Abstract: A microfluidic device includes a flow path through which a reaction solution flows, and an introducing portion for introducing the reaction solution into the flow path, wherein the flow path passes alternately and repeatedly several times through a first temperature region and a second temperature region having different predetermined temperatures, and the flow path includes the repeating unit portions passing through the first temperature region and the second temperature region, the repeating unit portions having decreasing lengths as the repeating unit portions are located farther away from the introducing portion.

Abstract: An apparatus for performing a thermocyclic process, such as amplifying DNA, includes a microfluidic chip with a channel formed therein and one or more thermal distribution elements disposed over portions of the chip. Each thermal distribution element is configured to distribute thermal energy from an external thermal energy source substantially uniformly over the portion of the chip covered by the thermal distribution element. The portion of the chip covered by the thermal distribution element thereby comprises a discrete temperature zone. Other temperature zones can be defined by other thermal distribution elements or by portions of the chip not covered by a thermal distribution element. The channel is configured so that a fluid flowing through the channel would enter and exit the different temperature zones a plurality of times, thereby alternately exposing the fluid to the temperature of each zone for a period of time required for the fluid to traverse the zone.

Abstract: A housing for a laboratory instrument is disclosed. The laboratory instrument comprises a base plate, wherein a holder configured to hold at least one consumable or a rack comprising at least one consumable is mounted onto said base plate, wherein the housing comprises a frame, wherein the frame is configured to support the base plate. Further, a laboratory instrument and a method for assembling a laboratory instrument are disclosed.

Abstract: A test tube carrier for transporting test tubes in a laboratory automation system is presented. The test tube carrier comprises a base body and at least three centering fingers attached to the base body. The centering fingers are distributed about a central axis (A). Each centering finger comprises an elongate, bent resilient element and a strut having a higher stiffness than the resilient element. The struts extend in parallel to the central axis (A). A first end of the associated resilient element is fixedly attached to the strut at an upper position and a second end of the resilient element contacts the strut at a lower position between the base body and the upper position. A laboratory distribution system having a number of test tube carriers, and a laboratory automation system comprising a laboratory distribution system are also presented.

Abstract: According to one aspect of the invention, the apparatus comprises a fluid collecting device configured to receive a sample of breath; a conditioning device coupled to the fluid collecting device and configured to receive the sample of breath and condition the sample with respect to at least one of temperature, flow rate, pressure, humidity, and concentration; and a sensing device coupled to the conditioning device and configured to receive the conditioned sample, wherein the sensing device includes a nanoparticle-based sensor and further whereby the analyte interacts with the sensing device to cause a change that is sensed by the sensing device and wherein the change comprises information useful in characterizing the analyte. Preferably, the apparatus is hand-held and characterizing the analyte is useful for health monitoring.

Abstract: A drive device for a vertical stirred mill, including a main housing, a motor, and an element able to be rotated by the motor around a vertical axis, the rotary element being fastened to a rotary milling tool of the vertical stirred mill, the rotary element including a substantially horizontal rotary plate, and the main housing including an axial stop able to guide the rotary element axially, the rotary plate being arranged bearing on the axial stop, the axial stop thus being able to react to the axial forces exerted on the milling tool during operation of the vertical stirred mill.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides for a novel pig design and method of retrieval based on thermal ablation. The pig comprises an external layer and an inner core, where the inner core further comprises at least one incendiary charge comprising at least one exothermic material. When ignited via an ignition source, the incendiary charge releases the exothermic material into one or more thermal dispersion channels. The exothermic material melts the interior of these thermal dispersion channels thereby distributing the exothermic material throughout the pig device causing its destruction via thermal ablation. The destroyed pig can then be easily retrieved from its location in a pipe, as detected via radio signals, without the need for costly excavation of large sections of the pipe.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides for a novel pig design and method of retrieval based on thermal ablation. The pig comprises an external layer and an inner core, where the inner core further comprises at least one incendiary charge comprising at least one exothermic material. When ignited via an ignition source, the incendiary charge releases the exothermic material into one or more thermal dispersion channels. The exothermic material melts the interior of these thermal dispersion channels thereby distributing the exothermic material throughout the pig device causing its destruction via thermal ablation. The destroyed pig can then be easily retrieved from its location in a pipe, as detected via radio signals, without the need for costly excavation of large sections of the pipe.

