Abstract: The present invention relates to synthetic membranes and use of these synthetic membranes for isolation of volatile organic compounds and purification of water. The synthetic membrane includes a hydrophobic polymer layer located on a polymeric membrane support layer. The invention includes a method of isolating volatile organic compounds with the synthetic membrane by contacting a volatile organic mixture with the hydrophobic polymer layer of the synthetic membrane and removing volatile organic compounds from the polymeric membrane support layer of the synthetic membrane by a process of pervaporation. The invention also includes a method of purifying water with the synthetic membrane by contacting an ionic solution with the hydrophobic polymer layer of the synthetic membrane and removing water from the polymeric membrane support layer of the synthetic membrane by a process of reverse osmosis. The invention also relates to methods of isolating non-polar gases by gas fractionation.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a composite semipermeable membrane is capable of forming, on a surface of a porous support in a highly reproducible manner, a separation layer that is extremely thin and that exhibits superior separability. It provides, on a surface of a porous support, a composite semipermeable membrane that has an organic/inorganic hybrid separation layer that is extremely thin and that exhibits superior separability. A method for manufacturing a composite semipermeable membrane includes forming, on a surface of a porous support, a separation layer containing a cross-linked condensate having a siloxane bond by bringing an organic solution that contains an organic silicon compound containing three or more reactive functional groups, each of which is at least one type selected from a hydrolyzable group and a hydroxyl group, into contact with water or an aqueous solution on the porous support, and by performing interfacial polycondensation of the organic silicon compound.

Abstract: Disclosed are porous membranes including a porous support and a coating comprising a copolymer having monomeric units A and B, and optionally monomeric units C; wherein A is a halogenated vinyl monomer other than tetrafluoroethylene, a halogenated alkyl vinyl ether, or an alkene of the formula CnH2n, wherein n is 1-6; B is a perfluoro (alkyl vinyl)ether compound, a perfluoroalkyl vinyl compound, or a perfluoro alkoxyalkyl vinyl ether compound, each compound having one or more sulfonic acid groups or a salt thereof, one or more sulfonyl fluoride groups, one or more sulfonamide groups, or one or more sulfonate ester groups, and C is vinylidene fluoride. Also disclosed are methods of preparing such porous membranes and methods of treating fluids by the use of these membranes.

Abstract: An emulsification module for a food processor enables the careful and methodical introduction of ingredients (e.g., oil) into the main container, thus allowing the same to emulsify the ingredients. The emulsification module includes a container configured to be removably connected to, and rotate with, the rotating blade assembly, and one or more oil dispensers positioned on a side surface thereof. The centrifugal forces generated by the rotation of the blade assembly causes the oil in the container to be propelled up the inside walls of the same and come out of the oil dispensers and drizzle down the side walls of the main container. Whisk members positioned on the bottom of the module (between the blades of the blade assembly) assist in mixing of the drizzled oil with the ingredients to achieve the desired emulsification.

Abstract: Improvements in an agitator is disclosed. The agitator has a central body with sides that have blades that flex or bend inward upon insertion and then expand once the pass through the neck of the bottle. The side are elongated and allows the mixer to have an orientation within the bottle. The orientation allows for a buoyancy of the mixer to break-up powder or fruit that typically floats on the surface of the liquid. The side elements can cut into fruit and pulverize power to blend the ingredient(s). A carrier or case for the mixer provides a container for the mixer to dry and further collects and water from the mixer. A removal hook allows a user to snag one of the ends or a side element. The side flexing elements of the mixer will bend inward to pass the mixer out the neck of the bottle.

Abstract: A method includes the step of receiving a first weight value from a sensor associated with a feed mixer. A first rotation speed associated with the first weight value is monitored. A second weight value is received from the sensor associated with the feed mixer and a second rotation speed associated with the second weight value is monitored. A mixing profile is generated based on the first weight value, the second weight value, the first rotation speed, and the second rotation speed. In one embodiment, a first feed ingredient is associated with the first weight value and a second feed ingredient is associated with the second weight value.

