Abstract: A porous membrane for use in an electroosmotic pump for pumping a fluid by electroosmotic transport, the porous membrane comprising: first and second opposite surfaces and a net fluid flow direction extending in the porous membrane between said opposite surfaces, wherein when a given amount of charge flows through the porous membrane from the first to the second opposite surface more electroosmotic transport of the fluid will occur than when the same amount of charge flows through the porous membrane from the second to the first, opposite surface.

Abstract: A process and a system for enhancing recovery of oil from an oil-bearing formation are provided in which water having a total dissolved solids content is filtered to remove some solids in a filter assembly, the filtered water is treated to remove some ions in a capacitive deionization assembly, and the filtered deionized water is injected into the oil-bearing formation to mobilize crude oil and enhance oil recovery from the formation.

Abstract: A supercapacitor has a first electrode, a second electrode, a first ionic carrier configured to contact the first electrode to provide a first ion-conductive pathway for transportation of ions to and from the first electrode, and a first retaining layer configured to retain the first ionic carrier between the first electrode and the first retaining layer. The supercapacitor also has an electrolyte dispersed between the first and the second electrodes to provide the ions, a first current collector configured to contact the first electrode and a second current collector configured to contact the second electrode. A method for making the supercapacitor is also presented.

Abstract: A low energy water treatment system and method is provided. The system has at least one electrodialysis device that produces partially treated water and a brine byproduct, a softener, and at least one electrodeionization device. The partially treated water stream can be softened by the softener to reduce the likelihood of scale formation and to reduce energy consumption in the electrodeionization device, which produces water having target properties. At least a portion of the energy used by the electrodeionization device can be generated by concentration differences between the brine and seawater streams introduced into compartments thereof. The brine stream can also be used to regenerate the softener.

Abstract: Printers, methods, and apparatus to filter imaging oil are disclosed. An example apparatus to filter imaging oil, includes adjacent electrodes and a switching circuit. The example switching circuit selectively generates an electrostatic field between the adjacent electrodes to cause particles suspended in the imaging oil between the adjacent electrodes to adhere to at least one of the adjacent electrodes, and generates an alternating electric field between the adjacent electrodes to cause the particles to be detached from the adjacent electrodes.

Abstract: A device, system and method for killing viruses and bacteria in blood. An iontophoretic cartridge destroys blood borne viruses and bacteria using ionized silver nanoparticles. Blood from the arm of the patient is routed to a holding bladder. From the bladder, the blood is pumped to the iontophoretic cartridge. In the cartridge, the blood is split into four tubes containing silver nanowires that treat the blood and destroy the viruses as they flow through the cartridge. The blood is then rerouted to the patient's arm.

Abstract: An apparatus to remove ions, the apparatus having a housing including an inlet to let water in an interior of the housing, an outlet to let water out of the interior of the housing, a first electrode having a current collector, a second electrode, and a spacer to separate the first and second electrodes and to allow water to flow between the first and second electrodes. The apparatus also has a connector to connect the first electrode, or the second electrode, or both first and second electrodes, with an electrical source. The connector may have two connector parts to clamp the current collector in between the connector parts, the connector constructed and arranged to avoid water-metal contact.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide a method of operating a flow-through capacitor and a related controller for performing the method. The method includes establishing a summed-current capacity of the flow-through capacitor. In an operational cycle, the flow-through capacitor is operated to transfer ions between the pair of electrodes and water. A current is monitored during operation of the flow-through capacitor. This current is integrated over time to calculate a monitored-current value. To determine an end of the operational cycle, the monitored-current value is compared to the summed-current capacity.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for efficiently supplying a liquid with ions or radicals generated by plasma and so on, or for effectively sterilizing microorganisms present in a liquid or on the surface thereof. The method includes generating plasma in a gas phase by a plasma generation device, producing ions or radicals in the gas phase by the plasma; electrophoresing the ions or radicals toward the liquid by an electric field applied to the produced ions or radicals; and diffusing the ions or radicals into the liquid. The liquid is adjusted to have a pH value of 4.8 or lower for effective sterilization.

