Abstract: A gasoline engine having an exhaust system comprises means for trapping particulate matter (PM) from the exhaust gas and a catalyst for catalysing the oxidation of the PM by carbon dioxide and/or water in the exhaust gas, which catalyst comprising a supported alkali metal. The invention further includes a method of combusting PM from a gasoline engine in CO2 and/or H2O from the exhaust gas at temperatures in excess of 500° C., which method comprising trapping the PM and contacting it with a catalyst comprising a supported alkali metal.

Abstract: The present application comprises symbiotic reverse osmosis train system for maximizing desalinated water recovery, meanwhile yielding high salinity brine suitable for osmotic power generation or commercial salt production; trains comprise series of number of cells operating in interrelated sequential pattern within a salinity field. Each cell forms a closed hydraulic brine loop having pumping means, power recovery means and shared semipermeable membranes between adjacent cells, defining the boundaries of flow path within a given cell, using applicant's technology for semipermeable Flat Sheet Membranes [FSM] or Hollow Fiber Membranes [HFM] intended for new and novel development in Hypersalinity processes and applications in desalination and osmotic power generation of brackish, seawater and brines of 15% salinity or more.

Abstract: In a membrane filtration system and process, retentate exiting a filtration element is maintained inside a loop and redirected back to the inlet of a pump. The pump may produce a generally constant velocity in the loop. Water is concentrated inside the loop until discharged in batches. Feed water enters the loop automatically. The flux through the filtration element is maintained by a controlled valve or pump in communication with a permeate outlet. A filtration element has one or more rigid inserts in a housing. The inserts are covered with membranes. The element is configured to provide open feed channels beside the inserts. The membranes and inserts are potted at an edge, which may be their only attachment to the housing. Permeate flows between the membrane and the insert to the potted edge. The filtration element may be used in the system and process described herein or in others.

Abstract: A reverse-osmosis membrane filter comprising: a porous support layer; a porous skin layer, and at least one water binding composition predominantly bound between the skin layer and the support layer.

Abstract: A membrane including a block copolymer is presented. The block copolymer includes at least one block A including structural units having a formula (I), and at least one block B including structural units having a formula (II). A hollow-fiber membrane for hemodialysis or hemofiltration, and associated block copolymer are also presented.

Abstract: A slurry dispensing system is disclosed. A peristaltic pump may direct a flow of slurry out of a horizontal mixer to a slurry dispenser. This slurry dispenser may be operated on a programmed manner by a controller to dispense slurry into a container. Both a bypass valve and a dispensing valve of the slurry dispenser may be opened/closed on a programmed basis by the controller to deliver slurry to a container, such as a glass column. Slurry may be intermittently directed into a metering chamber of the slurry dispenser, while the remainder of the slurry being directed into the slurry dispenser may be recirculated back to the horizontal mixer.

Abstract: An automated system associates an agitator with a respective container for containing fluid, such as paint. The system includes a plurality of agitators; a storage area where the plurality of agitators are arranged; a moving device for moving the agitators at least between the storage area and the container; and a control system for controlling and coordinating the operations of the system. The agitators include a locking mechanism for removably fixing the agitator to the respective container.

Abstract: A device and to the use thereof for mixing material to be mixed. A method for providing material to be mixed has the following steps: ? provision of a container with a single container opening and an inner chamber which contains an initial filling, ? surrounding the container with a jacket, ? introduction of a mixer such that the mixer protrudes into the inner chamber of the container, wherein the mixer is connected to a drive unit or the mixer can be connected to a drive unit in a subsequent step, ? rotary driving of the mixer using the drive unit in order to provide the material to be mixed by mixing the initial filling, ? removal of the mixer from the inner chamber of the container, ? separation of container and jacket in order to provide the container with all of the material to be mixed located inside, for consumption.

