Abstract: A storage device including a tape configured to store data is disclosed. The tape includes a plurality of first regions with a first dielectric constant and a plurality of second regions with a second dielectric constant that is higher than the first dielectric constant. The first regions and the second regions are arranged in an alternating manner along the length of the tape. Further, the storage device includes one or more actuators configured to apply an electrical field across the width of the tape, in order to move the tape in length direction. Further, the storage device includes one or more data heads configured to read and/or write data from and/or to the tape.

Abstract: Implantable devices for orthopedic, including spine and other uses are formed of porous reinforced polymer scaffolds. Scaffolds include a thermoplastic polymer forming a porous matrix that has continuously interconnected pores. The porosity and the size of the pores within the scaffold are selectively formed during synthesis of the composite material, and the composite material includes a plurality of reinforcement particles integrally formed within and embedded in the matrix and exposed on the pore surfaces. The reinforcement particles provide one or more of reinforcement, bioactivity, or bioresorption.

Abstract: A method for arranging nanotube elements within nanotube fabric layers and films is disclosed. A directional force is applied over a nanotube fabric layer to render the fabric layer into an ordered network of nanotube elements. That is, a network of nanotube elements drawn together along their sidewalls and substantially oriented in a uniform direction. In some embodiments this directional force is applied by rolling a cylindrical element over the fabric layer. In other embodiments this directional force is applied by passing a rubbing material over the surface of a nanotube fabric layer. In other embodiments this directional force is applied by running a polishing material over the nanotube fabric layer for a predetermined time. Exemplary rolling, rubbing, and polishing apparatuses are also disclosed.

Abstract: Microfluidic devices, along with methods of their fabrication, are provided. The microfluidic device can include a substrate defining a microchannel formed between a pair of side walls and a bottom surface and a plurality of nanotips positioned within the microchannel and proximate to each side wall such that a boundary layer is formed along each side wall between the plurality of nanotips and the side wall upon addition of a liquid into the microchannel.

Abstract: A porous sintered multicomponent applicator nib and methods of making and using these nibs. The porous nibs are made from sintered plastic particles. These nibs are used with liquid applicators devices, medical devices, writing tools or cosmetic applicators to apply liquids containing high solids or pigments to surfaces such as metal, paper, skin, hair, tissue or a wound.

Abstract: A vacuum pump protection net 50 is provided with a peripheral edge section 51 and a flat mesh section 52 which is formed on the inner side of the peripheral edge section 51 and has a plurality of through holes 55. The thickness of the mesh section 52 is equal to or less than half the thickness of the peripheral edge section 51. A first surface of the mesh section 52 is located on the same plane as a first surface of the peripheral edge section 52. A second surface of the mesh section 52 is recessed from a second surface of the peripheral edge section 51.

Abstract: A catalytic converter substrate comprising a plurality of micro-structured hollow ceramic tubes, each tube having an inside surface and an outside surface, the inside surface having openings to micro-channels distributed radially throughout the tube cross-section, the micro-channels extending from the openings in the inside surface towards the outside surface.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for measuring the permeation of chemicals through protective materials is described. The testing apparatus and method includes a PTFE layer; placing a sorbent pad on the PTFE layer; applying contaminants to a protective material; placing the protective material adjacent to the sorbent pad with the side having contaminants opposite the sorbent pad; applying a weight to the protective material causing the protective material to contact the sorbent pad, and determining any permeation of contaminants through said protective material causing exposure on the sorbent pad to the contaminants; and measuring a level of contamination of the sorbent pad upon exposure to any contaminants which permeated the protective material. A second PTFE layer may be placed in between the weight and the protective material. An o-ring gasket may also be used to further confine the contaminant on the protective material being tested.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a zeolite coating preparation assembly and operation method wherein zeolite adsorbents are coated by crystallization process on various surfaces heated by induction. The objective of the present invention is to provide a zeolite coating preparation assembly and operation method; by which time saving is achieved owing to heating by induction, material saving is achieved owing to heating by induction, material saving is achieved since large heating resistances and complicated reactors are not used; and which is thus more economical; and wherein thicker and more stable coatings with high diffusion coefficients are prepared by using a more practical reaction system in a shorter period of time in comparison to the known methods, and wherein mass production is enabled.

Abstract: Asymmetric membranes comprising a first asymmetric porous zone including a first porous asymmetry that increases from the first exterior surface through the first porous zone of the bulk, and a second asymmetric porous zone including a second porous asymmetry that increases from the second exterior surface through the second porous zone of the bulk, wherein the first average pore size is larger than the second average pore size, as well as methods of making and using the membranes, are disclosed.

