Abstract: Fluidic devices and methods including those that provide storage and/or facilitate fluid handling of reagents are provided. Fluidic devices described herein may include channel segments positioned on two sides of an article, optionally connected by an intervening channel passing through the article. The channel segments may be used to store reagents in the device prior to first use by an end user. The stored reagents may include fluid plugs positioned in linear order so that during use, as fluids flow to a reaction site, they are delivered in a predetermined sequence. The specific geometries of the channel segments and the positions of the channel segments within the fluidic devices described herein may allow fluid reagents to be stored for extended periods of time without mixing, even during routine handling of the devices such as during shipping of the devices, and when the devices are subjected to physical shock or vibration.

Abstract: An analysis system for testing a biological sample wherein a sensor cover can be or is pneumatically lowered onto a sensor apparatus in order to detect an analyte of the sample.

Abstract: This system takes in raw cellular material collected using a provided swab, blood collection device, urine collection device, or other sample collection device and transforms that biological material into a digital result, identifying the presence, absence and/or quantity of nucleic acids, proteins, and/or other molecules of interest.

Abstract: Provided herein are devices and methods of processing a sample that include, in several embodiments, rotating one or more microfluidic chips that are mounted on a support plate using a motor driven rotational chuck. By spinning one or more of the microfluidic chips about a common center of rotation in a controlled manner, high flow rates (and high shear forces) are imparted to the sample in a controlled manner. Each microfluidic chip can be rotated 180° on the support plate so that the sample can be run back-and-forth through the microfluidic devices. Because the support plate can be driven at relatively high RPMs, high flow rates are generated within the microfluidic chips. This increases the shear forces on the sample and also decreases the processing time involved as the sample can quickly pass through the shear-inducing features of the microfluidic chip(s).

Abstract: A device for microfluidic transport includes a first fluid reservoir, a second fluid reservoir spaced from the first fluid reservoir, a main fluid channel communicated with the first fluid reservoir and the second fluid reservoir, an auxiliary fluid channel communicated with the main fluid channel, and a fluid actuator within the auxiliary fluid channel asymmetric to the main fluid channel such that operation of the fluidic actuator is to induce fluid flow in the main fluid channel from the first reservoir toward the second reservoir.

Abstract: A Digital Separation (DS) chip for separating, digitizing and analyzing a fluid sample is presented. The DS chip includes a fluidic layer that prepares and compartmentalizes the fluid sample for analysis. Cliff structures that are adjacent to wells skim the fluid sample and prevent particles, which may interfere with fluid sample analysis, from entering the wells. Skimmed fluid sample analysis occurs in the wells and endpoint data can be collected and used to determine an original concentration of a desired component in the fluid sample very quickly. Using the described apparatus and methods, a fluid sample can be prepared, digitized, compartmentalized, assayed and the endpoint data collected in ˜30 minutes. The apparatus and methods can easily be adapted to provide parallel processing of a sample.

Abstract: A blood plasma and blood cell separation device includes a first body, a blood plasma separation membrane and a second body. The first body has an injection port. The blood plasma separation membrane is disposed on the first body. The second body is movably assembled to the first body and has a collecting stage. The collecting stage has a collecting surface and a sampling recess on the collecting stage. When a blood enters the blood plasma separation membrane from the injection port of the first body, a blood plasma in the blood plasma separation membrane is separated by a capillary force between the collecting stage of the second body and the blood plasma separation membrane, and the blood plasma enters in the sampling recess by a relative movement between the first body and the second body.

Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods for separating cells or vesicles using a thermo-acoustophoretic approach are provided. A microfluidic device can be used for stiffness-based separation of cells or vesicles that otherwise have the same or approximately the same size, shape, and charge, where at least some of the membranes or vesicles have different compositions. The separation can be done by tuning the temperature of the cells or vesicles.

Abstract: Embodiments of present application are directed to microfluidic devices and particularly digital micro-plastic fluidic devices that are specifically designed to prevent sample contamination during sample processing, methods of manufacturing the same, and methods to improve sample analysis process by preventing sample contamination.

Abstract: Methods and systems for manipulating drops in microfluidic channels are provided.