Abstract: The scope of the invention is to apply an electric current or to use a kind of iontophoresis system with the hemodialysis cartridge and system (the proposed method is also applicable to peritoneal dialysis or other similar methods) to remove unwanted molecules from blood, plasma or serum or other body fluids and to increase the effectiveness of the process. This cartridge can be used for patients with uremia and cartridge fixed to the conventional hemodialysis machine and additionally the electric current applied to the electrodes placed in to the cartridge or electrode connectors placed to the conventional cartridge. When the system activated, the molecules in the blood or other body fluid migrates to the hemodialysis solution. Charged ions or uncharged molecules move together with electroosmotic flow. The sterilized electrodes preferably made by Ag/AgCl to prevent pH changing effect. Other apparatus can also be used for providing an electropotential gradient.

Abstract: Systems, devices, and methods for evaluating iontophoretic properties of compounds. An impedance spectrometer is operable to determine an impedance of a compound and a processor is configured to compare the determined impedance of the compound to a database of stored values.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for the separation of polysaccharides, particular heparin products, and glycosylated molecules are provided. The separation is based on the molecular weight and charge, by application of an electric field across a low-friction matrix, modified with a charged separation agent comprising charged regions ordered in a monotonous sequence distributed throughout the matrix, to generate a charge density gradient formed when an external electric field is applied. Saccharides of different charges migrate differently across the porous matrix and immobilized by charge neutralization in different charge regions of the matrix.

Abstract: A device for quantitatively determining an analyte is provided to conspicuously improve the performance of the quantitative determination. This device is equipped with a flow channel, an analyte detecting unit for capturing and detecting the analyte, and a quantitative measurement unit for quantitatively determining the analyte, wherein a signal generated when the analyte detecting unit has detected the analyte is divided into a plurality of parts in the direction of the flow in the flow channel at the quantitative measurement unit for processing. Also provided are technologies including one for controlling the density of molecules attached to the surface of a solid. In these technologies, when molecules are attached to a substrate, the density of attached molecules is controlled, by having an electrolyte also present in a solution containing the molecules to adjust the screening effect by the electrolyte, and by taking into consideration the effective size of a molecule.

Abstract: The invention relates to the use of MS compatible surfactants in free-flow electrophoretic methods, which allow the separation of analytes with differentiated electrophoretic mobility. The surfactant is preferably a cleavable surfactant, such as PPS.

Abstract: A low energy water treatment system and method is provided. The system has at least one electrodialysis device that produces partially treated water and a brine byproduct, a softener, and at least one electrodeionization device. The partially treated water stream can be softened by the softener to reduce the likelihood of scale formation and to reduce energy consumption in the electrodeionization device, which produces water having target properties. At least a portion of the energy used by the electrodeionization device can be generated by concentration differences between the brine and seawater streams introduced into compartments thereof. The brine stream can also be used to regenerate the softener.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for concentrating particles or molecules and an apparatus thereof. The apparatus comprises a substrate, a conducting granule having nano-pores or nano-channels capable of permitting ion permeation, an electrolyte solution comprising counter-ions having an opposite electric property to the conducting granule, and an external field. Wherein, particles or molecules to be concentrated have an identical electric property as the conducting granule at a predefined pH value, and are added into the electrolyte solution with the predefined pH value. While the external electric field is applied across the reservoir where the conducting granule is sitting, the counter-ions exit from the nano-pores or nano-channels and such that a transient ion super-concentration phenomenon occurs at an ejecting pole on the conducting granule so as to concentrate the particles or molecules. Hence the present invention has potential application in bead-based molecular assays.