Abstract: A poly(arylethersulfone) polymer comprising recurring units derived from at least one aromatic dihalocompound comprising at least one —S(?O)2— group and at least one diol (D) comprising at least one cycloaliphatic moiety (M).

Abstract: There is provided a composite porous membrane comprising a porous membrane comprised of an organic polymeric compound, and a supporting porous membrane adjacent to the porous membrane, characterized in that the organic polymeric compound constituting the porous membrane penetrates in at least part of a surface adjacent to porous membrane of the supporting porous membrane, the porous membrane having specified opening ratio, average pore diameter, standard deviation of pore diameter, ratio of through pore, average membrane thickness, standard deviation of membrane thickness and internal structure, and that the supporting porous membrane has communicating pores of 0.5 D ?m or greater average pore diameter. Further, there are provided a blood filtration membrane comprising the composite porous membrane; a leukocyte removing filter unit comprising the composite porous membrane as a second filter; and, utilizing the composite porous membrane, a cell culturing diaphragm and method of cell culturing.

Abstract: A method for preparing a composite multilayer porous hollow fiber membrane and the device and product thereof. The method comprises preparing uncured porous hollow fibers with larger pore diameters as the inner supporter of the membrane from thermoplastic macromolecule polymer resins by thermal induced phase separation method and then bonding a superthin coating layer with microfiltration or nanofiltration function and small pore diameter prepared on the outer surface of the hollow fibers from a solution of the thermoplastic macromolecule polymer resins by a coating process using non-solvent induced phase separation method.

Abstract: The object of the invention is to provide an organic polymers-separation membrane filter capable of physically separating organic polymers based on their molecular stereostructure difference without giving rise to chemical changes in them and without selecting their chemical compositions. The organic polymers-separation membrane filter comprising an ultrafilter membrane is characterized in that a path taken by a nano permeation pore has a narrower path portion having a width narrower than that of the rest, wherein organic polymers capable of changing in their stereostructure are passed through the path while their width is transformed into a configuration along the narrower path portion, thereby separating the organic polymers. In the ultrafilter membrane, particulate materials are mutually coupled together in its thickness and planar directions. The particulate materials comprise a protein.

Abstract: Composite membranes that are adapted for separation, purification, filtration, analysis, reaction and sensing. The composite membranes can include a porous support structure having elongate pore channels extending through the support structure. The composite membrane also includes an active layer comprising an active layer material, where the active layer material is completely disposed within the pore channels between the surfaces of the support structure. The active layer is intimately integrated within the support structure, thus enabling great robustness, reliability, resistance to mechanical stress and thermal cycling, and high selectivity. Methods for the fabrication of composite membranes are also provided.

Abstract: A microfiltration membrane comprising (a) an asymmetric layer, (b) an isometric layer, and (c) an interface layer between the asymmetric layer and the isometric layer, the interface layer having a first portion contacting the asymmetric layer and a second portion contacting the isometric layer; wherein, (i) the asymmetric layer has a region contacting the first portion of the interface layer, the region including cells having a first porous structure; (ii) the isometric layer has a region contacting the second portion of the interface layer, the region including cells having a second porous structure; the first porous structure being larger than the second porous structure; and the first portion of the interface layer comprises cells having the first porous structure, and the second portion of the interface layer comprises cells having the second porous structure, and methods of making and using the membrane, are disclosed.

Abstract: A method for forming an isoporous graded film comprising multiblock copolymers and isoporous graded films. The films have a surface layer and a bulk layer. The surface layer can have at least 1×1014 pores/m2 and a pore size distribution (dmax/dmin)) of less than 3. The bulk layer has an asymmetric structure. The films can be used in filtration applications.

Abstract: Novel porous PTFE membranes are described possessing a unique combination of high strength, low flow resistance, and small pore size. Additionally, unique constructions with superior filtration and venting properties incorporating porous PTFE membranes are described.

Abstract: Multi-layer membrane devices with reduced performance variability, and method of reducing performance variability of such devices. The variability is reduced by combining two or more membranes with similar pore sizes, and carefully selecting the upstream membrane based upon its performance rating, in order to control the performance of the overall device. Selective layering reduces the capacity range of the device when compared to random layering, with the mean capacity greater than overall population mean. The flux range also can be reduced, with the mean near the overall population mean. The LRV range also can be reduced, with the mean LRV near or higher than the overall population mean.

Abstract: A method of making a membrane assembly is provided. The method comprises forming an inorganic membrane layer disposed on a substrate, and forming a plurality of macropores in the substrate at least in part using anodization. Further, a membrane assembly is provided. The membrane assembly comprises a filtering membrane that is coupled to an anodized substrate comprising a plurality of macropores.

