Abstract: Hollow particles having a shell including at least one layer, wherein the at least one layer contains a vinyl-based resin, and contains a phosphorus atom and/or a sulfur atom.

Abstract: Provided is an apparatus for the automated synthesis of at least one chemical compound including: at least one cartridge including at least one first compartment for providing at least one first reagent for the chemical synthesis of the at least one compound; at least one second compartment for providing at least one second reagent for the chemical synthesis of the at least one compound, and at least one third compartment for purifying the at least one synthesized compound; at least one reaction container for providing the compounds to be fed into at least one of the compartments of the cartridge and/or collecting the reaction product from at least one of the compartments of the cartridge; at least one solvent container; at least two flow patch selecting valve and at least one pump.

Abstract: Provided herein are biomolecular hybridization devices comprising a substrate with a permanently and covalently attached surface of functional groups and an adsorbed monolayer of unmodified, single-stranded oligonucleotides all of which are 10 to about 24 bases in length as a saturated film of constrained oligonucleotides on the surface via direct non-covalent phosphate-surface adsorptive contact of substantially all phosphate groups of each oligonucleotide. The constrained oligonucleotides are effective to dissociably hybridize to a complementary single-stranded nucleic acid with asymmetric, non-helical base pairing and without oligonucleotide dissociation from the surface of the device. Also, provided are methods for hybridizing solution-state target nucleic acids to probe nucleic acids and for identifying a nucleotide sequence to which a nucleotide-binding protein binds using the biomolecular hybridization devices.

Abstract: A fuel reformation system includes a fuel delivery system that supports fuel, an oxidizer delivery system that supports an oxidizer, a mixer/vaporizer system in fluid communication with the fuel delivery system and the oxidizer delivery system, and a fuel processing reactor system. The mixer/vaporizer system receives the oxidizer from the oxidizer delivery system and the fuel from the fuel delivery system to mix and vaporize the oxidizer and fuel into a first effluent. The fuel processing reactor system receives the first effluent and reacts with the first effluent to generate a second effluent in the form of hot syngas for selective injection into a high speed, air-breathing propulsion system.

Abstract: A system includes a first chamber, a second chamber, an ultraviolet light source and a microwave source. The first chamber includes an inlet. The second chamber is adjacent the first chamber and includes an outlet and a waveguide. The ultraviolet light source resides within the waveguide of the second chamber. Related apparatus, systems, techniques and articles are also described.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device consisting of a reactor facility for the electrolytic treatment, with relation to flow dynamics, of fluid or gaseous media or mixtures of the two. In the context of this invention, electrolytic treatment with relation to flow dynamics means the combination of the production of at least one rotating fluid eddy and the eversion of the eddy by means of electrolysis taking place in the reactor facility. The guided fluid eddy is efficiently treated, cleaned and disinfected by this combination in the reactor facility according to the invention. The invention further relates to a method for the electrolytic treatment, with relation to flow dynamics, of fluid media in the reactor facility according to the invention.

Abstract: A structured packing module for use in a mass transfer column. Corrugated sheets of structured packing in the structured packing module are held together by fasteners that extend into the corrugated sheets from opposite sides of the structured packing module at an angle of inclination or perpendicularly with respect to the sides of the structured packing module. The fasteners may have an outer surface with protrusions or indentations that resist removal of the fasteners from the structured packing sheets.

Abstract: Adsorbents including a sorbent, at least one metal additive and greater than about 5 wt. % triethylenediamine are described herein. Methods for making such adsorbents and filters comprising the adsorbents are also described.

Abstract: The invention concerns new types of porous coordination polymers (MOF) and a method for their preparation. MOFs have been prepared through synthesis of salts of trivalent cations M3+, the source of which are aluminium, chromium, iron or yttrium salts, it is advantageous if of chlorides, nitrates or sulphates, with linkers carrying two or more phosphinic groups under presence of solvent. Linkers are phenylene-1,4-bis(R phosphinic acid) (PBPA) and biphenylene-4,4?-bis(R phosphinic acid) (BBPA). For the prepared MOFs, the structure has been tested using x-ray powder diffraction, specific surface and porousness which have been characterised through adsorption isotherm of nitrogen and further the stability of prepared MOFs has been determined using thermogravimetric analysis. All the prepared MOFs have been stable around 400° C. and have contained mesopores or micropores where hydrogen or CO2, for example, can be stored.