Abstract: A method of purifying cooling water which requires the lowest maintenance and management cost without the need for a cumbersome cleaning operation for removing scale in an electrolytic purifying vessel by taking out the electrodes from the electrolytic purifying vessel, and an apparatus therefor are provided. In the method of purifying circulating cooling water by applying a DC voltage across opposing electrodes while flowing water to be treated therebetween, so that ions in the water are electrolytically precipitated on the surfaces of electrodes on the negative pole side, thereby purifying the water to be treated, the electrodes comprise titanium and have an oxide film preformed by heating having a thickness of 5 nm to 130 nm thereon, and electric current is flown between the electrodes in an amount large enough to apply a voltage capable of dielectrically breaking down the oxide film on the surfaces of electrodes on the positive pole side.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods of determining polydispersity (PDI) and molecular mass distribution (MMD) of reactive PEG samples using mass spectrometry. More specifically, a mass spectrometry method called GEMMA is used to determine PDI and MMD of PEG samples which provides more accurate measurements for high molecular weight PEG samples than prior known MALDI-TOF analysis.

Abstract: Accordingly, the invention provides constructs in which the nucleic acids encoding Plasmodium falciparum MSP4 and MSP5, and the resulting polypeptides, have been modified. More particularly, this invention provides constructs encoding recombinant MSP4 and MSP5 polypeptides, which are expressed as soluble, secreted polypeptides in a baculovirus-insect cell expression system. It was surprisingly found that the recombinant polypeptides contain an EGF-like domain at the C-terminus that is properly folded in the polypeptide.

Abstract: An electrically driven oxygen separation element and method in which an oxygen containing feed stream is passed through a passageway of a composite structure having a current collector defining the passageway, a cathode electrode to ionize the oxygen, an electrolyte to transport oxygen ions to an anode to recombine into elemental oxygen. An elongated element, preferably formed of an irregular mesh of wire having loops in contact with the current collector can be provided to disrupt the flow directly adjacent the current collector and to help distribute the electrical current along the length of the current collector.

Abstract: In a container 10, a first electrode 11 containing a first electrically conductive material capable of adsorbing an ion and a second electrode 12 containing a second electrically conductive material capable of adsorbing an ion are immersed in a liquid (aqueous solution 13) containing at least one type of ion other than hydrogen ion and hydroxide ion. Then a voltage is applied between the first electrode 11 and the second electrode 12 so that the first electrode 11 serves as an anode. This voltage application allows the first electrode 11 and the second electrode 12 to adsorb anions and cations contained in the aqueous solution 13, respectively. In this ion adsorption step, the aqueous solution 13 is treated by a batch method. The voltage to be applied is higher than a voltage that causes electrolysis of a solvent of the solution, assuming that no voltage drop is caused by the liquid (aqueous solution 13).

Abstract: An apparatus for reverse iontophoresis has a base, an electrode provided on the base, an electrolytic gel provided on the electrode adapted for contacting a first part of a specimen, and for extracting a molecule from a first part of the specimen, a sensor chip placed underneath the electrolytic gel and having a pigment membrane containing a pigment that changes color by reaction with the molecule, a light source irradiating light on the pigment membrane, and a light sensor receiving a reflection of the light from the pigment membrane

Abstract: An electrodiffusion pump includes a housing having an inlet, drug reservoir, and outlet. A diffusion membrane is disposed between the reservoir and outlet for diffusing the drug outwardly therethrough. Internal and external electrodes are disposed on opposite sides of the membrane. The electrodes are porous, and the external electrode is additionally perforate to expose a portion of the membrane at the outlet. The electrodes are electrically powered for driving drug ions through the membrane under electrophoresis to complement diffusion thereof.