Abstract: A method of forming a nanotube grid includes placing a plurality of catalyst nanoparticles on a grid framework, contacting the catalyst nanoparticles with a gas mixture that includes hydrogen and a carbon source in a reaction chamber, forming an activated gas from the gas mixture, heating the grid framework and activated gas, and controlling a growth time to generate a single-wall carbon nanotube array radially about the grid framework. A filter membrane may be produced by this method.

Abstract: A nano porous membrane having a uniform array of nanopores etch-formed in a thin film structure (e.g. (100)-oriented single crystal silicon) having a predetermined thickness, by (a) using interferometric lithography to create an etch pattern comprising a plurality array of unit patterns having a predetermined width/diameter, (b) using the etch pattern to etch frustum-shaped cavities or pits in the thin film structure such that the dimension of the frustum floors of the cavities are substantially equal to a desired pore size based on the predetermined thickness of the thin film structure and the predetermined width/diameter of the unit patterns, and (c) removing the frustum floors at a boundary plane of the thin film structure to expose, open, and thereby create the nanopores substantially having the desired pore size.

Abstract: A multi-channel membrane, in particular for treatment of liquids, includes at least one outer membrane surface and one inner membrane surface, which forms at least two longitudinally extending inner channels, which are enclosed by the outer membrane surface. It is proposed that the outer membrane surface and the inner membrane surface each form an actively separating layer.

Abstract: Embodiments of multi-layer three-dimensional structures and formation methods provide structures with effective feature (e.g. opening) sizes (e.g. virtual gaps) that are smaller than a minimum feature size (MFS) that exists on each layer as a result of the formation method used in forming the structures. In some embodiments, multi-layer structures include a first element (e.g. first patterned layer with a gap) and a second element (e.g. second patterned layer with a gap) positioned adjacent the first element to define a third element (e.g. a net gap or opening resulting from the combined gaps of the first and second elements) where the first and second elements have features that are sized at least as large as the minimum feature size and the third element, at least in part, has dimensions or defines dimensions smaller than the minimum feature size.

Abstract: A filter includes a membrane having a plurality of nanochannels formed therein. A first surface charge material is deposited on an end portion of the nanochannels. The first surface charge material includes a surface charge to electrostatically influence ions in an electrolytic solution such that the nanochannels reflect ions back into the electrolytic solution while passing a fluid of the electrolytic solution. Methods for making and using the filter are also provided.

Abstract: A microsieve includes a patterned forest of vertically grown and aligned carbon nanotubes with a patterned matrix of vertically aligned pores. A conformal coating of substantially uniform thickness coats the nanotubes defining coated nanotubes. An interstitial material infiltrates the carbon nanotube forest and substantially fills interstices between individual coated nanotubes. The interstitial material can be a metal material infiltrated by electroplating.

Abstract: A crystalline polymer microporous membrane, which contains a laminate containing two or more layers and a plurality of pores piercing through the laminate in a thickness direction thereof, where the two or more layers include a layer containing a first crystalline polymer, and a layer containing a second crystalline polymer stacked to form the laminate, wherein the first crystalline polymer has a higher melting point than a melting point of the second crystalline polymer, wherein at least the layer containing the second crystalline polymer in the laminate has a microstructure containing at least fibrils having an average long axial length of 1 ?m or shorter, and wherein at least one of the layers constituting the laminate has a plurality of pores whose average pore diameter is constant without any variation at least at part along a thickness direction of the laminate.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a zeolite membrane composite satisfying both the treating amount and the separation performance at a practically sufficient level, which can be applied even in the presence of an organic material and can separate/concentrate an organic material-containing gas or liquid mixture and which is economic without requiring a high energy cost and is not limited in its application range; a production method thereof; and a separation or concentration method using the same. The present invention is an inorganic porous support-zeolite membrane composite, wherein the inorganic porous support contains a ceramic sintered body and the inorganic porous support-zeolite membrane composite has, as a zeolite membrane, a CHA-type zeolite crystal layer on the inorganic porous support surface.

Abstract: There is provided a zeolite separation membrane-provided article having gaps or pores larger than pores inherent to zeolite crystals and controlled within an appropriate range and being capable of achieving both high permeability and high separability for components with small difference in adsorption properties or a component having a smaller molecular diameter than the diameter of the pores, a method for producing the same, a method for separating mixed fluids, and a device for separating mixed fluids. The zeolite separation membrane-provided article is provided with a zeolite membrane having an N2 gas permeation speed at room temperature of 1.0×10?6 mol·m?2·s?1·Pa?1 or more and a permeation speed ratio of 1,3,5-trimethylbenzene/N2 at room temperature of 0.17 or more and being free from dyeing caused by the impregnation with Rhodamine B.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention include methods for the production of porous membranes. In certain aspects the methods are directed to producing polymeric porous membranes having a narrow pore size distribution.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a membrane comprising a porous polymer body with a plurality of channels extending through the polymer body, a method of producing the same and a water treatment system comprising the membrane.