Abstract: Provided is a manufacturing method for monolithic structure that is a porous body formed of polysaccharide being a naturally-occurring polymer, has continuous pores with an average pore diameter suitable for biomolecule separation, and allows formation into arbitrary shape. The polysaccharide monolithic structure is manufactured by a method including a first step of obtaining a polysaccharide solution by dissolving polysaccharide into a mixed solvent of a first component and a second component at temperature lower than a boiling point of the mixed solvent, and a second step of obtaining polysaccharide monolithic structure by cooling the polysaccharide solution, wherein the first component is a solvent selected from lactate, and the second component is a solvent selected from water, lower alcohol, and a combination thereof. The monolithic structure obtained is a porous body having continuous pores with an average pore diameter of 0.01 to 20.0 micrometers, and a thickness of 100 micrometers or more.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a magnetic cesium adsorbent, a preparation method therefor, and a cesium removal method using the same, the preparation method comprising the steps of: (a) preparing a metal hexacyanoferrate; and (b) hydrothermally reacting the metal hexacyanoferrate so as to prepare a metal hexacyanoferrate having a rhombohedral crystal structure.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for the selective sequestration of metal ions are generally described.

Abstract: Disclosed is a supported catalyst and methods to prepare and use the supported catalyst in an oxidative coupling of methane (OCM) reaction. The supported catalyst can contain MnWO4 or MnWO4 nanostructures that are in contact with the surface of a sodium containing silicon dioxide support material. The supported MnWO4 catalyst can have an active MnWO4 crystal phase.

Abstract: A photocatalyst laminate which is composed of an undercoat layer provided on a substrate and a photocatalyst layer laminated on the surface of the undercoat layer. The undercoat layer contains (A) 100 parts by mass of a resin component and (B) 0.1-50 parts by mass of fine core-shell particles, each of which has a core that is formed of a fine tetragonal titanium oxide solid solution particle wherein tin and manganese are solid-solved and a shell that is formed from silicon oxide on the outside of the core. This photocatalyst laminate is not susceptible to decrease in the photocatalyst function even under outdoor exposure for a long period of time, and is thus capable of providing a coated article that exhibits excellent weather resistance.

Abstract: Provided is a method for manufacturing a catalyst with which it is possible to obtain a supported metal ammonia synthesis catalyst, in which there are restrictions in terms of producing method and producing facility, and particularly large restrictions for industrial-scale producing, in a more simple manner and so that the obtained catalyst has a high activity. This method for manufacturing an ammonia synthesis catalyst includes: a first step for preparing 12CaO.7Al2O3 having a specific surface area of 5 m2/g or above; a second step for supporting a ruthenium compound on the 12CaO.7Al2O3; and a third step for performing a reduction process on the 12CaO.7Al2O3 supporting the ruthenium compound, obtained in the second step. This invention is characterized in that the reduction process is performed until the average particle diameter of the ruthenium after the reduction process has increased by at least 15% in relation to the average particle diameter of the ruthenium before the reduction process.

Abstract: Disclosed is a catalyst which can be used in the process for producing hydrogen by decomposing ammonia, can generate heat efficiently in the interior of a reactor without requiring excessive heating the reactor externally, and can decompose ammonia efficiently and steadily by utilizing the heat to produce hydrogen. Also disclosed is a technique for producing hydrogen by decomposing ammonia efficiently utilizing the catalyst. Specifically disclosed is a catalyst for use in the production of hydrogen, which is characterized by comprising an ammonia-combusting catalytic component and an ammonia-decomposing catalytic component. Also specifically disclosed is a catalyst for use in the production of hydrogen, which is characterized by comprising at least one metal element selected from the group consisting of cobalt, iron, nickel and molybdenum.

Abstract: A process for hydrogenating a hydrogenatable organic compound in a reactor including a fixed catalyst bed. The fixed catalyst bed includes monolithic shaped catalyst bodies having pores and/or channels. The catalyst bodies include at least one element selected from Ni, Fe, Co, Cu, Cr, Pt, Ag, Au, Pd, Mn, Re, Ru, Rh and Ir. The CO content in the gas phase within the reactor during hydrogenation is within a range from 0.1 to 10,000 ppm by volume. In any section in the normal plane to flow direction through the fixed catalyst bed, at least 90% of the pores and channels have an area of not more than 3 mm2.

