Abstract: A method for providing a solution of a substance in a microfluidic device includes providing a dispersion of a first medium and of a lyophilizate of the substance, the lyophilizate being insoluble in the first medium, and adding a second medium to the dispersion, the lyophilizate being soluble in the second medium. The method further includes dissolving the lyophilizate in the second medium such that the solution of the substance in the second medium is obtained, and separating the solution obtained by the dissolving of the lyophilizate from the first medium.

Abstract: A microfluidic device may include a valve located between a liquid source and a liquid receiver. The valve may include a channel connecting the liquid source to the liquid receiver, a heater within the channel, and a pinch point in the channel between the heater and the liquid receiver. The microfluidic device may include a controller to activate the heater so as to form a bubble sized so as to be captured by the pinch point in the channel to occlude the channel.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are embodiments of fluidic devices that can be used to detect the presence (or absence) of analytes in samples by providing separate and distinct chromatographic signals for particular analytes. The fluidic devices described herein are highly sensitive and user-friendly. Methods of making and using the disclosed fluidic devices also are disclosed herein.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for isolating circulating tumor cells from a peripheral blood supply in order to diagnose early stage cancer and/or evaluate tumor status. In one example, a system for capturing circulating tumor cells includes a substrate having a cell-capturing region, the cell-capturing region having a curved, switchback-like shape and including an array of micropillar structures within the curved, switchback-like shape.

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

Abstract: A microfluidic device system includes a channel having an entrance and an exit, a height at the entrance being greater than a height at the exit. The height of the channel may decrease continuously from the height at the entrance to the height at the exit. Cells or particles or beads traveling through the channel become trapped based on their size and/or deformability. A visual sensor captures images of the trapped cells or particles or beads, and image software analyzes the captured images to provide size and/or deformability and/or fluorescence information. A method of fabricating such a microfluidic device includes introducing a glass wafer to an etching solution at a specific rate such that a first end of the glass wafer is etched longer than other portions of the glass wafer.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to systems and techniques for manipulating fluids and/or making droplets. In certain aspects, the present invention generally relates to droplet production. The droplets may be formed from fluids from different sources. In one set of embodiments, the present invention is directed to a microfluidic device comprising a plurality of droplet-making units, and/or other fluidic units, which may be substantially identical in some cases. Substantially each of the fluidic units may be in fluidic communication with a different source of a first fluid and a common source of a second fluid, in certain embodiments. In one aspect, substantially the same pressure may be applied to substantially all of the different sources of fluid, which may be used to cause fluid to move from the different sources into the microfluidic device. In some cases, the fluids may interact within the fluidic units, e.g., by reacting, or for the production of droplets within the microfluidic device.

Abstract: The invention provides a cell storage tube, having: a main body including an accommodating chamber, an opening end and a closed end; a sealing member disposed at the opening end and sealing the accommodating chamber, the sealing member including an assembly part coupled to the main body, an end of the assembly part having a guiding chamber such that a lower part of the assembly part having an outer diameter gradually reduced in a downward direction, and an insertion part having a reticle arranged on a top thereof; a cover body disposed at the opening end, one side of the cover body configured with a through hole; and a sealing cover disposed on a top of the cover body and detachably coupled with the cover body, wherein the sealing cover closes the through hole of the cover body when the sealing cover is combined with the main body.

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: Disclosed is a liquid sending method for sending liquid to a sample processing chip having a flow path formed therein, the method including: measuring a flow of a second liquid which is different from a first liquid which is introduced into the flow path in the sample processing chip; controlling the flow of the second liquid on the basis of the measured flow; and introducing the first liquid into the flow path in the sample processing chip by means of the second liquid of which flow is controlled.

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 method and apparatus for use in destroying a data storage device and separating materials for recycling. The apparatus employs: a first stage of rough cutting wherein the data storage device is shredded into pieces approximately 30 mm×30 mm; a second stage that separates shredded metal material, such as spindles, from non-metal material by use of a magnetized roller having a scraper to the metal material to a first bin and non-metal material to a third stage having an upper level shredder and a lower level shredder for grinding the non-metal material into particle sizes of 10 mm×10 mm or less.

Abstract: Provided is a centrifugal field-flow fractionation device in which a liquid sample is less likely to leak from a channel and attachment and detachment work of a channel member is facilitated. By integrally forming an outer peripheral surface 162 and an inner peripheral surface 163 of a channel member 16, the channel member 16 is configured as one hollow member having a channel 161 formed inside. Thus, pressure resistance performance of the channel member 16 is improved, formation of a gap in the channel 161 can be prevented, and deterioration in sealing performance due to secular change is not generated. Accordingly, a liquid sample is less likely to leak from the channel 161. Further, since the channel member 16 can be handled as one member, attachment and detachment work of the channel member 16 is facilitated.

