Abstract: A process for devulcanizing crosslinked elastomer particles comprising applying an alternating electric field to a composition comprising crosslinked elastomer particles under compression. The alternating electric field preferably has a frequency between 1 and 100 MHz and a voltage between 1000 and 10,000 V, and may be applied between an apparatus that continuously conveys the particles through the field.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an electrostatic fluid filtration system suitable for removing sub micron insoluble contaminants known to cause varnish from fluids such as dielectric fluids. The electrostatic fluid filtration system is configured to remove both water and other contaminants from a target fluid (e.g. a dielectric fluid) and comprises a cabinet, a computer control unit, and one or more substantially cylindrical filtration units, including at least one of a water filtration unit and an electrostatic contaminant filtration unit. In the contaminant filtration unit, the target fluid flows radially through the filtration media that is positioned between the electrode plates in a generally horizontal flow pattern. This forces the target fluid to traverse multiple energy fields in a serpentine fashion and in a single pass through the contaminant filtration unit. After flowing through each layer of the filtration media, the target fluid is discharged from the electrostatic contaminant filtration unit.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to mass spectrometry and related techniques, and in some cases, to determining single species using mass spectrometry. In certain instances, polymers such as DNA or RNA can also be sequenced. Certain embodiments of the invention relate to passing a polymer, such as DNA, RNA, a protein, a polypeptide, a polysaccharide, etc., through a pore and cleaving the polymer in sequence. For instance, the polymer may be cleaved using a laser or an electric field. In some embodiments, a property of at least one subunit of a polymer is determined using mass spectrometry. In some embodiments, a single ion (which may be a subunit of a polymer, or an ion based on another species) can be isolated in a mass spectrometer and a signal generated from the single ion.

Abstract: A method for upgrading a petroleum oil by a hydroprocessing reaction in which the oil is hydrogenated, includes the steps of: a. forming a liquid reaction mixture of the oil with water and an amphiphilic liquid in predetermined proportions to thereby render the oil and water miscible; b. introducing the liquid reaction mixture into an electrolytic reactor having one or more cathodic elements formed from a porous high surface area, conductive material; c. operating the reactor to form reactive hydrogen atoms whereby the oil is hydrogenated by the hydrogen atoms; d. removing the liquid mixture from the reactor; and e. separating the hydrogenated upgraded oil from the amphiphilic liquid and any remaining water, e.g., by distillation, recovering and recycling the amphiphilic liquid for use.

Abstract: Poling structures and methods utilizing an electrostatic field generated from a polar dielectric material, including pyroelectric and ferroelectric materials, to produce electro-optic activity in organic nonlinear optical materials.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for treating fumes generated during the production, conversion and/or handling of oil-based products and a device for carrying out said method. The invention further relates to the use of the method or device in which the trapping device comprises at least one fluidized bed of granular material in the preparation of a granular material for use in production of road materials.

Abstract: The invention herein disclosed provides for devices and methods that can detect and control an individual polymer in a mixture is acted upon by another compound, for example, an enzyme, in a nanopore. The devices and methods are also used to determine rapidly (˜>50 Hz) the nucleotide base sequence of a polynucleotide under feedback control or using signals generated by the interactions between the polynucleotide and the nanopore. The invention is of particular use in the fields of molecular biology, structural biology, cell biology, molecular switches, molecular circuits, and molecular computational devices, and the manufacture thereof.

