Abstract: Nanowires useful as heterogeneous catalysts are provided. The nanowire catalysts are useful in a variety of catalytic reactions, for example, the oxidative coupling of methane to ethylene. Related methods for use and manufacture of the same are also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention pertains to a zeolite catalyst, methods of making same, and its use in the catalytic cracking of naphtha for the production of lower molecular weight olefins and alkanes, while minimizing production less desirable products. A zeolite is modified by base leaching and by the addition of a metal cation, thereby lowering the Si/Al2 ratio and improving the stability of the formed catalyst.

Abstract: The method comprises the step of forming pipes (12) by clamping a bag between shells (13, 14) and by injecting an inflating agent via an inflating connector. The circuit comprises a bag (126) and a press (10) comprising two shells (13, 14) clamping said bag in a state in which pipes (12) are formed between the films (25, 26) of the bag.

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: A microchip comprises a PCR section, a denaturing section, and an electrophoresis section. In the PCR section, a desired region in DNA is amplified. In the denaturing section, PCR amplicon of double-strand DNA is denatured into single-strand DNA. In the electrophoresis section, the PCR amplicon is separated based on the length of sequence.

Abstract: The invention describes a foil of polymeric material comprising a plurality of patch portions and a grid portion arranged between said patches. Each patch portion is connected to the grid portion by means of one or more connecting elements. Each patch portion is separated from the grid portion in the X-Y plane by means of a release portion, said release portion having a tensile strength in the X-Y plane which is lower than the tensile strength of both said patch portions and said grid portion, such that—upon exertion of a tensile force between said patch portions and said grid portion—said foil ruptures preferentially at said release portion. The invention relates to a method for the production of cell-capture chips using said foil, and a cell capture chip produced by said method.

Abstract: In a polymer assay cartridge having wells containing reagents, beads and sample, where the wells are covered (e.g., with Parafilm® or films) and shipped to the point of care, the reagents and well contents can leak out. The reagent solutions are made semi-solid by adding hydrogel reagents and cooling to form a gel. Preferably, the hydrogel is heated before an assay is conducted with the cartridge, and pigmented beads in the wells indicate melting or excessive heating, or congealing of the hydrogel, based on pigment color change.

Abstract: Cartridge-based thermocyclers can include cartridges that are configured to move a fluid between distinct chambers. In some cases, the cartridge-based thermocyclers can be used for thermocycling a sample fluid comprising a deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) target to perform polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Individual chambers can be heated, cooled, and/or compressed to mix fluid within the chamber or to propel fluid in the chamber into another chamber. The cartridges can have a laminate construction. The cartridges can be configured to enable multiplexed thermocycling and/or detection.

Abstract: A pipette tip orienting apparatus includes a hopper adapted for receiving one or more pipette tips. A first alignment comb is inserted thorugh the hopper for orienting pipette tips inside the hopper. A second alignment comb is inserted through the hopper for orienting the pipette tips for delivery to a pipette tip rack. The first and second alignment combs are positioned perpendicular to one another through the hopper. Pipette tips are delivered to wells in a pipette tip rack by removing the alignment combs sequentially from the hopper.

Abstract: Milling methods that use grinding media particles formed of a ceramic material having an interlamellar spacing of less than 1250 nm.

Abstract: An apparatus for disintegration (or mixing) of a solid in a receptacle containing liquid, has a control unit and an ultrasound transducer generating ultrasonic energy under control of the control unit. An annular coupling element in communication with the ultrasound transducer is adapted to receive the receptacle. Ultrasonic energy is transferred to the receptacle contents through the annular coupling element. In use, the ultrasonic energy transferred to the receptacle contents causes disintegration of the solid into the liquid. A method for disintegration of a solid in a receptacle is also described.

