Abstract: An apparatus, method and system providing for calibration and/or control of a liquid dispensing system is disclosed. The hand-held calibration auditing tool includes a flow meter (36-37) with inlets adapted for quick connection to one or more liquid inputs to a liquid dispensing system (10). A sensor (94-95) having a data output of liquid flow information for a liquid input to the dispensing system (10) is operably connected to a controller (12) to receive the liquid flow information for the liquid input. The controller (12) provides a dilution rate and other liquid flow information for a liquid product input to a dispenser.

Abstract: Fabrication of functional polymer-based particles by crosslinking UV-curable polymer drops in mid-air and collecting crosslinked particles in a solid container, a liquid suspension, or an air flow. The particles can contain different phases in the form or layered structures that contain one to multiple cores, or structures that are blended with dissolved or emulsified smaller domains. A curing system produces ultraviolet rays that are directed onto the particles in the jet stream from one side. A reflector positioned on other side of the jet stream reflects the ultraviolet rays back onto the particles in the jet stream.

Abstract: The invention relates to chemical compositions in the form of an organogel, comprising a gelled organic liquid, comprising or consisting of a volatile organic liquid, and at least one resin acid. The invention also relates to a method for producing same, and the use of same to reduce and control the evaporation of the contained volatile organic liquid.

Abstract: Improving health and experience of a cosmetic product user, the robotic cosmetic mix bar of the present invention is disclosed. The robotic cosmetic mix bar allows the user to select safe ingredients tailored to their own unique hair and skincare goals. In one embodiment, the robotic cosmetic mix bar contains a robotic arm surrounded by a dispenser and multiple processing stations. Based on a user input indicating a type of cosmetic product and the ingredients to include in the cosmetic product, the robotic arm obtains the desired ingredients from the dispenser and, by transporting the ingredients from one processing station to another, the robotic arm facilitates the processing of the ingredients. The processing of ingredients can include boiling, cooling, mixing, whisking, blending, etc. Within approximately two minutes, the cosmetic product built according to the user specifications is delivered to the user.

Abstract: A combination for carrying out microwave assisted reactions is disclosed, such as acid digestion and solvent extraction. The combination includes a microwave transparent pressure-resistant reaction vessel and a flexible film fluoropolymer liner inside the reaction vessel. The flexible film liner has a size and shape that substantially conforms to the inner walls of the reaction vessel. A pressure-relief closure is positioned on the reaction vessel and the flexible film liner, and an infrared temperature detector that operates in wavelengths (frequencies) to which both the reaction vessel and the flexible liner are transparent, so that an exact fit and conductive heating to the outside of the reaction vessel are not required.

Abstract: Disclosed is a device for automated synthesis of homogenous slurry of metal nanoparticles operating under redox controlled conditions by wet chemical reaction method. Device comprises a three-layer reactor unit, multi-feed covering unit, an electric stirring unit system and ground fixing foundation unit.

Abstract: Disclosed are materials for decontamination of compounds having a phosphorous-sulfur bond or a phosphorous-oxygen bond. A porous polymer, such as poly(dicyclopentadiene), contains particle of zirconium hydroxide. The polymer optionally has hydroperoxide groups.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an activated carbon for organic compound removal in which the average pore diameter obtained from the following formula by using a BET specific surface area calculated by the nitrogen adsorption method and a pore volume calculated by the HK method is from 1.615 to 1.625 nm: D=4000×V/S (wherein, D represents an average pore diameter (nm), V represents a pore volume (mL/g), and S represents a specific surface area (m2/g)).

