Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of distillation of isotopes obtained by distillation columns. An object of the present invention is to describe an innovative distillation column which provides significant improvements to the prior art. In particular, the distillation column will be a modular innovatively conceived column having any needed height.

Abstract: Provided is a feed spacer, in which angles of strands are differently formed in one feed spacer according to a flow direction of raw water, so that a differential pressure decrease region and a recovery increase region are separated to perform multiple functions, and a reverse osmosis filter module including the feed spacer.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to ion-exchange systems and devices that can monitor key parameters related to the performance of the ion-exchange device. Specifically, the ion-exchange systems and devices disclosed herein can provide real time voltage drop across groups of membrane pairs using diagnostic spacer borders between the pairs. In addition, the ion-exchange systems and devices disclosed herein can monitor the compression force applied by the compression plates holding the ion-exchange systems and devices together.

Abstract: An external circulation-type hollow fiber membrane module which has a high processing capacity and which is capable of inhibiting a to-be-treated liquid within a case from flowing through a short path and efficiently bringing the liquid into contact with a hollow fiber membrane in whichever direction of a vertical direction, a horizontal direction, etc., the liquid flows. An external circulation-type hollow fiber membrane module is provided with: a hollow fiber membrane bundle; a case; and a short-path prevention body that blocks flowing of a to-be-treated liquid in a gap between the hollow fiber membrane bundle and the case, wherein a first end of the hollow fiber membrane bundle is fixed in the case, and the short-path prevention body is provided to the downstream side of a first port which is a liquid flow-in port in the case so as to project from the inner surface of the case.

Abstract: An asymmetric polyvinylidene chloride copolymer membrane is made by a method using a dope solution comprised of a polyvinylidene chloride copolymer and a solvent that solubilizes the polyvinylidene chloride copolymer that is shaped to form an initial shaped membrane. The initial shaped membrane is then quenched in a liquid comprised of a solvent that is miscible with the solvent that solubilizes the polyvinylidene chloride copolymer but is immiscible with the polyvinylidene chloride copolymer to form a wet asymmetric polyvinylidene chloride copolymer membrane. The solvents are removed from the wet membrane to form the asymmetric polyvinylidene chloride (PVDC) copolymer membrane. The membrane then may be further heated to form a carbon asymmetric membrane in which the porous support structure and separation layer of the PVDC membrane is maintained.

Abstract: The invention relates generally to forward osmosis membranes and methods of making forward osmosis membranes, in particular improved thin support layer upon which an active layer is cast.

Abstract: A porous membrane includes a modacrylic copolymer. The modacrylic copolymer includes, with respect to 100 parts by mass of all structural units constituting the modacrylic copolymer, 15 to 85 parts by mass of a structural unit derived from acrylonitrile, 15 to 85 parts by mass of a structural unit derived from at least one halogen-containing monomer selected from the group consisting of vinyl halide and vinylidene halide, and 0 to 10 parts by mass of a structural unit derived from a vinyl monomer having an ionic substituent. The porous membrane can be produced by preparing a modacrylic copolymer solution by dissolving the modacrylic copolymer in a solvent, and bringing the modacrylic copolymer solution into contact with a non-solvent for the modacrylic copolymer such that the modacrylic copolymer solution is solidified.

Abstract: A dual-action water aerator includes structure that generates fine, fizz-type bubbles and structure that generates larger, more roiling bubbles that cause circulation within a body of water in which the aerator is submerged. The disclosed embodiments include a ring-shaped hub with a central aperture, with a central tube extending axially from the aperture. A number of fine-bubble-producing members extend outwardly from the hub and may be attached to the hub using a twist-lock connection designed to facilitate rapid assembly and deployment of the aerator. An internal air chase extends circumferentially around the aperture. A portion of air supplied to the air chase flows into the fine-bubble-producing members and fizzes out through the members, and another portion of air that is supplied to the air chase flows into the central tube and bubbles up out of the tube in a roiling manner to cause circulation in the body of water.

