Abstract: Disclosed herein is a membrane comprising a bonding layer; and an activation layer disposed on the bonding layer and in contact with it; where the activation layer comprises catalyst nanoparticles that are operative to decompose impurities contained in an aqueous solution to generate gas bubbles that remove a sludge disposed on the membrane. Disclosed herein too is a method of purifying an aqueous solution comprising disposing in the aqueous solution, a membrane that comprises a bonding layer and an activation layer; where the activation layer comprises catalyst nanoparticles; partitioning the aqueous solution into a concentrate portion and a filtrate portion; where the activation layer contacts the concentrate portion; and decomposing impurities contained in the aqueous solution to generate gas bubbles that remove a sludge disposed on the membrane.

Abstract: A sieve-like filter unit, especially for a cartridge-shaped receptacle, which is arranged on a connecting port/connector of the receptacle and is designed to withhold undissolved powder and/or solid particles present in the receptacle, comprising at least two openings each being composed of at least two connected part recesses, wherein each individual opening in its entirety is formed to be extending in a non-linear manner.

Abstract: The object of the invention is to achieve a more efficient and complete mix between a liquid and gas by means of a system comprising 4 components in order to carry out a reaction or mixing process that improves the contact, and as a result, the reaction or mixing between a liquid and a gas, followed by a recovery stage of the gas that does not react during the reaction or formation of said mixture. This gas is recycled to the reaction or mixing zone, permitting the improvement of the efficiency and the cost of the reaction or mixing process between the liquid and the gas.

Abstract: A static mixer is provided. The static mixer includes a plurality of static mixer elements. Each static mixer element includes a core extending axially along a longitudinal axis between a first end and a second end. Each static mixer element includes at least one blade around an outside of the core. At least a first one of the plurality of static mixer elements includes a first keying feature. At least a second one of the plurality of static mixer elements including a second keying feature configured to engage the first keying feature to prevent relative rotation between the first one of the plurality of static mixer elements and the second one of the plurality of static mixer elements about the longitudinal axes of the first one and the second one of the plurality of static mixer elements. Methods of forming the static mixer are also provided.

Abstract: A static mixer device comprising a housing having a proximal end, a distal end, and an opening extending between the proximal and distal ends. In certain embodiments, a plurality of metal frits is positioned within the opening of the housing, each of the metal frits extending across a cross-sectional dimension of the opening and having interconnected porosity. In other embodiments, one or more mixer elements fabricated using laser additive manufacturing technology and having novel configurations are positioned within the opening of the housing. In yet other embodiments, the housing comprises multiple openings having different diameters from each other, with each opening either extending through the housing with a constant diameter or with one or more of the openings having a varying diameter.

Abstract: An improved a device and method for dispersion and simultaneous orientation of nanoparticles within a matrix is provided. A mixer having a shaft and a stator is provided. The shaft may have a rupture region and erosion region. Further, an orienter having an angled stationary plate and a moving plate are provided. The nanoparticles and the matrix are fed into the mixer. A rotational force is applied to the shaft to produce shearing forces. The shearing forces disperse and exfoliate the nanoparticles within the matrix. The dispersed mixture is outputted onto the moving plate. The moving plate is forced across the angled stationary plate to produce fully developed laminar shear flow. The fully developed laminar shear flow or the two-dimensional extensional drag flow orients the dispersed nanoparticles-matrix mixture.

Abstract: Disclosed a bi-directional blender, comprising a cup and a cap holder rotatably connected with the cup by a threaded flange, wherein the interior of the cup is a cavity in which a first blending blade and a second blending blade are fixedly mounted. In the bi-directional blender of the invention, the cup is internally provided with the first blending blade and the second blending blade, the two sets of blending blades may rotate in opposite directions to form a forward and a reverse crushing structure capable of better crushing all kinds of ingredients, and thus the blender can be used in a juicer and a food processor.

Abstract: The problem of providing a stirrer capable of more effectively shearing a fluid to be treated is addressed, by using the action of an intermittent jet stream. A stirrer is provided with a rotor having a blade and a screen, which are relatively rotated such that the fluid to be treated is discharged from the inside of the screen to the outside as an intermittent jet stream through a slit in the screen, the stirrer satisfying condition 1 and condition 2. (Condition 1) the relationship among the width b in the rotating direction of a tip part of the blade, the width s in the circumferential direction of the slit, and the width t in the circumferential direction of the screen member is b?2s+t. (Condition 2) the relationship between the width b in the rotating direction of the tip part of the blade and the maximum inner diameter c of the screen is b?0.1c.