Abstract: A functional water producing apparatus in an embodiment includes: a water pressure regulator configured to regulate the water pressure of the ultrapure water, the water pressure regulator having a pressure regulating valve configured to regulate a water pressure of the ultrapure water to an almost constant pressure and a feed water pump configured to pressurize the ultrapure water; a dissolving device configured to dissolve functional gas imparting a specific function in the ultrapure water regulated the water pressure by the water pressure regulator; and a control device configured to control the feed water pump to regulate the water pressure of the functional water to a predetermined constant pressure based on a water pressure or a flow rate of the functional water flowing out of the dissolving device.

Abstract: A pulsed compression reactor may include a reactor housing, a spring piston, and a driver piston. The reactor housing may define an interior volume, and may include a first passage and a second passage which lead to the interior volume. The spring piston may be positioned within the interior volume, wherein the spring piston and the reactor housing at least partially define a perimeter of a gas spring buffer chamber within the interior volume. The driver piston may be positioned within the interior volume, wherein the spring piston, the driver piston, and the reactor housing at least partially define a perimeter of a reaction chamber within the interior volume.

Abstract: A device and method for loading pellets. A funnel includes a means for loading pellets into a reactor tube, and a means for quickly and easily measuring the elevation of pellets in the reactor tube while the reactor tube is being loaded. A vacuum-assist device may be used to pick up and transfer a desired volume of porous pellets while removing dust from the porous pellets.

Abstract: Provided herein are methods for effectively loading reactor material into fixed bed reactors. The subject methods and systems for loading catalyst particles and inert particles onto a reactor bed utilize a novel sock having a helical-shape that can restrict reactor material traveling through the elevation of the fixed bed reactor to the reactor bed and avoid damaging the reactor material upon impact. The sock comprises a cylindrical tube having a plurality of helixes. Each helix of the cylindrical tube has a downward slope. The downward slope of each helix exceeds an angle of repose of the reactor material. The present methods and system are particularly effective for improving the performance of reactor bed configurations of vertically-oriented fixed bed reactors and flow distribution through the bed at designated operating conditions.

Abstract: To provide a fluidized-bed reaction vessel and a trichlorosilane production method each of which can reduce corrosion and wear of a reaction container inner wall, a fluidized-bed reaction vessel causes metallurgical grade silicon powder and hydrogen chloride gas to react with each other for production of trichlorosilane. The fluidized-bed reaction vessel includes a plurality of ejection nozzles (20) standing on a distributor plate (11) as a bottom surface of a container body. The ejection nozzles (20) each have a gas ejection opening (22a) configured to allow hydrogen chloride gas to be ejected sideways. The plurality of ejection nozzles (20) include a first ejection nozzle (20a) adjacent to an outer wall (10a) of the container body, the first ejection nozzle (20a) having a gas ejection opening (22a) in such a pattern as to prevent hydrogen chloride gas from being ejected toward the outer wall (10a).

Abstract: Provided herein is a method of forming a bicontinuous intraphase jammed emulsion gel.

Abstract: A method of synthesizing aerogels and cross-linked aerogels are described that incorporate freeze-drying in lieu of super-critical solvent drying. Advantages over supercritical drying include a reduction in hazard risks posed by drying at supercritical conditions as well as the ability to up-scale the process to accommodate large pieces of material without introducing risk. hi addition, inexpensive and more sophisticated mold technologies, which are not impervious to super-critical conditions, can be used to produce aerogel materials according to the freeze-drying method of the invention. This introduces a level of freedom never before available for the production of aerogel components.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a fabrication process that results in creating large arrays of living cells, such as stem cells, which are subsequently exposed to nanoliter quantities of compounds to test the efficacy on cellular metabolism.

Abstract: Porous materials (such as organic polyamine cage compounds) and methods of stabilising porous materials which are otherwise prone to pore-collapse are described. Such stabilisation is accomplished through the use of molecular ties to create bridges between reactive groups of a (potentially) porous material to thereby strengthen and stabilise the porous structure. The chemistry involved in, and the results of, the stabilisation of porous materials to provide a new sorption composition comprising the very materials which are generally prone to pore-collapse are also described.