Abstract: A magnetic separator includes a housing defining a product flow path through which material may pass. The magnetic separator further includes a drawer moveable between a first position and a second position and at least one magnet operatively connected to the drawer. The at least one magnet is positioned within the product flow path in the first position of the drawer. The at least one magnet is withdrawn from the flow path when in the second position.

Abstract: A cyclone separator (10) comprises a pressure chamber (20), an inlet (30) for an incoming flow of a mixture of gas and particles, a gas outlet (50) for outgoing gas arranged through a top wall (26) of the pressure chamber and a particle outlet (40) for outgoing particles arranged in a lower part (22) of the pressure chamber. The pressure chamber has a main rotation symmetric shape. The inlet is arranged through a side wall (28) of an upper part (24) of the pressure chamber for directing the incoming flow with a main velocity component in a tangential direction. The inlet comprises an inlet tube (36) protruding through the side wall of the upper part into the pressure chamber, whereby an inner end (38) of the inlet tube is provided at a position interior of the pressure chamber. A method for operating a cyclone separator is also disclosed.

Abstract: An adjustable dual showering unit contains a first showerhead assembly, a second showerhead assembly, and a showerhead arm. The first showerhead assembly and the second showerhead assembly extend from the showerhead arm allowing multiple individuals to shower together. The distance between the first showerhead assembly and the second showerhead assembly is adjustable. The distance from the showerhead arm to a head portion of both the first showerhead assembly and the second showerhead assembly is also adjustable. Moreover, the orientation of the head portion of both the first showerhead assembly and the second showerhead assembly can be adjusted. Moreover, a fluid flow control valve allows the user to control the first showerhead assembly independent of the second showerhead assembly of vice versa. Thus, a unique showering experience is provided.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods of thermal fogging that include dispensing a predetermined amount of an agricultural formulation from a cartridge, wherein the agricultural formulation has a viscosity of greater than about 500 cP at room temperature; using an inline heater to heat the predetermined amount of the agricultural formulation to a predetermined temperature, wherein the agricultural formulation has a viscosity of less than about 400 cP at or above 140 degrees Fahrenheit; and aerosolizing the agricultural formulation with a thermal fogging apparatus. Also disclosed are systems for carrying out the methods, as well as cartridges for use in the disclosed systems.

Abstract: A trigger sprayer is described which utilizes a ball valve to control the flow of a carrier fluid such as water. The ball valve is actuated by a trigger which is biases to the open position by a torsion spring. Provision is made for the trigger sprayer to draw a chemical solution from a supply container and meter it through one or more outlet devices for providing streams in the form of fan or mist sprays, or other shaped sprays.

Abstract: A method of heating spray components with a spray proportioner unit may include flowing a spray component from a hopper through a preheater and heated hose. The spray component may be received at a receiving end of the heated hose at a first temperature and exit the heated hose at a delivery end at a second temperature. The spray component may be flowed through the heated hose at an operating pressure up to 2000 psi and at a rate up to 12 lb/minute. The second temperature may be at least 30° F., such as between 40° F. and 60° F., greater than the first temperature.

Abstract: A liquid container includes a casing, at least two inner bottles for containing liquids, at least one pumping unit, a turnable selecting mechanism, and a top cover. The inner bottles are received in the casing and covered by the top cover. The selecting mechanism is operated to select one of the inner bottles to be pumped, and then the pumping unit is operated to pump out the liquid contained in the selected inner bottle through an outlet located on the top cover. Not only weight and volume for carrying these liquids can be decreased, but also convenience for accessing these liquids is improved by using the aforesaid liquid container.

Abstract: A hand pump for pumping out fluid from a reservoir, comprising a pump body, a faucet, a driving mechanism and a sealing arrangement. The pump body has at a side a connector defining a receptacle radially extending into a cavity of the pump body. The driving mechanism includes an axle inserted in the receptacle of the connector, a sealing sleeve mounted around the axle, a coupling cap axially secured to the sealing sleeve, and a L-shaped handle. The handle having at one end inserted through the coupling cap and the axle, and at the other hand extending outside the coupling cap. Operation of the handle in cyclically up and down motion drives the axle to rotate, which causes a piston in the cavity to move upward and downward so as to suck the fluid into the faucet. The sealing arrangement has at least three O-rings disposed among the parts of the driving mechanism to provide an effective seal between the driving mechanism and the pump body.