Abstract: A device for storing and mixing bone cement components. The device includes a housing, a safety device, and a vacuum indicator. The housing defines a mixing chamber configured to store a first bone cement component therein. In a first safety position, the safety device prevents contact between the first bone cement component and a second bone cement component in the mixing chamber. In a second safety position, the safety device permits contact between the first and second bone cement components in the mixing chamber. The vacuum indicator restricts movement of the safety device from the first safety position to the second safety position when in a first vacuum indicator position. The vacuum indicator permits movement of the safety device from the first safety position to the second safety position when in a second vacuum indicator position.

Abstract: The present invention aims to provide a dispersant and a dispersion composition that exhibit high dispersing ability for nano-carbons such as, in particular, CNTs. The dispersant according to the present invention includes a polyalkylene oxide having a structural unit of the following chemical formula (1). In the chemical formula (1), L1 and L2 are each a straight-chain alkylene group that may have a substituent, Z is a linking group that links L1 and Ar, or alternatively, Z may not be present and L1 and Ar may be linked directly to each other, and Ar is represented by the following chemical formula (1a), (1b), or (1c).

Abstract: A refractory block for a steam reformer furnace tunnel includes a hollow main body, at least one first mechanical mating member defining a protruded portion extending from an upper surface of the main body, at least one second corresponding mechanical mating member defining an opening corresponding to the protruded portion formed in a portion of a lower surface of the main body, at least one third mechanical mating member defining a tab provided in a portion one of a first end and an opposed second end or a first side and an opposed second side of the main body, at least one fourth mechanical mating member comprising a groove formed in the other of the first end and the second end or the first side and the opposed second side of the main body, and at least one cavity formed in the lower surface of the main body.

Abstract: A method for converting hydrocarbon materials into a product includes receiving a hydrocarbon feedstock in a first reaction chamber, receiving a process gas in the first reaction chamber, and forming a first set of discharge conditions in the presence of energy from a microwave generator, in the first reaction chamber, to convert the hydrocarbon feedstock into an intermediate product for delivery to a second reaction chamber. The method also includes delivering the intermediate product to the second reaction chamber, forming a second set of discharge conditions, and converting the intermediate product into a final product in the second reaction chamber.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a stabilized inorganic oxide support for capturing carbon dioxide from gases having high regeneration capacities over many cycles. The method for preparing the stabilized inorganic oxide support includes stabilizing an alumina-containing precursor by either calcining or steaming, impregnating an alkali or alkaline earth compound into the stabilized alumina-and drying the alkali or alkaline earth compound-impregnated stabilized alumina-. The stabilized inorganic oxide support can be regenerated at lower temperatures between 100 and 150° C. The carbon dioxide adsorption capacity of the regenerated support is between 70 and 90% of the theoretical carbon dioxide adsorption capacity.

Abstract: A process for producing a calcium phosphate reactant, according to which: in a first step, use is made of a source of calcium and a source of phosphate ions in water, in a molar ratio that is adjusted so as to obtain a Ca/P molar ratio of between 0.5 and 1.6, and the source of calcium is reacted with the phosphate ions at a pH of between 2 and 8, in order to obtain a suspension (A) of calcium phosphate, and in a second step, added to the suspension (A) are an alkaline compound comprising hydroxide ions in order to set a pH of more than 8 and an additional source of calcium in order to obtain a suspension (B) of calcium phosphate reactant having a Ca/P molar ratio of more than 1.6. A calcium phosphate reactant obtainable by such a process.

Abstract: Methods and systems for reducing mercury emissions from fluid streams are provided herein, as are adsorbent materials having high volumetric iodine numbers.

Abstract: Apparatus or recovering a mineral particle of interest from a slurry in a mineral extraction process, featuring a core or substrate; and multiple layers arranged on the core or substrate, each layer of the multiple layers configured with a respective outer surface having a plurality of molecules attached thereto, the molecules comprising a functional group selected for attracting and attaching one or more mineral particles of interest to the molecules. Each layer is made from a polymer having a thickness of less than or equal to about 125 microns. The polymer is selected from a group consisting of polydimethylsiloxane or dimethyl siloxane.

