Abstract: A biochemical analysis system capable of sample preparation and processing can include at least one inlet channel having a non-fouling, slippery surface to autonomously transport a fluid sample to a chamber by a geometry of the at least one inlet channel. The at least one inlet channel can include a first end, which is open and exposed, and a second end connected to the chamber for mixing and reaction of the fluid sample, and the at least one inlet channel can include a converging or diverging angle.

Abstract: A lab-on-a-chip (LOC) for the biomimetic study of the multicellular interactions of bone cells includes a PDMS substrate and cap, which together form one or more wells that are fluidly coupled by tubes. The wells are configured to support various bone cells and related cellular support substrates therein, while the tubes allow conditioned medium (CM), including soluble signals, and various other co-factors to be communicated among the various wells. By controlling the configuration among and between various bone cells in the wells, the temporal and spatial limitations associated with traditional in vivo bone tissue models is removed. In addition, the LOC enables a particular research objective to be studied by allowing the user to configure the arrangement of the wells/tubes of the LOC, so as to control the manner in which bone cell soluble signals, bone cell contact, and bone cell matrix interaction interplay.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a low-cost, thermally reversible valve for paper-fluidic diagnostic devices. In particular, this invention demonstrates a tunable valve mechanism fabricated by wax-ink printing and localized heating via thin-film resistors to sequentially release liquids through a cellulose or nitrocellulose membrane. The wax-ink valve can obstruct fluid flow for a sustained time and are thermally actuated to release a controlled amount of liquid past the valve. This integrated paper-fluidic diagnostic assay device requires minimal user involvement, can be easily manufactured and tuned to meet various fluid delivery timing and incubation needs.

Abstract: A multiplex slide plate device is provided, including a slide plate, a sacrificial layer, and a housing. The slide plate has reaction vessels arranged in an array. The sacrificial layer has a microfluidic channel, which has an injection channel, a main channel, and a distal channel connected to each other. The housing is used to accommodate the slide plate and the sacrificial layer, and is composed of a cover and a tray, and the cover has an injection hole, an exhaust hole, and a storage tank. A sample solution and an oil are injected from the injection hole into the injection channel, wherein the sample solution is pushed by the oil. The sample solution loads into each of the reaction vessels while flowing through the main channel. Excess waste liquid flows from the exhaust hole into the storage tank, and is covered by the oil and cannot reflow.

Abstract: A substrate assembly includes a first substrate, a second substrate and a bonding member. The first substrate includes a first surface-modified region having a functionality different from that of a remainder region of the first substrate. The second substrate includes a second surface-modified region connected to the first surface-modified region through a physical interaction and having a functionality different from that of a remainder region of the second substrate. The first and second substrates cooperatively define a space therebetween. The bonding member is disposed within said space to bond said first and second substrates together. A method for bonding substrates is also disclosed.

Abstract: A substrate assembly and a method of bonding substrates are disclosed. The method includes steps of: providing two substrate; subjecting a connecting surface of each of the substrates to surface-modifying treatment to form surface-modified region respectively on each of the connecting surfaces; contacting the substrates in such a manner that the substrates are connected with each other through a physical interaction between the surface-modified regions; and laser irradiating and melting a portion of each of the connecting surfaces to form a respective bonding region, and solidifying the melted bonding regions of the substrates to bond the substrates together.

Abstract: A multilevel, disposable cartridge may have a plurality of fluid wells or reservoirs holding a plurality of reagents, and a sample viewing area to view a biological sample. The reagents may be applied sequentially to the sample by opening a specific valve formed in an elastomeric, flexible layer under the fluid well. The fluid channels may be formed in a first rigid plastic layer to conduct the reagent to the sample. Pneumatic channels for applying suction or pressure to the valves may be formed in a second rigid, plastic layer.