Abstract: A bubble splitter, which is arranged for splitting gas bubbles in a bubbled liquid in at least a micro size, includes a splitting housing, a plurality of first splitting discs, and a plurality of second splitting discs. The first and second splitting discs are alternating with each other to be spacedly supported within the splitting housing, wherein a plurality of peripheral passages are formed at peripheral portions of the first splitting discs respectively and a plurality of central passages are formed at center portions of the second splitting discs respectively. The bubbled liquid is detoured to radially and outwardly move from the central passage to the peripheral passage and is detoured to radially and inwardly move from the peripheral passage to the central passage so as to split the gas bubbles in the bubbled liquid in at least a micro size.

Abstract: A blender for blending ingredients from a container with a fluid includes a bottle including a chamber with an opening to receive the fluid and a shoulder about the opening. The blender further includes a lid configured to couple with the bottle that includes a container receiver. The container receiver is configured to receive the container containing the ingredients and position the container against the shoulder when the lid is coupled to the bottle, wherein the shoulder is configured to have a shape and size to receive and seat the container. The container receiver is further configured to apply pressure to the container while the shoulder holds the container stationary to discharge the ingredients from the container into the chamber.

Abstract: A blender system includes a blender including a bottle having a chamber, and a lid configured to couple with the bottle, the lid having a container receiver. The blender system also includes a container having a nutrient receptacle to receive contents with a closed end, a receptacle opening opposite the closed end, and at least one flap coupled to the nutrient receptacle via a flap hinge and positioned in a closed position to cover a portion of the receptacle opening. The container receiver is configured to position the container such that coupling the lid to the bottle with the container in the container receiver causes the at least one flap to rotate on the flap hinge to an open position to discharge the contents into the blending chamber.

Abstract: Systems and methods are for creating liquid toroidal mixing patterns within microliter volumes of liquids are contemplated. An electrode geometry comprising peripheral electrodes defining an annular configuration and interior electrodes are contemplated, to which an alternating current may be applied. Via control of the frequency, waveform, amplitude and bias of the current, liquids and the components of those liquids may be mixed in a toroidal motion. This same electrode geometry may also be used to accomplish the deposition of targeted materials onto the surface of the peripheral or interior electrode by further manipulating the frequency, amplitude, and bias of the waveform of the applied current. Methods of applying such techniques are also contemplated in the context of blood typing assays, latex agglutination assays, micro array assays, transfection, transduction, and tissue engineering methods, and it may be seen that such techniques may result in substantial benefits.

Abstract: A device for spherification of a liquid includes a first device for storing a first liquid; and a spherification tank for storing a second liquid, arranged so that the second liquid defines a level of the second liquid in the spherification tank. A device meters the first liquid coming from the first tank into the spherification tank. An extraction device extracts spheres generated in the spherification tank as a result of the metering. The extraction device includes a worm screw located in the spherification tank, the worm screw being arranged at an angle to the level, and a motor for rotating the worm screw.

Abstract: An extruding nozzle is provided. The extruding nozzle includes a housing and a radiator. The radiator is at least partially disposed within the housing. The extruding nozzle also includes at least one material flow channel. The at least one material flow channel is at least partially disposed within the housing and extends through the radiator.

Abstract: The present invention relates to microencapsulation of core materials utilizing one or more unsaturated alkyl carboxylic acids and/or one or more unsaturated alkyl esters which are capable of oxidation and microcapsule formation. The unsaturated alkyl carboxylic acid(s) may specifically include drying oils and/or drying oil components. The unsaturated alkyl ester(s) may specifically include a glycerol ester of a fatty acid.

Abstract: The present invention provides a process for preparing microcapsules comprising a core material encapsulated by a metal oxide shell, microcapsules obtained therewith and uses thereof.

Abstract: Described herein is a mineralized core-shell microcapsule slurry including at least one microcapsule having: a) an oil-based core including a hydrophobic active ingredient; b) a polymeric shell having a terminating charged functional surface; and c) a mineral layer on the terminating charged functional surface. Also described herein is a process for a preparation of said microcapsules. Also described herein are perfuming compositions and consumer products including said microcapsules, including perfumed consumer products in the form of home care or personal care products.

