein R5 and R6 are selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, a hydrocarbon group having 1 to 12 carbon atoms, an aryloxy group, an alkoxy group, a halogen group, and a carbonyl group, and R1 and R2 are selected from hydrogen and a hydrocarbon group having 1 to 12 carbon atoms) (B): a compound containing an element selected from Li, Na, K, Mg, Zn, Al, and Ca, (C): an unsaturated polymer having a fraction of an olefinic unsaturated double bond content of side chains based on a total olefinic unsaturated double bond content of 0.25 to 1.0, and (D): a polar compound.

Abstract: New sulfide metal catalysts are described, containing Ni, Mo and W, an element Z selected from Si, Al and mixtures thereof, and possibly an organic residue, obtained by sulfidation of mixed oxide precursors, also new, characterized in that they comprise an amorphous phase and a wolframite isostructural crystalline phase, the crystallinity degree of said mixed oxides being higher than 0 and lower than 100%, preferably higher than 0 and lower than 70%. The catalysts of the invention are useful as hydrotreatment catalysts, and in particular as hydrodesulfurization, hydrodenitrogenation and/or hydrodearomatization catalysts.

Abstract: A pipette is described which includes a piston for aspirating liquid into and dispensing out of a container in the pipette. The pipette is provided with at least one tracking element which is able to count the magnitude of some variable or variables relating to the amount of use of the pipette, at least one operating device for creating a limit magnitude for each variable, and for giving information when the limit value is exceeded. Thus, the user may, for instance, be warned when he may be exposed to high workload stress possibly causing injuries.

Abstract: The invention discloses an apparatus and method for automatic detection of pathogens within a sample. The apparatus and method are especially useful for high-throughput and/or low-cost detection of parasites with minimal need for trained personnel. The invention entails automated microscopic data acquisition, and performing image processing of images captured from a sample using classification algorithms. Visual classification features of structures are extracted from the image and compared to visual classification features associated with known pathogens. A determination is reached whether a pathogen is present in the sample; and if present, the pathogen may be identified to a pathogen species. Diagnosis is rapid and does not require medically trained personnel.

Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods for detecting molecules of interest within a collected sample are described herein. In certain embodiments, self-contained sample analysis systems are disclosed, which include a reusable reader component, a disposable cartridge component, and a disposable sample collection component. In some embodiments, the reader component communicates with a remote computing device for the digital transmission of test protocols and test results. In various disclosed embodiments, the systems, components, and methods are configured to identify the presence, absence, and/or quantity of particular nucleic acids, proteins, or other analytes of interest, for example, in order to test for the presence of one or more pathogens or contaminants in a sample.

Abstract: System for performing biological analysis comprising: a cartridge having a deformable chamber suitable for containing a liquid to be analyzed; a heater having a heating face arranged to heat the liquid contained in the deformable chamber; characterized in that the heating face of the heater is moveable from a first position to at least a second position, different from the first position, to allow an increase of volume of said deformable chamber in order to compensate an increase of pressure in the deformable chamber during the heating of said liquid by said heater.

Abstract: A food processor includes a bowl with a removable lid. Food items are advanced into the bowl through a feed tube formed in the lid where they are cut by a cutting assembly. The cutting assembly is positionable between a plurality of cutting positions to produce cut food items of varying thicknesses. The food processor includes an adjustment assembly operable to move the cutting assembly between the plurality of cutting positions. The adjustment assembly includes a user-operated control device that is secured to the cutting assembly. The user-operated control device extends through a slot defined in the removable lid such that an upper end of the user-operated control device is positioned outside of the processing chamber.

Abstract: A drive system for a ball mill includes a motor with a slip-ring rotor. The motor is assigned a family of characteristics relating the torque of the motor to a further characteristic variable. The family of characteristics has at least two different characteristics, and it includes a switching element that switches over the drive system abruptly between the two characteristics when there is a constant value of the characteristic variable. In a method for operating a ball mill with a drive system, a drum of the ball mill is moved out of a state of rest when the first characteristic is activated. In the event of caking in the drum of the ball mill, the drum is moved until the caking is in an inclined position. Actuation of the switching element brings about switching over to the second characteristic.