Abstract: A physically independent agitator for insertion in a liquid container is disclosed. An example agitator includes a top propeller and a bottom propeller connected by a rod. The agitator has sufficient density to be suspended in the liquid. Each of the propellers includes a plurality of blades supported by a hub connected to the rod. Each of the blades has a surface located at an angle to a central axis of the body. When liquid is poured into the container and the container is shaken, the agitator is spun by the force of the liquid on the propeller blades causing agitation of the liquid.

Abstract: A stirring staff arrangement (29) for being connected to a stirring machine that can be combined with a container (20) for receiving liquids, wherein the container, in an upper bottom wall (26), has a filling opening being closable with the help of a lid (28) for filling the container, wherein the stirring staff arrangement has a bar-shaped stirrer element carrier (30) embodied as a hollow shaft for receiving a stirring machine shaft, and stirrer elements (32) coupled to the stirrer element carrier so as to be pivotable, in such a manner that the stirrer elements have been pivoted, in a mounting configuration, with a free stirrer element end, against an axis of rotation of the stirrer element carrier, wherein a spring means is arranged between the stirrer elements and the stirrer element carrier, in such a manner that the stirrer elements, in an operating configuration, are charged with centrifugal force as a consequence of a rotation of the stirrer element carrier and take a pivoted position that depends on

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus, system, and method for the bulk blending of dry component materials to produce a blended product mix. The apparatus utilizes a special construction that allows multiple bulk dry materials to be added simultaneously to create a blended mix compliant with a desired or specified mixture of cement components. The system is automated by use of a controller, and provides real-time data to a user as to rates and amounts of materials blended and delivered over time.

Abstract: A tap apparatus including a container coupling portion including a liquid inlet portion, a body portion, and a plug valve portion. The body portion included a liquid outlet portion, wherein the liquid outlet portion is in fluid communication with the liquid inlet portion of the container coupling portion. The plug valve portion is configured and arranged to be seated within the body portion, wherein the plug valve portion is configured and arranged to be moved relative to the body portion between an open position, in which a liquid is free to flow from the liquid inlet portion and out through the liquid outlet portion, and a closed position, in which liquid from the liquid inlet portion is prevented from flowing out through the liquid outlet portion. The body portion also includes a plurality of flow channels provided in an interior surface thereof.

Abstract: A two-component paint system (1) comprises a medium pressure canister (10) with a paint, at least one solvent and at least one propellant, and a high pressure canister (20) with a hardener, at least one solvent, at least one propellant and an inert gas or inert gas mixture. An adapter (30) is configured to transfer the content of the high pressure canister (20) into the content of the medium pressure canister (10). The internal pressure of the high pressure canister (20) is at least 2 bars higher than the internal pressure of the medium pressure canister (10).

Abstract: The present specification discloses methods of making porogen compositions, methods of making polymer-coated beads, and methods of making implantable devices that use polymer-coated beads.

Abstract: A drag chain carbonizer is provided with a system and methods for anaerobic thermal conversion processing to convert waste into various solid carbonized products and varied further co-products. The drag-chain carbonizer includes an adjustable bed depth mechanism, a heating mechanism, a pressure management mechanism, an atmospheric management mechanism, and a chain tensioning mechanism containing at least one position sensor for communication of an actuator position to at least one programmable logic controller (PLC). Carbonaceous waste is transformed into useful co-products that can be re-introduced into the stream of commerce at various economically advantageous points. Depending upon the input materials and the parameters selected to process the waste, including real time economic and other market parameters, the system adjusts co-products output to reflect changing market conditions.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for the preparation of a polyolefin in a reaction system from one or more ?-olefin monomers of which at least one is ethylene or propylene, 5 wherein the reaction system comprises a reactor, a product purge bin, a granular feed bin, wherein the granular feed bin is located downstream of the product purge bin, a recovery unit and an extrusion unit directly coupled to the granular fed bin, wherein the reactor comprises a fluidized bed, an expanded section located at or near the top of the reactor, a distribution plate located at the lower part of the reactor and an 10 inlet for a recycle stream located under the distribution plate, wherein the process comprises a) feeding a polymerization catalyst to the fluidized bed in the area above the distribution plate, b) feeding the one or more ?-olefin monomers to the reactor, 15 c) circulating fluids from the top of the reactor to the bottom of the reactor, wherein the circulating fluids are cooled using a heat exchanger, resulting i