Abstract: The disclosure provides for zirconium terephthalate-based metal organic frameworks with open metal sites, and uses thereof.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure describe metal-organic framework compositions comprising a pillar characterized by the formula (MbF5(O/H2O)), where Mb is selected from periodic groups IIIA, IIIB, IVB, VB, VIB, and VIII; and a square grid characterized by the formula (Ma(ligand)x), where Ma is selected from periodic groups IB, IIA, IIB, IIIA, IVA, IVB, VIB, VIIB, and VIII, ligand is a polyfunctional organic ligand, and x is 1 or more; wherein the pillaring of the square grid with the pillars forms the metal-organic framework.

Abstract: Provided is a water-absorbent resin which is capable of giving an absorbent material improved gel-shape stability and which has excellent water-absorption capacity. A water-absorbent resin of the present invention is a polymer of a water-soluble ethylenically unsaturated monomer, and has the following properties (1) and (2): (1) A disintegration amount at 20-fold swelling is 30% by mass or less; and (2) a solubility in physiological saline is 25% by mass or less. (Determination Method for Disintegration Amount at 20-Fold Swelling) 5 g of the water-absorbent resin is added to 100 g of physiological saline to allow the water-absorbent resin to absorb the physiological saline, thereby obtaining a gel. The obtained gel is divided approximately equally into five portions, and these portions are introduced respectively into cylindrical molds having a length of 3.6 cm and a radius of 2.8 cm and molded. The masses of the five molded cylindrical gels are measured.

Abstract: The purpose of the present invention is to provide a water-absorbent resin having excellent absorption properties in a localized absorption area. Provided is a water-absorbent resin composed of a polymer of water-soluble ethylenically unsaturated monomers, wherein the physiological saline absorption rate is 5-30 seconds, and the diffusion absorption rate under load expressed as a physiological saline absorption capacity under a load of 1.96 kPa in a local area of 78.5 mm2 is at least 10 g/g. This water-absorbent resin has excellent absorption properties in a localized absorption area.

Abstract: An absorbent is provided, which is produced from component A, a foaming agent, and component B, a resin. Furthermore, a device and a method for producing the absorbent and a method for absorbing a liquid by means of the absorbent are provided.

Abstract: A three-way catalyst article, and its use in an exhaust system for internal combustion engines, is disclosed. The catalyst article for treating exhaust gas comprising: a substrate; and a first catalytic region on the substrate; wherein the first catalytic region comprises a first platinum group metal (PGM) component and a first inorganic oxide, wherein the first PGM component comprises PGM nanoparticles, wherein the PGM nanoparticles have no more than 100 PGM atoms, and wherein the PGM nanoparticles have a mean particle size of 1 nm to 10 nm with a standard deviation (SD) no more than 1 nm.

Abstract: The invention relates to a catalyst composition, suitable for producing ethylene and other commercially high value C2+ hydrocarbons from methane. The composition contains a silver promoted mixed metal catalyst composition comprising at least two rare earth elements and an alkaline rare earth metal element. The catalyst composition has high catalyst activity and enables oxidative coupling of methane reactions to be conducted at a low reactor temperature while retaining sufficient catalyst selectivity. The invention further provides a method for preparing such a catalyst composition and a process for producing C2+ hydrocarbons, using such a catalyst composition.

Abstract: Provided is, for example, an exhaust gas-purifying three-way catalyst which is suppressed in particle growth due to sintering of a catalytically active component on a carrier in exposure to a high temperature and thus is enhanced in purification performance, and a method for producing the same, as well as an integral structure type exhaust gas-purifying catalyst using the same. The exhaust gas-purifying three-way catalyst of the present invention includes a composite particle which contains a base material particle having a pore size of 100 to 650 nm as measured by a mercury intrusion method and a catalytically active particle of a platinum group element supported on the base material particle, in which a content proportion of the catalytically active particle is 0.001 to 30% by mass in total in terms of metal of the platinum group element, based on a total amount of the composite particle.

Abstract: Catalysts for selective production of hydrogen peroxide and methods of making and using thereof have been developed. The catalysts include an alloyed or doped metal oxide which permits tuning of the catalytic properties of the catalysts for selection of a desired pathway to a product, such as hydrogen peroxide. The catalysts may be incorporated into electrochemical or photochemical devices.

Abstract: The present invention provides a porous metal-containing carbon-based material that is stable at high temperatures under aqueous conditions. The porous metal-containing carbon-based materials are particularly useful in catalytic applications. Also provided, are methods for making and using porous shaped metal-carbon products prepared from these materials.

