Abstract: Methods for improving ion flux and energy efficiency in a membrane stack of an electrodialysis unit wherein the membrane stack is disposed between an anode and a cathode each in an electrolyte of a selected concentration. Methods include increasing the concentration of the electrolyte, adding a strong base to the electrolyte and adding buffering anions to the electrolyte. Methods for cleaning the electrodes of such a unit involving involve applying a pulsed polarity reversal to the electrodes. Also provided are methods for improving unit operation by increasing the basicity of the electrolyte to the anode and increasing the acidity of the electrolyte to the cathode or alternatively or in addition, by applying heat to increase the operating temperature of at least one of the electrolyte and the treated water stream.

Abstract: A porous filter includes a porous laminate in which a plurality of biaxially stretched porous sheets made of PTFE are stacked. The Gurley number G and the bubble point B (kPa) of the porous laminate satisfy the following expressions (1) and (2): log G>3.7×10?3×B?0.8??(1) log G<4.9×10?3×B+0.45??(2).

Abstract: Hydrogen generation assemblies, hydrogen purification devices, and their components, and methods of manufacturing those assemblies, devices, and components are disclosed. In some embodiments, the devices may include an insulation base having insulating material and at least one passage that extends through the insulating material. In some embodiments, the at least one passage may be in fluid communication with a combustion region.

Abstract: An oxygenated water producing apparatus has a filtration assembly, an oxygen dissolving assembly, a minimizing assembly, and an electrolytic assembly that communicate with one another. The filtration assembly has a water filtration device, a water softener, and a water purifier communicating with one another in series. The oxygen dissolving assembly has a cooling tank communicating with the water purifier, a pump communicating with the cooling tank, an air pipe connected to the pump, and a pressure tank communicating with the pump. The minimizing assembly has at least one minimizing device. Each minimizing device has a shell, a minimizing basket with multiple filtrating holes, and a minimizing plate with multiple meshes mounted inside the shell. The electrolytic assembly has at least one electrolytic unit. Each electrolytic unit has a tube having an inlet and an outlet, and a cathode and an anode assembled to the tube.

Abstract: A fluid mixer of the present invention has an element (1) and a chassis (2) that accommodates the element therein and that is engaged with at least both ends of the element, the element having: a first-flow-path forming section (13) at an end of which a fluid inlet (3) is formed and in which a first flow path (4) is formed; and a body section (12) at an end of which a fluid outlet (8) is formed, in which a second flow path (5) is formed, and on an outer circumferential surface of which a plurality of communicating holes (11) are formed so as to allow the second flow path to communicate with the outside.

Abstract: The baby bottle with mixer is an infant feeding bottle with an integral, controllable internal mixer. The baby bottle with a mixer includes a conventional bottle having an open upper end and a closed lower end, and a conventional cap for releasably covering and sealing the open upper end of the bottle. An internal wall is mounted within the bottle such that a fluid-tight chamber is defined between a lower surface of the internal wall and the closed lower end of the bottle. An agitator is rotatably mounted on an upper surface of the internal wall, and the agitator is selectively driven by a motor, which is housed within the fluid-tight chamber. A speaker is mounted on the closed lower end of the bottle for playing music, soothing sounds or the like while the baby is being fed. A controller is in communication with the speaker and the motor.

Abstract: A mounting apparatus for holding tubes of samples for processing by a homogenizer. The mounting apparatus includes a processing plate and at least one cassette, with the plate for mounting to the homogenizer, the cassette for mounting to the plate, and the tube for holding by the cassette. In some embodiments, the cassette includes one or more tube-retention assemblies for removably securing the tube against axial, lateral, and/or rotational movement, for example, using centrifugal forces of the homogenizer for retention assistance. In some embodiments, the cassette is removably mounted to the plate, for example, using centrifugal forces of the homogenizer for retention assistance. And in some embodiments, the tube can be replaced in the cassette with the cassette mounted to the plate adjacent an access opening through which the tube can pass, while centrifugal forces assist in retaining the tubes in the cassette during operation of the homogenizer.