Abstract: An apparatus is presented for the transferring of catalyst from an upstream vessel to a downstream vessel. The apparatus includes a non-mechanical valve and a transfer line, wherein a lift gas provides for carrying catalyst through the transfer line. The non-mechanical valve has a catalyst inlet and a lift gas inlet to provide for a consistent flow to limit or reduce pipe erosion and catalyst attrition, as well as to provide catalyst and lift gas to the transfer lines.

Abstract: Plate heat exchanger for internals of isothermal chemical reactors, said plate heat exchanger comprising a plurality of heat exchange plates (1) having an essentially rectangular shape, wherein each plate comprises two walls (2, 3) which are joined together along their perimeter, and wherein each plate comprises a respective first collector for feeding a heat exchange medium to the plate and a respective second collector for receiving said medium form the plate, said first collector and second collector being fixed to opposite sides of said plate, and at least one (10, 30) of said first collector and second collector comprises edge surfaces which are planar and parallel to respective planar end portions (12, 13) of said plate, to provide plane and parallel surfaces for automated welding.

Abstract: The present disclosure discloses a triple-responsive starch-based microgel and a preparation method thereof. The present disclosure prepares C6 oxidized starch and PNIPAM semi-interpenetrating network microgel, namely the triple-responsive starch-based microgel, mainly with pH sensitive C6 oxidized starch and temperature sensitive NIPAM (N-isopropylacrylamide) as raw materials, and using an inverse emulsion polymerization method. The triple-responsive starch-based microgel according to the present disclosure is a spherical particle with the particle diameter of 15-25 ?m, has pH, temperature and ionic strength-sensitivity, good biocompatibility and biodegradability, and can be widely used in the fields of nutrient protection, controlled drug release, protein separation and purification and the like. Meanwhile, its preparation process is simple and controllable with mild reaction conditions, and is suitable for large-scale production.

Abstract: Heat-expandable microspheres having an expansion temperature which can be decreased by a simple means without changing the polymerizable monomer and its ratio and/or changing the blowing agent and its ratio, and applications thereof. The heat-expandable microspheres are composed of a thermoplastic resin shell and a core material encapsulated therein. The core material contains a thermally-vaporizable blowing agent which imparts a swelling degree of less than 5% as defined by the following formula (I) and a component (A) which imparts a swelling degree of 5 to 30% as defined by the following formula (I), wherein an amount of the component (A) ranges from 0.0001 to 30 parts by weight to 100 parts by weight of the blowing agent: Swelling degree (%)={(M2?M1)/M1}×100??(I) wherein M2 and M1 are as defined herein.

Abstract: A method for preparing a hollow hydroxyl iron-manganese composite by employing a cubic structure template comprises: (1) preparation of a template: adding a certain mass of potassium permanganate to diluted hydrochloric acid, and dissolving and mixing evenly the same by magnetic stirring at room temperature; then adding polyvinylpyrrolidone thereto, and continuing to dissolve the same thoroughly by magnetic stirring; and finally adding a certain mass of potassium ferrocyanide and de-solubilizing the same for 10-60 minutes at room temperature, then transferring the above mixed solution into a sample bottle, and performing an isothermal reaction at 50-90° C.

Abstract: A manganese dioxide nanowire @ multidimensional mesoporous metal-organic framework adsorbent and application method thereof for removing heavy metals from water. A multidimensional mesoporous metal-organic framework material is prepared from metal ions and organic ligands by means of a self-assembly reaction; a manganese dioxide nanowire is prepared from manganese salt and thiosulfate by means of reaction in a reaction kettle. The adsorbent possesses not only the characteristics of a multidimensional mesoporous metal-organic framework material, such as reticulated pore adaptation, a large specific surface area, and abundant reaction sites, but also the oxidative and catalytic properties of manganese dioxide nanowire.