Abstract: A filter includes a membrane having a plurality of nanochannels formed therein. A first surface charge material is deposited on an end portion of the nanochannels. The first surface charge material includes a surface charge to electrostatically influence ions in an electrolytic solution such that the nanochannels reflect ions back into the electrolytic solution while passing a fluid of the electrolytic solution. Methods for making and using the filter are also provided.

Abstract: A macrocyclic pore-apertured carbon nanotube apparatus is disclosed. The carbon nanotube apparatus can be used to filter or exclude ions, solutes in solution, as well as particles suspended in a colloidal mixture. The nanotube apparatus includes a carbon nanotube having a carboxylated portion at least one pore entrance and at least one molecular aperture adapted to be bonded to the carboxylated portion of the carbon nanotube. The molecular aperture is further adapted to prevent dissolved ions in a solution from entering the pore entrance. Methods for preparing and using the apparatus are also disclosed. The apparatus can also be incorporated into to filtration media for conducting reverse osmosis filtration.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for producing a polymer membrane, the polymer membrane being produced from a solution, in particular a casting solution, comprising at least one first polymer. The invention further relates to a polymer membrane. The process of the invention is distinguished by the fact that a water-soluble second polymer and/or oligomer that forms phases in the solution is part of the solution. The polymer membrane of the invention, preferably produced by the process of the invention, has an oil flow rate, in particular of a refined edible oil, of greater than 200 l/m2 h bar at 60° C.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to a structure for a diffused aeration system. More particularly, the invention encompasses a diffuser membrane where at least a portion of the surface has been treated with at least one layer of fluorine, to form a fluorinated elastomeric gas diffuser membrane. The invention also includes the deposition of fluorine atoms on the surface of a non-fluorine containing membrane to create a permanent fluoro-elastomeric surface layer. Tubular and disc diffuser members are also disclosed that have at least a portion of them treated with at least one layer of fluorine. A process of making the inventive diffuser membrane is also disclosed.

Abstract: Micro- and nanofilters with precision pore sizes and pore layout have applications in many fields including capturing circulating tumor cells and fetal cells in blood, water treatment, pathogen detection in water, etc. Methods to fabricate micro- and nanofilters not using track etching or reactive ion etching are provided, allowing easy fabrication of single layer or stack of films simultaneously, and/or stack of films on rolls. Microfilter can be made using one or more layers of material. Invention enables mass production of microfilters with lithographic quality at low cost. Isolation, enumeration and characterization of circulating tumor cells using microfilters provides (i) guides to cancer treatment selection and personalize dosage, (ii) low cost monitoring for treatment response, disease progression and recurrence, (iii) assessment of pharmacodynamic effects, (iv) information on mechanisms of resistance to therapy, and (v) cancer staging.

Abstract: Composite membranes that are adapted for separation, purification, filtration, analysis, reaction and sensing. The composite membranes can include a porous support structure having elongate pore channels extending through the support structure. The composite membrane also includes an active layer comprising an active layer material, where the active layer material is completely disposed within the pore channels between the surfaces of the support structure. The active layer is intimately integrated within the support structure, thus enabling great robustness, reliability, resistance to mechanical stress and thermal cycling, and high selectivity. Methods for the fabrication of composite membranes are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a membrane comprising at least one molecular monolayer composed of low-molecular aromatics and cross-linked in the lateral direction, wherein the membrane has a thickness in the range from 1 to 200 nm and a perforation in the form of openings having a diameter in the range from 0.1 nm to 1 ?m, to a method for the production thereof, and to a use thereof.

Abstract: The present invention provides porous barrier compositions comprising color change indicators and methods of making and using the same.

Abstract: A porous object comprising a three-dimensional network skeleton of a cured epoxy resin and having interconnecting pores, characterized in that the three-dimensional network skeleton forms a non-particle-aggregation type porous object constituted of a three-dimensional branched columnar structure, the proportion of aromatic-ring-derived carbon atoms to all the carbon atoms as a component of the cured epoxy resin is 0.10-0.65, and the porous object has a porosity of 20-80% and an average pore diameter of 0.5-50 ?m.