Abstract: This system (1) for mixing a chemical product with water comprises a water inlet port (3) designed to be connected to a pipe for supplying water under pressure, a chemical product inlet port (5) designed to be connected to a chemical product reservoir (100), and a mixture outlet port (7). It comprises a main chamber (11) in which is movable a piston (13) delimiting an upstream part (15) of the main chamber (11) that is fluidly connected to the water inlet port (3) and a downstream part (19) of the main chamber (11) that is connected to the chemical product inlet port (5), wherein the piston (13) is provided with a rod (130) extending in the downstream part (19) of the main chamber (11). The water inlet port (3) is also connected to the mixture outlet port (7), wherein the downstream part (19) of the main chamber (11) is also connected to the mixture outlet port (7). A water flow rate regulating device (60) is interposed between the upstream part (15) of the main chamber (11) and the water inlet port (3).

Abstract: A centrifugal blower system has internal gas mixing capability.

Abstract: A tray deck for use in a vessel and a method of repairing a damaged tray deck. The method includes coupling a tray deck orifice repair device to the damaged tray deck. The tray deck orifice repair device is coupled with a valve.

Abstract: A method of making a nanoporous aerogel includes the steps of providing nanowire suspensions, freeze casting the nanowire suspensions to produce freeze-cast gels, extracting the frozen medium from the freeze-cast gels by freeze-substitution with a solvent to produce wet gels, modifying or functionalizing the wet gels as needed, and drying the wet gels to produce a nanoporous aerogel.

Abstract: Provided herein are methods and compositions for the fabrication of patterned arrays, such as nucleotide arrays. The methods and compositions are suited for the transfer and reorientation of array components.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a process for the halogenation of hydrocarbon. In accordance with the process of the present disclosure a hydrocarbon and a halogen is introduced in a reaction vessel. Light having wavelength in the range of 390 to 780 nm is then passed into the reaction vessel for a time period of 2 to 12 hrs. to obtain a halogenated hydrocarbon. The hydrocarbon is agitated before or after the introduction of the halogen in to the reaction vessel.

Abstract: A sorbent bed may comprise a sorbent support comprising at least one of a carbon material, a polymeric material, or alumina, wherein the sorbent support comprises a plurality of pores; and an impregnant configured to absorb ammonia disposed within the plurality of pores in the sorbent support, wherein the sorbent bed comprises between 20% and 60% by weight impregnant.

Abstract: Disclosed are sol gel derived materials obtained from at least one first precursor and at least one second precursor, as well as sol gel derived compositions containing a plurality of alkylsiloxy substituents obtained from such sol-gel derived materials.

Abstract: Sorbent polymeric material suitable for capturing formaldehyde, polymeric material resulting from the capture of formaldehyde by the sorbent polymeric material, and methods for capturing formaldehyde are provided. The sorbent polymeric material has multiple aromatic rings and can be formed by initially preparing a precursor polymeric material from a polymerizable composition that contains a free-radically polymerizable spirobisindane monomer. The precursor polymeric material is subsequently treated with a sulfonyl-containing compound to form groups of formula —SO2R5 where each R5 is independently —NH2 or —NR6-Q-NR6R7. Each R6 is hydrogen or an alkyl. Each R7 is hydrogen or —C(?NH)—NH2. Each Q is a single bond, alkylene, or a group of formula -(Q1-NR6)x-Q2- where each Q1 is an alkylene, each Q2 is an alkylene, and x is in an integer in a range of 1 to 4.