Abstract: Provided are a novel amylose derivative which exhibits excellent optical isomer separability and which is suitable as an optical isomer separating agent; and an optical isomer separating agent containing the amylose derivative. A task is attained by an amylose derivative having a constituent unit represented by formula (I) below; In below formula (I), R1 is a substituent group represented by any of formulae 1 to 3 below, and R2 is a substituent group represented by any of formulae a to g below. R1 and R2 are different substituent groups. A combination of R1 and R2 in which R1 is a substituent group represented by structural formula 3 and R2 is a substituent group represented by structural formula c is excluded from the formula (I).

Abstract: A method for producing porous cellulose beads includes preparing a fine cellulose dispersion by mixing a low temperature alkaline aqueous solution and cellulose; preparing a mixed liquid by adding a crosslinking agent to the fine cellulose dispersion; preparing an emulsion by dispersing the mixed liquid in a dispersion medium; and contacting the emulsion with a coagulating solvent.

Abstract: The invention is both a product and a method for the safe, harmless and effective remediation of oil spills on water and on land. The oil can then be successfully recovered from the product for use. The invention also allows for the reuse of two waste products post-consumer plastics and coal combustion products into a material that is used for the clean-up of oil spills and for site remediation. Furthermore, the used product can be reprocessed post use into more usable product.

Abstract: This invention provides a method of removing sulfur oxides, mercury vapor and other contaminants from a flue gas stream and a flue gas treatment device comprising a sorbent polymer composite substrate comprising a high surface area support and a durable halogen source adjacent the sorbent polymer composite substrate. The halogen source comprises a compound with a quaternary ammonium halogen salt that is not washed away.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a super absorbent resin, and the super absorbent resin can exhibit a fast absorption rate and high gel strength even in a partially swollen state through the size optimization of partially swollen gel particles. Therefore, the use of the super absorbent resin can effectively prevent a rewetting phenomenon.

Abstract: Construction for absorbing a fluid, for example, a liquid or gaseous, organic chemical, has an extended web, fabric, yarn or foam member and associated with the extended web, fabric, yarn or foam member is a water-insoluble polymer. The water-insoluble polymer can absorb the fluid organic chemical, and the construction provides for contact of the water-insoluble polymer with the fluid organic chemical when deployed in an environment where the fluid organic chemical may be present for absorption. The construction may be employed in aquatic, aqueous, or dry environments, as a blotter, a wipe or sponge, a filter, in a cartridge, and so forth.

Abstract: A catalytic converter includes a catalyst. The catalyst includes a support, platinum group metal (PGM) particles dispersed on the support, and metal oxide nanoparticles formed on the support. The metal oxide nanoparticles are dispersed between a first set of the PGM particles and a second set of the PGM particles to suppress aging of the PGM particles.

Abstract: Disclosed is a core-shell structured nanocatalyst for hydrogen peroxide production. The core-shell structured nanocatalyst includes a core composed of spherical silica immobilized with noble metal nanoparticles and a mesoporous shell surrounding the core. The use of the nanocatalyst with a mesoporous shell for the production of hydrogen peroxide from hydrogen and oxygen ensures high hydrogen conversion and hydrogen peroxide production rate compared to the use of conventional nanoparticle catalysts with a microporous shell. Also disclosed is a method for hydrogen peroxide production using the nanocatalyst.

Abstract: An oxidation catalyst is described for treating an exhaust gas produced by a diesel engine comprising a catalytic region and a substrate, wherein the catalytic region comprises a catalytic material comprising: iron (Fe) or an oxide thereof; a platinum group metal (PGM) selected from the group consisting of (i) platinum (Pt), (ii) palladium (Pd) and (iii) platinum (Pt) and palladium (Pd); and a support material, which is a refractory oxide comprising alumina; wherein the platinum group metal (PGM) and the iron (Fe) or an oxide thereof is each supported on the support material.

Abstract: Techniques and methods are disclosed for producing a plurality of nanoparticles that can be used as catalysts to grow carbon or boron nitride nanotubes. The method includes mixing an iron salt including a ferrous or ferric ion with a long chain amine, thiol or polyphenol in a solvent comprising alcohol to produce a solution. Ferric or ferrous ion is reduced to zero valence iron. Nucleation of iron nanoparticles is initialized. The iron nanoparticles are capped to retard nanoparticle growth. The nanoparticles include an elemental iron core coated with a polyphenol that isolates the core from oxygen. The nanoparticles include an average diameter of less than or equal to 15.8 nanometers. The iron core may further include a secondary metal to form an iron-alloy. The secondary metal, in some applications, can be a transition metal.

