Abstract: This disclosure provides devices and methods for the isolation of single cells or particles of interest from a solution comprising a plurality of cells or a solution composed of a homogenous population of particles. Specifically, the present disclosure is directed to microfluidic devices and methods for analyzing cells in a sample. More specifically, the present disclosure provides droplet microfluidic devices and methods for using the same to obtain (trap), encapsulate, and retrieve (isolate) single cells or particles from a sample with improved efficiency.

Abstract: The present disclosure discloses a microfluidic chip for separating and detecting whole blood sample. It has a chip body and a sample channel on the said chip body. The sample channel has a sample-feeding area, a sinking area, a mixing area, a testing area and a waste liquor area connected in sequence. The microfluidic chip integrates separating and testing of plasma in whole blood into a whole, free from a complicated whole blood sample pre-treatment process, and rapidly detect single or multiple proteins or other indicators in whole blood in a quantified manner.

Abstract: The technology described herein generally relates to systems for extracting polynucleotides from multiple samples, particularly from biological samples, and additionally to systems that subsequently amplify and detect the extracted polynucleotides. The technology more particularly relates to microfluidic systems that carry out PCR on multiple samples of nucleotides of interest within microfluidic channels, and detect those nucleotides.

Abstract: The technology described herein generally relates to systems for extracting polynucleotides from multiple samples, particularly from biological samples, and additionally to systems that subsequently amplify and detect the extracted polynucleotides. The technology more particularly relates to microfluidic systems that carry out PCR on multiple samples of nucleotides of interest within microfluidic channels, and detect those nucleotides.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to new types of fluid packaging devices and methods of making and using such fluid packaging devices. In various embodiments, the present disclosure provides devices, systems, and methods for packaging fluids. In various embodiments, the present disclosure provides a device including a storage compartment; a fluid stored in the storage compartment; a first aperture on the storage compartment; and a second aperture on the storage compartment. The first aperture is initially sealed or closed before the use of the device and configured to be opened to receive a pneumatic pressure. The second aperture is initially sealed or closed before the use of the device and configured to be opened to allow the fluid to exit or enter the storage compartment via the opened second aperture.

Abstract: A pierceable cap 11 may be used for containing sample specimens. The pierceable cap 11 may prevent escape of sample specimens before transfer with a transfer device 43. The pierceable cap 11 may fit over a vessel 21. An access port in the shell of the pierceable cap 11 may allow passage of a transfer device 43 through the pierceable cap 11. At least one frangible layer 215, 216 may be configured with cross slits 506 in a particular cross slit geometry. The cross slits 506 may contain an openable portion 644 or be covered by a thin membrane 645. The shell 610 and frangible layer(s) 215, 216 may be integrated into a one piece cap 601, or be separate components 634. The membrane on which the cross slits 506 are placed can be flat or contoured to guide the transfer device 43 to the cross slits 506.

Abstract: An apparatus for heating test water, comprising a test container for receiving the test water, and a heating container for installation of the test container therein, the heating container containing burnt lime that heats the test water when being mixed with water to be tested arranged in the heating container.

Abstract: An impact crusher for mineral material includes a crusher housing, a reversible rotor arranged in an impact-grinding space of an impact mechanism for propelling mineral material against wear members in the crusher housing; and an adjustment installation setting a spacing of the impact mechanism from the rotor. An upper impact space adjoins the impact-grinding space at the top and has an entry opening for the mineral material. The upper impact space has an upper height region that neighbors the entry opening, a central height region that adjoins the upper height region, and a lower height region that is contiguous to the lower impact-grinding space, with the central height region being a region having a largest internal width and at a widest location thereof, which is above a crushing circle of the rotor, has a maximum width which is larger than a diameter of the crushing circle of the rotor.

Abstract: An agitator ball mill including an in particular horizontal grinding container, which has a first end area having a grinding material inlet and a second end area having a grinding material outlet, and a method for operating an agitator ball mill. The agitator ball mill includes a shaft, which can be rotated in the grinding container or in the grinding chamber, respectively, by means of a drive unit and which is formed as agitator shaft at least in sections and which is equipped with agitator elements, as well as a separating device. The separating device includes a classifier rotor, which is arranged on the agitator shaft axially spaced apart from the grinding material outlet and has a rotatable rotor cage, as well as a screen unit, which is arranged within the rotor cage and which is fastened to the classifier rotor.