Abstract: This application discloses the approach of synthesizing cellulose acetate nanoparticles and rods which may have a chemically functionalized surface and an encapsulated cargo load. Functionalization and/or loading of the cargo are made through a physical mixing of the functionalizing and/or cargo components in the synthesizing bath. This can result in particles with functionalized surfaces with various functional groups, as well as active cargo load encapsulated in the particles. The encapsulated cargo includes but is not limited to biologically, chemically, and optically active substances.

Abstract: A composition for stably preparing a hollow particle by a coacervation method, a hollow particle prepared using a composition for preparing a hollow particle, and a method of preparing a hollow particle are disclosed. A mono-disperse hollow particle is stably provided by excellent coacervate forming capability, such that it is expected to be beneficially used as a carrier in various fields such as a cosmetic, a paint, plastic, rubber, a synthetic wood, a refractory material, and an agricultural chemical.

Abstract: A method of encapsulating particulate materials. The method of encapsulating particulate materials may be used to multi coat a coated thermoplastic particle. The method includes providing an amount of acidified water in an amount to hydrolyze a pre-determined amount of alkoxysilane. A particulate thermoplastic material is dispersed within the acidified water. Once dispersed, an amount of alkoxysilane having a pre-determined formula is added and an amount of time is allowed to pass thereby allowing the alkoxysilane to hydrolyze and build a particle having a pre-determined particle size. Once the particle with pre-determined particle size has been obtained, the particles may be combined with alkoxysilane having a pre-determined formula and an amount of time is allowed to pass thereby allowing the alkoxysilane to hydrolyze and build a particle having a pre-determined particle size. This provides an encapsulated particulate material having one or more coatings thereon.

Abstract: An apparatus 100 for conducting chemical reactions in a process fluid is provided, comprising a central shaft 1 with a number of axial-radial rotors 3 mounted thereon, a plurality of stationary vanes 2 disposed upstream the rotor and a mixing space 4 disposed downstream of the rotor, wherein the mixing space is configured to convert mechanical energy imparted to the process fluid by the rotor into internal energy of said process fluid and to establish conditions for an at least one chemical reaction in the process fluid to occur. Related arrangement, method and uses of the apparatus are further provided.

Abstract: In accordance with one aspect of the presently disclosed inventive concepts, a porous ceramic structure includes a three-dimensional printed structure having predefined features, where the three-dimensional structure has a geometric shape. The average length of the features may be at least 10 microns. The three-dimensional structure includes a ceramic material having an open cell structure with a plurality of pores, where the pores form continuous channels through the ceramic material from one side of the ceramic material to an opposite side of the ceramic material.

Abstract: An oxygen storage material including a ceria-zirconia based composite oxide containing a composite oxide of ceria and zirconia, wherein the ceria-zirconia based composite oxide comprises at least one rare-earth element selected from the group consisting of lanthanum, yttrium, and neodymium, and an amount of the rare-earth element(s) contained in total is 1 to 10% by atom in terms of element relative to a total amount of cerium and zirconium in the ceria-zirconia based composite oxide, 60 to 85% by atom of the entire amount of the rare-earth element(s) is contained in a near-surface upper-layer region extending from a surface of each primary particle of the ceria-zirconia based composite oxide to a depth of 50 nm in the primary particle, and 15 to 40% by atom of the entire amount of the rare-earth element(s) is contained in a near-surface lower-layer region extending from a depth of 50 nm to a depth of 100 nm in the primary particle, a content ratio of cerium and zirconium in the ceria-zirconia based compos

Abstract: To provide a highly active structured catalyst for methanol reforming that suppresses the decline in catalytic function and has excellent catalytic function, and a methanol reforming device. A structured catalyst for methanol reforming, including: a support of a porous structure composed of a zeolite-type compound; and a catalytic substance present in the support, in which the support has channels communicating with each other, and the catalytic substance is present at least in the channels of the support.

Abstract: An object of the present disclosure is to provide a structured photocatalyst that can effectively prevent aggregation of photocatalyst particles and maintain favorable photocatalytic functionality over a long period of time. A structured photocatalyst including a support of porous structure including a zeolite-type compound and at least one photocatalytic substance present in the support, the support including channels connecting with each other, and the photocatalytic substance including metal oxide nanoparticles and being present at least at the channels of the support.