Abstract: The present invention provides microwave attenuating, filled composite materials which contain a polymer or ceramic matrix and metallic tubules and processes for making the same and devices which contain such materials.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a dosage form is described wherein a liquid solution of a biologically compatible polymer containing a suspension of particulate material that is insoluble in the polymer is supplied to a liquid supply tube (2) having an outlet (2a) and an electrical field is established between the outlet (2a) and a surface (19) spaced from the outlet (2a) to cause liquid issuing from the outlet to form a jet which dries to form a polymer fibre containing particles of the particulate material and which deposits onto the surface (19) to form a dosage which consists of said particulate containing fibre which fibre dissolves or disintegrates in a wet environment such as the mouth.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of producing nanotubes from coaxial jets of immiscible liquids or poorly-miscible liquids. The purpose of the invention is to produce hollow fibers (nanotubes) or composite fibers having diameters ranging from a few micras to tens of nanometers and comprising walls, in the case of nanotubes, with a thickness ranging from hundreds of nanometers to a few nanometers. The inventive nanotube-formation method involves the generation of coaxial nanojets of two liquids using electrohydrodynamic technology.

Abstract: A method for immobilizing dyes and antimicrobial agents on a polymeric cover or housing for a medical device is disclosed and described. The surface may be that of a catheter, a connector, a drug vial spike, a bag spike, a prosthetic device, an endoscope, a surface of an infusion pump, a key pad, a touch screen or a handle. The surfaces may also be one or more of those associated with a infusion of a medicament or dialysis treatment, such as peritoneal dialysis or hemodialysis, where it is important that the working surface for the dialysis fluid be sterile. These surfaces include connectors for peritoneal dialysis sets or for hemodialysis sets, bag spikes, dialysis catheters, and so forth. A method for determining whether a surface has been sterilized, and a dye useful in so indicating, is also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention provides an enhanced silk fiber rivaling spider silk in mechanical performance, in combination with a very low-cost method for producing it from the usual silkworms. The method provides for the simple application of an electric field which results in an enhancement of over (?) 40% in the strength, and of 200% in the breaking energy with respect to ordinary silkworm silk. The critical elasticity is enhanced to the level of the dragline spider silk. The provided enhanced silk protein material has the same protein primary structure, fiber diameter and length of the customary silk. The method of formation offers the following advantages in comparison to other methods available in the prior art. Industrial scale production can be readily and cost-effectively achieved, given the wide-range availability of silkworms. The provided method relies largely on the present standard production processes of silkworm silk, and hence a low level of investment is required.

Abstract: The object of the present invention is a method and an apparatus for underwater decomposition of organic content of aqueous waste solutions, involving the measurement and, if necessary, adjustment of the pH and electric conductivity of the solution, maintaining optimum pH and/or electric conductivity during the process, and further involving the partial or total decomposition of organic materials contained by the solution. The apparatus comprises a feed tank, at least one decomposition loop, and a storage tank. The method according to the invention is characterized by submerging electrodes in the solution, producing and maintaining an electric arc between the electrodes and the electrically conductive the solution, where the arc is produced by an electric current of at least 0.

Abstract: A process of forming an integral hydrophilic membrane from a porous hydrophobic membrane includes exposing a porous hydrophobic polymer membrane to a plasma, wherein the plasma contains reactive carbon dioxide species configured to covalently bond carboxylic functional groups to a surface of the polymer membrane and form the integral hydrophilic membrane.

Abstract: The present technology provides apparatuses for the detection of one or more target molecules. The apparatuses include a membrane having a nanochannel configured to allow passage of the target molecule, an electrical detection unit, and an optical detection unit. The apparatuses are capable of detecting the location of one or more target molecules, the time at which the molecules arrive at the location, as well as the identity of the molecules. Also disclosed are methods of making the apparatuses and methods of using the apparatuses to detect target molecules, including single biomolecules.

Abstract: The present invention provides a polymer for use in detecting or quantifying an analyte Exposure of the polymer to the analyte is capable of causing a shift in the onset potential for conductivity or semiconductivity of the polymer. A sensor for an analyte comprising the polymer is also described.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process enhancing the extraction of phytochemicals from plant materials using pulsed electric field. The process is also used with a step of pressing, wherein the pressing and the pulse electric field treatment can be accomplished in a unique treatment chamber.