Abstract: A golf bunker cleaning device includes a base having an open top end and an open bottom end defining an interior open space therebetween and the base configured to be buried below a ground surface of a golf bunker without filling in the interior open space. An extension collar is configured to be removably secured over the open top end of the base to increase a height of the interior open space to above the ground surface of the golf bunker, and a lid is configured to be removably secured over either the top end of the base or over the extension collar to enclose the interior open space. The extension collar comprises a plurality of collar latches each extending to a respective free end, and the base comprises a plurality of base locking apertures configured to releasable engage the respective free end of the plurality of collar latches.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to ion generator device supports. An ion generator device support is configured to retain an ion generator device in a cavity formed by a plurality of walls of the ion generator device support.

Abstract: A self-emptying separator includes a rotatable drum with an inlet, a liquid outlet, outlet openings for solid material, and a control system. A flowable starting product is cleared of the solids in continuous operation in a centrifugal field in the rotating drum. A continuous discharge of a clear phase is performed. A solid phase is discharged via the outlet openings from a solids collecting space of the drum into an annular solids catcher. The solids catcher has a device for generating a fluid curtain against which the solids, issuing from the outlet openings for solid material, impact.

Abstract: A rotor core is provided that includes a rotor length defined along an axis of rotation and a plurality of separation channels. The plurality of separation channels having a channel length extending along the axis of rotation a distance that is less than the rotor length. A rotor assembly is also provided that includes such a rotor core removably disposed in an outer housing.

Abstract: An electrostatic coating device is provided with a housing, which has a cascade housing section that houses a cascade, and a motor housing section that houses an air motor. A clearance between the cascade and the inner wall of a first housing hole forms a first air flow passage. Furthermore, an annular clearance between the air motor (specifically, an air turbine) and the inner wall of a motor chamber forms a second air flow passage. The first air flow passage and the second air flow passage are communicated with each other via, for instance, a third air flow passage that includes a first communication passage, a circular recessed section, a second communication passage, and a third communication passage.

Abstract: The invention relates to a measuring and mixing device including a cartridge holder (1) and a cartridge (2), a flat, at least form-fit connection being mounted between the cartridge and the cartridge holder. The invention also relates to a method for coating substrates with two or multi-component coating agents, in which the measuring and mixing device is used.

Abstract: A trigger type liquid ejector includes an ejector body and nozzle, the ejector body includes a vertical supply pipe, ejection barrel, trigger, piston, and cylinder, a recovery passage brings the cylinder in communication with the vertical supply pipe via a space between a piston body and a piston guide of the cylinder formed in the ejector body, the vertical supply pipe has a lower inner tube part where the recovery passage opens, the trigger type liquid ejector further includes an upright and inverted posture adaptor attached into the lower inner tube part where communication between the recovery passage and an inside of a container body is blocked, and a communication passage brings the recovery passage in communication with the inside of the container body forms between an outer circumferential surface of the upright and inverted posture adaptor and an inner circumferential surface of the lower inner tube part.

Abstract: A hand pump fabricated entirely from plastic components for dispensing liquids, is provided. The hand pump includes an actuator, a closure, a housing having a lower check valve, and a piston having an integrated upper check valve in the form of an inverted cone suspended within a cylinder. An elastic, dome shaped, plastic return spring is utilized to return the actuator to its rest position after actuation. Used pumps do not require disassembly to be recycled.

Abstract: A dispensing container capable of changing the ratio between the amounts of two kinds of contents to be dispensed, includes two container bodies, two pumps including two stems, an adjusting member configured to press the stems and to be rotatable about an axis extending in a substantially vertical direction, and a pressing head configured to, in response to a depressing operation, rotate about an axis extending in a substantially horizontal direction, to thereby depress the stems via the adjusting member. The adjusting member includes a plurality of pressing portions against which the stems are pressed, and when the adjusting member is rotated about the axis, a depressing stroke of the one of the plurality of pressing portions on the side of one of the stems becomes shorter, and a depressing stroke of the other one of the plurality of pressing portions on the side of the other stem becomes longer.

Abstract: A node including a single port for bonding to various components in a transport structure is disclosed. In an aspect, the node includes an inlet aperture disposed inside the port. The inlet aperture is configured to inject a fluid into at least one region to be filled by the fluid. For example, the fluid can be an adhesive. In another aspect of the disclosure, a nozzle to be interfaced with a single port node is provided. The nozzle includes a first channel to inject the adhesive. The nozzle may further include a second channel and a third channel. In another aspect of the disclosure, a method of using a single port node is provided.