Abstract: A device for high-throughput multi-parameter functional profiling of the same cells in multicellular settings and in isolation is provided. In certain aspects, an integrated microfluidic device for multi-parameter metabolic and other phenotypic profiling of live biological cells is useable with: 1) multicellular clusters or small biopsy tissue samples, 2) cultures of the constituent cells obtained after cluster/tissue dissociation, and 3) the same constituent single cells in isolation. The approach enables study of the effects of multicellular complexity, such as in response to treatment, pathogens, stress, or other factors concerning disease origination and progression. Measurements may be performed on single cells or multicellular populations or tissues in the same assay at the same time.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides devices, systems and methods for concentrating particles after application of a field and flipping the direction of the particles. The field applied to the particles can be an acoustic field. The particles can be flipped from a first flow stream at a higher speed into a second flow stream at a lower speed to aid in concentrating the particles, including concentration within an analysis region.

Abstract: Microfluidic systems and methods for arranging a set of objects. In an exemplary method, the set of objects may be transported in carrier fluid along a microfluidic channel structure having a reformatting zone including an object-accessible region and at least one object-excluding region. A portion of the carrier fluid may be moved from the object-accessible region to the at least one object-excluding region in an upstream section of the reformatting zone, to reduce a spacing of objects of the set. The portion of the carrier fluid may be directed into the object-accessible region from the at least one object-excluding region in a downstream section of the reformatting zone, to increase a spacing of objects of the set. The steps of moving and directing in combination may increase the spacing between objects disproportionately for a subset of the objects that are closest to one another.

Abstract: A method of replacing a liquid medium including feeding in a flow direction a plurality of liquids including a first liquid medium having a target particle dispersed therein and a second liquid medium such that a laminar flow is formed, and that the laminar flow has laminar flow segments including a first laminar flow segment formed by the first liquid medium and a second laminar flow segment formed by the second liquid medium, applying an external force to the laminar flow such that the target particle is moved from the first laminar flow segment to the second laminar flow segment, and recovering a laminar flow fraction including the target particle from the second laminar flow segment from a recovery surface which is perpendicular to the flow direction and separated from a cross section of the first laminar flow segment.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to digital microfluidic systems. Particularly, aspects are directed to a digital microfluidic system that includes a droplet chip having a substrate, a plurality of electrodes and corresponding plurality of conducting vias or embedded conductive posts formed in the substrate, and a dielectric layer formed over the plurality of electrodes; and a control chip having a substrate, a plurality of transistors and corresponding wiring layers formed in the substrate, and a plurality of contacts formed over the plurality of transistors. Each of the plurality of contacts is electrically connected to a corresponding transistor of the plurality of transistors, and one or more of the plurality of contacts is removably connected to one or more of the plurality of conducting vias or embedded conductive posts such that one or more of the plurality of transistors are electrically connected to one or more of the plurality of electrodes.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to digital microfluidic systems having an electrode bus controlled by a single actuation input, and methods for droplet manipulation using the electrode bus. Particularly, aspects are directed to a digital microfluidic system including a first group of droplet actuation electrodes formed in a substrate, a first wiring bus formed in the substrate and connected to each electrode in the first group of droplet actuation electrodes, and a first single point of actuation connected to the first wiring bus; and a second group of droplet actuation electrodes formed in the substrate, a second wiring bus formed in the substrate and connected to each electrode in the second group of droplet actuation electrodes, and a second single point of actuation connected to the second wiring bus.

Abstract: A biological analysis system is provided. The system comprises a sample block assembly. The sample block assembly comprises a sample block configured to accommodate a sample holder, the sample holder configured to receive a plurality of samples. The system also comprises a control system configured to cycle the plurality of samples through a series of temperatures. The system further comprises an automated tray comprising a slide assembly, the tray configured to reversibly slide the sample block assembly from a closed to an open position to allow user access to the plurality of sample holders.

Abstract: A 3D-slanted roll crusher includes a housing, a number of driving devices mounted to the housing, a base mounted to an end of the housing away from the driving devices, a number of groups of grinders, a number of grinding teeth mounted on each of the grinders, and a number of material obstructing bodies mounted on an inner wall of the housing. The grinders correspond to the driving members one-to-one. Each grinder is connected to the base and the corresponding driving device. The grinders are spaced equally apart within the housing around a central axis of the housing and slantedly mounted on the base facing the driving devices.