Abstract: The present invention discloses low cost, on-site, efficient, and compact (stationary or mobile) system for continuous (non-batch operation) conversion of waste to usable products such as sources of energy, fertilizer, etc.

Abstract: A cyclonic separation and materials processing method and system is presented in which materials entry at one end and which is arranged so that the materials that enter will be given a tangential velocity component as they enter. Specific embodiments include a three-dimensional sorting system with the use of an outward centrifugal motion and up/down (or vertical) motion flow of water or other media, which can be thought of as “a three-dimensional separation”.

Abstract: A system multiple having units in a linear arrangement employs density separation processes. In one arrangement, the system provides more control over the agitation and forces separating the material. One system has a paddlewheel 115, 215 in some or all of the units to create movement to optimize the residence time (faster or slower) to optimize separation.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for producing aggregates from concrete residues which are not used for construction purposes or, more generally, from cement mixtures which are unused for any reason and returned to the production facility in the truck mixer. The present invention also relates to the material obtained by said process and its use as an aggregate for concrete production or other applications.

Abstract: A patterned optoelectronic tweezers (p-OET) device is provided. The p-OET device includes a top and a bottom electrode arranged in a parallel spaced apart relationship. A patterned photoconductor layer is provided on the bottom electrode, and forms a pattern comprising at least one raised region where the bottom electrode is coated by a photoconductor material and at least one hollow region where the bottom electrode is exposed. The pattern includes one or more boundaries between the raised and hollow regions. In some implementations, the boundaries of the patterned photoconductive layer define a permanent trap feature.

Abstract: A method is used for treating a salt solution using a treatment system. The treatment system has an evaporation device to which the salt solution produced in an upstream operation is supplied. A crystallizate suspension having kainite, halite, and sylvite is obtained from the evaporation device, and the kainite is then separated from the crystallizate suspension. The method for separating the kainite from the crystallizate suspension has at least the following steps: supplying the crystallizate suspension to a preliminary classifying device in which kainite is partly separated from the crystallizate suspension by means of a preliminary removal process based on the particle size of the kainite, thereby obtaining a kainite-reduced fraction, and transferring the kainite-reduced fraction to a flotation device in which the remaining content of kainite is separated from the kainite-reduced fraction.

Abstract: A surface cleaning apparatus has an upstream air treatment member and a downstream cyclonic cleaning stage that includes a plurality of cyclones in parallel. Each cyclone has a cyclone axis of rotation, a first end, an axially spaced apart second end, a sidewall extending between the first and second ends, an air inlet, an air outlet, and a sideways dirt outlet. The surface cleaning apparatus also includes a dirt collection chamber and a dirt collection plenum.

Abstract: A surface cleaning apparatus has an upstream air treatment member and a downstream cyclonic cleaning stage that includes a plurality of cyclones in parallel. Each cyclone has a cyclone axis of rotation, a first end, an axially spaced apart second end, a sidewall extending between the first and second ends, an air inlet, an air outlet, and a sideways dirt outlet. The surface cleaning apparatus also includes a dirt collection chamber and a dirt collection plenum.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a nozzle device for atomisation of a liquid, wherein the nozzle device comprises: a substrate, a sieve-side membrane comprising a plurality of sieve-side orifices, the sieve-side membrane being provided on a sieve-side of the substrate, a spray-side membrane comprising a plurality of spray-side orifices, the spray-side membrane being provided on a spray-side of the substrate, wherein the substrate has a first cavity portion extending to the sieve-side membrane, and a second cavity portion extending from the first cavity portion to the spray-side membrane, thereby providing fluid communication, along a fluid communication axis, between the sieve-side orifices and the spray-side orifices, the first cavity portion having a larger cross-sectional area than a cross-sectional area of the second cavity portion, the cross-sections being with respect to the fluid communication axis.