Abstract: The embodiments relate to a device and to a method for concentrating and detecting cells in flowing media, in particular magnetically marked cells in complex media such as blood. For this purpose, at least one magnet is used, said magnet being coupled to at least one magnetoresistance. In the method the cells are concentrated on a magnetoresistor by the least one external magnetic field having a pulsed operation.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of aligning magnetic flakes, which includes: coating a substrate with a carrier having the flakes dispersed therein, moving the substrate in a magnetic field so as to align the flakes along force lines of the magnetic field in the absence of an effect from a solidifying means, and at least partially solidifying the carrier using a solidifying means while further moving the substrate in the magnetic field so as to secure the magnetic flakes in the carrier while the magnetic field maintains alignment of the magnetic flakes. An apparatus is provided, which has a belt for moving a substrate along a magnet assembly for aligning magnetic flakes. The apparatus also includes a solidifying means, such as a UV- or e-beam source, and a cover above a portion of the magnet assembly for protecting the flakes from the effect of the solidifying means.

Abstract: A refillable spray dispenser comprises a spray assembly, a hollow injection rod which is located with a liquid charging passage and a bottom portion within which the rod is positioned. The bottom portion includes bottom portion walls, a first seal, a second seal, and an exhaust hole in the bottom portion walls for release gas. The refillable spray dispenser is easy to exhaust gas, and is convenient to use.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for a dispensing system with a disposable liner including a bag; a nozzle positioned at a first end of the bag; and an openable portion on the nozzle, wherein the bag and nozzle are adapted to be inserted into a dispenser.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and processes are disclosed for the manufacture, filling and dispensing of flowable contents. The dispenser system generally includes a dispenser bottle, a dispensing cap, a pre-filled container, and an optional inversion tube wherein the pre-filled container contains flowable contents therein for dispensing when a dispenser bottle is squeezed, pumped or sprayed. A user grasps the bottle, squeezes it to increase internal pressure, and forces out through the dispensing cap the flowable contents. Upon release, the system allows air to enter and replace the forced-out flowable contents and neutralize the pressure in the space between the container and the bottle. An inline process of manufacturing and filling the containers is provided.

Abstract: A paint shield for releasable attachment to the head of a paint gun sprayer is disclosed for preventing overspray from contacting other exposed surfaces or components outside of the intended surface. The paint shield is comprised of a single planar sheet of flexible, sturdy, impermeable material, such as aluminum. The shield includes a base panel through which the nozzle of the spray gun is secured. A pair of contoured members extend away from the base member to make contact with the adjoining pavement, ground, or wall to establish the distance and the angle in which the nozzle is maintained from the surface. This construction assures that the width and angular velocity of the spray evenly covers the surface without undue waste. The paint shield may be preformed for specific cross sections of objects such as curbing or gutters.

Abstract: Distribution device for coloring products, comprising a collector for dispensing nozzles and corresponding nozzles mounted thereon. The collector comprises a containing body provided with one or more through cavities. In correspondence with one end associated to an external surface the containing body is provided with a positioning element. The containing body is provided with a seating, inside the external surface, disposed at the end of each of the through cavities, defining a wider portion with respect to the cross section of the corresponding through cavity.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an edger adapted to be used with a spray wand to clean an edge of a hard surface in contact with a lawn. The edger includes a single piece plate that extends vertically from the hard surface. The single piece plate having a short side forming a first angle with a large side, a first hole formed at the larger side, a wheel secured to the plate, a second hole formed on the short side, and a coupler. The spray wand is adapted to be connected to the second end of the coupler. In a working position, the single piece plate engages the vertical side of the edge and slides through a channel formed between the lawn and the vertical side of the edge as the wheel rolls on top of the hard surface.

Abstract: An aperture plate is formed from a palladium nickel alloy comprising about 89% palladium and about 11% nickel. There is a generally fine substantially equiaxed grain microstructure throughout the thickness of the aperture plate. The average grain width (W) is in the range of from 0.2 ?m to 5.0 ?m, in some cases from 0.2 ?m to 2.0 ?m. Because the grain structure is equiaxed (L/W=1) the grain length (L) is the same as the grain width. The improved aperture plate extends the life of nebulizers, eliminates the risk of premature and unpredictable failure of a nebulizer in service, eliminates the risk of product returns from hospitals and patients, and eliminates the possible risk of fragments of the aperture plate breaking free from the nebulizer.

Abstract: A thin film deposition apparatus includes a substrate supporting unit supporting a substrate, a deposition source evaporating a deposition material to supply a steam of the deposition material to the substrate, and a deposition source shifting unit moving the deposition source so that the deposition source is relatively shifted with respect to the substrate supporting unit.