Abstract: An epoxy coating can be applied to a round surface by keeping the round surface in constant motion, thus defeating the tendency of the epoxy to run off the outer surface of the round object. The process is aided by mechanical equipment that rotates the cylindrical object about its center, while also permitting adjustment of rotational speed.

Abstract: A surface treatment apparatus for subjecting a workpiece immersed at least partly in a solution to a surface treatment has: a spray nozzle facing the workpiece for spraying a treatment solution towards a working surface of the workpiece. The surface treatment apparatus has at least one of: a spray nozzle rotator to rotate the spray nozzle in a plane parallel to the working surface of the workpiece; or a workpiece rotator to rotate the workpiece in a plane perpendicular to a spraying direction of the treatment solution sprayed from the spray nozzle.

Abstract: A dispensing system includes a frame, a support, a dispensing unit assembly, and a gantry. The gantry is configured to support the dispensing unit assembly and to move the dispensing unit assembly in x-axis and y-axis directions. The dispensing unit assembly includes a support bracket secured to the gantry and a movable bracket rotatably coupled to the support bracket configured to enable the rotation of the movable bracket with respect to the support bracket about a first axis, with a dispensing unit rotatably coupled to the movable bracket configured to enable the rotation of the dispensing unit with respect to the movable bracket about a second axis generally perpendicular to the first axis. A mass dampener assembly is coupled to the movable bracket, with the mass dampener assembly being configured to reduce vibration of the dispensing unit during operation.

Abstract: Method of designing and manufacturing a distributor bar for use in a production line comprising a mixing head for providing a viscous foamable liquid mixture, a laminator with a predefined speed of at least 20 m/min, the distributor bar having a central inlet fluidly connected to a number of outlets via a main channel. The method comprises: choosing (3001) a geometry for the distributor bar and defining a set of geometrical parameters; assigning (3002) values to said parameters; creating (3003) a virtual model; simulating (3005) flow in said model by performing a Computational Fluid Dynamics simulation (CFD), taking into account (3004) a non-Newtonian shear thinning model; e) evaluating the simulated flow; building (2007) a physical distributor bar. A distributor bar, a production line, and a computer program product.

Abstract: The invention relates to a metering system (1) for a metering substance, comprising a nozzle (40), a feed channel (44) for the metering substance, a discharge element (31), and a piezo actuator (61) which is coupled to the discharge element (31) and/or the nozzle (40). The piezo actuator (61) of the metering system (1) is hermetically encapsulated in a housing (62).

Abstract: A melt system that includes a melt unit. The melt unit includes a reservoir and a melt grid disposed above the reservoir. The melt grid is configured to expose solid polymer to a temperature sufficient to form a molten polymer and to deposit the molten polymer into the reservoir. The melt unit includes at least one hopper for holding a supply of the solid polymer. The melt unit includes a thermal isolation region disposed below the hopper to thermally isolate the hopper from the molten polymer in the reservoir.

Abstract: A method for coating metallic surfaces of substrates with surfaces of aqueous (coating) compositions in the form of a dispersion and/or a suspension containing at least one stabilized binder and a gelling agent, the cations having been dissolved out of the metallic surface of the substrate in a pretreatment stage and/or during the contacting. The invention further relates to such a coating based on an ionogenic gel, in which the coating is formed by a process further described herein.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for vapor deposition of an organic film are configured to vaporize an organic reactant at a first temperature, transport the vapor to a reaction chamber housing a substrate, and maintain the substrate at a lower temperature than the vaporization temperature. Alternating contact of the substrate with the organic reactant and a second reactant in a sequential deposition sequence can result in bottom-up filling of voids and trenches with organic film in a manner otherwise difficult to achieve. Deposition reactors conducive to depositing organic films are provided.

Abstract: Methods and associated systems for preparing a nano-protective coating are disclosed. The method includes (1) placing a substrate in a reaction chamber of a nano-coating preparation equipment; (2) introducing an inert gas, wherein the inert gas includes helium (He) and/or argon (Ar); (3) turning on a movement mechanism so that the substrate is moved in the reaction chamber; (4) introducing a first monomer vapor into the reaction chamber to achieve a vacuum degree of 30-300 mTorr; (5) turning on a plasma discharge for chemical vapor deposition; and (6) introducing a second monomer vapor into the reaction chamber to form an organosilicon nano-coating on a surface of the substrate.