Abstract: Functionalized metal-organic framework adsorbents with ligands containing basic nitrogen groups such as alkylamines and alkyldiamines appended to the metal centers and method of isolating carbon dioxide from a stream of combined gases and carbon dioxide partial pressures below approximately 1 and 1000 mbar. The adsorption material has an isosteric heat of carbon dioxide adsorption of greater than ?60 kJ/mol at zero coverage using a dual-site Langmuir model.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an organic-inorganic hybrid nanoporous material, maintaining a nanoporous skeleton structure formed by coordination of an organic ligand containing an aromatic compound to a trivalent central metal ion, and further having an intramolecular acid anhydride functional group modified on the aromatic compound of the nanoporous skeleton structure, and thereby exhibits selectivity for olefins, and an adsorbent comprising the same. Specifically, the organic-inorganic hybrid nanoporous material of the present invention exhibits an excellent olefin-selective adsorption capacity through differences in adsorption equilibrium and adsorption rate, and thus can be usefully employed in the separation of C2-C4 hydrocarbons.

Abstract: The production of an oxygen-absorbent composition is provided, having: (a) a porous silica encapsulation matrix; and (b) a composition containing an oxygen-absorbent compound selected from fatty acids, unsaturated esters or compounds containing same, and, optionally, a catalyst based on an inorganic salt of a transition metal, wherein the composition (b) is encapsulated in the porous silica matrix (a). The composition can form part of the structure of the packaging for oxidation sensitive products or be placed in the surrounding atmosphere to reduce the concentration of oxygen. A method for encapsulating the active compound or the active compound together with a catalyst, and subsequently incorporating same into polymer matrices is also provided.

Abstract: Methods of making a poly(propylenimine) (PPI) sorbent, a PPI sorbent, structures including the PPI sorbent, methods of separating CO2 using the PPI sorbent, and the like, are disclosed.

Abstract: Particle loading assembly and method for loading particles into a vessel to form a densely packed particle bed comprising an inner layer of particles and an outer layer of particles. The inner layer of particles is arranged radially and concentric with the outer layer of particles. The inner layer of particles contains at least a first type of particle of different granulometry or range of composition or both granulometry and range of composition from a second type of particles contained in the outer layer.

Abstract: A stacked sorbent assembly for use in sorbent dialysis. The stacked sorbent assembly contains two or more interchangeable sorbent pouches that allow for fluid to freely pass into and through the sorbent materials, while keeping the sorbent materials inside the sorbent pouches. Any of the pouches in the sorbent cartridge can be reused and/or recharged.

Abstract: Mixed metal oxide catalysts having an amorphous content of not less than 40 wt. % are prepared by calcining the catalyst precursor fully or partially enclosed by a porous material having a melting temperature greater than 600° C. in an inert container including heating the catalyst precursor at a rate from 0.5 to 10° C. per minute from room temperature to a temperature from 370° C. to 540° C. under a stream of pre heated gas chosen from steam and inert gas and mixtures thereof at a pressure of greater than or equal to 1 psig having a temperature from 300° C. to 540° C. and holding the catalyst precursor at that temperature for at least 2 hours and cooling the catalyst precursor to room temperature.

Abstract: A three-dimensional lignin porous carbon/zinc oxide composite material and its preparation and application in the field of photocatalysis are disclosed. The method includes preparing a lignin/zinc oxide precursor composite by a hydrothermal method from a zinc salt, a weak alkali salt and an industrial lignin, and preparing a three-dimensional lignin porous carbon/zinc oxide composite material by high temperature calcination of the lignin/zinc oxide precursor composite. The composite material has a regular three-dimensional pore structure, with zinc oxide nanoparticles uniformly embedded among the three-dimensional lignin porous carbon nanosheets. Application of the composite material to the field of photocatalysis, especially as a photocatalyst for photocatalytic degradation of organic dye pollutants, can significantly improve the degradation efficiency and rate, and has potential application value in the field of photocatalytic degradation of organic pollutants.

Abstract: The present invention relates to catalyst product, a method of making a catalyst and its use in fluid catalytic conversion process. In particular, this invention relates to a process for the preparation of CO-combustion promoter microspheres, comprising a large crystallite low surface area alumina; a composite binder comprising nano-crystallite alumina and dispersant; and platinum or palladium or both. The large crystallite low surface area alumina is bound together by the composite binder in the said particulate composition.