Abstract: Provided are a structured catalyst for aromatic hydrocarbon production and an aromatic hydrocarbon producing device including a structured catalyst for aromatic hydrocarbon production, in which a reduction in catalytic activity is suppressed and an aromatic hydrocarbon can be efficiently produced. A structured catalyst for aromatic hydrocarbon production, including: a support of a porous framework composed of a zeolite-type compound; and at least one catalytic substance present in the support, in which the support has channels communicating with each other, and the catalytic substance is made of metal nanoparticles and is present at least in the channels of the support.

Abstract: Provided are a structured catalyst for CO shift or reverse shift that can realize a long life time by suppressing the decline in function, a method for producing the same, a CO shift or reverse shift reactor, a method for producing carbon dioxide and hydrogen, and a method for producing carbon monoxide and water. The structured catalyst for CO shift or reverse shift (1) includes a support (10) of a porous structure composed of a zeolite-type compound, and at least one CO shift or reverse shift catalytic substance (20) present in the support (10), the support (10) has channels (11) connecting with each other, and the CO shift or reverse shift catalytic substance (20) is present at least in the channels (11) of the support (10).

Abstract: The structured catalyst for oxidation for exhaust gas purification includes a support having a porous structure constituted by a zeolite-type compound, and at least one type of oxidation catalyst that is present in the support and selected from the group consisting of metal and metal oxide, the support having channels that communicate with each other, and the oxidation catalyst being present in at least the channels of the support.

Abstract: A composition comprising a support material which comprises silicon carbide on the surface of which a zeolitic material of the AEI/CHA family is supported, wherein at least 99 weight-% of the framework structure of the zeolitic material consist of a tetravalent element Y which is one or more of Si, Ge, Ti, Sn and V; a trivalent element X which is one or more of Al, Ga, In, and B; O; and H.

Abstract: To provide a functional structural body that can realize ong life time by suppressing the decline in function of the functional substance and that can attempt to save resources without requiring a complicated replacement operation, and to provide a method for making the functional structural body. The functional structural body (1) includes a skeletal body (10) of a porous structure composed of a zeolite-type compound, and at least one functional substance (20) present in the skeletal body (10), the skeletal body (10) has channels (11) connecting with each other, and the functional substance is present at least the channels (11) of the skeletal body (10).

Abstract: Provided are a novel form of AFX zeolite, a novel synthesis technique for producing pure phase small pore zeolites, a novel synthesis method for producing a zeolite with an increased Al pair content, a catalyst comprising the AFX zeolite in combination with a metal, and methods of using the same.

Abstract: A pre-catalyst composition comprising a) a silica support comprising silica wherein an amount of silica ranges from about 70 wt. % to about 95 wt. % based upon a total weight of the silica support, b) a chromium-containing compound wherein an amount of chromium ranges from about 0.1 wt. % to about 5 wt. % based upon the amount of silica, c) a titanium-containing compound wherein an amount of titanium ranges from about 0.1 wt. % to about 20 wt. % based upon the amount of silica, d) a carboxylic acid wherein an equivalent molar ratio of titanium-containing compound to carboxylic acid ranges from about 1:1 to about 1:10, and e) a nitrogen-containing compound with a molecular formula containing at least one nitrogen atom wherein an equivalent molar ratio of titanium-containing compound to nitrogen-containing compound ranges from about 1:0.5 to about 1:10.

Abstract: Provided are a cell dispensing and storing apparatus and a method of the same. The method includes: moving a freezing container with a test tube in it and a temporary storage bottle containing sample cells into a dispensing area. Connect the temporary storage bottle with an injecting assembly. A dispensing clamp moves the test tube from the freezing container to a tube rack on a rotating platform. A rotating clamp removes a tube cover from the test tube. An injecting nozzle extracts the sample cells from the temporary storage bottle and dispenses the sample cells into the test tube. The rotating clamp puts the tube cover back on the test tube. The dispensing clamp moves the test tube back into the freezing container. A freezing clamp moves the freezing container into a freezer.

Abstract: Surfaces contactable by a bulk liquid for use in particle isolation are described. The surfaces comprise a plurality of ribs spaced apart to capillarily retain a portion of the bulk liquid and particles of interest therebetween. Collectively, the portion of the bulk liquid retained by the plurality of ribs on the surface forms a liquid film. The one or more particles received within the space and enveloped by the liquid film may be protected from one or more forces exerted by a draining meniscus passing over the surface.