Abstract: An applicator having a housing and a nozzle is described, the nozzle being convertible from a first geometric shape to a different second geometric shape by an operator snapping the exterior tip off the nozzle, thereby exposing an interior tip.

Abstract: The liquid container according to the present disclosure is a liquid container to be detachably attached to the main body portion of an apparatus. The liquid container includes a container main body, a ventilation hole, and a lid. The container main body includes an upper portion, a bottom portion, and side portions connecting the upper portion and the bottom portion. The container main body is capable of storing a liquid. The ventilation hole penetrates the upper portion of the container main body. The lid is disposed on an inner side of the container main body and, when the liquid is stored in the container main body, is capable of closing or opening the ventilation hole according to a change in a surface of the liquid. The lid includes a fulcrum positioned closer to the side portion of the container main body than to the ventilation hole. The lid is pivotable around the fulcrum with respect to the ventilation hole.

Abstract: An electrostatic atomizing apparatus includes a main body portion, a container, a first air flow path, a second air flow path, an electrostatic atomization unit, and an air flow generation unit. The container is detachable from the main body portion, is capable of storing a liquid, and includes a first ventilation hole and a second ventilation hole. The first air flow path includes a first end that includes an air suction port, and a second end that connects to the first ventilation hole. The second air flow path includes a third end that connects to the second ventilation hole, and a fourth end that includes an air exhaust port. The electrostatic atomization unit is disposed on the second air flow path. The air flow generation unit generates an air flow that causes air to flow through the first air flow path, through the container, and through the second air flow path.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to ultrahigh efficiency spray drying systems and processes, utilizing induction of localized turbulence in a drying fluid flow stream to produce spray dried product, having particular utility for low temperature spray drying operations. In a specific implementation, a method of processing a spray dryable liquid composition to form a spray dried product includes the steps of: generating a spray of the spray dryable liquid composition; contacting the spray of spray dryable liquid composition in a spray drying contact zone with a stream of primary drying fluid; injecting pressurized secondary drying fluid into the stream of primary drying fluid in the spray drying contact zone at multiple loci thereof to provide localized turbulence at said multiple loci; and recovering the spray dried product from the spray drying contact zone.

Abstract: A coating device includes a rotary head, a power supply part that applies a voltage to the rotary head, and a control part that controls the power supply part. The rotary head is configured so that a coating material is electrostatically atomized. The control part is configured so as to calculate a discharge current based on a total current flowing from the power supply part to the rotary head and a leak current, and control the power supply part based on the discharge current.

Abstract: In order to provide an aerosol device (100) that makes it possible to provide an aerosol having an optimised composition, in particular optimised droplet size distribution, it is proposed that the aerosol device (100) should include the following: an aerosol casing (102); one or more aerosol nozzles (104) for generating an aerosol stream from a carrier gas and a liquid, wherein the one or more aerosol nozzles (104) are directed into an interior (106) of the aerosol casing (102) and/or are arranged in the aerosol casing (102); one or more carrier duct connection points (156) for connecting one or more carrier ducts (158), by means of which the aerosol is guidable away from the interior (106) of the aerosol casing (102).

Abstract: A distribution system for delivering preheated epoxy material for spray application includes a bundle of lines that terminate on their far end in a manifold. The distribution system is uniquely constructed in a manner such that it delivers the correct materials individually to the manifold while maintaining separate flows of the materials. This separation of the materials until ready for spraying prevents mixing of the two-part epoxy which at the elevated delivery temperatures would result in early curing of the epoxy within the delivery system itself. The bundle of lines contains at least one and preferably two base epoxy delivery lines, at least one catalyst delivery line, at least one heating circuit and an auxiliary heater at the manifold end. The manifold terminates in a static mixer that in turn delivers the mixed epoxy to a spray head for spray application to the substrate.

Abstract: Provided is a spray pot which includes: a body; a detachable inner liner arranged in the body; a closing member which is arranged at the bottom of the inner liner, is in a closed state when the body is placed uprightly and fluid is injected into the inner liner, and is in an opened state when the body is inverted and the fluid is discharged from the inner liner; clamping portions arranged at a bottom of the body and configured to fix the closing member to the body; and a cover arranged at a top of the body, connected with a spray gun, and tightly matched with both the body and the inner liner.