Abstract: This invention provides a cell made of polymers for spectra measurement while inhibiting a decrease in a molecular weight of resin caused by discharge treatment and having a stable hydrophilic modified surface. The hydrophilic resin cell is prepared by providing a polymeric resin cell between the two opposing electrodes, applying an electric field to a region between the above opposing electrodes under a nitrogen atmosphere with a pressure close to the atmospheric pressure to generate an electric discharge, and exposing the cell subjected to discharge treatment with a gas including oxygen.

Abstract: The application of CORONA discharge is proposed in continuous and semi-continuous processes for the finishing of cotton, flax, cotton/flax blends or other cellulosic materials, either in form of yarns, woven or knitted fabrics, in order to obtain complete hidrophilization and an increase of reticulation potential. The goal is to achieve easier and uniform wetting and impregnation with treatment products and an improved adhesion of resins and binders. The operations where CORONA discharge is included are desizing, alkaline treatment, bleaching, caustification, mercerization, dyeing, printing and final finishing treatments, namely softening, hydrophilization, easy-care, anti-shrinkage and fireproofing. Discharge is continuously applied in open width materials with controlled humidity and temperature, in the stages of raw, desized, bleached or finished.

Abstract: The present invention provides a plasma method for conversion of carbon dioxide into useful organic products. In this method, carbon dioxide and counterpart molecules are mixed in a reaction chamber and the plasma excitation is utilized to trigger chemical reactions. Depending on the magnitude of the input power and molecular structures of counterparts, the final product may be polymers, oligomers, or low molecular weight small molecules. The conversion yields of carbon dioxide and chemical structures of the resulting products are strongly dependent on the selection of the counterpart molecules. Through this plasma technology, carbon dioxide is converted into useful materials such as plastics or fuels. This method is not only used to remedy global warming but also to produce new materials and energy.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide, inexpensively and safely, a luminescence system, a method of luminescence, and a luminescent substance based on a novel luminescence mechanism that luminesces at high efficiency. The present invention relates to a luminescence system, wherein a first chemical substance changes into a second chemical substance having a chemical structure that is different from that of the first chemical substance and thereby luminesces. The present invention preferably relates to the luminescence system, wherein the second chemical substance turns back into the first chemical substance after luminescence.

Abstract: The present invention provides microwave attenuating, filled composite materials which contain a polymer or ceramic matrix and metallic tubules and processes for making the same and devices which contain such materials.

Abstract: A dielectric liquid having entrained bubbles of gas or vapor is subjected to an electric field applied between spaced electrodes (112, 116) which generates microdischarges (and thus plasma) within the bubbles, allowing modification of the properties of the dielectric liquid. The invention is particularly useful for treating hydrocarbon liquids such as gasolines and other liquid hydrocarbon fuels, which have extremely low dielectric constants. Generating microdischarges within bubbles in such fuels can create compounds useful for higher combustion efficiency and/or lower emissions in internal combustion engines. The invention may be directly implemented in an engine's fuel line upstream from the combustion chamber (e.g., immediately prior to a fuel injector), thereby allowing the invention to be usefully implemented for fuel treatment prior to combustion.

Abstract: This invention relates to the enhancement of chemical reactions by applying a high frequency electric field to a material. The frequency and amplitude of the electric field are selected in accordance with the properties of the reacting components in the bulk of chemical reactor. In general, the high frequency range is determined by the dielectric properties of reactant(s), that is, at any given temperature, when, for example, the specific conductivity starts to grow from its low frequency value. Typically, frequencies in the range of 100 kHz to 200 MHz or greater are suitable for the enhancement of the reactions. An electric field of any shape having Fourier components that when applied to a chemical process exhibits growth in the real part of conductivity relative to the low frequency value is of particular importance.