Abstract: A material reducing apparatus includes a rotary reducing component that has a central rotational axis. The material reducing apparatus includes a reducing element mount attached to the rotary reducing component and a reversible reducing element mounted to the reducing element mount. The reducing element includes a leading front side that has a first cutting edge and an opposite second cutting edge being radially inwardly positioned closer to the central rotational axis from the first cutting edge. The reducing element has a chip curl angle between about 79 degrees and 102 degrees. The reducing element has a radial height extending away from the rotary reducing component. The material reducing apparatus includes at least one chip evacuation arrangement that includes three depth control structures. The depth control structures that are axially adjacent the reducing element have radial heights less than or equal to 25% of the radial height of the reducing element.

Abstract: A helical-bladed cutting reel includes a central shaft having a central axis of rotation, and a plurality of helical blades. Each of the blades extends along a respective helical path on an outer surface of the central shaft. A direction of each respective helical path has both an axial component and a circumferential component relative to the central axis of the central shaft as it extends across the outer surface of the central shaft. Each of the helical blades is welded directly to the central shaft. In preferred embodiments all of the blades are continuously autogenously welded directly to the central shaft.

Abstract: The invention relates to a laboratory mill comprising at least one counter-vibration device (27) which has at least one control unit (29a) for providing a counter-vibration signal (29b) and at least one controllable vibration generation unit (29) for converting the counter-vibration signal (29b) into counter-vibrations (30), wherein the vibration-generation unit (29) counteracts a device- and/or housing part (31) of the laboratory mill (1) and the counter-vibrations (30) lead to an active reduction in the vibrations of the device- and/or housing part (31) and/or an at least partial suppression of noise-inducing vibrations of the device- and/or housing part (31), by means of destructive interference.

Abstract: A material reducing apparatus includes a reducing head that includes a rotary reducing component that carries a plurality of cutters. The reducing head includes a thrown object deflector positioned proximate the rotary reducing component. The thrown object deflector is configured to limit at least one of a distance and a direction that objects can be thrown by the rotary reducing component.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus for feeding a feed slurry into a particle separator having a fluidisation source. The feed apparatus comprises a chamber having at least one baffle for dividing the chamber into a first zone and a second zone. A feed inlet feeds the slurry into the first zone and the baffle deflects the slurry away from the second zone and direct fluidisation fluid from the fluidisation source through the second zone to combine with the slurry from the first zone. A particle separator incorporating the feed apparatus and a method of particle separation is also provided.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure include separating devices and systems and methods of use. Embodiments of the present disclosure include separation devices including magnetic arrays and sheet-flow separation chambers. In an embodiment, the separating device enables the generation of multiple, and in some configurations, intersecting, high gradient magnetic field lines, resulting in strong separation forces, which permits for scale up to large areas and/or volumes (e.g., extracorporeal blood filtration system).

Abstract: The present invention discloses a cylindrical IFD filter, comprising a dust collecting module and a field power module interval arranged inside the channel of the dust collecting module, a plurality of field power module units are symmetrically and vertically spaced arranged on the side wall of the field power module; a plurality of layers of the dust collecting module channels which are stacked vertically are pass-through arranged on the dust collecting module, and each barrier wall between the vertical adjacent dust collecting module channels is alternately disposed as a pair of positive plate and negative plate, each barrier wall between the vertical adjacent dust collecting module channels comprises polar plate electrode and a polar plate coating coated on the upper and bottom walls of the polar plate electrode; and each barrier wall between the lateral adjacent dust collecting module channels adopts same coating material as the polar plate coating.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a dust-collecting apparatus includes a main body with a first surface on which a back surface of a first electrode is disposed; a fixing unit configured to control attachment and detachment of the first electrode and the main body; a second electrode configured to transfer a voltage to the first electrode; and a control board configured to control a magnitude and a timing of a voltage which is applied to the second electrode.

Abstract: A process of phosphate flotation comprising: pulping phosphate ore with water to about 55% to 75% solids to produce an ore slurry; conditioning the ore slurry with a new reagent scheme to produce a conditioned slurry; subjecting the conditioned slurry to flotation to produce an underflow and an overflow; and collecting the overflow as phosphate concentrate. The new reagent scheme may comprise a combination of fatty acid, fuel oil, and fatty acid soap, and may not comprise a pH modifier. The process may also work effectively at a lower percent solids than conventional reagent schemes.