Abstract: A device for separating and concentrating target particles or molecules from a fibrinogen containing sample of liquid comprises a container (1) for collecting the sample and a closure (2). The container (1) comprises a first end and a second end and at least one interior wall defining a reservoir portion (5) for receiving the sample. The reservoir portion (5) comprises at least one anchor element (4) to locally catch a polymerized fibrin pellet formed upon the addition of the sample into the container. The separation and concentration process is operated by trapping the target particles or molecules into the so-formed polymerized fibrin pellet that are captured on the anchor element (4).

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a multi-functional microfluidics device capable of isolation of nucleic acids, purification of nucleic acids, performance of Polymerase Chain Reactions (PCRs), in situ hybridization of nucleic acids, fluorescent signal detections and the like. The apparatus comprises an integration of a plurality of reagent chambers, a sample input, a reaction chamber, a detection chamber, and a waste chamber; wherein the plurality of reagent chambers is fluidly connected to the reaction chamber, and is configured to store a plurality of reagents; wherein the sample input is fluidly connected to the reaction chamber, and is configured to receive a sample; wherein the waste chamber is fluidly connect to the reaction chamber and is configured to receive a reaction waste from the reaction chamber.

Abstract: An apparatus and associated method are provided for sensing an analyte, such as acetone, in breath. The apparatus includes a sorbent material that extracts the analyte from a dehumidified breath sample, and a nanoparticle-based sensor. The apparatus produces first and second gas streams that flow over the nanoparticle-based sensor. The first gas stream is used to generate a baseline signal, and the second gas stream is used to carry the extracted analyte from the sorbent material to the nanoparticle-based sensor. Various additional designs of analyte sensing devices are also disclosed.

Abstract: A wear cap for use on an earth working roil for mining, construction and public works machines such as crushers, surface miners, milling machines and the like includes a working end and a rear mounting end. The rear mounting end including a pair of top and bottom rearwardly extending protrusions, a retainer, and a cavity having side stabilizing surfaces and a top and bottom rail or groove to support the wear cap on a holder mounted to the earth working roll.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to a refiner plate segment, mechanical refiners, and methods to manufacture a refiner plate segment having one or more water channels disposed in a variable substrate profile along the radial length of a refiner plate segment base and disposed between the refiner plate segment inlet and the primary refining section, wherein the variable substrate profile comprises an undulating curve configured to complement a second undulating curve on an opposing refiner plate, and wherein dimensions of the one or more water channels are sufficiently narrow to prevent wood chips from entering the water channels and sufficiently wide to provide a bypass path for the free water.

Abstract: A mill roller (6) is provided with a roller main body (62) that rotates about an inclined axis line (O2) and has an outer peripheral surface (64) for pulverizing an object to be crushed against the mill table (4). The outer peripheral surface (64) is convex outward in a radial direction of the roller main body (62). The outer peripheral surface (64) has a first outer peripheral surface (641) and a second outer peripheral surface (642). The first outer peripheral surface (641) has an arcuate shape formed to have the same radius of curvature on both sides of a maximum outer diameter point (A). The second outer peripheral surface (642) is further receded inward in the radial direction than an imaginary circle running along the first outer peripheral surface (641).

Abstract: A mill for crushing a bed of materials by compression includes: a horizontal-axis cylinder the interior wall having a runway track for a crushing roller placed inside the cylinder, a unit rotating the cylinder at a speed that spins the material outward, the crushing roller, a unit for pressing the crushing roller against the runway track of the cylinder, an inlet for supplying material for crushing at one end of the cylinder and an outlet for crushed material at the other end, a unit for controlling the movement of the material so it travels over only a fraction of the length of the cylinder in each revolution and passes between the cylinder and the roller several times before reaching the outlet. The runway track is followed by a downstream lip opposing material flow, downstream of the crushing roller in the direction in which the material travels.

Abstract: A drum for a precision chipper, said chipping device comprising: a shaft on which the drum is arranged, wherein cutting tools are provided on the outer circumference of the drum in blade holders, which cutting tools are used to chop the material to be chipped; at least one distancing piece, which has a support surface or contact surface for the material to be chipped on the drum, the height of which distancing piece being used to determine the chip size, wherein the vertical position of the distancing piece on the drum can be set or adjusted. The distancing piece, when viewed in cross-section, has an approximately T-shaped form such that it can be placed on the outer edge of the drum disk by means of a positively locking surface of the distancing piece, said surface being formed on the face pointing towards the drum by the inner radius of the distancing piece.