Abstract: A dispenser for discharging liquid to pasty masses, has a pump head and a pump chamber, having a pump chamber wall and an inlet valve and an outlet valve. The pump chamber is formed by a bellows part, on which the inlet valve is integrally formed. The inlet valve is retained of retaining arms, which extend in the peripheral direction of the inlet valve and are connected to the pump chamber wall and to the inlet valve, and the inlet valve forms a peripherally extending valve lip, which freely protrudes in cross-section. The inlet valve extends in the shape of a circle segment in a longitudinal cross-section of the bellows part, having an upper dome segment and the lower valve lip. The connection to the retaining arms is formed at a height center of the inlet valve or at an offset therefrom toward a free edge of the valve lip.

Abstract: A blackbody material application system for a turbine. The system includes a blackbody material supply and a moveable hose connected to the blackbody material supply wherein the hose sprays blackbody material onto a selected area within the turbine. The system also includes a rotatable bracket that holds the hose, wherein rotation of the bracket moves the hose toward the selected area within the turbine to enable application of the blackbody material onto the selected area. In addition, the system includes a motor for rotating the bracket and a moveable arm that holds the bracket wherein the bracket is inserted through an opening in the turbine and movement of the arm enables positioning of the bracket and hose in relative close proximity to the selected area suitable for spraying blackbody material onto the selected area.

Abstract: An irrigation head pad. The irrigation head pad includes a planar member having an aperture disposed thereon, wherein an edge of the planar member is linear. A plurality of concentric circular members are configured to removably secure within one another. The aperture is configured to removably secure the plurality of concentric circular members therein. The diameter of the aperture can be adjusted via removing subsequent concentric circular members, such that varying sizes of sprinkler heads can be inserted through the aperture. In this way, the area surrounding the sprinkler head is covered by the planar member, preventing fouling of the sprinkler head.

Abstract: A support structure for a suspended injector includes a suspended injector having a tubular vertical portion extending in a vertical direction, one or more chamfered portions formed by chamfering an outer peripheral surface near an upper end of the tubular vertical portion, a pair of holding members each having a flat surface formed on an inner peripheral surface of each of the pair of holding members to engage with each of the chamfered portions, each of the pair of holding members holding the tubular vertical portion of the suspended injector by sandwiching the tubular vertical portion of the suspended injector from both sides each of the pair of holding members, and a support structure part configured to fixedly support the pair of holding members, and configured to suspend and support the suspended injector.

Abstract: A brass fitting is in-molded in a plastic pipe fitting, which is coupled to a water supply line in a conventional matter. The brass insert receives a tapered seal with sealing surfaces that seat against the brass insert and a sprinkler head to form a sealed connection. The seal includes a tapered passageway for compression when tightening, as well as an external taper to allow the seal to conform to the socket formed by the plastic pipe fitting and brass insert. Also, a manufacturing method includes in-molding a brass insert within a plastic fitting using an O-ring which interfaces between the brass insert and surrounding molded fitting to seal the brass insert to the fitting. In one embodiment, the seal is used in a polymeric fitting without a brass insert.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a microfluidic die that includes a plurality of heaters above a substrate, a plurality of chambers and nozzles above the heaters, a plurality of first contacts coupled to the heaters, and a plurality of second contacts coupled to the heaters. The plurality of second contacts are coupled to each other and coupled to ground. The die includes a plurality of contact pads, a first signal line coupled to the plurality of second contacts and to a first one of the plurality of contact pads, and a plurality of second signal lines, each second signal line being coupled to one of the plurality of first contacts, groups of the second signal lines being coupled together to drive a group of the plurality of heaters with a single signal, each group of the second signal lines being coupled to a remaining one of the plurality of contact pads.