Abstract: The flotation apparatus includes a flotation vessel and a cover for closing an upwards open opening of the flotation vessel, wherein the cover and the flotation vessel limits a vessel space for receiving fluid, and an agitating means having a rotatable axis extending through a first aperture in the cover. The rotatable shaft is rotatable supported at a bearing housing outside the vessel space. A connection arrangement surrounds the rotatable shaft between the bearing housing and the cover.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of dewatering post fermentation fluids in a starch to ethanol process. More particularly the invention relates to use of a nuclease enzyme for separation of whole stillage into an insoluble fraction and a supernatant fraction. In a specific embodiment the present invention relates to a method of dewatering whole stillage comprising the steps of: i) subjecting whole stillage to one or more nuclease enzymes; ii) separating the material into an insoluble fraction and a supernatant fraction.

Abstract: The suction device includes a suction port revolving around a revolution axis while sucking a fluid so as to generate an artificial tornado. The suction port revolves around the revolution axis while sucking the fluid, so that it is possible to generate an artificial tornado more stably.

Abstract: This invention provides a spray head (110b) for a shower comprising a spray plate (124) having an apertured portion (124a) and an actuator portion (124b). The apertured portion has (124a) apertures (126) therein. The actuator portion (124b) is configured to be actuated by a user to change a spray pattern provided by the apertures of the apertured portion.

Abstract: A system is provided for rapidly cooling a pot or boiler. The system includes a cylindrical or semi-cylindrical tube operatively connected to the pot or boiler. The tube also includes a means for attaching a water source or hose. Finally, the tube may also include a series of holes or nozzles for directing a stream or spray of water towards the outer surface of the pot or boiler. The system may be built into the pot or boiler or may be a standalone, removable and adjustable system for use on multiple different pots or boilers.

Abstract: An improved sprayer head assembly is provided, comprising a swivel base; a head assembly; and a cage assembly. The head assembly is operatively attached to the swivel base, wherein the head assembly includes a head having a main passageway and at least two nozzle passageways; a first nozzle and a second nozzle fluidically and rotatably attached to the head, wherein the first and second nozzles are adjustable relative to the head to allow zero rotation of the head, maximum rotational speed of the head, or intermediate rotational speeds of the head during use. The cage assembly surrounds the head assembly for protection and is attached to the swivel base.

Abstract: A differential force rotary sprinkler comprises: a V-shaped rotary arm (1) having an arm body (11); a nozzle (2); a dust-resistant sealing cap (3) fixed and connected to the arm body (11); an upper oil seal (4) disposed at a lower end of an inner wall of the dust-resistant sealing cap (3); an upper bearing bush (5); a bearing housing (6); a lower bearing bush (7); a lower oil seal (8); a position-limiting screw nut (9); and a sealing O-ring (10). After the position-limiting screw nut (9) has been tightened, an axial gap of 0.5-1.5 mm is left between the position-limiting screw nut (9) and the lower bearing bush (7). An outer arm of the position-limiting screw nut (9) and the lower oil seal (8) realize a sealed smooth surface. The sprinkler realizes uniform spray of water and can be assembled and disassembled conveniently.

Abstract: A system for coating profiles comprises several treatment stations for treating the profiles, including at least one coating station for coating the profiles, the station being equipped with spray guns for dispensing the electrostatically charged powder coating. The system further comprises first detection means for detecting first data concerning the dimensions and shape of said profiles, first storage media for storing second data concerning said powder coating, which shall be used for coating said profiles, second storage media for storing third data concerning a set of sample profiles, and comparison means for comparing said first, second and third data so as to generate commands adapted to vary the operating parameters for said guns.

Abstract: A disposable cleaning-free paint pot comprise a pot body and a pot lid covering an opening of the pot body, the pot lid including a pot lid connector and a feed hole disposed in the pot lid connector, the adapter including an external thread disposed at an outer wall, positioning blocks disposed at an inner wall thereof, a press plate and a clamping cam; the pot lid joint is including positioning slots engaging with the positioning blocks and an annular groove for the clamping cam. The paint pot from cleaning after spray coating, the cleanliness of paint pot is guaranteed, so that the paint pot is fitted on spray gun rapidly, and the paint can be mixed in the pot body.