Abstract: A catalyst composition including: (a) a chromium compound; (b) a ligand of the general structure R1R2P—N(R3)—P(XR7)2, wherein X is O or S, R1, R2, and R3 are each independently C1-C10-alkyl, C6-C20-cycloalkyl, arylalkyl, alkylaryl, or trialkylsilyl, or any cyclic derivatives of the ligand, wherein at least one of the P or N atoms of the PNP-unit is a member of the ring system, the ring system being formed from one or more constituent compounds of the ligand by substitution, and R7 is C1-C10-alkyl, C3-C10-cycloalkyl, arylalkyl, or trialkylsilyl; and (c) an activator or co-catalyst.

Abstract: Compound of formula (4) or formula (5), wherein L is a neutral ligand, preferably a nitrogen-containing heterocyclic carbene (NHC) such as carbene containing at least two nitrogen atoms, a cyclic aminoalkyl carbene (CAAC) or a bicyclic aminoalkyl carbene (BICAAC); R1, R3, R4, R5, R6, R7, R8, R9, R10 and R11 are, independently, H, unbranched or branched C1-20 alkyl, C5-9 cycloalkyl, unbranched or branched C1-20 alkoxy, optionally bearing one or more halogen atoms, respectively; or aryl, optionally substituted with one or more of unbranched or branched C1-20 alkyl, C5-9 cycloalkyl, unbranched or branched C1-20 alkoxy, aryl, aryloxy, unbranched or branched C1-20 alkylcarbonyl, arylcarbonyl, unbranched or branched C1-20 alkoxycarbonyl, aryloxycarbonyl, heteroaryl, carboxyl, cyano, nitro, amido, aminosulfonyl, N-heteroarylsulfonyl, unbranched or branched C1-20 alkylsulfonyl, arylsulfonyl, unbranched or branched C1-20 alkylsulfinyl, arylsulfinyl, unbranched or branched C1-20 alkylthio, arylthio, sulfonamide, haloge

Abstract: The invention relates to oligomerization of olefins, such as ethylene, to higher olefins, such as a mixture of 1-hexene and 1-octene, using a catalyst system that comprises a) a source of chromium b) one or more activators and c) a phosphacycle-containing ligating compound. Additionally, the invention relates to a phosphacycle-containing ligating compound and a process for making said compound.

Abstract: Methods and devices are provided for sample collection. In one example, a device is provided comprising at least one capillary tube or collection channel directed to a sample vessel, wherein in a one-step removal step of detaching the sample vessel from the collection channel, a vacuum force is created within the sample vessel, due in part of the pulling of the sealed vessel away from the device, wherein this vacuum force draw out residual sample that may still be resident in the collection channel.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention are directed toward devices, systems, and method for conducting nucleic acid purification and quantification using sedimentation. In one example, a method includes generating complexes which bind to a plurality of beads in a fluid sample, individual ones of the complexes comprising a nucleic acid molecule such as DNA or RNA and a labeling agent. The plurality of beads including the complexes may be transported through a density media, wherein the density media has a density lower than a density of the beads and higher than a density of the fluid sample, and wherein the transporting occurs, at least in part, by sedimentation. Signal may be detected from the labeling agents of the complexes.

Abstract: A fluidic chip for detecting an analyte is provided, which comprises (a) at least one device comprising (i) a fluid inlet and (ii) at least one fluid transport channel that passes through a detection region, wherein (1) the at least one fluid transport channel has varying cross-sectional area as a function of position along the channel length and/or (2) the device comprises two or more fluid transport channels configured with two or more different cross-sectional areas; and (b) at least one fluid outlet, wherein the device provides for transport of single molecules across the detection region at a desired duty cycle by (1) allowing for detection of an analyte at a different position along the channel length based on the desired cross-sectional area and/or (2) allowing for detection of an analyte in a specific channel configured with the desired cross-sectional area. This application also provides for method of optimizing duty cycle using fluidic chips.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a removable pneumatic connector, comprises a body having a plurality of bores passing through, each bore surrounded by a sealing member on an inner surface of the body. A plurality of gas lines may be placed within a corresponding bore. A vacuum port is disposed on the inner surface of the body, and an outer seal on the inner surface of the body surrounds the sealing members and the vacuum port. A vacuum line may be placed within the vacuum port, and configured to deliver negative pressure to the vacuum port. A vacuum holding area is created in the volume between the outer seal and each of the sealing members when the inner surface of the body is placed against a substrate. When the vacuum line is activated, a vacuum is created within the vacuum holding area, creating a positive seal between the body and the substrate.