Abstract: A fountain for creating a vortex includes a base housing with a lower reservoir therein. A pump moves water from the lower reservoir into a cylindrical upper tank located on a support platform. Tubing connects the pump to an elbow fitting, which extends through an inflow hole in the support platform. The elbow fitting ejects water into the tank along the sidewall immediately adjacent to said elbow fitting so as to fill the tank with water and create the vortex. Water eventually drains through a drain hole in the center of the support platform and returns to the lower reservoir.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for applying a hot-melt to a web of material. The device includes a driven roller and a nozzle with a nozzle channel arranged adjacent the driven roller for supplying a hot melt through the nozzle channel to the surface of the roller. The invention also relates to a combination of a device according to the invention and a web of material, which web of material is guided along the driven roller and wherein the nozzle channel exits in front of the nip of the web of material and the driven roller.

Abstract: This invention relates to a system, including an apparatus and method, for dispensing a heated personal lubricant. An enclosure houses all components of the system including a frame member for mounting internal components in a proper geometry; batteries; a disposable cartridge having a canister of personal lubricant; a delivery system including a stepper motor, linear actuator and drive shaft for positively urging a plunger to dispense a small amount of heated oil from the dispenser through a pressure release valve; and printed circuit boards with a microprocessor to control the system.

Abstract: One example of the present disclosure relates to a daubing device for applying viscous material to a fastener. The daubing device comprises a housing comprising a first internal face and a second internal face, separated from the first internal face by a longitudinal distance L. The daubing device further comprises a dispenser between the first internal face and the second internal face of the housing. The dispenser comprises a flexible wall. The daubing device also comprises a pressure-application device between the dispenser and the second internal face of the housing.

Abstract: A manifold assembly includes a manifold head and at least one piercing member. The manifold head includes a cap portion and a wall portion. The cap portion has an upper surface, a lower surface, and an inner edge that extends at least partially in a circumferential direction. The inner edge defines an opening that extends from the upper surface to the lower surface. The wall portion is coupled to the lower surface of the cap portion and has an inner wall surface that defines a channel. The at least one piercing member is coupled to the manifold head and extends in the circumferential direction along the inner edge of the cap portion and into the channel.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of manufacturing a high-strength carbon fiber resin tape and the high-strength carbon fiber resin tape that can be widely applied for reinforcement of PVC pipe, PP pipe, or the like. The high-strength carbon fiber resin tape according to the present invention comprises a base material including a binder, metal oxide sol, and potassium persulfate between acrylic carbon fibers; an adhesive material having one or more physical characteristics of heat resistance, cold resistance, or high-strength applied on one surface of the base material; and an ultraviolet protection coating applied on the other surface of the base material.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus for evaluation of a deposition process in organic thin film-manufacturing processes using a chamber employing a deposition-preventing plate, by which it can be predicted whether a thin film layer formed on the deposition-preventing plate will be delaminated. Also provided is a method for evaluating a deposition process of an organic material, using the apparatus.

Abstract: A fabrication assembly comprises an apparatus that receives a composite substrate and a glass substrate having a surface with a release coating layer. A resin layer is deposited between the composite and glass substrates such that a first portion of the resin layer is positioned adjacent to a surface of the composite substrate and a second portion of the resin layer is positioned adjacent to the surface with the release coating layer to prevent aperture(s) from forming. A curing of the resin layer is conducted using electromagnetic radiation. A post-processing chamber receives the resin layer positioned between the composite substrate and the glass substrate and conducts another curing of the resin layer. The resin layer and the composite substrate are released from the glass substrate. Another deposition apparatus receives the resin layer and the composite substrate. A metallic coating is deposited to form a composite mirror object.

Abstract: A control console for a powered surgical tool. The console includes a transformer that supplies the drive signal to the surgical tool. A linear amplifier with active resistors selectively ties the ends of the transformer primary winding between ground and the open circuit state. Feedback voltages from the transformer windings regulate the resistances of the active resistors.

Abstract: A vibration motor includes a shaft, a stationary portion, a vibrating body, and an elastic member. The vibrating body includes a weight, first magnets, magnetic bodies, and one or more second magnets. Each first magnet has a ring shape and is magnetized in an inner or outer circumferential direction. Each magnetic body has a ring shape and is disposed between the shaft and a corresponding one of the first magnets. The one or more second magnets are magnetized in one direction, have a ring shape, and are interposed between the magnetic bodies corresponding thereto that are adjacent to each other in the one direction. The adjacent first magnets in the one direction are such that magnetic polarities of one of the first magnets at inner and outer circumferences thereof are opposite to magnetic polarities of another of the first magnets adjacent thereto at inner and outer circumferences thereof.