Abstract: This invention relates to a collector composition for the direct froth flotation of nonsulfide ores comprising a) 50-99 wt.-% of a mixture of fatty acids and b) 1-50 wt.-% of an N-acyl derivative of sarcosine of the formula (I) wherein R is a saturated or unsaturated hydrocarbon chain with 7 to 21 carbon atoms, wherein the mixture of comprises 10.0-35.0 wt.-% of fatty acid having a saturated C11 hydrocarbon group, 2.5-15.0 wt.-% of fatty acid having a saturated C13 hydrocarbon group, 10.0-25.0 wt.-% fatty acid having a monounsaturated C17 hydrocarbon group and 20.0-45.0 wt.-% fatty acid having a bisunsaturated C17 hydrocarbon group.

Abstract: A method for separating a vapor from a carrier gas is disclosed. An air-sparged hydrocyclone is provided with a porous sparger covered by an outer gas plenum. A cryogenic liquid is provided to the tangential feed inlet at a velocity that induces a tangential flow and a cyclone vortex in the cyclone. The carrier gas is injected into the air-sparged hydrocyclone through the porous sparger. The vapor dissolves, condenses, desublimates, or a combination thereof, forming a vapor-depleted carrier gas and a vapor-enriched cryogenic liquid. The vapor-depleted gas is drawn through a vortex finder while the vapor-enriched cryogenic liquid is drawn through an apex nozzle outlet. In this manner, the vapor is removed from the carrier gas.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a laboratory centrifuge having a cooling device which comprises a compressor enclosed by a compressor housing, with the compressor housing, in the region of the compressor head, being at least regionally provided with a damping material which is capable of absorbing vibrations in the range from 20 Hz to 100 Hz.

Abstract: A device for the cyclonic separation of solid particles contained in a fluid, comprising a primary cyclone chamber, a secondary cyclone chamber, an inlet channel for fluid loaded with solid particles opening into the primary cyclone chamber, an outlet channel for fluid cleaned of the solid particles connected to the secondary cyclone chamber, and a ducting unit connecting the primary cyclone chamber to the secondary cyclone chamber and surrounded by the primary cyclone chamber. The ducting unit comprises a core delimiting the secondary cyclone chamber and having at least one helical groove having a bottom which diverges away from an axis of the secondary cyclone chamber in a direction towards the latter, and a cap covering a part of the core in such a way as to delimit, with the groove, a channel connecting the primary cyclone chamber to the secondary cyclone chamber.

Abstract: A variable orifice spray valve including a valve body (42) having a spray discharge orifice (42A) formed therein. The spray valve further includes a liquid flow passage into the valve body, a deflector plate (45) in proximity to the spray discharge orifice (42A) onto which liquid discharged from the orifice is directed, a spray height adjuster (44) adjacent the orifice and movable relative to the deflector plate (45) into the liquid flow path from the orifice, and an adjustment mechanism (43) to adjust the position of the spray height adjuster (44) relative to the discharge orifice (42A).

Abstract: A gas assisted liquid spray nozzle assembly having a nozzle body that defines a mixing zone, a liquid inlet communicating with the mixing zone from a side thereof, and a pressurized gas inlet communicating with the mixing chamber from an upstream end. The liquid inlet includes a liquid inlet extension and diffuser post extending transversely into the mixing zone having a liquid extension passageway and a closed downstream end that defines an internal impingement surface disposed on a central axis of the mixing zone against which liquid impinges and is transversely directed into the mixing zone for atomization by pressurized gas directed centrally through the mixing zone from the gas inlet. The spray nozzle assembly includes a barrel extension zone downstream of said mixing zone with a spray tip for directing the atomized liquid in a predetermined spray pattern.

Abstract: The invention relates to a spray gun apparatus (10) for spraying a fine film coating of liquid, such as paint, lacquer or bond, onto a surface. The spray gun comprises a main body (12) having a fluid throughbore (22), a gas throughbore (16), and a main trigger lever (80) for allowing a user to spray fluid from the gun. A fluid flow adjustment mechanism (52, 58, 74) facilitates adjustment of the quantity of fluid sprayed from the gun for a given displacement of the main trigger lever (80). An engagement surface (86) is provided on the trigger lever and adapted to engage with a corresponding engagement surface (90) of the fluid flow adjustment mechanism. Pivoting movement of the main trigger lever (80) results in translational movement of at least a portion of the fluid flow adjustment mechanism to thereby selectively spray fluid from the gun upon displacement of the main trigger lever.