Abstract: A method of surface modifying a polyimide film, a method of manufacturing a flexible copper clad laminate using the same, and a flexible copper clad laminate (FCCL) having a two-layer structure manufactured thereby. The method of surface modifying a polyimide film is conducted by modifying the surface of a polyimide film through a first plasma treatment, dipping the polyimide film into a solution containing an ethyleneimine-based silane coupling agent prepared by mixing the compound of Formula 1 and the compound of Formula 2 at a molar ratio of with 0.25˜1, and then modifying the surface of the polyimide film through a second plasma treatment. The method of surface modifying a polyimide film is advantageous because it may be substituted for a conventional surface treatment processes using ion beams.

Abstract: A process for sequestrating carbon emitted into the atmosphere in the form of CO2 comprises: a) a step for concentrating CO2 in the liquid phase; b) a step for electro-reduction in an aprotic medium to a compound in which the carbon changes to oxidation number +3 in the form of oxalic acid or formic acid; c) if appropriate, a step for re-extracting oxalic or formic acid in the aqueous phase; and d) a step for mineralization by reaction with a compound of an element M, resulting in a stable compound in which the atomic ratio C/M is about 2/1.

Abstract: The present invention provides electroactive polymer transducers that produce out-of-plane deflections. The transducers form a set of surface features based on deflection of an electroactive polymer. The set of surface features may include elevated polymer surface features and/or depressed electrode surface features. Actuation of an active area may produce the polymer deflection that creates one or more surface features. A passive layer may operably connect to a polymer. The passive layer may comprise a thicker and softer material to amplify polymer thickness changes and increase surface feature visibility.

Abstract: A method of creating and controlling the particle spacing of a regular lattice of monodisperse particles or a mixture of monodisperse particles by using an electric field.

Abstract: A high-voltage capacitive electrostatic device is used to improve the performance of membrane-separation processes, particularly reverse-osmosis units, wherein species of a given ionic polarity are separated from water. The device is immersed in the water flowing across the membranes and is operated continuously at very high voltages, preferably greater than 30,000 volts DC. The charge on the wetted surface of the suspended particles is altered by the electrostatic field so generated and is found to reduce biofilm formation, thereby materially enhancing the performance of the membrane-separation system. The application of high-voltage electrostatic fields is also found to reduce corrosion of metallic surfaces in the system.

Abstract: A device for treating a substance containing at least one undesirable organism, using a pulsed electrical field. The device includes at least one treatment zone of the substance located within a passage zone associated with the substance. Each treatment zone is only partially located within the associated passage zone. The device also includes a mechanism to create movement for displacing each treatment zone of the substance in the entire associated passage zone.

Abstract: A method of treating a fluorocarbon feedstock includes generating, in a high temperature zone, an electrical arc between at least one cathode and at least one anode, generating in the high temperature zone and by means of the electrical arc and a plasma gas, a thermal plasma having a tail flame, allowing a fluorocarbon feedstock comprising at least one fluorocarbon compound to form a reactive thermal mixture with the thermal plasma tail flame, with the fluorocarbon compound dissociating into at least one fluorocarbon precursor or reactive species having fewer carbon atoms than the fluorocarbon compound, and cooling the reactive thermal mixture to form, from the fluorocarbon precursor or reactive species, a fluorocarbon product.

Abstract: Methods for treating polymeric substrates by placing the substrate in a gaseous mixture and subjecting it to a dielectric barrier electrical discharge. The gaseous mixture, which has a pressure around atmospheric, contains a carrier gas, a reducing gas and an oxidizing gas. The amount of the oxidizing gas in the gas mixture is between about 50 ppm and about 2000 ppm by volume, while the amount of the reducing gas in the gas mixture is between about 50 ppm and 30000 ppm by volume.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is utilized for producing colloidal dispersions of nanoparticles of electrically conducting materials. The colloidal dispersions are produced in a dense media plasma reactor comprising at least one static electrode and at least one rotating electrode. The plasma reaction sputters off minute particles of the electrically conducting material from which the electrodes are made. Methods of using the colloidal dispersions thus made are also described. Colloidal dispersions of silver produced in this manner are highly effective for bactericidal purposes.