Abstract: The invention provides an assembly for processing a pipe section for a pipeline, in particular for coating said pipe section, said assembly having a longitudinal axis which in use functionally coincides with a rotational axis of said pipe section, said assembly comprising a surface-heating device for heating a surface, said surface-heating device comprising at least one heating module, said heating module comprising at least one infrared (IR) radiation laser device, said surface-heating device arranged for projecting a beam of said at least one infrared (IR) radiation laser device at said longitudinal axis for in use heating a ring-section of a surface of said pipe section.

Abstract: The invention particularly relates to a method of applying a permanent coating to a plastic surface of a first part, comprising the following steps: applying to said plastic surface a layer of a polyamide-based hot-melt material, maintaining this layer of hot-melt material on said plastic surface for a period of time ranging from a few minutes to several hours, removing this layer of hot-melt material from this plastic surface; and applying a permanent coating to said surface, said permanent coating being based on polyurethane, an epoxy resin or polyesters, a polycarbonate and/or an acrylic resin; as well as the use of such a method in the automotive industry.

Abstract: A method of forming additive energy directors according to various exemplary embodiments can include dispensing a molten material onto a substrate at a predetermined location. The method also includes solidifying the molten material to form at least one additive energy director onto the substrate.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a superhydrophobic coating film in which an aerogel nanocomposite is coated on a substrate to maximize water-repellent properties and durability, and a producing method thereof. According to one embodiment of the present invention, the method of producing the superhydrophobic coating film using the aerogel nanocomposite includes (a) preparing a hydrophobic aerogel, (b) preparing a water-repellent solution by dissolving the hydrophobic aerogel in a hydrophobic inorganic nano-sol, (c) applying the water-repellent solution on at least one surface of a substrate, and (d) drying the substrate.

Abstract: A multilayer coating film forming method to form a multilayer coating film having a glittering appearance. Forming a multilayer coating film by sequentially applying, on top of a base material, a first base coating material, a second base coating material, and a clear coating material in a wet-on-wet process, wherein: the first base coating material is a transparent or colored coating material; the second coating material contains a flaky lustrous pigment; the amount of flaky lustrous pigment being 10-60 parts by mass to 100 parts by mass of resin solid content in the second base coating material, and the concentration of solids in the coating falls being 5-20 mass % with respect to the total mass of the second base coating material; and the thickness of a coating film obtained from the second base coating material falls being 1-8 ?m on the basis of the coating film when cured.

Abstract: Disclosed is a driver stage for activating a first ultrasonic transducer and a method for the operation thereof. The driver stage comprises a first charge pump or power source and a first capacitor. The driver stage also comprises first means for charging the first capacitor with electrical energy from the charge pump and second means for connecting the first capacitor and ultrasonic transducer to different polarities. The first means do not charge the first capacitor with energy from the charge pump or power source when the first capacitor is connected to the ultrasonic transducer by the second means.

Abstract: An ultrasound transducer and a method of making this transducer, where the transducer includes at least two piezoelectric elements, oriented adjacent to each other in a stack. Each piezoelectric element includes a first surface which includes an electrode of a first polarity, a second surface which includes an electrode of a second polarity, a thickness between the first surface and the second surface, and an ultrasound transmitting surface. This surface does not include an electrode. The transducer also includes a first electrical connection between a surface of a first of the at least two piezoelectric elements of the first polarity and a surface of a second of the at least two piezoelectric elements of the first polarity and a second electrical connection between a surface of a first of the at least two piezoelectric elements of the second polarity and a surface of a second of the at least two piezoelectric elements of the second polarity.

Abstract: A method and system for air classification of a milled feed stock includes generating a feed stream by combining the milled feed stock with at least one gasflow element, wherein the milled feed stock includes a plurality of particle sizes. The method and system includes directing the feed stream across a curvilinear surface, such that the milled feed stock in the feed stream separates into a plurality of classification streams, each of the plurality of classification streams based on the particle sizes of the milled feed stock. Therein, the method and system separates the plurality of classification streams and collects each of the plurality of classification streams, thereby classifying the milled feed stock contained therein based on the particle sizes for each of the plurality of classification streams.

Abstract: Systems and methods for sorting recyclable items and other materials are provided. In one embodiment, a system for sorting objects comprises: at least one imaging sensor; a controller comprising a processor and memory storage, wherein the controller receives image data captured by the image sensor; and at least one pusher device coupled to the controller, wherein the at least one pusher device is configured to receive an actuation signal from the controller. The processor is configured to detect objects travelling on a conveyor device and recognize at least one target item traveling on a conveyor device by processing the image data and to determine an expected time when the at least one target item will be located within a diversion path of the pusher device. The controller selectively generates the actuation signal based on whether a sensed object detected in the image data comprise the at least one target item.