Abstract: A thermoplastic pelletizer providing enhanced pellet yields with reduced fines contamination. The pelletizer includes a cutting rotor and a feed assembly for feeding plastic to the cutting rotor. The pelletizer further includes two chutes, wherein a first chute arranged to collect pellets, and a second chute arranged to collect fines. A vacuum is drawn on both chutes to assist in the collection of both pellets and fines in their respective chutes. Compressed air is directed past the cutting rotor to the first chute to assist in moving pellets from the cutting rotor to the first chute.

Abstract: A machine for distributing loosefill insulation from a package of compressed loosefill insulation material is provided. The machine includes a chute having an inlet end and an outlet end. The inlet end receives the loosefill insulation material. A shredding chamber is configured to receive the loosefill insulation material from the outlet end. The shredding chamber includes a plurality of shredders configured to shred, pick apart and condition the loosefill insulation material. A discharge mechanism is mounted to receive the conditioned material. The discharge mechanism is configured to distribute the conditioned material into an airstream. A blower is configured to provide the airstream flowing through the discharge mechanism. The blower has a rotational speed that defines the volume and the velocity of the airstream. A remote control assembly is configured to communicate with the machine such that the volume and velocity of the airstream can be adjusted in a remote location.

Abstract: A feeder breaker includes a frame, a first crusher coupled to the frame and configured to receive material, a second crusher coupled to the frame, a conveyor extending between the first crusher and the second crusher configured to convey material exiting the first crusher to the second crusher, and an output conveyor configured to receive the material exiting the second crusher. The feeder breaker is also configured to allow at least a portion of material exiting the first crusher that is below a predetermined size threshold to move to the output conveyor without passing through the second crusher.

Abstract: A low-cost, portable, destructive sanitization method for solid state drives (SSDs) is provided. Preferably, an SSD is destroyed by disintegration within a given time period (approximately 30 minutes or less) using a blending device operating at a given peak power, e.g., greater than 450 W. A pulverizing agent may be admixed with pieces of an SSD printed circuit board prior to initiating the disintegration process to increase the number of particle collisions in a processing/blending chamber. The pulverizing agent may also contain moisture that mitigates suspension of processed SDD particles in the surrounding air (when the mixing chamber is opened). The overall process may be video-recorded for compliance purposes.

Abstract: Systems and methods for processing solid wastes from oil field operations including removal of wastes from oil tanks by a washout and vacuum conveyance system to form a slurry containing solid particles, solid particle size reduction by one or more grinders and, optionally, high velocity transport through recirculation circuits and disposal by injection into a subterranean formation.

Abstract: A cradle system for a fragmenting machine, where the cradle system holds fragmentation stock against a drum. A frame holds a screen that can be selectively released from the frame without modification, such that the screen can be placed in different positions on the frame and aligned in different orientations on the frame. A wear plate can be selectively released from the frame without modification, such that the wear plate can be placed in different positions on the frame and aligned in different orientations on the frame.

Abstract: A method for controlling the operation of a crusher, a mineral material processing plant and a control system. The method including measuring a quantity related to stress to which the crusher is exposed during the crushing of material, determining a deviation value of the quantity related to stress, comparing the determined deviation value to a reference deviation value, and in response to the deviation value differing from the reference deviation value, adjusting a default setting of the quantity related to stress.

Abstract: A waste processing machine for reducing material and having a feed assist system. A cutting assembly on a frame reduces material. A feed system on the frame directs material toward the cutting assembly. A winch assembly includes a line with a line end for securing material, and a driver on the frame to urge the line end toward the driver. A keeper fixed to the frame secures the line end. A sensor detects utilization between: a docked configuration with the line tensioned against between the driver and the keeper; and an undocked configuration with the line loosened. A control unit allows operation of the feed system in the docked configuration, and interrupts the feed system in the undocked configuration. A feed mechanism actuation bypasses the interrupted operation to advance material for a bypass period, and a limit mechanism overrides operation of the feed mechanism for a subsequent limit period.