Abstract: The present invention provides a catalyst composition comprising different metal oxides wherein the catalyst composition comprising Ce, Cr and Ni oxides and a process for preparation thereof. The catalyst composition is used for different reforming techniques for the production of syn gas (CO+H2) at the same time this material can be used in fuel cell as a anode for power generation as this synthesized material is having good thermal stability and can sustain various redox reaction cycles also.

Abstract: A method for purifying a gas inside a polymer film production furnace with the use of the purification catalyst is provided. A purification catalyst for a gas inside a polymer film production furnace, contains a mixed oxide composed of a manganese-based oxide containing manganese and potassium and having a cryptomelane structure, and copper oxide. A method for purifying a gas inside a polymer film production furnace, includes a step 1 of bringing hot air containing volatile and/or sublimable organic substances, generated during production of a polymer film by the polymer film production furnace, into contact with the catalyst provided inside or outside the furnace, at a temperature in the range of 200 to 350° C. to decompose the organic substances oxidatively, and a step 2 of refluxing all or a part of a resultant decomposition gas to the polymer film production furnace.

Abstract: The present disclosures and inventions relate to a catalyst and method for producing and using the catalyst for the selective conversion of a hydrogen/carbon monoxide mixture (syngas) to C2+ hydrocarbons, while reducing the production of carbon dioxide.

Abstract: Provided are a novel synthesis technique for producing pure phase aluminosilicate zeolite and a catalyst comprising the phase pure zeolite in combination with a metal, and methods of using the same.

Abstract: Nanoparticles that can be used as hydrosilylation and dehydrogenative silylation catalysts. The nanoparticles have at least one transition metal with an oxidation state of 0, chosen from the metals of columns 8, 9 and 10 of the periodic table, and at least one carbonyl ligand, preferably a silicide.

Abstract: A honeycomb structure includes a central area and a reinforced outer peripheral area. For a reference boundary cell having cell walls with different wall thicknesses on two sides parallel with an imaginary parallel line, a thin wall thickness t1<a thick wall thickness t3, an inner wall thickness t2<an outer wall thickness t4, t1=t2, and t3=t4. The honeycomb structure includes a reference cross-shaped unit having a thin wall, an inner wall, a cell wall, and a cell wall and a reference cross-shaped unit having a thick wall, an outer wall, a cell wall, and a cell wall. The honeycomb structure also includes a plurality of cross-shaped units extending vertically and horizontally from alternate cell vertexes arranged from a reference cell vertex as a starting point. In both the central area and the reinforced outer peripheral area, the cell walls of each cross-shaped unit have a substantially equal wall thickness.

Abstract: Methods and systems for re-dispersing platinum on catalysts used in continuous catalyst regeneration reformer systems are disclosed. Some aspects of the disclosure provide, for example, methods of evaluating the platinum re-dispersion of a reforming catalyst in a small-scale reactor for use in a continuous catalyst regeneration reformer system and methods of improving the activity and selectivity of reforming catalysts for use in a continuous catalyst regeneration reformer system by selection of appropriate reaction parameters in a small-scale reactor for use in a continuous catalyst regeneration reformer system.

Abstract: In one example in accordance with the present disclosure, a fluid ejection device is described. The fluid ejection device includes a vertical support and an interface movably coupled to the vertical support. The interface is to receive an ejection head. The fluid ejection device also includes an ionizer coupled to the interface to electrostatically neutralize a substrate.

Abstract: An initial positioning system and method for liquid measuring and taking. The system comprises a measuring passage, a variable pressure chamber, and a piston, an initial end of the measuring passage being in communication with the upper part of the variable pressure chamber; the piston reciprocates in the variable pressure chamber to cause a change between positive pressure and negative pressure in the variable pressure chamber; the initial positioning system further comprises a pressure relief port located on the wall of the variable pressure chamber and capable of communicating with the outside of the variable pressure chamber; when the piston is located at the pressure relief port, and the inside and outside of the variable pressure chamber are in communication, the maximum volume of the liquid that can be accommodated in the variable pressure chamber is not smaller than one third of the total volume of the variable pressure chamber.