Abstract: The present invention provides microwave attenuating, filled composite materials which contain a polymer or ceramic matrix and metallic tubules and processes for making the same and devices which contain such materials.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for processing crude oil, or oil-base or water-base liquid waste into a clean burning combustible gas via a submerged electric arc between at least one pair of consumable electrodes, which have a geometry permitting the operation for at least one month prior to their replacement, are completely contained inside a pressurized vessel, and have copper holders that are placed at a minimal possible mutual distance so as to minimize the power loss in the propagation of electricity through the electrodes, while having the other dimensions essentially unrestricted to maximize life. The invention is complemented with three optional recirculating flows substantially through the electric arc: i) a flow of the produced combustible gas; ii) a flow of the liquid feedstock; and iii) a flow of a liquid additive rich in a substance missing in the liquid feedstock for the production of the combustible gas with desired features.

Abstract: A method for activating chemical reactions using a non-thermal capillary discharge plasma (NT-CDP) unit or a non-thermal slot discharge plasma (NT-SDP) unit (collectively referred to as “NT-CDP/SDP”). The NT-CDP/SDP unit includes a first electrode disposed between two dielectric layers, wherein the first electrode and dielectric layers having at least one opening (e.g., capillary or a slot) defined therethrough. A dielectric sleeve inserted into the opening, and at least one second electrode (e.g., in the shape of a pin, ring, metal wire, or tapered metal blade) is disposed in fluid communication with an associated opening. A non-thermal plasma discharge is emitted from the opening when a voltage differential is applied between the first and second electrodes. Chemical feedstock to be treated is then exposed to the non-thermal plasma.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for synthesis and collection of higher order chemical compounds from lower order precursors. The apparatus includes a first silent electric discharge reactor configured to synthesize an intermediate product (e.g., disilane) from a precursor chemical (e.g., monosilane). A second silent electric discharge reactor is connected downstream of the first reactor. This second reactor is configured to convert the intermediate product into the higher order chemical compound (e.g., trisilane). Multiple condensation traps are also connected to receive effluent from the second reactor, which will generally include the compound of interest as well as unreacted precursor and intermediate product. In the illustrated embodiment, a parallel second condensation traps is also included to shunt flow and continue collection while the chemical of interest is removed for purification.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method to produce a biochip and to a biochip, said biochip being composed particularly of biological probes grafted onto a conductive polymer. The method according to the invention comprises the following steps: a) structuring of a substrate so as to obtain on said substrate microtroughs comprising in their base a layer of a material capable of initiating and promoting the adhesion onto said layer of a film of a pyrrole and functionalised pyrrole copolymer by electropolymerisation, b) collective electropolymerisation, so as to form an electropolymerised film of a pyrrole and functionalised pyrrole copolymer on the base of said microtroughs, c) direct or indirect fixation of functionalised oligonucleotides by microdeposition or a liquid jet printing technique.

Abstract: This invention relates to the enhancement of chemical reactions by applying a high frequency electric field to a material. The frequency and amplitude of the electric field are selected in accordance with the properties of the reacting components in the bulk of chemical reactor. In general, the high frequency range is determined by the dielectric properties of reactant(s), that is, at any given temperature, when, for example, the specific conductivity starts to grow from its low frequency value. Typically, frequencies in the range of 100 kHz to 200 MHz or greater are suitable for the enhancement of the reactions. An electric field of any shape having Fourier components that when applied to a chemical process exhibits growth in the real part of conductivity relative to the low frequency value is of particular importance.

Abstract: An apparatus for providing an electrical bias to a substrate in a processing system is described. The apparatus generally includes a conductive annular body defining a central opening. The conductive annular body may have a substrate seating surface adapted to receive the substrate and a plurality of scallops formed on a surface opposing the substrate seating surface. A plurality of electrical contacts may be formed on the substrate seating surface opposite the plurality of scallops. The electrical contacts may be adapted to engage a plating surface of the substrate.