Abstract: The present invention provides exhaust gas purification catalyst for an internal combustion engine, and exhaust gas purification method using the catalyst. The present invention provides the exhaust gas purification catalyst including a support, a first catalyst layer on an upstream side, a second catalyst layer on a downstream side, and a third catalyst layer. In the exhaust gas purification catalyst, the upstream portion of the third catalyst layer is present on the first catalyst layer, the downstream portion of the third catalyst layer is present on the second catalyst layer, and in the middle portion between the upstream portion and the downstream portion of the third catalyst layer is present between the first catalyst layer and the second catalyst layer.

Abstract: Reaction methods are disclosed including induction catalysts. Such reactions may involve heating a catalyst by inductive heating; contacting the catalyst with a composition such that a reaction occurs and removing a reaction product. Example reactions include catalysts with ferrimagnetic metal oxide material and reactions involving organic reactants.

Abstract: Bulk metallic catalyst precursors are provided that include a Group VIB metal, such as Ni, a Group VIII metal, such as Mo or W, an organic-compound based component, and an organo-metalloxane polymer or gel. The catalyst precursors can further include a binder. Amorphous sulfided catalysts formed from the catalyst precursors are also provided. The catalyst precursor can have a surface area of about 50 m2/g or less.

Abstract: A catalyst, including: 0.1-6.0 wt. % of SiO2; 8.0-20.0 wt. % of MoO3; 74.8-91.89 wt. % of Al2O3; and the balance is P2O5 and/or B2O3. A method of preparing the catalyst includes: dissolving ammonium molybdate in water or ammonia water, followed by addition of a silicon precursor, to yield a first mixed solution; stirring and adding an acid to the first mixed solution to yield a second mixed solution; and adding Al2O3 to the second mixed solution, and drying and calcining the resulting product.

Abstract: A catalyst for preparing chlorine gas by hydrogen chloride oxidation, comprising the following components calculated according to mass content based on the total weight of the catalyst: 0.5-20 wt % copper; 2-10 wt % manganese; 0.05-2 wt % boron; 0.01-3 wt % chromium; 0.1-10 wt % rare earth metal; 0.1-10 wt % potassium; and 3-15 wt % titanium; also comprising 0.02-1.1 wt % phosphorus; and 0.03-1.9 wt % iron; the carrier content is 55-90 wt %. In the case of a fluidized bed reactor, the present catalyst can achieve a one-way hydrogen chloride conversion rate of 80-85%. Almost all of the 0-1000 mg/kg of chlorinated benzene contained in hydrogen chloride gas can be converted into CO2 and H2O without generating polychlorinated benzene.

Abstract: The present invention provides, inter alia, a multidentate ligand having the structure of: Also provided are methods of preparing metal complexes from the multidentate ligand, and the metal complexes prepared by such methods. Further provided are catalysts comprising such metal complexes, and various uses of such catalysts.

Abstract: The invention relates to the use of ruthenium complexes, which are homogeneous catalysts and/or precatalysts of the olefin metathesis reaction, which lead to the production of alkenes containing an internal (non-terminal) double C?C bond.

Abstract: A photocatalyst includes a composite fiber having at least two crystalline semi-conductors that provide a heterojunction structure in the composite fiber.

Abstract: A honeycomb structure comprising a pillar-shaped honeycomb structure body, wherein the honeycomb structure body has at least one missing part, the average size of the missing part is such that the radial length on the end face of the honeycomb structure body is 0.8 to 8.0 mm, the perimeter along the rim of the end face of the honeycomb structure body is 0.8 to 41.0 mm, and the axial length in the extending direction of the cells of the honeycomb structure body is 0.1 to 32.0 mm, and a percentage of a ratio of total area of the missing part is 1.40% or less.