Abstract: A hand-depressing vacuum pumping device includes a liquid container having a top connected to a guide cover, which has a first passage in communication with an interior receiving space of the liquid container, a float-based safety switch, a check valve, and an exposed tube connected to a top of a pump cylinder. The pump cylinder includes a one-way piston arranged therein and the one-way piston is connected to a piston rod and a pressing stem. The pump cylinder has a bottom end connected to a second passage of the guide cover. Depressing the pressing stem downward causes the one-way piston to expel air out and pulling the pressing stem upward causes air to flow from the interior of the liquid container through the one-way piston to the bottom of the pump cylinder so as to evacuate the receiving space of the container to generate vacuum that induces a suction force.

Abstract: Locking features of a pump system may include projections and corresponding features on a piston stem and lock cylinder of a pump system such that the features are configured to require an increased amount of force to rotate and unlock the piston stem from the lock cylinder.

Abstract: An electrostatic atomizing system includes an air flow path having an air intake port and an air exhaust port, a humidifying device, an electrostatic atomizing apparatus, a first sensor, and a control unit. The humidifying device humidifies the air taken in through the air intake port. The electrostatic atomizing apparatus includes an electrode section operable to produce charged particulate water by causing the water in the air humidified by the humidifying device to condense on an electrode and applying voltage to that electrode. Moreover, the electrostatic atomizing apparatus exhausts air that contains the charged particulate water through the air exhaust port. The first sensor senses at least one of humidity and temperature of the air humidified by the humidifying device. The control unit determines, based on a sensing result of the first sensor, if there is a fault in the humidifying device or the electrostatic atomizing apparatus, and outputs the result of the determination.

Abstract: Apparatus for spraying a material on a surface comprises at least one elongate member having a distal end and a proximal end, at least one spray nozzle mounted at the distal end of the elongate member for spraying the material in a spray pattern, the spray nozzle being connected to a spray material input at the proximal end of the elongate member, a camera mounted at the distal end of the elongate member and connected to a camera output at the proximal end of the elongate member, the camera being arranged to capture images of the spray pattern, and a control mechanism arranged to control the operation of the spray nozzle from the proximal end of the elongate member.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for securement of parts. One embodiment is a method for securing a part during fabrication. The method includes forming an interference fit between a pin and a wall defining a hole, supporting a weight of the part with the interference fit, and rotating the part around an axis of the part while the weight of the part is supported.

Abstract: The disclosure concerns a coating method and a corresponding coating device for coating components with a nozzle applicator with several nozzles, in particular for painting motor vehicle body components. The disclosure provides that the nozzle applicator is flexibly controlled during the coating method.

Abstract: A sprinkler includes a nozzle assembly attached to an upper portion a the sprinkler. The nozzle assembly includes a nozzle strip having nozzles and an angle plate in contact with the nozzle strip. The angle plate includes angle plate grooves and teeth. The nozzles extend through the angle plate grooves. The upper portion includes nozzle openings that correspond to the angle plate grooves. The nozzles extend through the nozzle openings. The angle plate grooves overlap with the nozzle openings to form an adjustable intersection opening. The sprinkler includes a controller having a knob extending outside the sprinkler and teeth positioned inside the sprinkler. The teeth mesh with the teeth of the angle plate. The controller drives the angle plate and an axis of at least one of the plurality of nozzles extending outside the sprinkler varies based on a position of the angle plate.

Abstract: A sprinkler includes a body having an upper portion removably attached to a lower portion. The upper portion includes a nozzle strip and lower nozzle plate. The lower portion includes a hollow body, a locking plate, and a controller connected to the locking plate. The locking plate is configured to move in a lengthwise direction. The locking plate includes a locking plate tab and a locking plate groove. The lower nozzle plate includes a nozzle plate tab. The hollow body comprises a vertical channel configured to accommodate the locking plate tab in a first position. The nozzle plate tab is arranged beneath the locking plate tab in the first position. The locking plate tab is arranged outside the vertical channel in a second position. The controller is configured to move the locking plate to the first position and to the second position to facilitate removal of the upper portion.