Abstract: A process for the production of a clean burning combustible gas by flowing a liquid through an electric arc. The electrodes have several configurations. The invention prevents the production of carbon dioxide in the gas thereby reducing its presence when combusted and exhausted to about half that associated with gasoline exhaust; increases the cost efficiency of the process by eliminating secondary chemical reactions; and increases the life of the electrodes. The chemical structure of the combustible gas is composed of stable magnetically bonded clusters of conventional molecules and atoms that are fully detectable via peaks in conventional mass spectrometric detectors, yet such clusters remain unidentifiable by the computer search among all known molecules, and have no infrared signature other than those of the conventional molecules constituting the clusters. The liquid which is flown through the arc also acquires the chemical structure of magnetically bonded clusters.

Abstract: Provided is an apparatus for surface treatment of a throttle body structure with a first and a second electrode located in a housing electrically connected to a transformer. A rotating fixture base is also provided in the housing.

Abstract: A plasma polymerizing system including at least one chamber is disclosed. After polymerizing a surface of a sheet by generating plasma of reactive gas in the chamber, mixed gas of oxygen and nitrogen is provided into the chamber for preventing the deterioration of the polymerizing property of the sheet. Air can be provided for the mixed gas.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a specific process in which wool is initially subjected to a plasma treatment and then to a wet chemical treatment with a finishing agent, which provides nonfelting wool in a technically simple and easily handleable manner.

Abstract: Cellulose nitrate membranes useful in immuno-assay diagnostic tests are rendered hydrophilic by exposure to a low energy plasma.

Abstract: A device for detoxifying waste polychlorinated biphenyl includes aluminum plates, insulating plates, copper pipe containing polychlorinated biphenyl powder and disposed on an upper side of the aligned aluminum and insulating plates, and a high voltage powder source for irradiating the copper pipe so as to produce unharmful hydrocarbon, and a method therefor.

Abstract: There is provided a battery separator comprising synthetic resin fibers, wherein hydrophilization treatment, preferably plasma treatment is applied, and a contact angle to pure water indicates a value of 0 to 100 degrees; an alkali secondary battery in which a electrode group having the separator between a positive electrode and a negative electrode is sealed in a battery case together with an alkali electrolyte, in particular, a nickel-metal hydride secondary battery whose positive electrode is a nickel electrode and whose negative electrode is a hydrogen absorbing alloy electrode, wherein active substances of said nickel electrode comprising powders consisting essentially of nickel hydroxides and higher-order cobalt hydroxides formed a surface of a part or whole thereof are employed, thereby providing its superiority in both of self-discharge properties and charge and discharge cycle life performance.

Abstract: A dielectric barrier discharge system includes first and second non-thermal plasma reactors which are coupled together in series. The first reactor includes a first surface discharge electrode which defines a first discharge path along the first surface discharge electrode. The second reactor includes second and third electrodes which are separated by a gap and define a second discharge path which extends across the gap. The system can be used to decompose hazardous compounds in a liquid or a gas, such as in power plant flue gases.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method for the surface treatment of polymeric substrates whereby the substrate is subjected to a dielectric barrier electrical discharge, in a gaseous mixture comprising a carrier gas, and a reducing and/or oxidising gas, at a pressure substantially equal to atmospheric pressure. The invention is characterised in that it comprises the following implementing conditions: when the mixture comprises an oxidising gas, the oxidising gas content in the mixture ranges between 50 to 2000 ppm by volume; when the mixture comprises a reducing gas, the reducing gas content in the mixture ranges between 50 to 30000 ppm by volume.

Abstract: Reactors for the total recycling of contaminated liquid waste, which produce a clean burning combustible gas, usable heat, and solid precipitates. Different embodiments include the efficient recycling of automotive antifreeze and oil waste, a new method for the production of a fuel from crude oil, for desalting seawater and for recycling biologically contaminated liquid waste, such as town sewage, into a clean burning combustible gas, nutrient rich water useful for irrigation, and solid precipitates useful for fertilizers.