Abstract: Core-shell nanoparticulate compositions and methods for making the same are disclosed. In some embodiments core-shell nanoparticulate compositions comprise transition metal core encapsulated by metal oxide shell. Methods of catalysis comprising core-shell nanoparticulate compositions of the invention are disclosed. Compositions comprising core-shell nanoparticles displayed on a metal-oxide support and methods for preparing the same are also disclosed. In some embodiments compositions comprise core-shell nanoparticles displayed as a substantially single layer superposed on a metal oxide support. Methods of catalysis employing the supported core-shell nanoparticles are disclosed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for catalytically producing formic acid and regenerating the catalyst used in the process. A vanadyl ion, vandate ion, or polyoxometallate ion, which is used as the catalyst, of the general formula [PMoxVyO40]n? is brought into contact with an alpha hydroxyl aldehyde, an alpha hydroxy carboxylic acid, a carbohydrate, a glycoside, or a polymer, which contains a carbon chain and which comprises at least one OH group that is bound to the carbon chain as a substituent in a repeating manner and/or an O, N, or S atom contained in the carbon chain in a repeating manner, in a liquid solution (12) in a vessel (10) at a temperature above 70° C. and below 160° C., wherein 6?x?11, 1?y?6, 3<n<10, and x+y=12, where n, x, and y is each a whole number. The catalyst reduced in the process is returned to its starting state by oxidation.

Abstract: An anion exchange stationary phase includes a negatively charged substrate particle, a base condensation polymer layer, a crosslinked ethanolamine condensation polymer, and a glycidol condensation layer. The crosslinked ethanolamine condensation polymer layer can be covalently attached to the base condensation polymer layer. The crosslinked ethanolamine condensation polymer layer can be formed by a condensation reaction product of a polyepoxide compound and ethanolamine. The glycidol condensation layer can be formed by the treatment of glycidol. The anion exchange stationary phase are suitable for separating a variety of haloacetic acids and common inorganic anions in a single chromatographic run in less than 20 to 30 minutes.

Abstract: An amphoteric dissociation ion exchange separation medium, the surface of which is an amphoteric dissociation covalently-modified layer. When an environmental pH value is lower than the isoelectric point, pIm, of the covalently-modified layer, the type of net charges on the surface of the covalently-modified layer is positive and the separation medium has the properties of an anion exchanger; when the environmental pH value is higher than the pIm, the type of net charges on the covalently-modified layer surface is negative and the separation medium has the properties of a cation exchanger. The separation medium has the properties of an anion exchanger and a cation exchanger at both sides of the pIm, respectively. The pH of an eluent can be adjusted to allow the separation medium surface and the target substance to have the same type of net charges, so that the target substance can be released by electrostatic repulsion.

Abstract: Provided is a method of treating a vinyl aromatic resin (I) comprising (a) bringing the vinyl aromatic resin (I) into contact with an alcohol, and maintaining the contact between the vinyl aromatic resin (I) and the alcohol for 10 minutes or more, and (b) bringing the vinyl aromatic resin into contact with a base. wherein the vinyl aromatic resin (I), prior to steps (a) and (b), has benzyl chloride groups, benzyl alcohol groups, and methylene bridge groups.

Abstract: A pipetting device having a lube has an opening al one end for suclioning or discharging a sample fluid and can be operatively connected to a pressure generation device at the other end, a first electrode is formed on the pipetting device and forms a measuring capacitor together with a second electrode formed by at least one part of the sample fluid that can be received in the tube and that measuring capacitor is operatively connected to a measuring unit, and the measuring unit is designed to determine a volume of the suctioned or discharged sample fluid according to the capacity of the measuring capacitor, as well as having a first electrical contact that is designed to create an electrical connection with the working fluid, the first electrical contact can be electrically connected to the measuring unit via a low-rcsistancc converter circuit.

Abstract: The disclosure is related to a liquid processing module, a liquid testing system and a testing method. The liquid processing module includes a base, a first valve and at least one negative pressure generator. The base has a first groove and at least one first opening. The first opening is connected to the first groove. The first valve is slidably located in the first groove. The negative pressure generator is configured to generate or remove negative pressure at the first opening in response to the first opening and the first groove being connected with each other.