Abstract: A fiber useful in the absorption of metal ions from aqueous solutions, the fiber comprising a polyolefin backbone having a diameter of at least 1 micron and having covalently appended on its surface halogen atoms and vinyl-addition polymeric grafts functionalized with metal-binding groups, such as at least one functional group selected from carboxylate, keto, aldo, amino, imino, nitrile, amido, oxime, amidoxime, imide dioxime, and hydroxamate groups. The vinyl-addition polymeric grafts may also be further functionalized with hydrophilic groups different from the metal-binding groups, wherein the hydrophilic groups may be selected from carboxylate, sulfone, sulfonate, phosphonate, alkylammonium, iminium, amide, pyrrolidone, and polyalkyleneglycol groups. Also described are methods for producing the functionalized fibers, and methods for using the functionalized fiber, particularly in extracting metal ions from metal-containing solutions.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a polymer-protected sorbent that is at least partially covered by, or in contact with, a polymer that acts to protect or shield the sorbent from the surrounding environment, such as a liquid or gas stream within which the sorbent is being used. The sorbent is a sorbent material made of sorbent particles and can be used to remove certain chemical species, such as trace level toxic species, from a given liquid or gas, such as a liquid or gas stream in an industrial process, such as wet flue gas desulfurization process or a wastewater treatment process.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a process for preparing a hydrocarbon fuel from waste rubber. The process involves admixing, in a reaction vessel, at least one fluid medium with the waste rubber to obtain a slurry; wherein the concentration of the waste rubber in the slurry ranges from 45% to 70%. A reactor is charged with the slurry and a predetermined amount of at least one catalyst composition to obtain a mixture, followed by introduction of hydrogen to the reactor to attain a predetermined pressure and heating the mixture at a predetermined temperature, to attain an autogenously generated pressure, and for a predetermined time period to obtain a reaction mass comprising the hydrocarbon fuel. This reaction mass comprising the hydrocarbon fuel is then cooled to obtain a cooled reaction mass. The hydrocarbon fuel is then separated from the cooled reaction mass.

Abstract: Disclosed are non-noble element compositions of matter, structures, and methods for producing the catalysts that can catalyze oxygen reduction reactions (ORR). The disclosed composition of matter can be comprised of graphitic carbon doped with nitrogen and associated with one or two kinds of transition metals. The disclosed structure is a three dimensional, porous structure comprised of a plurality of the disclosed compositions of matter. The disclosed structure can be fashioned into an electrode of an electrochemical cell to serve as a diffusion layer and also to catalyze an ORR. Two methods are disclosed for producing the disclosed composition of matter and structure. The first method is comprised of two steps, and the second method is comprised of a single step.

Abstract: An organic nanofiber includes a fiber body containing multiple inorganic oxide particles selected from polycrystalline titanium dioxide particles and polycrystalline tin(IV) oxide particles, and having a particle size ranging from 15 to 75 nm. A method for manufacturing the inorganic nanofibers, including: mixing a metal precursor, an organic polymer and a solvent to obtain a solution, the metal precursor being a titanium-containing precursor or a tin-containing precursor; electrospinning the solution at a relative humidity ranging from 50 to 60% to form multiple nanofibers; and annealing the nanofibers at a temperature ranging from 600 to 800° C. to obtain multiple inorganic nanofibers.

Abstract: A multimetallic catalyst having a substrate, promoter and catalytic metal.

Abstract: A NOx adsorber catalyst composition, a NOx adsorber catalyst and its use in an emission treatment system for internal combustion engines, is disclosed. The NOx adsorber catalyst composition a support material and one or more platinum group metals disposed on the support material, wherein the support material comprises a mixed dopant NOx storage enhancer.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a hydrocracking catalyst, a method for preparing the same and a use of the same, and a method for hydrocracking catalytic diesel oil. The catalyst comprises a support, an active metal component, and carbon, wherein, based on the total weight of the catalyst, the content of the support is 60 to 90 wt %, the content of the active metal component calculated in metal oxides is 15 to 40 wt %, and the content of carbon calculated in C element is 1 to 5 wt %; measured with an infrared acidimetric estimation method, the acid properties of the hydrocracking catalyst are: the total infrared acid amount is 0.4 to 0.8 mmol/g, wherein, the infrared acid amount of strong acid with desorption temperature greater than 350° C. is 0.08 mmol/g or lower, and the ratio of the total infrared acid amount to the infrared acid amount of strong acid with desorption temperature greater than 350° C. is 5 to 50.

Abstract: Methods for producing mesoporous beta zeolites from parent beta zeolites having a Si/Al molar ratio of at least 10 comprise selecting a target average mesoporous size between 2 nm and 8 nm for the parent beta zeolites, selecting a pore directing agent (PDA) based on the target average mesopore size, where a non-ionic surfactant, a small cationic surfactant has a molecular weight of greater than 100 grams/mole, or both may be selected as the PDA when the target average mesopore size is at least 5 nm, and a large cationic surfactant having a molecular weight of less than 100 grams/mole may be selected as the PDA when the target average mesopore size is less than 5 nm. The method further comprises adding the selected PDA to an alkaline solution to form a PDA-base mixture, and adding the parent beta zeolites to the PDA-base mixture to produce the mesoporous beta zeolites.