Abstract: This invention is an improvement to refinery Fluid Catalytic Cracking Unit (FCCU) additives. The improved is obtained through the adjustment of the particle size distributions of the additives. Narrowing the range of particle size distributions for the additives results in improved performance in a wide range of additive compounds. In addition it allows for removal of the additives when combined with cracking catalysts.

Abstract: Zeolite catalysts and systems and methods for preparing and using zeolite catalysts having the CHA crystal structure are disclosed. The catalysts can be used to remove nitrogen oxides from a gaseous medium across a broad temperature range and exhibit hydrothermal stable at high reaction temperatures. The zeolite catalysts include a zeolite carrier having a silica to alumina ratio from about 15:1 to about 256:1 and a copper to alumina ratio from about 0.25:1 to about 1:1.

Abstract: A hydrocarbon and NOx catalyst trap includes a three-way catalyst, and a zeolite layer adjacent to the three-way catalyst and including alumina and silica arranged to form a repeating skeletal frame that defines cavities including active metal active sites for hydrocarbon and NOx trapping such that individual atoms of the active metal are bound to the frame within the cavities via oxygen atoms.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method for preparing a lithium activated alumina intercalate solid by contacting a three-dimensional activated alumina with a lithium salt under conditions sufficient to infuse lithium salts into activated alumina for the selective extraction and recovery of lithium from lithium containing solutions, including brines.

Abstract: An ion exchanger includes a case and an ion exchange resin. The case includes an inflow hole into which a refrigerant flows and an outflow hole out of which the refrigerant flows. The ion exchange resin is arranged in the case to remove ions from the refrigerant. The inflow hole and the outflow hole are located at a lower end of the case. The case accommodates a tube extending in a vertical direction and connecting to the outflow hole. The ion exchange resin is located between an inner wall of the case and an outer wall of the tube. The inflow hole is formed so that the refrigerant flows through the inflow hole into the case and evenly into the ion exchange resin from a lower end surface of the ion exchange resin.

Abstract: The present invention provides a measured containment control system fitted to a laboratory containment device 1. These devices can have a variety of coherent enclosure configurations in terms of size and geometry. User access to these devices can be by means of either an opening or the use of gloves with, in this latter case, typically filtration of the intake and exhaust ventilation. The system comprises further at least one sensor 6, an exhaust duct 5 or exhaust outlet connected to the laboratory containment device 1 for ventilation, an air flow control means 2 for controlling the exhaust air volume in the exhaust duct 5 and a control unit 13 connected to at least one sensor 6 and to the air flow control means 2. The control unit 13 is arranged to receive signals from at least one sensor 6 constantly and adjusting, based on these signals, the air flow control means 2 to change the exhaust air volume from the laboratory containment device 1.

Abstract: The present invention is directed generally to devices and methods for manipulating laboratory pipettes in a programmable manner. The present invention is directed to an apparatus and methods for allowing a user to instruct the device to perform a specific process; identifying the type, location and identity of the consumables to be used; manipulating a plurality of pipettes for performing the liquid handling; monitoring the process during and after its execution; generating a detailed report for the plurality of actions. Other aspects of this invention include optimization of the liquid dispensing performances of a pipette; monitoring and controlling individual actions by means of vision; virtualization of the protocol definition by means of a reality augmented software interface; integration of the system in a conventional laboratory environment workflow.

Abstract: This invention relates to methods, systems, and computer program products for detecting pipette tip integrity.

Abstract: Methods for delivering discrete entities including, e.g., cells, media or reagents to substrates are provided. In certain aspects, the methods include manipulating and/or analyzing qualities of the entities or biological components thereof. In some embodiments, the methods may be used to create arrays of microenvironments and/or for two and three-dimensional printing of tissues or structures. Systems and devices for practicing the subject methods are also provided.

Abstract: A sample liquid preparing apparatus includes a first cylinder portion, a cap portion, and a liquid preparation vessel. The first cylinder portion has a first to-be-fixed portion and a second to-be-fixed portion. The first cylinder portion accommodates a first plug and a second plug. A liquid is sealed between these plugs. The cap portion includes a plunger portion to push the second plug and a first fixing portion to limit the plunger portion from pushing the second plug by fixing the first to-be-fixed portion. The liquid preparation vessel includes a second cylinder portion whose internal space is pressed by the first cylinder portion and a second fixing portion to limit the first cylinder portion from pushing by fixing the second to-be-fixed portion.