Abstract: Hydraulic classifiers are provided for sorting material using injected water. Some embodiments include upper and lower housings having different cross-sectional shapes. In some embodiments, certain improvements are provided for cleanout and/or removal or replacement of teeter bars.

Abstract: A waste gas is contacted with a mercury removal agent to remove mercury and a flue gas conditioning agent to alter a resistivity and/or cohesivity of particulates. The flue gas conditioning agent can be substantially free of SO3 and/or comprise more than about 25 wt. % SO3, and/or the mercury removal agent can be substantially unaffected by the flue gas conditioning agent. An amount of mercury removed from the waste gas in the presence of the flue gas conditioning agent can be the same or more than that removed from the waste gas in the absence of the flue gas conditioning agent. An amount of the acid gas removed, by an acid gas removal agent, from the waste gas in the presence of the flue gas conditioning agent can be the same or more than that removed from the waste gas in the absence of the flue gas conditioning agent.

Abstract: Depressants comprising a moderately oxidized polysaccharide having about 0.05 to about 4.5 mmol of anionic charge per gram at a pH of about 6 to about 7, or about 0.2 to about 5 mmol of anionic charge per gram at a pH of about 10 to about 11.2, are provided. Also disclosed are processes for enriching a desired mineral from an ore comprising the desired mineral and gangue, wherein the process comprises carrying out a flotation process in the presence of one or more of the depressants.

Abstract: A separator extracting dry chopped food waste material from wet chopped food waste material fed in fluid state includes an outer container for an internal centrifuge having a rotating cylinder with perforated walls, which contains a rotating screw that advances the wet chopped food material and separates the liquid portion therefrom; an inlet opening, which receives the wet chopped food material to be introduced into the rotating cylinder through a hollow duct inside the screw feeder, causing its upward movement and advancement; and an outlet opening, which evacuates the chopped material without the liquid portion. The outer container includes upper and lower half-shells that are monolithic and integral sanitation elements of the separator and a centering and sealing element at a coupling area, a flow-regulation valve being positioned at a lower opening to evacuate the separated liquid from the outer container.

Abstract: It is disclosed an apparatus for separating a least one solid from a solids/fluid mixture, said apparatus comprising a separation chamber and a cushion chamber. The separation chamber comprises a top end, a bottom end, at least one wall, and an inlet port for introducing the solids/fluid mixture, said inlet port having an inlet port vector. The cushion chamber comprises at least one boundary wall, and it is adapted to maintain a cushion of the solids/fluid mixture at an intersection of the inlet port vector and the cushion chamber when the separation chamber and the cushion chamber are connected by a communication port at the intersection of the inlet port vector and the at least one wall. The communication port has an area at least a size of an impact area of the solids/fluid mixture on the at least one wall. The communication port may be formed by the erosion of the at least one wall of the separation chamber caused by the solids/fluid mixture at the impact area.

Abstract: A shower device including a housing and a spray engine. The housing defines an inlet for a water supply. The spray engine includes an elastomeric layer providing a spray face and defining an outlet, a support layer having a first surface engaging the elastomeric layer and an opposite, second surface, the support layer defining a plurality of openings between the first surface and the second surface, material of the elastomeric layer extending axially through each of the plurality of openings to the second surface and radially over a portion of the second surface in a plurality of separate and individual flanges, the flanges providing an integrated seal on the second surface of the support layer. The elastomeric layer forms a continuous elastic coating covering the outer surfaces of the front and sides of the spray face and extending from the spray face through the openings to the second surface.