Abstract: A single shaft material processing vibrating screen is described which provides for non-circular acceleration (elliptical and otherwise). The system includes a main eccentric is rotated a first direction and a secondary eccentric orbits the main eccentric in an opposite direction. The orbiting is accomplished by either long and short arms or by eccentric flywheels. The size and shape of elliptical/non-circular motion is adjustable by varying mass of main and secondary eccentrics, length of long and short arms or the size of eccentric flywheels.

Abstract: A pan for use in a shaker can have a first end and a second end with a length there between. The pan can have a bottom with a width, narrowing side portions, an upper opening, and upper sides separated by an upper transverse width. The upper transverse width can be wider than the width of the bottom and the narrowing side portions can connecting the upper sides to the bottom. The bottom can have a downward slant along the length between the first end and the second end.

Abstract: A deviation handling apparatus for a continuous production system of granulated products includes a storage section for temporarily storing the products, an inspection section for inspecting selected physical properties of the products, a moving route switching section for switching the moving route of the products according to the results of the inspection and a discharge path for discharging the products judged as not meeting the specifications. The storage section has two shutoff valves and a storage chamber formed therebetween. The switching section has a switching valve having a normal position and a deviation position for causing a conveyance route to communicate with the discharge path. The deviation handling apparatus closes the shutoff valves to store products in the storage chamber and inspect properties of the products. When off-specification products are detected, the switching valve is switched to the deviation position and the products are discharged.

Abstract: An installation for separating and singulating non-uniform postal articles of the small parcel or packet type is characterized in that it comprises a platform for storing a pile of loosely placed postal articles, a vision system adapted to form digital images of the pile of loose postal articles, which pile is static on the platform, and a pneumatic pickup head of a robotized arm. The vision system comprises at least one laser source that projects a beam of fanned-out laser lines onto the pile of articles, thereby making it possible, on the basis of images including the laser lines on the pile of articles, to compute accurately a map of depths, and to perform digital silhouetting so as to singulate an article from the pile of loose articles.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for sorting objects is described, and which provides high-speed image data acquisition to fuse multiple data streams in real-time, while intentionally creating and utilizing known signal interference to enhance contrasts when individual sensors or detectors are utilized in providing data regarding features of a product to be inspected.

Abstract: Provided is a sort workpiece sorting system including: a conveyor; a conveying position detection part for workpieces; a camera configured to photograph the workpieces; robots provided with a hand disposed along a conveying direction and capable of ejecting workpieces on the conveyor, and a weight measurement part; a control part configured to control each robot; and a large group classifying part configured to classify the workpieces into large groups allocated to the robots based on an image of the workpieces. The control part includes a visual tracking part configured to cause the robots to handle the workpieces while following an operation of the conveyor based on the image of the workpieces and a conveying position. The visual tracking part causes the visual tracking part to eject the classified workpieces are ejected from the conveyor by the hand, and the workpieces are sorted for each group based on the measured weight.

Abstract: A waste storage device and corresponding waste sorting method. The waste storage device may include compartments for storing waste; an acquisition unit that acquires at least one characteristic of a piece of waste that is to be stored in the waste storage device; a processor unit that obtains data identifying the waste from the characteristic; a communications unit that sends the identifying data to a remote server and that receives data in response; and an advice supply unit that delivers sorting advice to a user. The sorting advice may come from the data that was received in response and it may identify at least one of the compartments of the waste storage device into which the piece of waste should be stored or placed by the user.

Abstract: A disposable double layered cleaning and disinfecting wipes system and method for cleaning and disinfecting a dirty surface and drying a cleaned surface with the same disposable cloth. The double layered wipes include a first layer composed of threaded cloth and coated with a liquid chemical formula for cleaning and disinfecting the dirty surface. A second layer of the double layered wipes is composed of micro-fiber cloth and is used for drying the cleaned surface.

Abstract: An automated grill cleaning system for automatically cleaning a grill in a cooker includes a cooking unit that may be used to cook. The cooking unit has a housing and a grill is positioned in the housing. The housing has an outer wall. A cleaning unit is coupled to the cooking unit and the cleaning unit is positioned on the outer wall. The cleaning unit selectively engages the grill. The cleaning unit urges itself to travel along the grill to abrade debris from the grill.