Abstract: Presently described are components of a spray application system. At least one component comprises a liquid repellent surface layer. The liquid repellent surface (e.g. layer) comprises a siloxane material. The component is typically a liquid reservoir, a liquid reservoir liner, a lid for a liquid reservoir or liner, or a combination thereof. In some embodiments, the component comprises a thermoplastic polymeric material. In some favored embodiments, the component is a removable liquid reservoir or liner. In some favored embodiments, the component is a collapsible liquid reservoir or liner. The spray application system typically further comprises a gravity-fed spray gun. Also described are spray application systems, methods of using a spray application system, as well as methods of making a component of a spray application system wherein the component has a liquid repellent surface.

Abstract: An attached device for a threaded neck of a container, including a first ring provided with a thread which allows the first ring to be screwed onto a threaded neck of the container, and a second ring that rotates as one with the first ring with the aid of at least one coupling member which is separate from at least one of the first and second rings and includes at least one zone for coupling to the at least one first, second ring from which it is separate, the coupling member including a breaking zone separate from the coupling zone and intended to break starting at a threshold rotational torque applied between the first and second rings.

Abstract: A fluid dispenser device comprising: a reservoir (10) containing fluid; a dispenser head (20) that is provided with a dispenser orifice (21); dispenser means (30) for dispensing at least a fraction of said fluid through said dispenser orifice (21); and passage means (40) for connecting said reservoir (10) to said dispenser orifice (21) on actuation of said dispenser means (30), said passage means (40) including a hollow needle (41) that penetrates into said reservoir (10) on actuation of said dispenser means (30), said needle (41) being fastened in a needle support (60) that is itself fastened in said dispenser head (20); said needle support (60) including blocking means (65, 66) that, in the rest position, co-operate with said reservoir (10) so as to prevent it from moving axially relative to said head (20).

Abstract: A foamer pump (22) for dispensing a liquid product from within a container with a foam consistency includes a collar (24) which is constructed and arranged for connection to said container, a pump engine received by the collar, including an actuator (28) having a nozzle orifice (34), and a seal panel (44) constructed and arranged for cooperating with the nozzle orifice to engage the nozzle orifice when the actuator is in an up position.

Abstract: To provide a trigger sprayer that can maintain uniformity of a chemical solution containing fine powder and is superior in flow efficiency. The trigger sprayer of the present invention is designed such that a piston part 5 is moved by a pivotal movement of a trigger part, while being attached to a container, so as to apply a pressure to a liquid inside a cylinder part 42A of a cylinder structural part 4 so that the liquid in the container is jetted from a nozzle part 3 through a passage P.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods and systems for automatically spraying a glaze solution onto a dental prosthesis. The automated spray glazing system includes: a first spray gun; a gripper configured to hold the dental prosthesis; and a controller, which is configured to automatically apply glaze onto the dental prosthesis using the first spray gun to produce a glazed dental prosthesis in a manner such that a cross-section of the glazed dental prosthesis has an average glaze thickness in a range between 15 to 63 ?m and a standard deviation of less than 3 ?m when thickness measurements are measured at locations in an upper half of the dental prosthesis.

Abstract: A machine for dispensing fluid having digital codes stored in in the machine that are unique to the machine. Each code specifies a volume of fluid. The machine includes a fluid tank, dispensing unit, and control unit. The dispensing unit is configured to dispense the fluid when it is enabled. The control unit controls the dispensing, receiving a digital code from a user and verifying whether the code corresponds to a stored code. If it does, the control unit enables dispensing of the fluid. The control unit determines the volume of the fluid specified by the received code and enables the dispensing unit to dispense the fluid, but when the dispensing unit has dispensed the volume of the fluid specified by the received code, the control unit then disables the dispensing unit so that no more fluid can be dispensed until another valid code is provided to the machine.