Abstract: The invention provides an analysis plate (10) including at least one analysis zone for receiving a sample to be analyzed by mass spectrometry using the MALDI-TOF technique, the plate being of the type having at least one test face (12) with at least one analysis zone defined thereon and of the type in which the plate includes a support (18) that is plane, the plate being characterized in that the support (18) comprises at least one sheet (20) of paper material comprising cellulose fibers, and in that the analysis plate (10) includes at least one ply (24) of metal material.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to an inspection method using a patch and a storage medium, the inspection method including: preparing a storage medium for storing a reagent in a non-activated state, the reagent being used to inspect whether a sample includes a target substance; preparing a patch including a network structure in which multiple microcavities are formed and a base substance that imparts an active condition to the reagent; contacting the storage medium with the patch to transfer a portion of the reagent to the patch; accommodating, in the patch, the transferred reagent put into an activated state by the base substance; and contacting the patch with the sample.

Abstract: A lateral flow testing device (1) comprises a main body (3) adapted to support an element (5) for collecting a sample (100), said sample collection element (5) being supported at a distal end (1d) of the testing device (1) and being in fluid communication with one or more testing components (7), the testing components comprising an analyte detection zone for detecting one or more analytes present in said sample. The testing components produce visual information (200) related to said sample (100), thereby informing the user of the outcome of a test. The device incorporates a handle (9) reconfigurable with respect to said main body (3) such that in one or more first handle configurations (11) the handle (9) hinders sight of the visual information (200), and in one or more second handle configurations (13) the handle (9) facilitates the collection of said sample (100) by increasing a distance between a proximal end (1p) of the testing device (1) and the sample collection element (5).

Abstract: A colorimetric sensor for detecting an analyte of interest that includes multiple surfaces and a molecularly imprinted polymer defining a cavity shaped to receive an analyte of interest. Each surface defines a void (e.g., a pore or a nanohole) and at least one surface defines a fluid inlet. The sensor is configured such that, when an analyte contacts the molecularly imprinted polymer and becomes disposed within the cavity, a wettability of at least one of the surfaces changes thereby to cause a detectable color change in the sensor. Optionally, the sensor may also include a metal layer at a bottom of each void or nanohole and outside a top of each void or nanohole for use as a plasmon resonance-type sensor.

Abstract: The object of the present invention is a method for detection of a nucleic acid in a sample by nucleic acid separation and enrichment by using a bidirectional electro-hydrodynamic flow in a non-newtonian liquid medium, where the method further comprises the addition of probes intended to hybridize with a target nucleic acid so as to introduce a modification of the molecular weight of the target nucleic acid during hybridization with the probes in order to allow the separation of nucleic acid/probe complexes from the nucleic acid alone or the probes alone when the sample is subject to hydrodynamic and electrical action in order to allow the detection of the target nucleic acid.

Abstract: A microfluidic probe includes a probe head with a processing surface that includes a first aperture and a second aperture. The probe further includes a liquid injection channel, which leads to the first aperture, and a liquid aspiration channel, which extends from the second aperture. The probe also includes a bypass channel, arranged so as to fluidly connect the liquid injection channel to the liquid aspiration channel, as well as a control channel. The latter fluidly connects to the bypass channel, hence forming a junction therewith, so as to define two portions of the bypass channel. These portions includes: a first portion that extends from the junction to the liquid injection channel; and a second portion that extends from that same junction to the liquid aspiration channel. The invention is further directed to methods of operation of a probe as described above, to process a surface.

Abstract: A microfluidic device comprising one or more fluidic microchannels and one or more arrays of cell assay units is disclosed. Each cell assay unit in turn comprises at one bipolar electrode, micropocket, reaction chamber, and leak channel. In some embodiments, the cell assay unit further comprises two or more split BPEs inside the reaction chamber. The disclosed microfluidic device can be used to separate cells, especially rare cells, from its biological matrix and then analyze the isolated cell inside the reaction chamber. The disclosed device can isolate and analyze cells in a high-throughput fashion and without any modification or labelling to the cells. Cells isolated using the disclosed devices does not lose their vitality.