Abstract: An electrostatic fluid delivery system is configured to deliver fluid, such as a disinfectant fluid, onto a surface by electrically charging the fluid and forming the fluid into a mist, fog, plume, or spray that can be directed onto a surface, such as a surface to be cleaned. The system atomizes the fluid using a high-pressure fluid stream and passes the fluid through an electrode of a nozzle assembly to charge droplets of the atomized fluid.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for mixing at least two fluids using an externally mixing nozzle for medical purposes, which has at least two outlet channels (10, 20) and at least two inlet openings (13, 23) with different or identical cross-sections, wherein two fluids with different volumetric flows and/or different viscosity are sprayed, and wherein the ratio of the cross-sections of the inlet channels (13, 23) and/or the outlet channels (10, 20) corresponds to the ratio of the volumetric flows so that the fluids flow with substantially identical flow speeds through the outlet channels (10, 20) and/or the inlet openings (13, 23). The invention furthermore relates to an externally mixing nozzle, a medical instrument and a medical device for spraying substances, in particular biological material.

Abstract: An atomizing spray device includes a housing having plural inlets and one or more outlets fluidly coupled with each other by an interior chamber. The inlets include a first inlet shaped to receive a first fluid and a second inlet shaped to receive a slurry of ceramic particles and a second fluid. The interior chamber in the housing is shaped to mix the first fluid received via the first inlet with the slurry received via the second inlet inside the housing to form a mixture in a location between the inlets and the one or more outlets. The interior chamber in the housing also is shaped to direct the mixture formed inside the housing as droplets outside of the housing via the one or more outlets such that, based on a discharged amount of the first fluid in the droplets, the first fluid promotes evaporation of the second fluid as the droplets traverse from the housing toward a surface of a component.

Abstract: A high-volume low-pressure spray system includes a hose disposed between a compressor and a spray gun. The hose acts as an accumulator when the spray gun is deactivated. A check valve is disposed in a fitting connecting the hose to the compressor. The check valve includes a spring that applies a nonlinear force to a downstream end of a valve member, such that the valve member tips open in response to the pressure differential, providing a variable flowpath opening through the check valve.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a powder container for supplying coating powder to a powder coating station. The powder container includes a powder compartment for coating powder, the powder compartment being delimited by side walls, one of which is provided with an outlet port via which the powder compartment is or can be fluidically connected to an inlet of a powder deposition system. The effective flow cross-section of the fluid connection between the outlet port and the inlet of the powder deposition system can be variably adjusted.

Abstract: A spray gun includes a valve cartridge configured to be axially installed and removed as a single piece. The valve cartridge includes the wear components of the spray gun. A trigger of the spray gun is configured to actuate a slider of the valve cartridge to control spraying by the spray gun. The trigger includes arms that are mounted to the spray gun by a pivot mechanism. The pivot mechanism can be disengaged from the arms to allow the trigger to slide between a spray position, where the trigger prevents forward axial movement of the valve cartridge, and a repair position, where the valve cartridge can move axially forward. The trigger also includes upper and lower portions that are movable relative to each other, such that the length of the trigger can be adjusted.

Abstract: An animal deterrent canister with a pressurized vessel containing animal deterrent and a nozzle assembly with a flange, an actuator actuated by a downward pressure, and a nozzle for releasing animal deterrent from the pressurized vessel cooperates with a carrier device. The carrier device has a mounting structure for mounting to an object, a receiver for receiving the nozzle assembly of the animal deterrent canister, an actuator pin that moves between a retracted position away from the actuator and an extended position that depresses the actuator, and a cable housed within a sleeve. The receiver has an engagement profile that receives the flange in an interference engagement. One end of the cable is connected to the actuator pin and the other end is connected to a hand actuator that applies a compressive force to the cable relative to the sleeve to move the actuator pin to the extended position.

Abstract: In a coating apparatus, a nozzle moving mechanism selectively grips any one of a plurality of coating solution nozzles, moves the gripped coating solution nozzle and a solvent nozzle together, and moves at least the solvent nozzle to a solvent suction unit. The moved solvent nozzle is caused to dispense a solvent to the solvent suction unit, and the gripped coating solution nozzle is caused to suck the solvent retained in the same solvent suction unit to which the solvent has been dispensed. Thus, since dispensation and suction of the solvent are done in the same solvent suction unit, the quantity of the solvent used can be held down. Further, a supply line for supplying the solvent does not need to be provided for the suction unit. The construction of the suction unit can therefore be made simple, and its cost can be held down.