Abstract: A porous hollow fiber membrane that is suitable for treatment of liquid containing an inorganic substance and/or an organic substance, is obtained at a low cost performance, and has high water permeability performance, fretting resistance, and drying resistance. A deformed porous hollow fiber membrane according to the present invention is composed of a thermoplastic resin and includes a continuous asperity provided on the periphery in the longitudinal direction of the membrane, in which the periphery of the hollow fiber membrane in the circumferential direction includes continuous projected and depressed parts.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for manufacturing a depth filter sheet material, the method comprising preparing a flowable aqueous pulp composition comprising a fibrous material and a binding agent; dispensing the flowable aqueous pulp composition onto a water permeable support in a predetermined amount per unit area; at least partially draining the water content of the aqueous pulp composition through said water permeable support; drying the at least partially drained pulp composition at an elevated temperature to form a depth filter sheet raw material comprising a first and a second surface section forming an upper and a lower surface of the sheet raw material, respectively, and an intermediate section positioned in between and integrally formed with the first and the second surface sections, the intermediate section having a permeability greater than the permeability of the first and second surface sections; and removing or displacing at least portions of one of the first or second surface secti

Abstract: Methods and devices for isolating and sorting nanoparticles are disclosed herein. Nanopores of a desired size can be formed in silicon dioxide membranes and used as filters to separate nanoparticles. Devices are also provided herein for sorting nanoparticles with multiple filters having various sized nanopores.

Abstract: The present invention provides sintered polymeric materials and methods of making the same which are useful in a variety of applications. In one embodiment, the present invention provides a sintered polymeric material comprising at least one plastic and at least one elastomer.

Abstract: One object of the present invention is to provide polymers suitable for use as medical materials. The present invention provides a polymer useful as a medical material having the general formula -(A)1-(B)m—(C)n—??(I) in which A is derived from an alkoxyalkyl (alkyl)acrylate monomer; B is derived from a monomer containing a primary, secondary, tertiary or quaternary amine group; C is derived from a non-ionic monomer; and 1+m+n=100,0<1, m, n<100.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are an apparatus and a method for separating molecules on the basis of size and or structure, and to a method of making the apparatus. Generally, the separation method includes passing a fluid comprising particles having different effective molecular diameters through a plurality of open, nanoscale channels disposed in surfaces of substrates. The method also includes obtaining a plurality of fractions of the passed fluid such that each of the fractions includes a major portion containing particles having similar size and shape and substantially free of particles having larger size and shape. The apparatus includes first and second substrates each of which has a surface containing a plurality of open, nanoscale channels disposed therein. The surfaces are bonded together such that each of the channels of the first substrate is in fluid communication with at least two of the channels of the second substrate and is misaligned relative to the channels of the second substrate.

Abstract: Millimeter to nano-scale structures manufactured using a multi-component polymer fiber matrix are disclosed. The use of dissimilar polymers allows the selective dissolution of the polymers at various stages of the manufacturing process. In one application, biocompatible matrixes may be formed with long pore length and small pore size. The manufacturing process begins with a first polymer fiber arranged in a matrix formed by a second polymer fiber. End caps may be attached to provide structural support and the polymer fiber matrix selectively dissolved away leaving only the long polymer fibers. These may be exposed to another product, such as a biocompatible gel to form a biocompatible matrix. The polymer fibers may then be selectively dissolved leaving only a biocompatible gel scaffold with the pores formed by the dissolved polymer fibers. The scaffolds may be used in, among other applications, the repair of central and peripheral nerves.

Abstract: The present invention provides for a method of producing an integral multilayered porous membrane by simultaneously co-casting a plurality of polymer solutions onto a support to form a multilayered liquid sheet and immersing the sheet into a liquid coagulation bath to effect phase separation and form a porous membrane. The support can be a temporary support or form an integrated support for the membrane. The plurality of layers may be of the same polymer or different, same concentration or viscosity or different and may be subjected to the same processing conditions or different ones to form unique structures.

Abstract: Provided is a disposable multi-layered filtration device for the separation of blood plasma which can be applied to a biochip and appropriate for disposal uses. The filtration device for the separation of blood plasma includes: an upper substrate including a blood inlet; an intermediate substrate including a filtering unit for extracting blood plasma from blood flowing through the blood inlet; and a lower substrate including an air outlet, wherein the upper substrate, the intermediate substrate, and the lower substrate are stacked and adhered.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a microporous material which is a non-network polymer having a chain comprised of repeating units bonded to each other and each including a first generally planar species and a rigid linker, the linker having a point of contortion such that two adjacent first planar species connected by a rigid linker are held in a non-coplanar orientation, the rigid linker further being such that the polymer chain has a rigid contorted structure, and the polymer being such that said repeating units comprised of the first generally planar species and the rigid linker are bonded predominately to two other such repeating units.