Abstract: A method of actuating a double-action pump assembly with a reciprocating plunger includes signaling the reciprocating plunger to stop for a changeover period; while the pump is stopping, signaling the first inlet and outlet valves to close; while the first inlet and outlet valves are closing, signaling the second inlet and outlet valves to open, such that the second inlet and outlet valves begin to mechanically open at least a dwell period after the first inlet and outlet valves have entirely closed; and signaling the reciprocating plunger to begin moving while the second inlet and outlet valves are closing.

Abstract: A control method for a two-component spray system having first and second pumps for separate fluid components includes registering a target spray pressure, registering a material-specific pressure factor margin, sensing an output pressure of the second pump, and identifying a failure condition in the event that the sensed output pressure remains further than the pressure factor margin from the target spray pressure for at least a threshold time.

Abstract: A marker airbrush device for transferring marking solution from a marking device onto a writing surface using air is provided. The airbrush device includes a housing with an air outlet, a dual-action trigger for controlling an amount of air travelling through the air outlet, and a marker positioner coupled to the housing. The dual-action trigger may be either pushed down or pulled back to control air flow through the air outlet. The marker positioner positions a marking device relative to the air outlet such that air traveling through the air outlet contacts at least one surface of the marking device to transfer marking solution onto a writing surface. The marker positioner may include a rotatable collar that couples the marking device within the marker position and creates a seal around the marking device to prevent pressurized air from escaping around the marking device.

Abstract: A fluid dispenser assembly including a fluid dispenser having a reservoir forming a bottom wall. The dispenser assembly further includes a casing that surrounds the fluid dispenser at least in part, and that defines an insertion and extraction opening through which the fluid dispenser is insertable by sliding. The casing includes a blocker mechanism for blocking the dispenser in the casing, and an unblocker mechanism for de-activating the blocker mechanism so as to be able to extract the fluid dispenser from the casing by sliding.

Abstract: A heterogeneous contents mixing container with improved productivity and sealing ability. The container includes a container body for containing a second content and a first content receiving member is formed in the container body to contain a first content. The receiving member includes an upper separation cap and a lower fixing cap. A shoulder is rotatably coupled to the container body and a lift guide member is fixed to the container body and formed with a spiral groove. A lift member moves upwardly by rotation of the shoulder and is formed with a lift protrusion. A pump housing moves upwardly with the lift member. A discharge pump moves upwardly with the pump housing to pump the first and second contents mixed with each other. A push button is coupled to the discharge pump to be movable up or down and is formed with a discharge outlet.

Abstract: A trigger-type liquid dispenser that, even when lateral force is applied to a trigger, prevents liquid leakage. The trigger-type liquid dispenser includes a pump, which includes: a cylinder, which includes an inner tubular wall and an outer tubular wall; a piston, which has a front-side end portion; a front-side sealing piece and a rear-side sealing piece; an outer-circumferential-side support portion; and an inner-circumferential-side support portion. The outer-circumferential-side support portion is provided with an annular cut-off portion, which forms a gap between the outer-circumferential-side support portion and an outer circumferential surface of the piston.

Abstract: A fluid sprayer comprises a fluid source, a spray nozzle, a pump, and a handle with a base. The spray nozzle is disposed to accept a spray tip with an outlet aperture. The pump is disposed to pump fluid from the fluid source out the outlet aperture of the spray tip. The base has a sealable storage slot sized to contain and form an air seal with the spray tip when not in use.

Abstract: A clamping apparatus includes a clamping frame, a first guide, a clamp, a linear driver, and a pressure sensor. The first guide is disposed on the clamping frame. The clamp is slideably engaged with the first guide, the clamp being configured to linearly move along the first guide to adjust a distance between the clamp and the clamping frame. The linear driver is connected to the clamp, the linear driver being configured to cause, at least in part, linear motion of the clamp. The pressure sensor is configured to sense pressure applied to an object clamped between the clamp and the clamping frame.