Abstract: A control unit for an aerosol generating device includes: a sensor that outputs a value related to a temperature of a power source capable of being charged and discharged to a load for atomizing an aerosol source; and a controller configured to execute one or more functions of operating the power source when an output value of the sensor is within a first range having at least one of a first upper limit and a first lower limit. The first upper limit or the first lower limit is smaller or larger than a second upper limit or a second lower limit of a second range that is a range of a value related to a temperature at which the one or more functions can be executed, a range of a value related to a temperature at which deterioration of the power source is suppressed, a range of a value related to a temperature at which the power source deteriorates due only to a factor that is the same as normal temperature, or a range corresponding to an operating temperature of the power source.

Abstract: A station for treating objects may include: a booth including at least one entrance for an object and at least one exit for the object; a system configured to move the object between the at least one entrance and the at least one exit; at least one robot configured to treat the object in the booth; and/or a platform configured to support the object. The platform may be configured to rotate about a vertical axis so as to rotate the object inside the booth relative to the at least one robot. The at least one entrance may not be aligned with the at least one exit. The system may be configured to rotate with the platform so as to align with the at least one entrance in order to receive the object, and so as to align with the at least one exit in order to release the object.

Abstract: A finger rest for a liquid applicator is presented. The finger rest comprises a base. The finger rest also comprises an aperture configured to receive a handle of the liquid applicator. The base is configured to rotationally align with a head of the liquid applicator at a junction.

Abstract: A system includes a spray-component adapter. The spray-component adapter includes a first connector configured to couple the spray-component adapter to a first fluid port of a first spray component. The spray-component adapter includes a second connector configured to couple the spray-component adapter to a second fluid port of a second spray component. At least one of the first or second connectors comprises a self-tapping portion.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for arranging objects in particular tableware, in a system for coating including a base element, an adapter element and a support element, each of which are designed in such a manner that they can be plugged together in a direction (z). In the plugged-together state, the adapter element is arranged between the base element and the support element with the object disposed in a predetermined position on the adapter element. The adapter element, the base element and the support element are locked relative to one another with the object in such a manner that only a relative movement in the direction (z) is possible amongst each other. The invention further relates to a method for the arrangement of objects, in particular tableware with the device, in a system for coating.

Abstract: A drywall finishing apparatus includes a water reservoir connected to a water distribution element. The water distribution element applies water to a finishing pad. The finishing pad is designed to allow water to flow through and reconstitute already applied drywall mud. The reconstituted drywall mud can then be smoothed out with the finishing pad. The finishing pad creates a hydroplaning effect to glide over the drywall mud.

Abstract: A housing for a dispenser includes two non-metal half shells forming respective sides of at least a front part of the housing, with the front part of the housing including a cartridge receptacle, and with the two non-metal half shells being connected to one another. The housing further includes a reinforcing plate forming at least part of a front end of the cartridge receptacle, with the reinforcing plate being received between the two non-metal half shells and including a retainer configured to connect the two non-metal half shells at the front end of the cartridge receptacle.

Abstract: Novel apparatus and methods for coating surgical needles in batch processes are disclosed. The apparatus and methods are particularly useful for applying uniform silicone lubricious coatings to surgical needles in bulk quantities using a novel separation and spray coating system and method.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a mat of inorganic fibres including the manufacture or supply of a mat of inorganic fibres having two major surfaces, which is strengthened with a chemical binder, or by means of a hydrodynamic method, coating of a first major surface of the mat by means of the application of an aqueous solid dispersion on one of the two sides of the mat, drying the coated mat, printing the coated mat by means of rotary printing, digital printing, screen printing, or offset printing on the first major surface of the coating, optional application of a protective layer onto the first major surface, application of a binder, at least partial drying and at least partial crosslinking of the mat to which binder has been applied, and rolling up of the obtained material web, or cutting to size as sheets.

Abstract: A process of fabricating the waterproof coating may include selecting a substrate, utilizing a sol-gel comprising a silane or silane derivative and metal oxide precursor to coat the substrate, and optionally coating the substrate with a hydrophobic chemical agent and/or other chemical agents to create a surface with nanoscopic or microscopic features. The process may utilize an all solution process or controlled environment for fabricating self-cleaning and waterproof coating that prevent wetting or staining of a substrate, or may utilize a controlled environment.