Abstract: A system for spraying plants comprises a location-determining receiver for estimating a position of a sprayer with respect to one or more rows of plants. A distance sensor is arranged to measure a distance between a nozzle assembly and a plant row segment. A guidance module is adapted to align the nozzle assembly with a target path between the rows of plants, such as a centered path between the rows, or offset between the rows of the plants. A first nozzle is targeted toward a first zone with respect to the plant row segment based on a first spray pattern of the first nozzle. A second nozzle is targeted toward a second zone with respect to the plant row segment based on a second spray pattern of the second nozzle. A nozzle selection module for selecting automatically a first nozzle or a second nozzle based on maximum coverage of a target zone around the plant segment based on the first zone, the second zone, and the measured distance.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are provided for removably mounting an agricultural product sprayer, having at least one foldable boom, on an agricultural product applicator having a chassis adapted for removably receiving the agricultural product sprayer, by attaching the foldable boom to a skid adapted for operative, removable mounting on the applicator chassis. The skid further has a boom cradle adapted for supporting the foldable boom in a folded position when the skid is mounted on the chassis, and when the skid is separated from the chassis of the agricultural applicator. The boom cradle is selectively movable between an inboard and an outboard position of the cradle to facilitate operation of the product applicator, and also to facilitate mounting the sprayer on, and removing the sprayer from the chassis of the applicator.

Abstract: The invention is directed to an in-ground sprinkler head indicating system for providing visual or other identification of the location of the sprinkler head when in a retracted position. In an example, the invention provides an indicating system for an in-ground sprinkler head having a pop-up portion, to prevent impact damage from lawn equipment and other vehicles. The indicating system comprises a top surface associated with the sprinkler head having a high visibility color or other indicator thereon. In an example the indicating systems comprises a cover member configured to be attached to the top or pop-up portion of the sprinkler head, having a high visibility color provided on the upper surface. Alternately, the indicating system may include an upper surface having a light source, and/or a proximity detector with an alert such as a sound source provided therewith.

Abstract: A shower header spray device including an elongated spray header supporting a plurality of laterally spaced liquid spray nozzles each having a central dome formed with an elongated discharge orifice. The spray nozzles each are mounted in a respective pocket of the header, and an elongated rotatable cleaning brush assembly is provided for cleaning the discharge orifices of the spray nozzles. The spray nozzles each have an integrally formed externally threaded mounting ring which captively carries an annular sealing member, and the spray header pockets each are internally threaded for receiving respective spray nozzle screwed into the pocket with the annular sealing member interposed therebetween. The spray nozzles each have a pair of indicator notches to facilitate alignment of the elongated discharge orifices of the spray nozzles in common relation to a longitudinal axis of the spray header.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of producing nanostructure compositions and nanostructure films. The method includes adjusting white point of the nanostructure films in a continuous process. The present invention also provides an apparatus for preparing a nanostructure film for real-time white point adjustment.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus for at least partially, preferably entirely coating the peripheral edge of a workpiece, comprising a feeding device that has a coating head; a coating application means that applies the coating to the peripheral edge as well as an air flow are provided on/in the coating head, said air flow removing excess coating from the edge; the workpiece and the coating head are moved relative to one another. The invention further relates to a method for coating the peripheral edge of a workpiece with the aid of a coating head.

Abstract: The disclosure generally refers to a continuous mixer, which can be used in the production of coated particles, such as proppants used in hydraulic fracturing techniques.

Abstract: At least a part of at least one body is coated. At least one processor determines a respective resulting coating layer based on simulating moving the respective body at least partially through a coating fluid of a dipping bath along different trajectories. The at least one processor determines a first trajectory out of the different simulated trajectories fulfilling one or more pre-defined conditions and causes at least one drive component for moving the respective body to move the respective body at least partially through the coating fluid of the dipping bath along the first trajectory.

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 ultrasound imaging and therapy device includes an array of concentric annular ultrasound transducers, and an ultrasound imaging device situated inside an innermost transducer of the plurality of concentric annular ultrasound transducers, wherein it further comprises a mechanical linkage allowing a tilting movement of the array of concentric annular ultrasound transducers with respect to the ultrasound imaging device and in that the ultrasound imaging device protrudes in an axial direction from the array of concentric annular ultrasound transducers; whereby the ultrasound imaging device can be kept stationary and in direct or indirect contact with a patient's skin while the array of concentric annular ultrasound transducers is tilted so as to move a focal point of ultrasound waves generated by the concentric annular ultrasound transducers within an imaging region of the ultrasound imaging device.