Abstract: Microfluidics sensor devices having an array of smart polymer hydrogel features for resistive channel analyte sensing via hydrogel swelling and de-swelling, and methods of manufacturing and using the same. Inexpensive, rapid-responsive, point-of-use sensors for monitoring disease biomarkers or environmental contaminants in, for example, drinking water, employ smart polymer hydrogels as recognition elements that can be tailored to detect almost any target analyte. Fabrication involves mask-templated UV photopolymerization to produce an array of smart hydrogel pillars, with large surface area-to-volume ratios, inside sub-millimeter channels located on microfluidics devices. The pillars swell or shrink upon contact aqueous solutions containing a target analyte, thereby changing the resistance of the microfluidic channel to ionic current flow when a bias voltage is applied to the system. Hence resistance measurements can be used to transduce hydrogel swelling changes into electrical signals.

Abstract: A modular system for constructing a variety of self-contained analytical cartridges enabled to perform a number of symmetrical or asymmetrical tests on a single sample source within a single device. Said cartridges are embodied as a readily reversible assemblage of two or more modules that are, in turn, operable to perform one or more tasks of an analytical test as discrete articles-of-manufacture. A programmable reagent delivery system comprising one or more serialized reagent clusters having one or more wet cells (individually packaged reagents) and zero or more dry cells (calibrated spacers); wherein, said wet cells are arranged in a linear series corresponding to prescribed temporal release sequence and dry cells are interpositioned between wet cells in a manner that enables two or more test protocols having asymmetrical release sequences to be synchronized such that a single mechanism can actuate more than one test protocol simultaneously.

Abstract: Microfluidic systems having photodetectors disclosed therein and methods of producing the same are disclosed herein. According to an aspect, a microfluidic system includes a body including an interior wall that at least partially defines an interior space for receipt of fluid. Further, the microfluidic system includes a photodetector disposed on the interior wall and positioned to receive light from fluid in the interior space for generating an electrical signal representative of the received light.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are systems and methods for serial flow emulsion processes. Systems and methods as described herein result in reduced cross-contamination.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are systems and methods for serial flow emulsion processes. Systems and methods as described herein result in reduced cross-contamination.

Abstract: Devices, systems, and their methods of use, for generating droplets are provided. One or more geometric parameters of a microfluidic channel can be selected to generate droplets of a desired and predictable droplet size.

Abstract: Air-matrix digital microfluidics (DMF) apparatuses and methods of using them to prevent or limit evaporation and surface fouling of the DMF apparatus. In particular, described herein are air-matrix DMF apparatuses and methods of using them including thermally controllable regions with a wax material that may be used to selectively encapsulate a reaction droplet in the air gap of the apparatus; additional aqueous droplets may be combined with the encapsulated droplet even after separating from the wax, despite residual wax coating, by merging with an aqueous droplet having a coating of a secondary material (e.g., an oil or other hydrophobic material) that may remove the wax from the droplet and/or allow combining of the droplets.

Abstract: Apparatus for controlling motion of liquid droplets. A set of electrode pads is arranged to define one or more tracks over which liquid droplets may be induced to move over a sequence of 5 the electrode pads. A surface over the electrode pads is dielectric, smooth, and slippery to the droplets. In some cases, the smooth surface is formed as a thin layer of a second liquid that is immiscible with the liquid of the droplets. The surface has wetting affinity to the liquid that can be individually varied in a controlled manner by application of voltage to respective electrode pads. A control is designed to alter the wetting characteristic of varying-wettability portions of 10 the surface over respective electrode pads to effect induced motion of the droplets over the surface. The apparatus is designed with the smooth hydrophobic surface open, with no overlying or facing electrode or plate above the droplets.

Abstract: This disclosure describes various reaction vessel configurations that include a housing component; a reaction chamber defined by the housing component; and a light absorbing layer conforming to a portion of an interior-facing surface of the housing component that defines the reaction chamber, the light absorbing layer comprising multiple discrete regions. An energy source may direct light at one or more of the discrete regions of the light absorbing layer so as to heat the discrete regions and ultimately heat a solution within a reaction chamber.