Abstract: We provide a process for regenerating a used acidic ionic liquid catalyst which has been deactivated by conjunct polymers in a reactor, by removing at least 57 wt % of the conjunct polymers originally present in the used acidic ionic liquid catalyst in a separate regeneration reactor, so as to increase the activity of the catalyst. We also provide a regenerated used acidic ionic liquid catalyst having increased activity.

Abstract: Methods for making photocatalyst compositions and elements exhibiting desired photocatalytic activity levels and transparency.

Abstract: A dispensing device for reducing the dead volume of a liquid sample includes a main channel connected to a sample inlet and a sample outlet, and branch channels connected to the main channel. Each branch channel is connected to a different liquid reservoir. High inflow-withstanding pressure sections are provided in the main channel between the branch channels and between the branch channel and the sample outlet. Each high inflow-withstanding pressure section has a channel inner wall forming a contact angle of 90° or larger with a liquid sample. A liquid sample enters the main channel through the sample inlet, reaches a branch point between the first branch channel and the main channel, flows into the first branch channel and the liquid reservoir, and then passes through the high inflow-withstanding pressure section to a branch point between the next branch channel and the main channel.

Abstract: Inventive concepts disclosed herein are directed to a capillary tube and a force assisted sample ejection mechanism. The capillary tube may be at least one of dissolvable or breakable. The force assisted sample ejecting mechanism releasing at least part of the sample of the first liquid from the capillary tube by at least one of abruptly shaking the capillary tube at least once or breaking the capillary tube.

Abstract: A microfluidic device useable for performing live cell computed tomography imaging is fabricated with a cover portion including a first wafer with at least one metal patterned thereon, a base portion including a second wafer with at least one metal patterned thereon and negative photoresist defining recesses therein, and a diffusive bonding layer including a negative photoresist arranged to join the cover portion and the base portion. A composition useful in live cell computer topography includes a long-chain polysaccharide at a concentration of from about 0.01% to about 10.0% in cell culture medium for supporting cell life while enabling cell rotation rate to be slowed to a speed commensurate with low light level imaging.

Abstract: A technique relates to a fluidic cell configured to hold a nanofluidic chip. A first plate is configured to hold the nanofluidic chip. A second plate is configured to fit on top of the first plate, such that the nanofluidic chip is held in place. The second plate has at least one first port and at least one second port. The second plate has an entrance hole configured to communicate with an inlet hole of the nanofluidic chip. The second port is angled above the first port, such that the first port and second port intersect to form a junction. The second port is formed to have a line-of-sight to the entrance hole, such that the second port is configured to receive input for extracting air trapped at a vicinity of the entrance hole.

Abstract: A biological fluid analysis cartridge is provided. In certain embodiments, the cartridge includes a base plate extending between a sample handling portion and an analysis chamber portion. A handling upper panel is attached to the base plate within the sample handling portion. A collection port is at least partially formed with the handling upper panel. An initial channel and a secondary channel are formed between the handling upper panel and the base plate. The collection port and initial and secondary channels are in fluid communication with one another. A chamber upper panel is attached to the base plate within the analysis chamber portion. At least one analysis chamber is formed between the chamber upper panel and the base plate. The secondary channel and the analysis chamber are in fluid communication with one another.

Abstract: A microfluidic probe head for providing a sequence of separate liquid volumes separated by spacers, the separate liquid volumes including a respective target substance associated with a respective target area, the microfluidic probe head including an inlet and an outlet; a first fluid channel fluidly connected to the inlet, the first fluid channel configured for delivering an injection liquid from the inlet to a respective target area; a second fluid channel fluidly connected to the outlet, the second fluid channel configured for delivering liquid volumes from the respective target area to the outlet; and a spacer insertion unit fluidly connected to the second fluid channel, the spacer insertion unit configured for inserting spacers into the second fluid channel between the liquid volumes to provide the sequence of separate liquid volumes separated by spacers.

Abstract: An apparatus for processing a fluid module, including a collapsible vessel supported on a planar substrate, comprises a first actuator component configured to be movable in a first direction is generally parallel to the plane of the substrate, a second actuator component configured to be movable in a second direction having a component that is normal to the plane of the substrate, and a motion conversion mechanism coupling the first actuator component with the second actuator component and configured to convert movement of the first actuator component in the first direction into movement of the second actuator component in the second direction.