Abstract: A pneumatic washing and drying machine including a washing chamber and a liquid reservoir in fluid communication with the washing chamber, the washing chamber internally including spray nozzles directed towards at least a part to be washed arranged within the washing chamber and configured to spray a fluid so as to wash the at least one part and then air so as to dry the at least one part, the pneumatic washing and drying machine further includes a pneumatic unit powered by a compressed air supply to provide a liquid from the liquid reservoir to the spray nozzles via the air from the compressed air supply, and then provide air from the compressed air supply to the spray nozzles.

Abstract: An ultrasonic/megasonic cleaning device comprising a casing and an ultrasonic/megasonic frequency control unit. An ultrasonic/megasonic generator and a quartz component are provided within the casing. The ultrasonic/megasonic generator is connected with the ultrasonic/megasonic frequency control unit and at least one signal source to generate ultrasonic/megasonic wave. The quartz component is provided with a quartz rod array, which extends downward from the bottom of the quartz component and out of an opening at a bottom surface of the casing, to selectively eliminate the ultrasonic/megasonic energy propagating in directions non-vertical to the wafer surface.

Abstract: A compact apparatus for removing scale includes: a wire spring mounted at an end thereof with a cutting blade and having a predetermined force to remove the scale from a pipe; a first gear unit; a second gear unit rotatably coupled to the first gear unit; a vertical gear unit having a rotation axis perpendicular to the second gear unit, rotatably coupled to the second gear unit, and including a first guide wheel for moving the wire spring in one direction or an opposite direction; a connection gear unit rotatably coupled to the vertical gear unit, and including a second guide wheel disposed horizontally in a same plane with the first guide wheel to move the wire spring in one direction or the opposite direction together with the first guide wheel; and a support plate for rotatably supporting the vertical gear unit and the connection gear unit.

Abstract: The cleaning device is for cleaning a pipe before lining of the pipe and for removing a collapsed liner inside the pipe. The cleaning device has a connector for a drive shaft, a body rotatable around a rotation axis with the drive shaft and grinding cutters pivotally attached to the body by pins. The cutters have cutting edges provided on outer periphery of the cleaning device and the pivotal connection to the body allows for the cutters to turn and increase the diameter of the cleaning device until the cutters face an obstacle.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide an intake apparatus for a local ventilation system. According to at least one embodiment, the intake apparatus includes a connection opening, a hood configured to connect an intake opening larger than the connection opening, an intake duct coupled to the hood while communicating with the connection opening. and an intake fan which is installed at a peripheral portion of the intake opening so as to generate an intake air current in the direction of the connection opening.

Abstract: A method of utilizing construction and demolition waste is disclosed. The method comprises pretreating the construction and demolition waste into particles with a predetermined range of size; and obtaining calcium carbonate from the particles. The method of the present invention enables to recycle a wide range of construction and demolition waste, furthermore it can convert these waste materials into the high purity calcium carbonate which can be widely used in many applications.

Abstract: Methods for remediation of contaminated soil are provided including spraying blended hydrogen peroxide solution onto excavated and laid out soil on the ground and mixing or blending them concurrently by a specialized tractor that is equipped with an oxidant tank in the front and, a spray nozzle system and a reversely rotating soil mulching device in the rear so as to optimize soil moisture content for efficient oxidative reaction and reduced remediation timeframe.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to methods of bioremediation of hydrocarbon-contaminated media using Pseudomonas sp. which can efficiently reduce hydrocarbon contamination in soil, sediment or water in a short period of time.

Abstract: In some embodiments of the present invention a method includes: obtaining a first aluminum alloy sheet formed from rolling a first ingot of a 3xxx or a 5xxx series aluminum alloy, wherein, prior to rolling, the first ingot has been heated to a sufficient temperature for a sufficient time to achieve a first dispersoid f/r of less than 7.65; and forming a container precursor from the first aluminum alloy sheet, wherein when the first aluminum alloy sheet is formed into the container precursor, the container precursor has less observed surface striations and ridges as compared to a container precursor formed from a second aluminum alloy sheet rolled from a second ingot having a second dispersoid f/r value of 7.65 or greater.