Abstract: This application provides a bead with a covalently attached chemical compound and a covalently attached DNA barcode and methods for using such beads. The bead has many substantially identical copies of the chemical compound and many substantially identical copies of the DNA barcode. The compound consists of one or more chemical monomers, where the DNA barcode takes the form of barcode modules, where each module corresponds to and allows identification of a corresponding chemical monomer. The nucleic acid barcode can have a concatenated structure or an orthogonal structure. Provided are method for sequencing the bead-bound nucleic acid barcode, for cleaving the compound from the bead, and for assessing biological activity of the released compound.

Abstract: Systems and methods for using microfluidic devices to concentrate cells, to perform buffer changes, to sort cells based on size, and/or to isolate particular types of cells in a rapid manner, are presented. Cells flow into a matrix of posts, wherein the posts are distributed along diagonal lines in the chamber. The cells are deflected in a lateral manner, towards a side of a chamber and are collected upon exiting the chamber.

Abstract: Nanofluidic chips are described herein that are configured for high-volume manufacturing and maintaining sample integrity in multiplexed devices comprising: at least two devices, wherein each device comprises at least one sample inlet and at least one nanochannel; and a detection region, wherein the at least two devices pass through the detection region and wherein the at least two devices are fluidically distinct from the inlet through the detection region, and wherein actuation energy can be applied independently to at least two devices.

Abstract: A microfluidic device comprises: a sensor provided in a sensing chamber; a liquid inlet and liquid outlet connecting to the sensor chamber for respectively passing liquid into and out of the sensing chamber and; a sample input port in fluid communication with the liquid inlet; a liquid collection channel downstream of the sensing chamber outlet; a flow path interruption between the liquid outlet and the liquid collection channel, preventing liquid from flowing into the liquid collection channel from upstream; a buffer liquid filling from the sample input port to the sensing chamber, and filling the sensing chamber and filing from the liquid outlet to the flow path interruption; an activation system operable to complete the flow path between the liquid outlet and the liquid collection channel such that the sensor remains unexposed to gas or a gas/liquid interface.

Abstract: A microfluidic system includes a microfluidic cartridge and a detector assembly. The microfluidic cartridge includes a first and second side and at least one flow channel and an inlet to flow channel(s) for feeding a liquid sample, the flow channel(s) includes a plurality of first optical detection sites. The detector assembly includes a slot. The detector assembly and the microfluidic cartridge are constructed such that when the microfluidic cartridge is inserted to a first predetermined position into the slot, one of the first optical detection sites of the microfluidic cartridge is positioned in the beam path of the first light source, and when the cartridge is inserted to a second predetermined position into the slot, another one of the first optical detection sites of the microfluidic cartridge is positioned in the beam path of the first light source.

Abstract: Disclosed are cartridge components, cartridges, systems, and methods for isolating analytes from biological samples. In various aspects, the cartridge components, cartridges, systems, and methods may allow for a rapid procedure that requires a minimal amount of material from complex fluids.

Abstract: A microfluidic device, including a controllable shape-changing micropillar where a shape of the shape-changing micropillar is changed by a fluid.

Abstract: According to an example, a microfluidic apparatus may include a fluid slot and a foyer that is in fluid communication with the fluid slot via a channel having a relatively smaller width than the foyer. The microfluidic apparatus may also include an electrical sensor to measure a change in an electrical field caused by a particle of interest in a fluid passing through the channel from the fluid slot to the foyer, an actuator to apply pressure onto fluid contained in the foyer, and a controller to receive the measured change in the electrical field from the electrical sensor, determine, from the received change in the electrical field, an electrical signature of the particle of interest, and control the actuator to control movement of the particle of interest based upon the determined electrical signature of the particle of interest.

Abstract: Methods are provided for the preparation of a sample using a digital microfluidic platform and the optional subsequent mass analysis of an extracted analyze. A sample is dried, optionally on a solid phase support, and contacted with digital microfluidic array. An analyte present within the dried sample is extracted into an extraction solvent by electrically addressing the digital microfluidic array to transport a droplet of extraction solvent to the dried sample spot. The extracted sample may be dried and subsequently processed on the digital micro fluidic array for derivatization. The digital microfluidic device may further include an integrated microfluidic channel having an output aperture, and the method may further include contacting a droplet containing extracted analyte with the microfluidic channel and applying a suitable electric field for generating nano-electrospray, thereby enabling the device to be directly interacted with a mass analysis device.