Abstract: A system and method for isolating and analyzing single cells, comprising: a substrate having a broad surface; a set of wells defined at the broad surface of the substrate, and a set of channels, defined by the wall, that fluidly couple each well to at least one adjacent well in the set of wells; and fluid delivery module defining an inlet and comprising a plate, removably coupled to the substrate, the plate defining a recessed region fluidly connected to the inlet and facing the broad surface of the substrate, the fluid delivery module comprising a cell capture mode.

Abstract: Methods and systems for isolating platelet-associated nucleated target cells, e.g., such as circulating epithelial cells, circulating tumor cells (CTCs), circulating endothelial cells (CECs), circulating stem cells (CSCs), neutrophils, and macrophages, from sample fluids, e.g., biological fluids, such as blood, bone marrow, plural effusions, and ascites fluid, are described. The methods include obtaining a cell capture chamber including a plurality of binding moieties bound to one or more walls of the chamber, wherein the binding moieties specifically bind to platelets; flowing the sample fluid through the cell capture chamber under conditions that allow the binding moieties to bind to any platelet-associated nucleated target cells in the sample to form complexes; and separating and collecting platelet-associated nucleated target cells from the complexes.

Abstract: A system and method for isolating and analyzing single cells, wherein the system includes: an array of wells defined at a substrate, each well including an open surface and a well cavity configured to capture cells in one of a single-cell format and single-cluster format, and a fluid delivery module including a fluid reservoir superior to the array of wells through which fluid flow is controlled along a fluid path in a direction parallel to the broad face of the substrate; and wherein the method includes: distributing a population of cells and a population of non-cell particles across the array of wells through the fluid reservoir to increase capture efficiency of individual cell-particle pairs within the array of wells, and processing the captured cell-particle pairs at the set of wells.

Abstract: A system and method for isolating and analyzing single cells, wherein the system includes: an array of wells defined at a substrate, each well including an open surface and a well cavity configured to capture cells in one of a single-cell format and single-cluster format, and a fluid delivery module including a fluid reservoir superior to the array of wells through which fluid flow is controlled along a fluid path in a direction parallel to the broad face of the substrate; and wherein the method includes: capturing a population of non-cell particles into the array of wells in single-particle format; releasing, from the non-cell particles, a set of probes into the array of wells; capturing a population of cells into the array of wells in single-cell format; releasing biomolecules from each captured cell into the array of wells; and generating a set of genetic complexes comprising the biomolecules associated with a single captured cell and a subset of probes within individual wells of the array of wells.

Abstract: A swab canister (101) is provided which includes a container (103) equipped with a first opening (105) and having a removable sample collector (117) disposed therein. A membrane (111) which is permeable to both moisture and a sanitizing agent such as ethylene oxide is disposed between the sample collector and the first opening. A desiccant (113) disposed between the membrane and the first opening.

Abstract: A deformable well structure for a microtiter plate and method are provided. The deformable well structure includes a sample container defining a well for receiving a sample therein. The sample received in the well has a concave meniscus. A deformation tool is engageable with the sample container and is moveable between a first disengaged position wherein the deformation tool is spaced from the sample container and a second, engaged position wherein the deformation tool engages and deforms at least a portion of the sample container such that the meniscus of the sample in the well is converted from concave to convex.

Abstract: Methods, devices, systems, and kits useful for the collection and analysis of samples obtained by swabs are disclosed. Swab containers configured for receiving a swab containing a sample; cartridges for holding one or more of: a swab container, a swab, assay units, pipette tips, vessels, transport units, and implements; systems (which may include a sample processing device); kits; and methods for their use are disclosed. A swab container may include an entry port; an assay chamber having an assay port; a conduit comprising an interior channel connecting the entry port; and an interior channel providing fluidic communication between the entry port and assay chamber. An interior channel may be configured to squeeze a portion of a swab placed in or through the conduit. A cartridge may include a cartridge frame configured to receive one or more of swab containers, assay units, transport units, pipette tips, vessels or implements.