Abstract: A method of sorting articles with a sorter apparatus and a sorter apparatus having a conveying surface that is adapted to transport articles in a direction of conveyance and a mechanism adapted to displace articles on the conveying surface, the sorter apparatus having an endless web of bodies travelling in an endless loop defining the conveying surface includes a distributed drive system having at least one drive that is adapted to produce to provide force with at least one of the bodies to propel the endless web. A diagnostic device traveling with the web and positioned at one of the bodies of the endless web. The diagnostic device is adapted to monitor operation of the sorter apparatus and includes at least one sensor that is adapted to detect at least one parameter of a proximate drive that is proximate to the at least one sensor, and a controller adapted to receive the at least one parameter from the at least one sensor.

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 cleaning assembly for reusable filters comprises a housing and a pressurizing spraying assembly that receives a filter element to be cleaned. The pressurizing spraying assembly can be secured in position relative to the housing using a mount. The mount can pivot about a pivot axis between a storage position and a use position. The pivot axis can be aligned with a handle axis about which a handle is attached to the housing. The housing can collect runoff from a cleaning operation.

Abstract: An ultrasonic cleaner according to the present invention includes a vibrating part 222 for enlarging ultrasonic vibration of a bolt-clamped Langevin type transducer (BLT) 100 on a side surface side in a cleaning tank 211, generates cavitation by the ultrasonic vibration with respect to cleaning liquid supplied into the cleaning tank 211 by driving the BLT 100 on the periphery of a nozzle without unevenness, and is capable of performing effective nozzle cleaning.

Abstract: An apparatus for cleaning a mask includes a chamber in which material deposition is performable on a substrate using the mask, the chamber including a transmission window through which light used in cleaning the mask within the chamber is irradiated into the chamber from outside thereof; within the chamber: a stage on which the substrate is disposed, the stage disposed in a plane defined by first and second directions crossing each other; and a material deposition unit from which a deposition material is provided to the substrate; and a light irradiation unit from which is provided the light used in cleaning the mask within the chamber. The light irradiation unit is disposed outside the chamber and irradiates the light into the chamber through the transmission window. The material deposition unit disposed within the chamber and the light irradiation unit disposed outside the chamber are reciprocally movable in the first direction.

Abstract: An apparatus for cleaning a surface of an optical window includes a first electrode that is provided inside the optical window and is covered with a dielectric material forming the optical window. A second electrode is provided around the optical window and is exposed on at least one surface of the optical window. A power supply is electrically coupled between the first electrode and the second electrode. The apparatus further includes a controller that controls the power supply so as to generate dielectric barrier discharge along the surface of the optical window by applying a high-frequency or pulsed voltage between the first electrode and the second electrode.

Abstract: A method and system for measuring, controlling, and recording flushing of a water distribution system (WDS) comprising each portion or subject WDS piping, by measuring, controlling and recording the selected flow rate ranges of water into and out of. The selected volume of water utilized into and out of the WDS piping can then be measured, controlled and recorded. The flow rate and volume of water into and out of the WDS piping can then be selected for each maintenance event protocol and used to determine the condition of the WDS.

Abstract: A vehicle includes at least one hose extending from the vehicle and configured to extend below ground through a manhole, and a light system. The light system includes a storage member, such as a retractable reel, coupled to the vehicle, a flexible line wrapped at least partially around the storage member, and a light source coupled to the flexible line. The storage member is adapted to selectively extend and retract the light source together with the hose below ground, and the light source is storable on the vehicle adjacent the storage member. The light source has a self-contained power source. In some systems, the flexible line and/or the light source are removable from the vehicle so they can be moved to a remote location from the vehicle.

Abstract: A valve system has an apparatus formed with a plurality of material inlet ports, a flushing inlet port, and an outlet port and respective supplies of at last two different liquid materials. The supplies are each connected to a respective one of the material inlet ports, and a supply of flushing medium is connected to the flushing inlet port. A rotor at the apparatus is formed with a passage and shiftable between a plurality of positions in each of which a respective one of the inlet ports is connected to the outlet port. A controller moves the rotor between the positions such that, after each time the rotor is in a position connecting one of the material inlet ports to the outlet port and material has passed through the passage, the rotor is moved into a position connecting the passage with the flushing inlet port for flushing out the passage.