Abstract: Systems and methods for continuous flow polymerase chain reaction (PCR) are provided. The system comprises an injector, a mixer, a coalescer, a droplet generator, a detector, a digital PCR system, and a controller. The injector takes in a sample, partitions the sample into sample aliquots with the help of an immiscible oil phase, dispenses waste, and sends the sample aliquot to the mixer. The mixer mixes the sample aliquot with a PCR master mix and diluting water, dispenses waste, and sends the sample mixture (separated by an immiscible oil) to the coalescer. The coalescer coalesces the sample mixture with primers dispensed from a cassette, dispenses waste, and sends the reaction mixture (separated by an immiscible oil) to the droplet generator. The droplet generator converts the sample mixture into an emulsion where aqueous droplets of the reaction mixture are maintained inside of an immiscible oil phase and dispenses droplets to the digital PCR system.

Abstract: Disclosed is a multi-stage thermal convection apparatus such as a two-stage thermal convection apparatus and uses thereof. In one embodiment, the two-stage thermal convection apparatus includes a temperature shaping element that assists a thermal convection mediated Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR). The invention has a wide variety of applications including amplifying nucleic acid without cumbersome and expensive hardware associated with many prior devices. In a typical embodiment, the apparatus can fit in the palm of a user's hand for use as a portable, simple to operate, and low cost PCR amplification device.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a temperature-controlled heating panel including: a substrate; at least one heating element provided in a first region on the substrate; at least one temperature sensing element provided in a second region on the substrate and located in a heat radiation area of the at least one heating element; a controller configured to control the temperature of the heat radiation area by using the at least one heating element based on the temperature of the heat radiation area sensed by the at least one temperature sensing element.

Abstract: A disposable cartridge comprises a cartridge body defining at least one syringe barrel having an barrel port configured to inject and aspirate assay fluids by displacement of a barrel plunger and at least one reaction chamber configured to receive and perform diagnostic testing on the assay fluids. The disposable cartridge also includes at least two rotors mounted for rotation to the cartridge body, each of the rotors defining a plurality of ports in fluid communication with at least one of the assay chambers of a respective one of the rotors. The rotors are selectively rotated such that a port of one rotor aligns with a port of the other rotor. At least one of the rotors is disposed in fluid communication with the syringe port of the syringe barrel such that assay fluids may flows from at least one of the assay chambers through the ports of the rotors by displacement of the barrel plunger.

Abstract: Laboratory equipment holder to mount and position glass flasks in a simple and secure manner. The laboratory equipment holder includes of a component on which at least one holding device is attached and both the component and also the holding device and the connection between the component and holding device can be mechanically loaded with at least one filled piece of laboratory equipment, and the component includes on one of its sides at least one recess. At least the end thereof within the component is embodied in an at least semicircular manner and at least the smallest diameter of the semicircular section of the recess is smaller than the largest diameter of the truncated conical neck of the piece of laboratory equipment and/or is smaller than the largest diameter of the beaded edge-like enlargement of the neck of the piece of laboratory equipment.

Abstract: Various embodiments of a hammermill system, hammer, and methods are disclosed. A hammermill hammer comprises a metal composite comprising a plurality of inserts and a body portion disposed between each of the plurality of inserts. The composition of the plurality of inserts is different than composition of the body portion. The material of the plurality of inserts has a greater abrasion resistance than the material of the body portion and the material of the body portion has a greater impact resistance than the material of the inserts. The hammers produced have improved wear resistance and longer useful life compared to conventional hammermill hammers.

Abstract: An anvil adjustment assembly of a vertical shaft impactor includes an anvil ring configured to be disposed within a housing of the vertical shaft impactor. The anvil ring includes a tab which is coupled to an elongate jack bolt having a first end and a second end. A jack bolt housing partially surrounds the bolt and is coupled to the housing. A first locking collar and a second locking collar are coupled to the jack bolt. The first locking nut is coupled to the jack bolt on one side of the tab, and the second locking nut is coupled to the jack bolt on the opposite side of the tab. The jack bolt moves along a longitudinal axis within the jack bolt housing between a first position and a second position, and the movement of the jack bolt along the longitudinal axis induces longitudinal movement of the anvil ring.

Abstract: A comminution device comprises a plurality of first cutting elements having first serrated cutting edges disposed on a first circular path; a second cutting element having a second serrated cutting edge corresponding to the first serrated cutting edges for cutting through cutting material, the second cutting element being displaceable about an axis of rotation on a second circular path concentric with the first circular path. The second serrated cutting edge comprises a plurality of jags and each jag comprises a radially inner flank and a radially outer flank, each at an angle to the axis of rotation. A drive rotationally drives the second cutting element about the axis of rotation and an adjustment mechanism by which the plurality of first cutting elements and the second cutting element are displaceable relative to each other axially in the direction of the axis of rotation, that a cutting gap between them is adjustable.