Abstract: An aspect of the embodiments includes a system comprising an unmanned self-propelled (USP) vehicle comprising a tool having a dispensed tool output and a mobile base station. The mobile base station comprises a power supply, a fluid medium source, and one or more processors operable to generate control signals to control the USP vehicle and to affect the dispensed tool output from the tool. The mobile base station includes an umbilical cabling and tethering (UCAT) apparatus to interconnect the USP vehicle and the mobile base station, the UCAT apparatus providing the USP vehicle with one or more of power from the power supply, a fluid medium from the fluid medium source and the control signals. The embodiments include a mobile base station and method for conducting a task.

Abstract: A bottle containing a solution, said bottle has a transparent or at least translucent body which is surmounted by a ring (3) provided with an opening to which a dispensing member (4) for the solution is joined. The dispensing member has a dispensing member body (6) and a dip tube (7) which communicate with one another, the tube being immersed in the solution (1) in order to allow the dispensing member to be supplied with solution to be dispensed. The dip tube has a silicone such that the difference between the refractive index of the tube and the refractive index of the solution is less than or equal to 0.04.

Abstract: In certain embodiments, an apparatus may be configured to spray a plurality of layers of paint onto a substrate through a plurality of iterations to produce a workpiece formed of a plurality of layers of paint. In some embodiments, the apparatus may include a cutting blade coupled to the apparatus and configured to cut the workpiece into a plurality of portions.

Abstract: An improved apparatus and methods are presented for a new and improved ultrasonic aerosol generation apparatus and air/gas and deployed aerosol movement system, which is able to increase and improve the reliability and quality of coverage and treatment of the various targeted surfaces within an enclosed space, with the generated and deployed disinfecting aerosol, by providing an improved system to detect one or more of any layers and stratifications of gas(s) and deployed aerosols within the atmosphere of the treated area(s) at any time, and a means to remove and effectively disrupt, the said layers, so the deployed aerosol can effectively treat the targeted area(s), as well as additional enhancements to the systems used for processing the atmosphere in the targeted area(s) after the treatment cycle has completed deploying the aerosol, such as improving the cleaning of the dehumidification device, and the effective operation of the dehumidification and filter components.

Abstract: A liquid droplet production apparatus includes a perforate membrane, with liquid being supplied to one side of the membrane. An actuator for vibrating the membrane is provided. The vibration causes liquid droplets to be ejected from the other side of the membrane. Magnetic force is used to connect the actuator to the membrane so that the vibration can be transmitted.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for nebulizing a liquid from a liquid supply through a membrane comprising first and second surfaces and a plurality of apertures extending through the membrane. The apparatus includes an area for receiving a liquid supply, arranged to deliver a liquid to the first surface of the membrane, a vibrator member, arranged to vibrate the membrane to eject liquid droplets from the front surface of the membrane on vibration; and a mechanical coupling mechanism, arranged to provide a removable mechanical clamping force for clamping the membrane to the vibrator member. Various mechanisms for implementing the mechanical coupling are provided, and liquid containers and membranes for use in the device are proposed.

Abstract: A porous sintered multicomponent applicator nib and methods of making and using these nibs. The porous nibs are made from sintered plastic particles. These nibs are used with liquid applicators devices, medical devices, writing tools or cosmetic applicators to apply liquids containing high solids or pigments to surfaces such as metal, paper, skin, hair, tissue or a wound.

Abstract: An automatic dispensing device for wallboard joint taping is provided, including a body for holding a supply of viscous material and having a rear end and an opposite front end, a spool assembly disposed on the body and configured for supporting a spool of tape; at least one drive roller positioned at the front end and receiving an end of the spool of tape. Certain embodiments include an adhesive application assembly connected to the drive roller and mounted in operational relationship to the front end for dispensing a measured amount of adhesive upon an upper surface of the tape upon rotation of the at least one drive roll. In such embodiments, the body may be configured for holding sufficient adhesive to cover tape advanced by at least 200 rotations of the at least one drive roller.