Abstract: Interpenetrated polyolefin network for use in recovering or containing hydrocarbons such as hydrocarbons contained in oil, are disclosed. Advantageously, the interpenetrated polyolefin networks absorb the hydrocarbon, including viscous hydrocarbons and crude oils, to form a gel that can be collected and processed by heat to release the collected hydrocarbons.

Abstract: In a method for capturing carbon, sulfur, and/or nitrogen from a target source, a matrix including activated metal dispersed in a metal activating agent is provided. The target source may be or include a carbon, sulfur, and/or nitrogen target compound. The target source is contacted with the matrix, wherein the activated metal reacts with the target source to produce elemental carbon, elemental sulfur, elemental nitrogen, and/or one or more compounds transformed from the target compound(s). The matrix may be produced by contacting a metal with the metal activating agent, and maintaining contact between the metal and the metal activating agent for a period of time sufficient for metal atoms from the solid metal to disperse in the metal activating agent. The reaction may also produce a metal compound. The activated metal may also be utilized in alkylation and other synthesis processes.

Abstract: A method comprising a) drying a support material comprising silica at temperature in the range of from about 150° C. to about 220° C. to form a dried support; b) contacting the dried support with methanol to form a slurried support; c) subsequent to b), cooling the slurried support to a temperature of less than about 60° C. to form a cooled slurried support; d) subsequent to c), contacting the cooled slurried support with a titanium alkoxide to form a titanated support; and e) thermally treating the titanated support by heating to a temperature of equal to or greater than about 150° C. for a time period of from about 5 hours to about 30 hours to remove the methanol and yield a dried titanated support.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for producing a catalyst for the high-temperature processes (i) carbon dioxide hydrogenation, (ii) combined high-temperature carbon dioxide hydrogenation and reforming and/or (iii) reforming of hydrocarbon-comprising compounds and/or carbon dioxide and the use of the catalyst of the invention in the reforming and/or hydrogenation of hydrocarbons, preferably methane, and/or of carbon dioxide. To produce the catalyst, an aluminum source, which preferably comprises a water-soluble precursor source, is brought into contact with an yttrium-comprising metal salt solution, dried and calcined. The metal salt solution comprises, in addition to the yttrium species, at least one element from the group consisting of cobalt, copper, nickel, iron and zinc.

Abstract: A process for at least partially reactivating the catalytic activity of at least a partially deactivated catalyst following a reaction cycle, the catalyst having been used in a catalytic reaction process for hydrogenating an aromatic epoxide to produce a hydrogenated aliphatic epoxide; said process including contacting the at least partially deactivated catalyst with an oxygen-containing source at a temperature of less than about 100° C. and in the presence of a reactivation solvent for a pre-determined period of time sufficient to at least partially re-oxidize and reactivate the catalyst for further use; and a catalytic reaction process for hydrogenating an aromatic epoxide to produce a hydrogenated aliphatic epoxide including the above reactivating process step; and optionally including a step for washing the deactivated catalyst with a solvent prior to re-oxidizing the deactivated catalyst.

Abstract: The present invention encompasses catalysts for the carbonylation of heterocycles such as ethylene oxide, as well as methods for their use. The catalysts feature Lewis acidic metal complexes having one or more tethered metal-coordinating groups in combination with at least one metal carbonyl species. In preferred embodiments, the inventive catalysts have improved stability when subjected to product separation conditions in continuous ethylene oxide carbonylation processes.

Abstract: Bulk metallic catalyst precursor compositions are provided that include a Group VIB metal, a Group VIII metal, an organic-compound based component, and an organo-metalloxane polymer or gel. The catalyst precursor compositions can further include a binder. Amorphous sulfided catalysts formed from the catalyst precursor compositions are also provided. The catalyst precursor compositions can have a surface area of about 20 m2/g or less.