Abstract: A diagnostic assay system for accelerating reagent reactions comprising a base portion receiving a disposable cartridge and a cover portion moveably mounted to the base such that the disposable cartridge may be installed and removed from the base portion. The disposable cartridge includes at least one assay chamber for receiving an assay fluid, and a cartridge body including a syringe barrel operative to move assay fluids into and out of the assay chambers. The diagnostic assay system also includes a heater proximal the at least one fluid assay-containing cavity, operational when the cover portion is in a closed position and configured to heat the assay fluid in one of the assay chambers to accelerate reagent reactions in the disposable cartridge.

Abstract: A module for processing fluids includes one or more collapsible fluid chambers supported on a substrate, a compression element supported on the substrate and configured to be movable with respect to the one or more chambers, and an actuating element coupled to the compression element and configured to effect movement of the compression element relative to the one or more fluid chambers to collapse each fluid chamber by compressing the fluid chamber between the compression element and the substrate as the compression element moves over the fluid chamber.

Abstract: A PCR tube holder comprises an elongated strip body having a first portion and a second portion. One or more holes are defined in the first portion of the elongated strip body, the at least one hole configured to receive a single PCR tube. A writable zone in the second portion of the elongated strip body, the writable zone configured to receive ink thereon. A material of the elongated strip body is adapted to retain the ink through a PCR cycle. The material of the elongated strip body has a minimum flexural rigidity such that the elongated strip is adapted to support a PCR tube without folding.

Abstract: A microfluidic device may include at least four interconnected microfluidic channels and a set of fluid actuators. The set of fluid actuators may include a fluid actuator asymmetrically located within at least two of the at least four interconnected microfluidic channels. Each of the at least four interconnected microfluidic channels may be activated to a fluid inputting state, a fluid outputting state and a fluid blocking state in response to selective actuation of different combinations of fluid actuators of the set.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods for conducting solid-phase binding assays. One example is an assay method having improved analyte specificity where specificity is limited by the presence of non-specific binding interactions.

Abstract: In a method of analyzing solid form properties of a substance, which including the step of solidifying the substance, the solidified substance is obtained in one of a plurality of wells of a multi-well plate. In the multi-well plate the at least one of the plurality of wells has a bottom made of a thermoplastic polyimide. The method further includes analyzing the solidified substance in the well of the multi-well plate by X-ray diffraction. Thereby, the analysis includes providing X-ray through the solidified substance and a bottom of the well and evaluating the X-ray which passed the solidified substance and the bottom of the well. Such method and multi-well plate provide a durable and cost efficient system allowing a high quality analysis of solid form properties of the substance and an efficient and safe processing of the substance.

Abstract: A diagnostic method for a detection of a nuclear deformation based a cellular differentiation includes the following steps: preparing nano/micropatterned surfaces; performing a cell seeding on the nano/micropatterned surfaces; imaging; analyzing nuclear deformations of a single cell and a cell population with an algorithm method.

Abstract: The disclosed technology generally relates to storing data, and more particularly relates to a method of storing data in a polymer, where the data comprises a sequence of bits. In one aspect, the method comprises receiving a sequence of bits to be stored and providing a group of different homo-bifunctional monomers. Each homo-bifunctional monomer comprises a core structure having identical functional groups attached at two different positions of the core structure. The group of different homo-bifunctional monomers comprises homo-bifunctional monomers having at least two different core structures. The method further comprises linking the different homo-bifunctional monomers together to form the polymer having a sequence of monomer core structures representing the sequence of bits to be stored. The different homo-bifunctional monomers are linked together using a click chemistry reaction between the functional groups of the different homo-bifunctional monomers.