Abstract: A removal device for decoupling a tip from a body of an applicator is disclosed. The removal device comprises a wall, comprising a proximal edge and a distal edge, opposite the proximal edge. The removal device also comprises a through channel in the wall. The removal device further comprises a pawl, comprising a proximal end, coupled to the wall, a distal end, opposite the proximal end, a first side between the proximal end and the distal end, and a second side, opposite to the first side. The distal end, the first side, and the second side of the pawl are delimited by the through channel and the pawl extends -between the proximal edge of the wall and the distal edge of the wall. The removal device additionally comprises a wedge, extending from the wall and perpendicular to the wall.

Abstract: Provided are an apparatus and method for coating a separator. The method includes supplying a coating solution to a receiving chamber; applying the coating solution received in the receiving chamber to a surface of the separator through a coating bar; collecting coating solution overflowing the receiving chamber by a collection chamber surrounding the receiving chamber; and returning coating solution from the collection chamber to the receiving chamber through a return line.

Abstract: A spray roller system for application of architectural paints coating, includes an extension tube, a spray head mounted on a distal end of the extension tube, and the in-line valve with a trigger mounted on a proximal end of the extension tube, and a roller handle removable mounted on the extension tube adjacent the spray head. The spray roller system can spray and back roll a coating on a down stroke and roll on each up stroke. When the roller handle is removed from the extension tube, it can be used to hand roll sensitive wall areas. With the roller handle removed, extension tube, spray head, and in-line valve can be used as a spray extension to apply coatings in hard to reach areas.

Abstract: A method for applying coating material to a moving substrate such as a glass mat web in shingle manufacturing includes conveying the web through a narrow channel and ejecting at least one coating material onto at least one surface of the web as it is conveyed through the channel. In a preferred embodiment, multiple coating materials may be applied to one surface of the web and multiple coating materials may be applied to the other surface of the web. The coating materials may be molten asphalt or other coating materials. The pressure of the coating material is controlled as a function of the line speed of the moving substrate to ensure consistently thick coatings at various speeds, including relatively high speeds, of the web. An apparatus in the form of a slot die is disclosed for carrying out the method of the invention.

Abstract: An electrostatic powder coating method includes spraying a charged powder coating material including powder particles that contain a thermosetting resin and a thermosetting agent, and an external additive that includes oxide particles containing at least one of titania and alumina to electrostatically attach the powder coating material to an object to be coated, and heating the powder coating material that is electrostatically attached to the object to be coated to thereby form a coating film, wherein a content Ac of the oxide particles in the powder coating material that is electrostatically attached to the object to be coated and a content Ao of the oxide particles in the powder coating material before being sprayed satisfy a relationship of Expression: Ao×0.80?Ac?Ao×1.20.

Abstract: A tire has a coating with a quadlayer or multiple quadlayers, and a method produces the same. In an embodiment, the method for coating a rubber substrate includes exposing the rubber substrate to a first cationic solution to produce a first cationic layer on the rubber substrate. The method also includes exposing the first cationic layer to a first anionic solution to produce a first anionic layer on the first cationic layer. In addition, the method includes exposing the first anionic layer to a second cationic solution to produce a second cationic layer on the first anionic layer. The method further includes exposing the second cationic layer to a second anionic solution to produce a second anionic layer on the second cationic layer. A quadlayer includes the first cationic layer, the first anionic layer, the second cationic layer, and the second anionic layer. The coating includes the quadlayer.

Abstract: A method for printing ink on a substrate comprising the steps of coating a glass substrate with an adhesion promoter, depositing one or more layers of ink on the coated substrate, and laminating the imaged substrate. The substrate can be a glass substrate, and the adhesion promoter can include a silane material, powder coating, organophosphate primer suspended in isopropanol.