Abstract: A CO2 recovery apparatus according to the present invention comprises: an absorption tower comprising a CO2 absorption unit in which an exhaust gas containing CO2 and a lean solution comprising an amino group-containing compound are brought into contact with each other to allow the lean solution to absorb CO2; a regeneration tower in which CO2 contained in a rich solution is separated to regenerate the rich solution; and a purification unit in which an amino group-containing compound in a CO2-removed exhaust gas obtained by removing CO2 in the CO2 absorption unit is removed from, wherein the purification unit comprises a catalytic unit in which a photocatalyst is supported on a carrier including a gap through which air can pass, an activation member which activates the photocatalyst, and a power supply unit. The activation member is a pair of electrodes comprising a first electrode and a second electrode.

Abstract: A honeycomb structure has a cylindrical outer skin and a partition wall and a plurality of cells and a separator. A plurality of intersections intersecting the two partition walls each other are disposed in the outer skin. Some of the intersections are reinforced by the reinforcing part. Two angles ?1 and ?2 are formed by a radial direction of the outer skin and respective two partition walls intersecting with each other. A smaller of two angles ?1 and ?2 is larger than a predetermined angle ?th. Further, some of the reinforcing parts are respectively formed only on some of the intersections which are disposed in a vicinity of the separator.

Abstract: A baffle is installed on the wall of a regenerator vessel to push catalyst away from the wall to ensure adequate exposure to regeneration gas and complete combustion of coke from the catalyst. We have found that in deep beds, catalyst can flow down the walls and escape sufficient exposure to regeneration gas and undergo too little regeneration.

Abstract: Method for aligning single elements (4) arranged in receiving pockets (3) of a transfer means (2), wherein the receiving pockets (3) are arranged in rows and are moved stepwise from one station into a following station, comprising the following steps: determining in which receiving pockets (3) incorrectly aligned single elements (4) are present, ejecting the single elements (4) determined as incorrectly aligned from the associated receiving pockets (3), turning the ejected single elements (4) by 180°, and re-inserting the turned single elements (4) into the associated receiving pockets (3).

Abstract: This invention relates to the design and construction of a novel sample cup including an integral cap for use in XRF Spectroscopy.

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

Abstract: The invention generally relates to microfluidic devices that include channels that are slidable relative to each other and methods of use thereof. In certain embodiments, the invention provides a microfluidic device that includes a first channel having an open end, and a second channel having an open end. The first and second channels are slidable relative to each other such that when the open end of the first channel and the open end of the second channel are aligned with each other, fluid flows from the first channel into the second channel.

Abstract: A method of constructing a point-of-care diagnostic apparatus and fluid storage and delivery apparatus therefor is provided. The method of constructing the fluid storage and delivery apparatus includes providing a flexible upper layer having a reservoir; providing a flexible lower layer having a valve member; providing a rigid substrate having an upper surface, a lower surface and a through port; disposing a fluid in the reservoir; and sandwiching the rigid substrate between the upper and lower layers and bonding the upper layer to the upper surface of the rigid substrate with the reservoir registered with the through port and bonding the lower layer to the lower surface of the rigid substrate with the valve member registered with the through port. The method of constructing the point-of-care diagnostic apparatus includes fixing the fluid storage and delivery apparatus to a rigid base in selective fluid communication with a reaction chamber.

Abstract: Provided are an analysis chip and a sample analysis device by which it is possible to perform analysis rapidly and accurately on a plurality of items simultaneously using a small amount of liquid for measurement. An analysis chip (10) is provided with: a substrate (20) formed in a substantially disc shape; an insertion hole (22) formed in the center of the substrate (20), a liquid to be measured being inserted into the insertion hole (22); and micro-flow paths (23) into which the liquid to be measured can be guided from the insertion hole (22) by capillary action, each of the micro-flow paths (23) having therein a plurality of types of antigens (30) that are fixed in place with gaps therebetween, the antigens (30) selectively reacting to components in the liquid to be measured.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a microfluidic based assay system, comprising a disposable assay cartridge and associated reading device, as well as the individual components themselves. The present invention also relates to methods of conducting assays, using the cartridge and device of the invention, as well as kits for conducting assays.