Abstract: A sample collection chip is disclosed in this application, which includes a chip body. The chip body is provided therein with a collection channel and a sample quantitation cell. The collection channel is in communication with the outside via a sample inlet located in a surface of the chip body, the collection channel has a sample-philic property; and the sample quantitation cell and the collection channel are in communication with each other via a first capillary channel, the first capillary channel has a flow section smaller than a flow section of the collection channel, the first capillary channel has a sample-phobic property, and the sample quantitation cell is in communication with an air outlet located in a surface of the chip body via a second capillary channel.

Abstract: A bottom opening pod utilizing magnetic coupling for securing one or more cassettes within. The pod includes magnetic couplers that provide magnetic coupling between the cassette(s) and the bottom door of the pod. The magnetic couplers may include magnetic elements disposed on a base of the cassette and on the bottom door of the pod. The magnetic coupling secures the cassette(s) to the bottom door without imposition of separation forces between the housing and the bottom door of the pod.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to microchemical (or microfluidic) apparatus as well as related methods for making the same. The methods generally include partial sintering of sintering powder (e.g., binderless or otherwise free-flowing sintering powder) that encloses a fugitive phase material having a shape corresponding to a desired cavity structure in the formed apparatus. Partial sintering removes the fugitive phase and produces a porous compact, which can then be machined if desired and then further fully sintered to form the final apparatus. The process can produce apparatus with small, controllable cavities shaped as desired for various microchemical or microfluidic unit operations, with a generally smooth interior cavity finish, and with materials (e.g., ceramics) able to withstand harsh environments for such unit operations.

Abstract: The present invention is generally related to systems and methods for producing droplets. The droplets may contain varying species, e.g., for use as a library. In some cases, at least one droplet is used to create a plurality of droplets, using techniques such as flow-focusing techniques. In one set of embodiments, a plurality of droplets, containing varying species, can be divided to form a collection of droplets containing the various species therein. A collection of droplets, according to certain embodiments, may contain various subpopulations of droplets that all contain the same species therein. Such a collection of droplets may be used as a library in some cases, or may be used for other purposes.

Abstract: A system for isolating and emulsifying particles or cells within droplets includes a microfluidic trapping device having an inlet and an outlet and one or more channels disposed between the inlet and the outlet, at least some of the one or more channels having a plurality of expansion regions serially arranged along the length thereof. A droplet generation device is fluidically coupled to the outlet of the microfluidic trapping device, the droplet generation device has a plurality of channels of a first height that terminate at an interface into a chamber having a second height that is greater than the first height, wherein the plurality of channels droplet generation device and the chamber contain an oil phase therein and wherein the interface is a step junction. In some embodiments, the droplet generation device is itself oriented at an angle with respect to horizontal to prevent droplet coalescence.

Abstract: A liquid storage and release chip provided according to the present application includes a structural layer and an elastic cover sheet. An end surface of one side of the structural layer is provided with a liquid storage cell and a liquid quantitation cell, the liquid storage cell and the liquid quantitation cell are separated by a common partition wall, and the partition wall is provided with a valve opening passing through end surfaces of two sides of the structural layer. The elastic cover sheet is attached to the structural layer and covers the liquid storage cell, the liquid quantitation cell and the valve opening in a sealed manner, and the valve opening allows a spool to be inserted in the valve opening in a sealed manner to push up a portion, covering the valve opening, of the elastic cover sheet.

Abstract: A thermal block assembly including a sample block and two or more thermoelectric devices, is disclosed. The sample block has a top surface configured to receive a plurality of reaction vessels and an opposing bottom surface. The thermoelectric devices are operably coupled to the sample block, wherein each thermoelectric device includes a housing for a thermal sensor and a thermal control interface with a controller. Each thermoelectric device is further configured to operate independently from each other to provide a substantially uniform temperature profile throughout the sample block.

Abstract: An assembly (10) comprising a sample block (12), a heat sink (30) and at least one electrodeposited thermoelectric element (48) is disclosed. Further, an instrument and a method for performing a temperature-dependent reaction are disclosed.