Abstract: A system and method for target material retrieval and processing, the system comprising: an adaptor configured to interface with a capture region of a capture substrate for capturing particles in single-particle format within a set of wells, wherein the adaptor comprises a first region configured to interface with the capture region, a second region, and a cavity extending from the first region to the second region; and a support structure coupled to the adaptor and providing a set of operation modes for movement of the adaptor relative to the capture substrate. The system enables methods for magnetic and/or other force-based methods of retrieval of target material (e.g., derived from single cells).

Abstract: Bare porous polymer monoliths, fluidic chips, methods of incorporating bare porous polymer monoliths into fluidic chips, and methods for functionalizing bare porous polymer monoliths are described. Bare porous polymer monoliths may be fabricated ex situ in a mold. The bare porous polymer monoliths may also be functionalized ex situ. Incorporating the bare preformed porous polymer monoliths into the fluidic chips may include inserting the monoliths into channels of channel substrates of the fluidic chips. Incorporating the bare preformed porous polymer monoliths into the fluidic chips may include bonding a capping layer to the channel substrate. The bare porous polymer monoliths may be mechanically anchored to channel walls and to the capping layer. The bare porous polymer monoliths may be functionalized by ex situ immobilization of capture probes on the monoliths. The monoliths may be functionalized by direct attachment of chitosan.

Abstract: To provide a holder in which a liquid is not prone to remain in a communicating hole when the liquid is manipulated using a syringe. The holder has a side wall, a plurality of chambers, and one or more communicating hole groups including a plurality of communicating holes. The communicating directions of the plurality of communicating holes included in a single communicating hole group are parallel to each other. The plurality of communicating holes each have essentially the same shape as viewed from the direction of a line normal to an outside opening thereof.

Abstract: There is provided an arrangement (100) which allows for mixing a first fluid with a second fluid at a predetermined volume mixing ratio in a capillary driven fluidic system. The arrangement (100) allows filling an initially empty mixing chamber (110) with the first fluid. The arrangement then allows emptying a predetermined fraction of the first fluid from the mixing chamber (110) such as to form an empty space in the mixing chamber (110). The arrangement then allows filling the empty space of the mixing chamber (110) with the second fluid, thereby allowing a predetermined volume of the first fluid to mix with a predetermined volume of the second fluid over time.

Abstract: Methods of fabricating a bulk acoustic wave resonator structure for a fluidic device. The methods can include a first step of disposing a first conductive material over a portion of a first surface of a substrate to form at least a portion of a first electrode, the substrate having a second surface opposite the first surface. Then, a piezoelectric material may be disposed over the first electrode. Next, a second conductive material can be disposed over the piezoelectric material to form at least a portion of a second electrode. The second conductive material extends substantially parallel to the first surface of the substrate and the second conductive material at least partially extends over the first conductive material. The overlapping region of the first conductive material, the piezoelectric material, and the second conductive material form a bulk acoustic wave resonator, the bulk acoustic wave resonator having a first side and an opposing second side.

Abstract: A microfluidic device is provided for managing fluid flow in disposable assay devices, which provides constant flow even at very low flow rates. Pumps utilizing the microfluidic device, as well as methods for manufacture and performing a microfluidic process are also provided.

Abstract: Embodiments of a device for protecting and sealing the opening of a container. This device is a one-piece made plug for a flask or container, comprising at least one passing channel, and at least one structural flow regulator barrier, allowing the passing of solid elements. The structural regulator barrier comprises at least a gate to regulate the passing and connection between the inside space and the outside space of the container in a unidirectional and/or bidirectional way. An embodiment includes a method and a mold for manufacturing such a device.

Abstract: In certain embodiments, the disclosure provides an inflatable bladder lid that configures with a cartridge configured for assay testing. The inflatable bladder provides substantially uniform pressure to the cartridge. The pressure is substantially distributed across the one or more regions of the cartridge to extend pressure over a wide cartridge surface. At least a portion of the bladder lid may comprise a flexible membrane material that inflates and stretches over at least a portion of the cartridge to conformally contact its first/top surface.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device and method for in situ temperature-induced antigen retrieval of samples wherein all steps are performed under a pressure higher than the atmospheric pressure on a sample immobilized on a sample support which can be further subjected to staining and imaging on the same sample support, optionally by cycle multiplexing that enables imaging of various molecular targets through multi-molecular read-outs on the same sample in a rapid, highly sensitive and reliable manner.