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: Systems, methods and devices are provided for the automated centrifugal processing of samples. In some embodiments, an integrated fluidic processing cartridge is provided, in which a centrifugation chamber is fluidically interfaced, through a lateral surface thereof, with a microfluidic device, and wherein the integrated fluidic processing cartridge is configured to be inserted into a centrifuge for centrifugation. A cartridge interfacing assembly may be employed to interface with the integrated fluidic processing cartridge for performing various fluidic processing steps, such as controlling the flow of fluids into and out of the centrifugation chamber, and controlling the flow of fluids into the microfluidic device, and optionally for the further fluidic processing of fluids extracted to the microfluidic device.

Abstract: The disclosure describes a prism containing a microfluidic channel. By coupling bulk acoustic wave generators to opposing sides of the prism, a standing bulk acoustic wave field can be excited in the prism and in the microfluidic channel. Because the microfluidic channel is titled with respect to the nodes of the bulk acoustic wave field, the prism microfluidic channel device can be used to separate microparticles and biological cells by size, compressibility, density, shape, or mass distribution. This technology enables high throughput cell sorting for biotechnology applications such as cancer cell detection.

Abstract: Devices and methods for separating cells include a membrane that allows cells to pass from a first chamber to a second chamber.

Abstract: Various systems, methods, and devices are provided for focusing particles suspended within a moving fluid into one or more localized stream lines. The system can include a substrate and at least one channel provided on the substrate having an inlet and an outlet. The system can further include a fluid moving along the channel in a laminar flow having suspended particles and a pumping element driving the laminar flow of the fluid. The fluid, the channel, and the pumping element can be configured to cause inertial forces to act on the particles and to focus the particles into one or more stream lines.

Abstract: The invention provides mechanical devices that can be used to combine reagents and discover their effects on living cells. A device of the invention holds liquids in open-ended channels and transfers liquids from one channel to another by bringing a second channel into proximity and alignment with an open end of a first channel. Channels of the device can include fluid partitions (e.g., water-oil-water emulsions) that include living cells. The device includes a mechanical system the operation of which causes a receiving channel to pass among supply channels, aligning with each in turn, to pick up chemicals from those channels and make new combinations within the receiving channel. The device then presents those new chemical combinations to the living cells within their respective partitions, thereby allowing for the determination of the effects of those combinations on living cells.

Abstract: Cartridges for the isolation of a biological sample and downstream biological assays on the sample are provided, as are methods for using such cartridges. In one embodiment, a nucleic acid sample is isolated from a biological sample and the nucleic acid sample is amplified, for example by the polymerase chain reaction. The cartridges provided herein can also be used for the isolation of non-nucleic acid samples, for example proteins, and to perform downstream reactions on the proteins, for example, binding assays. Instruments for carrying out the downstream biological assays and for detecting the results of the assays are also provided.

Abstract: Methods and devices for conducting chemical or biochemical reactions that require multiple reaction temperatures are described. The methods involve moving one or more reaction droplets or reaction volumes through various reaction zones having different temperatures on a microfluidics apparatus. The devices comprise a microfluidics apparatus comprising appropriate actuators capable of moving reaction droplets or reaction volumes through the various reaction zones.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a media supply device for barrier-free, selective supply of laboratory media to at least one school or laboratory workstation. The media supply device comprises a body and a multiplicity of fittings for the supply and removal of laboratory media, which fittings are adjustable in height relative to the body and are coupled to the latter, and it is characterized in that the coupling between the fittings and the body is such that the fittings are movable in rotation about at least one oblique rotation axis deviating from a horizontal and vertical rotation axis.