Abstract: In a piezoelectric ejector assembly, a piezoelectric actuator is attached to an ejector mechanism, while a drive signal generator and a controller are coupled to the actuator. The drive signal generator is configured to generate a drive signal for driving the actuator to oscillate the ejector assembly. The controller is configured to control the drive signal generator to drive the actuator at a resonant frequency of the ejector assembly, and an auto-tuning circuit is provided to define the optimum drive signal frequency.

Abstract: This invention relates to a dispenser device for and a method of applying a structural adhesive to an application surface on a wind turbine blade structure, wherein the dispenser device comprises a housing forming a reservoir configured to hold a surplus of structural adhesive during dispensing. The reservoir is connected to an inlet for supplying the structural adhesive and an outlet for dispensing the structural adhesive. The outlet may be a side opening arranged in an exchangeable housing part. The dispenser device may also comprise an adjustable mechanism connected to a plate member configured to be moved relative to the side opening. The operation of the adjustable mechanism is controlled via a control unit or a control element. The exchangeable housing part or adjustable mechanism enables the cross-sectional profile, the width and/or the height of the dispensed structural adhesive to be changed before or during dispensing.

Abstract: A dispensing system includes a container containing a flowable base formulation to be dispensed, an additive mixing device, and an actuable pump engine which draws the flowable base formulation from the container and pumps it through the mixing device. The additive mixing device includes a body with an internal cavity, an additive ingredient within the cavity, and a flow path/mixing chamber between an input and an output. With each pump of the device the additive ingredient is introduced into, and mixed with, a flow of the base formulation traveling through the mixing device. Multiple additive mixing devices may be interchangeable for different formulations, and the mixing devices may be refillable.

Abstract: A system and method for enhanced monitoring and sorting of delivery items, such as packages, which are moved and sorted via a delivery service conveyor device. Conventional systems may employ photocells, which detect interrupted light beams, to identify packages or delivery items along a conveyor path. The present system and method enhances photocell function by adding image detection and analysis to the mail path; and further by modifying the photocell signals to the sorter/conveyor control. The present sensing system is located in the same area on the transport as the photocell, and uses a camera to capture an image of the mail path in the photocell area. The system and method then analyzes a package image to formulate a more accurate item detection signal, based on photocell data and image data, for input to the sorter/conveyor control system.

Abstract: There is disclosed an apparatus and method for sorting gemstones from a batch of gemstones. The apparatus comprises one or more measurement locations, each comprising at least one measurement device configured to measure one or more properties of a gemstone. A continuously moveable surface supports the gemstones thereon and transports the gemstones to the one or more measurement locations. A separation device separates the gemstones from one another as they are transported on the moveable surface to the one or more measurement locations. A location trigger at a sensor location comprises a sensor for identifying when the gemstone passes through the sensor location.

Abstract: Systems and methods for sorting utilizing an inflatable actuator are disclosed. A sorting system utilizing an inflatable actuator includes an inflatable actuator. The inflatable actuator is disposed in a cantilever beam orientation atop a support surface. The system includes an inflation component coupled to the inflatable actuator to provide an inflation force. Additionally, the system includes a control component configured to send an activation signal to the inflation component responsive to a detection of an object to be sorted. Responsive to the activation signal, the inflation component inflates the inflatable actuator to cause the inflatable actuator to make contact with the object to be sorted. The contact of the inflatable actuator with the object to be sorted causes the object to change from a first trajectory to a second trajectory.

Abstract: A lens and/or a view screen of an electronic device having at least one case can be cleaned by wiping the view screen with a cleaning component wherein the cleaning component is configured to selectively couple to the at least one case or some other substrate using a magnetic attractive force. The cleaning devices may have secondary applications such as securing fly fishing lures, activating or deactivating a device having a magnetic switch, or preventing sunglasses from sinking. They may also be manufactured without a cleaning component for use with the secondary applications.