Abstract: A method for detecting, sorting, purifying and characterizing objects of interest in a liquid sample. The method comprises preparing, in a preparation module ON) of a microfluidic router system, the liquid sample for processing, Preparing comprises transporting the sample through a microfluidic channel, and forwarding the prepared sample from an outlet of the preparation module into an inlet of a routing module. Forwarding comprises coupling a microfluidic flow between the outlet and the inlet to passively buffer against or actively compensate for variations in a flow rate of the prepared sample at the outlet, and diverting the objects of interest from the microfluidic flow. Forwarding the sample comprises sensing a flow characteristic of the sample in preparation, routing module, or in flow connection, and controlling a flow control element taking the sensed characteristic into account to compensate for a variation in the flow rate by a closed-loop flow control.

Abstract: A microfluidic device can include an upstream passage, a sample passage, a bifurcating passage, and a combining passage. The upstream passage can be configured to provide a focusing stream. The sample passage can be configured to provide a sample stream. The bifurcating passage can include a specified bifurcating flow resistance. The combining passage can be configured to create a combined stream from the focusing stream and the sample stream, where the focusing stream can direct the sample stream away from the upstream passage and toward the bifurcating passage. A first portion of the combined stream can be discharged through the bifurcating passage. The main discharge can be configured to discharge a second portion of the combined stream. The main discharge can include a main discharge resistance that is selectable to vary the main discharge resistance relative to the bifurcating flow resistance.

Abstract: A particle manipulation system uses a MEMS-based, microfabricated particle manipulation device which has a sample inlet channel, output channels, and a movable member formed on a substrate. The device may be used to separate a target particle from non-target material in a sample stream. In order to improve the sorter speed, accuracy or yield, the particle manipulation system may also include a microfluidic structure which focuses the target particles in a particular portion of the sample inlet channel. The particle manipulation device may have two separate sort output channels, wherein the sort channel used depends on the characteristics of the sort pulse delivered to the micromechanical particle manipulation device.

Abstract: This cartridge includes: a reservoir that includes an accommodation part and an opening part; and a cap fitted to the opening part. The opening part of the reservoir has: a pressing region and an open region. The cap has a first region that is pressed when the cap is positioned in the pressing region. When the first region is positioned in the pressing region and a through hole in the first region is closed, the cartridge is in a closed state in which the fluid inside the container part is not discharged to the outside via the through hole, and when, from the closed state, the first region moves into the open region and the through hole in the first region opens, the cartridge is in an open state in which the fluid can be discharged from the accommodation part to the outside via the through hole.

Abstract: A system and method for automated single cell capture and processing is described, where the system includes a deck supporting and positioning a set of sample processing elements; a gantry for actuating tools for interactions with the set of sample processing elements supported by the deck; and a base supporting various processing subsystems and a control subsystems in communication with the processing subsystems. The system can automatically execute workflows associated with single cell processing, including mRNA capture, cDNA synthesis, protein-associated assays, and library preparation, for next generation sequencing.

Abstract: A food recycler includes a case, a control system within the case, and a set of user interface components that are usable to at least cause the control system to initiate a food recycling cycle. The food recycler also includes a motor within the case and a bucket that has a volumetric capacity between 2.51 and 10 liters. A filter system configured to accommodate air filters is also included in the case of the food recycler. To remove water from waste food items, the food recycler includes a drying component.

Abstract: A food recycler includes a base, at least one air intake opening, a gearbox, and a motor. An airflow component is on top of the motor. A fan is configured on the airflow component and a filter is positioned at an output port of the airflow component. A bucket receptacle is configured on the gearbox. The fan and the filter are configured adjacent to an upper portion of the bucket receptacle. A casing has a lower rim complimentary to a base rim. The casing has an interior volume complimentary to a fan module and an interior volume complimentary to an air filter module. A control switch and lid latch are configured in the casing and next to each other. A lid is hinged to the casing such that air flows from a bucket through the lid to the fan and back from the filter to the lid and out an exhaust vent in the lid.