Abstract: An electrode assembly for sensing an electrochemical signal diffused from a source to a working electrode which is comprised of a plurality of substantially separated working electrode surfaces is disclosed. The electrode of the invention is comprised of 1) a working electrode made up of a plurality of working electrode surfaces or components and 2) a electrically insulating gap defined by adjacent edges of 1) insulating the working electrode surfaces or components from each other. The working electrode components are configured to receive electrochemical signal from two or preferably three dimensions simultaneously. The working electrode components configured over the same surface as a single electrode provide (1) an improved signal to noise ratio as compared to a single electrode by reducing noise, and (2) provide an overall enhanced signal after sensing for a given period of time.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for ion analysis by ion chromatography uses periodic electrolytic regeneration of a packed bed suppressor. First and second sets of columns, suppressors and detectors connected in series are linked by appropriate valving so that the effluent from the second suppressor can be passed to the first suppressor to be used in the electrolytic regeneration of the first suppressor after detection of analyte in the second detector.

Abstract: To avoid a reduction of the conductivity in iontophoresis due to the electrical decomposition and the changes in chemical properties of the electrodes themselves, covering by an electrical insulator, and to prevent a drop in the transport rate due to ions freed from the electrode. Provision is made of an electrode structure provided integrally with a reversible electrode and an auxiliary electrode for regeneration of the same and a regeneration current conducting means for conducting a current for regeneration of the reversible electrode when the therapeutic current is off, or the invention is comprised of a reversible electrode and an ion exchange membrane difficult for ions freed from that electrode to penetrate.

Abstract: An ionic liquid-channel charge-coupled device that separates ions in a liquid sample according to ion mobility characteristics includes a channel having an inner wall that has a matrix liquid disposed within. An insulating material surrounds the channel, and an introduction element introduces a liquid sample into the channel. The sample is preferably a liquid solution that has at least one ionic specie present in the solution. The device further includes a gating element that establishes at least one charge packet in the channel in response to an externally applied input signal, and a transport element that induces the charge packet to migrate through the channel. The gate element can be a plurality of spaced-apart, electrically conductive, gate structures that are alternately disposable between a high voltage state and a low voltage state. The transport element further includes an application element that applies a variable voltage to the gating element.

Abstract: The object of the invention is to provide a flow-through, electric, double-layer capacitor providing for a high, steady rate of removal of ionic substances and amenable to commercial scale application and a method of treating fluids using the flow-through electric double-layer capacitor. The invention is a planar, flow-through, electric, double-layer capacitor comprising a separator (1) consisting in an electrically-insulating, porous, flow-through sheet, activated carbon layers (2, 2), each comprising a high specific surface area activated carbon as a main component, collectors (3, 3) disposed externally of the active carbon layers (2, 2), and retaining plates (4, 4) disposed externally of the collectors (3, 3).

Abstract: An molecular complex is provided which includes a linear polymer associated with a cyclic molecule to form a rotaxane of the general formula, ##STR1## where R.sub.1 and R.sub.2 are blocking end groups of size and character sufficient to prevent dethreading of the rotaxane and said R.sub.1 and R.sub.2 the same or different;where the cyclic molecule comprises a cyclic skeleton and at least one A functional group, said functional group attached to the cyclic skeleton;where A is selected from the group consisting of polymerizable functional groups, cation complexing groups, anion complexing groups and ionic species; andwherein at least one of R.sub.1, R.sub.2 and A are selected from the group consisting of cation complexing groups, anion complexing groups and ionic species.The molecular complex may used in an electrolyte.

Abstract: An electrode assembly for sensing an electrochemical signal diffused from a source to a working electrode which is comprised of a plurality of substantially separated working electrode surfaces is disclosed. The electrode of the invention is comprised of 1) a working electrode made up of a plurality of working electrode surfaces or components and 2) a electrically insulating gap defined by adjacent edges of 1) insulating the working electrode surfaces or components from each other. The working electrode components are configured to receive electrochemical signal from two or preferably three dimensions simultaneously. The working electrode components configured over the same surface as a single electrode provide (1) an improved signal to noise ratio as compared to a single electrode by reducing noise, and (2) provide an overall enhanced signal after sensing for a given period of time.