Abstract: An inkjet printing method, system, and computer-usable tangible storage device to print cells and biomaterials for three-dimensional cellular scaffolds and engineered skin grafts are disclosed. The process simultaneously deposits living cells, nutrients, growth factors, therapeutic drugs along with biomaterial scaffolds at the right time and location. This technology can also be used for the microvasculature fabrication using appropriate human microvascular endothelial cells and fibrin to form the microvasculature. When printing human microvascular endothelial cells in conjunction with the fibrin, the cells aligned themselves inside the channels and proliferated to form confluent linings. The 3D tubular structure was also found in the printed patterns. Simultaneously printing biological materials to form a three-dimensional cellular scaffold promotes human microvascular endothelial cell proliferation and microvasculature formation.

Abstract: A method for producing a screening device, the method comprising the steps of providing a screening device that includes a plurality of profiled bars and a plurality of bar holder packages associated with the plurality of profiled bars. The plurality of bar holder packages include a plurality of first bar holders and at least one additional bar holder associated with the plurality of first bar holders. The method including the further steps of inserting the plurality of profiled bars parallel to one another into the plurality of bar holder packages, and bending the plurality of bar holder packages such that the plurality of first bar holders and the at least one additional bar holder are bent at the same time.

Abstract: A sifter for separating coarse particles from a particle-carrying stream during the manufacture of wood fiber panels has a housing forming a chamber. The housing also has a material inlet for admitting the particle-carrying stream to the chamber, a front wall formed with an upper air inlet below the material inlet for admitting a respective upper air stream to the chamber and a lower air inlet below the upper inlet for admitting a respective lower air stream to the chamber, an exhaust-air outlet for conveying air and fine particles from the chamber, and a coarse-particle outlet for conveying coarse particles out of the chamber. The front wall of the housing has between the upper air inlet and the lower air inlet a portion with an inwardly concavely curved shape that forms a support vortex that supports the upper air stream entering through the upper feed air inlet in the chamber of the housing between the upper air inlet and the lower air inlet.

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 avoiding destructive interference when individual sensors or detectors are utilized in providing data regarding internal and external features and characteristics and qualities of products being inspected.

Abstract: A cleaning material for predictably cleaning the contact elements and support hardware of a tester interface, such as a probe card and a test socket, has a cleaning pad layer, one or more intermediate layers having a set of predetermined characteristics and having a plurality of abrasive particles.

Abstract: A washing system that can reliably remove chips attached to the surface of a jig on which a workpiece is placed. The washing system includes a nozzle, a manipulator for moving the nozzle, an imaging part for capturing an image of a region on which a workpiece is placed, a chip detecting part for detecting a chip in the region based on the image captured by the imaging part, a arrangement determining part for determining a position and posture of the nozzle when the fluid is sprayed to the chip, a manipulator controlling part for controlling the manipulator so that the nozzle is located at the determined position and posture, and a fluid supplying part for injecting, through the nozzle, the fluid that has been supplied to the nozzle.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method of cleaning an oil and gas well riser section that has a central larger diameter tubular member having a flow bore and a plurality of smaller diameter tubular members connected to the central larger diameter tubular member, each smaller diameter tubular member having a flow bore. The method includes placing a fitting on an end portion of the riser section, the fitting covering an end of the larger diameter tubular member and the ends of the smaller diameter tubular members, wherein the fitting preferably has multiple openings including one or more centrally located openings and a plurality of circumferentially spaced apart outer openings that are spaced radially away from each of the one or more centrally located openings, said fitting having a drain opening.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to a system and method for handling effluent during a hydroblasting operation of a vessel. The system includes a bag assembly comprising a containment bag and a drain. A throat opening is configured to interface with an end of a vessel. The sidewall extends approximately longitudinally from the throat opening. The sleeve is located substantially circumferentially around the containment bag near the throat opening and is formed of a resilient, anti-static material.

Abstract: A method for changing the configuration of a rolling mill of the six-high type in which the rolling mill is changed from a first configuration (C1) of a range of diameters of working cylinders (3?, 4?), keeping the chocks (E1, E2) by turning over the chocks (E2) of the intermediate cylinders (5, 6) and by turning over the chocks (E1) of the working cylinders. A rolling mill as such, suitable for implementing the method is also described.