Abstract: Detonable devices such as charged air bag inflators are fed to a shred tower at a controlled feed rate via a feed valve. Water spray and/or water baths in the shred tower prevent sparking and begin to solubilize chemicals while the inflators are fed to primary and optional secondary shredders respectively performing course and fine shreds. A sump receives the shredded material which continues solubilize and separate chemicals from metal. A conveyor lifts solids from the sump. Dewatered solids are fed to a receiving box for metal scrap recycling.

Abstract: The invention involves an automatic shut-off waste disposer that may be activated with a control module, which utilizes a programmable automatic shut-off routine. This enables a user to turn on the garbage disposer and walk away without having to turn the disposer off. In exemplary embodiments, activation of the disposer includes actuation of a solenoid valve for injecting a stream of water flow into the dispenser chamber in order to facilitate a proper water flow while the disposer is actively disposing of food waste. In some exemplary embodiments, activation of the disposer may be achieved via a user-activated pneumatic actuator, which may be installed in proximity to the sink to which the disposer is coupled. In some exemplary embodiments, the disposer implements a sensor for automatically shutting of a motor of the disposer upon a predetermined event.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure provide for devices, methods for separating particles, and the like.

Abstract: A shaft member has the same polarity as discharge electrodes. Each of the discharge electrodes has an electrode body and a tip end which is formed at an end of the electrode body facing an inner peripheral surface of a counter electrode. The discharge electrodes extend such that the tip ends and the electrode bodies are misaligned with each other in an axial direction of the shaft body. A streamer discharge travels from the tip ends of the discharge electrodes toward the inner peripheral surface of the counter electrode.

Abstract: A centrifugal separator for separating blow-by gases into cleaned air and liquid for recirculation through an engine.

Abstract: An apparatus and method may be used to separate a biological liquid sample and retrieve a separated liquid portion therefrom. The apparatus may have a tube, an insert, and a positioning mechanism. The tube may have a proximal end, a distal end, and a chamber between the proximal and distal ends for receiving the biological liquid sample. The insert may be positioned in the chamber, and may have a first end, a second end, a well between the first and second ends, and a draw tube in fluid communication with the second end and the well. The positioning mechanism may be connected to the tube and the insert, and may be manually actuable to move the insert between the proximal end and distal end to allow a separated portion of the biological liquid sample to flow proximally from the chamber through the draw tube and collect in the well.

Abstract: A fixed angle centrifuge rotor includes a rotor body having a circumferential sidewall and a plurality of circumferentially spaced tubular cavities. Each tubular cavity has an open end and a closed end, and is configured to receive a sample container therein. The rotor further includes a pressure plate operatively coupled to the rotor body so that the pressure plate, in combination with the plurality of tubular cavities and the circumferential sidewall of the rotor body, define a hollow chamber within the rotor. The rotor further includes a plurality of elongated torque transfer members supported by the rotor body. Each of the plurality of torque transfer members has a first end located between a respective pair of adjacent tubular cavities, and extends radially inward in a direction toward a rotational axis of the rotor.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to settling devices for separating particles from a bulk fluid with applications in numerous fields. The particle settling devices of the present disclosure may include a stack of truncoconical cones that may be arranged in opposite orientation, apex to base. Other embodiments include several concentric vertical tubes attached to conical surfaces at the bottom, with inclined settling strips attached to the vertical tubes in annular regions between the tubes. These devices are useful for separating small (millimeter or micron sized) particles from a bulk fluid with applications in numerous fields, such as biological (microbial, mammalian, plant, insect or algal) cell cultures, solid catalyst particle separation from a liquid or gas and waste water treatment.

Abstract: The chamber (29A) of the overflow outlet control device (21A) has an inner circumferential surface which, when viewed in cross-sectional plan view, is generally in the shape of a volute, for directing material entering the chamber (29A) via the circular inlet (34) at the base portion (36) tangentially outward towards the discharge outlet (22A) located in the side wall (38). The top wall region (40) of the interior wall of the chamber (29A), a side wall portion (32) and base portion (36) together seamlessly form the chamber (29A) which is curved in shape internally. When material flows in use between the inlet (34) and the discharge outlet (22A), and passes through the central chamber (29A), it encounters no sharp corners or edges, but just smoothly curved or rounded interior wall surfaces.