Abstract: Devices, methods and systems are provided for reducing the sample volume required for analysis. Inserts placed within a sample container, and substitute sample containers having smaller volume sample chambers are provided. Methods are provided for detection and quantification of target substances in reduced volume samples. Methods include placing a small-volume of sample in a small-volume insert. Methods include diluting a small-volume sample, and placing the diluted sample in a small-volume insert.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides, among other things, systems for nucleic acid amplification. Provided systems for nucleic acid amplification substantially irreversibly seal the contents of a nucleic acid amplification reaction vessel. Provided systems reduce amplification contamination, for example amplification carryover contamination. Provided systems reduce amplification of spurious nucleic acids or amplification products. The present disclosure also provides methods of amplifying nucleic acids. The present disclosure also provides methods of amplifying nucleic acids using provided systems. Provided systems and methods are useful for nucleic acid amplification.

Abstract: A processing apparatus includes a carrier receiving region configured to receive a sample carrier with at least one channel that carries at least one sample. The apparatus further includes a thermal control device configured to thermal cycle the sample carrier when the sample carrier is installed in the carrier receiving region, thereby thermal cycling the sample carried therein. The apparatus further includes a thermal control system configured to control the temperature control device based on a predetermined set of target sample temperatures and a temperature map, which maps the predetermined set of target sample temperatures to a set of temperatures of the temperature control device. The set of temperatures of the temperature control device is different from the predetermined set of target sample temperatures, and the set of temperatures of the temperature control device thermal cycle the sample carrier with the temperatures of the predetermined set of target sample temperatures.

Abstract: A gyratory crusher shell has an annular wall extending around a longitudinal axis. A plurality of ears project radially outward from an annular rim of the topshell with each ear including a respective lug to sit within a corresponding recess at an annular rim of the topshell to rotatably lock the crushing shell at the topshell.

Abstract: A roller press includes a frame assembly and a force generation device. The force generation device is configured to move so that it is removable when top members of the frame assembly are connected to the side members of the frame assembly and fixed in a closed horizontal position. The connection device for attaching the force generation device to the frame assembly includes a mounting plate and a hinge or sliding device.

Abstract: The present disclosure is generally related to an apparatus having cutter elements for destroying articles such as paper sheets and a mechanism for separating at least a sheet from a stack in a tray. The separation mechanism can be activated by rotation of the cutter elements. In one embodiment, the separation mechanism is provided in the form of a helical mechanism configured for insertion into the stack and to receive separated sheets from the stack in between its space(s) as it is rotated. The separated sheets can fall via gravity into the shredder mechanism. Optionally, a paper feed mechanism can feed separated paper to the cutter elements. The tray can include an edge to assist in directing separated paper towards the cutter elements. One or more staple picking support mechanisms can also be provided to assist in separating sheets from a stapled set of pages.

Abstract: A system and method for predicting a future wind direction and speed and, based thereon, determining a future wind-driven drift and providing the information to an operator or automatically acting to adapt application parameters to better control the wind-driven drift of a fluid during application of the fluid to land or crops by an agricultural machine. A processor receives machine and meteorological data, uses a model to predict the future wind direction and speed, and accesses a drift distance database to determine and visually depict the future wind-driven drift of the fluid. A sensitive area database stores information about sensitive areas bordering the target area, which may also be displayed, to facilitate controlling the wind-driven drift with regard to the sensitive areas. The mathematical model may be a kernel filter, an autoregressive model, an autoregressive integrated moving average model, or a hybrid model which incorporates features of different models.

Abstract: A water stop switch device includes: a main body, a transmission element and a sealing element; the main body is disposed with a water passage, the sealing element is disposed in the water passage; one end of the sealing element is coupled to the transmission element in transmission way, the sealing element moves in the water passage to open the water passage; the other end of the sealing element and the main body surround to form a chamber; the side wall of the sealing element is disposed with a through hole connecting the water passage and the chamber; when the water passage is open, the chamber is full of water to reduce the pressure difference at two ends of the sealing element.

Abstract: The invention provides for an spray nozzle apparatus (1) for a spray drying apparatus comprising a nozzle provided with at least one nozzle orifice (26) for outputting spray droplets of a product to be dried and a least one inlet orifice (24) for transferring said product into a nozzle chamber (22), including an apparatus for adjusting the size of outputted droplets inline during the spray drying process.