Abstract: A low-voltage microfluidic valve device and system for regulating the flow of fluid. One low-voltage microfluidic valve device for regulating the low of fluid includes a nano-textured dendritic metallic filament configured to grow and retract in response to a voltage. The low-voltage microfluidic valve device also includes a microfluidic channel configured to allow fluid flow, wherein the fluid flow is selectively interrupted by the growth of the nano-textured dendritic metallic filament. The low-voltage microfluidic valve device also includes a membrane positioned proximate to the fluid and configured to alter shape in response to the growth of the nano-textured dendritic metallic filament.

Abstract: A microfluidic chip for collecting dielectric particles in a fluid sample to be tested includes an insulating substrate, a first interdigitated electrode, a second interdigitated electrode, and a dielectric layer. The dielectric layer is formed on the first and second interdigitated electrodes and is made from a semiconductive inorganic material having a dielectric constant of from 3.7 F/m to 80 F/m.

Abstract: A microfluidic detection system for micrometer-sized entities, such as biological cells, includes a detector component incorporating a plate with a plurality of opening, the plate separating two chambers, one in communication with a fluid source containing target entities bound to magnetic beads. The openings are sized to always permit passage of the magnetic beads therethrough into a lower one of the chambers and are further sized to always prevent passage of the target entities from the upper one of the chambers. The detector component further includes a magnet positioned to pull unbound magnetic beads through the openings and to capture target entities bound to magnetic beads on the surface of the plate. In a further feature, the microfluidic detection system is configured to pass target molecules through the plate to be bound to a functionalized surface of the lower chamber.

Abstract: Infectious diseases have been sources of large-scale epidemics and pandemics resulting in millions of casualties worldwide. Detection of these biological agents normally involves several lab processes including sample preparation, nucleic acid separation and amplification, and diagnostic analysis. These steps, either performed manually or automated by high-throughput machinery, are tedious, expensive, and highly susceptible to cross-contamination. The present system is an integrated lab-on-a-device designed, developed, and tested in compatibility with a mechanical fixture for sample-to-answer biological analysis of infectious diseases.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to an apparatus for simultaneously filling a plurality of sample chambers. In one aspect, the apparatus comprises a common fluid source and a plurality of independent, continuous fluidic pathways. Each independent, continuous fluidic pathway comprises a sample chamber and a pneumatic compartment. The sample chamber is connected to the common fluid source, and the pneumatic compartment is connected to the sample chamber. The sample chamber comprises, in part, an assay chamber. The assay chamber comprises a monolithic substrate and a plug. In some embodiments, the assay chamber contains a magnetic mixing element. In some embodiments, the assay chamber is a double tapered chamber. In some embodiments, a ratio of a volume of the sample chamber to a volume of the pneumatic compartment is substantially equivalent for each fluidic pathway of the plurality of fluidic pathways.

Abstract: Provided is a microfluidic chip for generating a plurality of droplets comprising plural droplet-forming units serially connected together, an inlet for receiving the loading fluid and providing the loading fluid to the plural droplet-forming units, and an outlet for discharging the loading fluid remained after passing through the plural droplet-forming units. Each of the individual droplet-forming unit include an inflow channel, a neck channel, a droplet-forming well and a bypass channel therearound, a restricted flow port element, and an outflow channel, the arrangement of which allows the microfluidic chip to form robust and stable droplets for reliable and flexible drug screening assays using a small sample input size.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides methods and systems for analyzing nucleic acids and for conducting chemical and/or biological reactions. Methods and system for droplet generation, guidance, and isolation are also provided.

Abstract: Described herein are systems relating to a continuous-flow instrument that includes all necessary components for digital droplet quantification without the need to introduce key reagents or collect and transfer droplets between stages of instrument operation. Digital quantification can proceed without any additional fluid or consumable handling and without exposing fluids to risk of external contamination.

Abstract: A cartridge for use with chemical or biological analysis systems is provided. The cartridge may include a floating microfluidic plate that is held in the cartridge using one or more floating support brackets that incorporate gaskets that may seal against fluidic ports on the microfluidic plate. The floating support brackets may include indexing features that may align the microfluidic plate with the seals.