Abstract: A portable cleaning device comprising a generally cylindrical container for receiving a fluid to a predetermined level and defining a container axis and having a bottom wall and a top opening at opposing axial ends along said container axis; a basket for supporting items to be cleaned and dimensioned to be removably receivable within said container, said basket defining a basket axis that is substantially coextensive with said container axis when said basket is received within said container and being configured to be rotatably supported for rotation on said bottom wall about said axes when received within said container; and spinning means for spinning said basket on said bottom wall about said axes when said basket is received within said container, whereby spinning said basket within said container on said bottom wall when immersed in fluid below said predetermined level creates turbulence and agitates the fluid in contact with the items to be cleaned to dislodge soil particles and contaminants from the it

Abstract: The present disclosure describes a wafer cleaning process in which a drained cleaning solution, which is used to remove metal contaminants from the wafer, is sampled and analyzed to determine the concentration of metal ions in the solution. The wafer cleaning process includes dispensing, in a wafer cleaning station, a chemical solution on one or more waters; collecting the dispensed chemical solution; determining a concentration of contaminants in the chemical solution; in response to the concentration of the contaminants being greater than a baseline value, adjusting one or more parameters in the cleaning process; and in response to the concentration of the contaminants being equal to or less than the baseline value, transferring the one or more wafers out of the wafer cleaning station.

Abstract: A system is disclosed herein. The system includes a tank, a tube, a cooler, and a concentration meter. The tank is configured to contain first liquid. The tube is coupled to the tank and configured to convey the first liquid from the tank. The cooler covers the tube to cool the first liquid conveyed by the tube. The concentration meter is configured to measure a concentration of the first liquid cooled by the cooler.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for removing a polymeric material from a surface of a nanostructure. The method includes applying, by a scanning probe microscope, an electrical field between a probe tip of the scanning probe microscope and the nanostructure, and simultaneously scanning over the surface of the nanostructure. Thereby, bonds connecting the polymeric material to the surface of the nanostructure are broken. A further step includes cleaning the surface of the nanostructure. A scanning probe microscope for performing such a method and a computer program product for controlling the scanning probe microscope are also disclosed.

Abstract: An appliance and a method for removing deposits from interiors of receptacles or facilities by way of explosion technology. The appliance includes a supply device for providing an explosive mixture or its starting components, as well as a transport conduit that is connected to the supply device and serves for transporting explosive mixture to a cleaning location. The transport conduit is designed at least in sections as a transport hose.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for cleaning a component for use in an ultra-high vacuum. The method may comprise the steps of placing the component to be cleaned in a vacuum furnace chamber; plasma cleaning the component at a temperature of greater than about 80° C.; and evacuating the chamber to a pressure of less than about 10E-5 mbar. Apparatus for performing such methods and kits comprising said components are also provided.

Abstract: A method includes introducing ozone toward a photoresist layer over a substrate. The ozone is decomposed into dioxygen and first atomic oxygen. The dioxygen is decomposed into second atomic oxygen. The first atomic oxygen and the second atomic oxygen are reacted with the photoresist layer. An apparatus that performs the method is also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention discloses a device for cleaning, recycling, and compressing a plastic beverage bottle, which includes a body. The body is provided with a working cavity. The working cavity is provided with a moving conveyor belt. The conveyor belt is provided with a fixed cavity. The cavity is provided with a fixing device for fixing the water bottle. The motor is first moved away, and the plastic bottles are fixed between the fixing blocks, and then water is injected into the water injection port. The device can wash and clean the plastic bottles after drinking, thus completing the automatic preliminary treatment of plastic bottles. Compared with traditional processing methods, the device does not require manual processing of plastic bottles, saving manpower and material resources. At the same time, the device cleans plastic bottles, which can ensure that during subsequent reprocessing, there can be health protection.

Abstract: A biosensor includes an array of metal nanorods formed on a substrate. An electropolymerized conductor is formed over tops of a portion of the nanorods to form a reservoir between the electropolymerized conductor and the substrate. The electropolymerized conductor includes pores that open and close responsively to electrical signals applied to the nanorods. A dispensing material is loaded in the reservoir to be dispersed in accordance with open pores.