Abstract: A magnetic rack includes a bottom plate; a top plate mounted onto the bottom plate, the top plate having therein a first plurality of tube holes for retaining one or more tubes, each tube hole having an opening and a supporting wall extending from the opening between the top plate and the bottom plate; and a second plurality of magnetic assemblies distributed between at least a portion of the first plurality of tube holes, each magnetic assembly being configured to produce a magnetic field in one or more tube holes adjacent thereto.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device (10) for receiving and storing containers (12), in particular test tubes. The device has at least one support bar (22) with recesses (26), a front face (16) and a standing strip (20) arranged opposite the front face (16). Once recess (26) in the support bar (22) is assigned to each container (12), said support bar being used as the first support. The standing strip (20) receives the base of the container (12) and axially secures the container (12). The invention is characterized in that a folding mechanism (40) is provided for at least two folding positions, which mechanism orients the device lying on a standing surface (14) into a first folding position at a first angle (?) to the standing surface (14) and a second folding position at a second angle (?) to the standing surface (14).

Abstract: Provided in part herein are static-defeating apparatus for use in multipipettor systems. Multiple pipette tips can be retained by a static-defeating sheet of material. A multipipettor, having multiple pipettes or nozzles, can engage the pipette tips retained by the sheet. After use, the multipipettor can eject the pipette tips, which sometimes are ejected as a single unit due to the pipette tips being retained by the sheet. In certain embodiments, an apparatus includes a snap plate having one or more holes, and a base rack for ease of mounting.

Abstract: Discussed herein are methods and devices for storing, handling, loading or dispensing of pipette tips. Some embodiments allow repetitive loading of an array of multiple pipette tips that are stored in a nested configuration.

Abstract: A biaxial shearing crusher includes: two rotating shafts (5) arranged in parallel; cutting discs (3) respectively sleeved on the two rotating shafts (5) in a perpendicular form and rotating with the rotating shafts (5), wherein the cutting discs (3) on one of the rotating shafts (5) radially extend into spaces formed by the adjacent cutting discs (3) on the opposing rotating shaft (5); a tank (2) having a top opening and a bottom opening, wherein the two rotating shafts (5) are arranged in the tank (2); plates (4) mounted on sidewalls (9) of the tank (2), wherein the plates (4) extends into spaces formed by the sidewalls (9) and the adjacent cutting discs (3); a holder (6), wherein the tank (2) is mounted on the holder (6); and motors (1) mounted on the holder (6), wherein the two motors (1) drive the two rotating shafts (5) to rotate oppositely for crushing.

Abstract: A multi-channel magnetic control system is provided, which is used for mixing fluids containing magnetic particles or separating magnetic species. In the multi-channel magnetic control system, a plurality of magnetic field switches are allocated to surround a plurality of channels, and the magnetization directions of the magnetic field switches are controlled to generate an uneven local magnetic field gradient, so as to achieve the purpose of fluid mixing or separating the magnetic species. This system can be also used as controllable flow resistance devices for magnetic fluids. Based on the demand of magnetic field distribution, overall or local control of the magnetic field switches can be executed to perform parallel processing over the multi-channel system of multi-dimensional allocation, so as to effectively save the processing time. The mixing or separation rate can be obtained via detecting residual magnetic species by magnetoresistive sensors arranged in inlets and outlets of channels.

Abstract: In at least one illustrative embodiment, an electromagnetic filter may include a transfer pipe and multiple electromagnetic filter elements positioned in an interior volume of the pipe. Each electromagnetic filter element includes a support comb, a solenoid coupled to the support comb, and multiple magnetic members arranged in a planar array positioned within an opening of the support comb. Each magnetic member may rotate about an end that is coupled to the support comb. The magnetic members may be magnetostrictive sensors and may include a biorecognition element to bind with a target microorganism. A method for fluid filtration includes coupling the electromagnetic filter between a fluid source and a fluid destination, energizing the solenoids of each electromagnetic filter elements, and flowing a fluid media through the transfer pipe of the electromagnetic filter. The fluid media may be liquid food such as fruit juice. Other embodiments are described and claimed.

Abstract: A directional sprinkler system for facilitating directional control of a sprinkler includes a sprinkler head that may spray a fluid. A shield is removably coupled to the sprinkler head. The shield directs the fluid in a selected direction with respect to the sprinkler head.