Abstract: An analyzer of a component in a sample fluid includes an optical source and an optical detector defining a beam path of a beam, wherein the optical source emits the beam and the optical detector measures the beam after partial absorption by the sample fluid, a fluid flow cell disposed on the beam path defining an interrogation region in the a fluid flow cell in which the optical beam interacts with the sample fluid and a reference fluid; and wherein the sample fluid and the reference fluid are in laminar flow, and a scanning system that scans the beam relative to the laminar flow within the fluid flow cell, wherein the scanning system scans the beam relative to both the sample fluid and the reference fluid.

Abstract: In a substrate transporter, a carry-in-and-out mechanism transports a substrate placed in a horizontal posture. A notch aligner rotates a substrate in a circumferential direction to change a circumferential position of a notch. The carry-in-and-out mechanism includes four supporters that oppose a lower surface of the peripheral portion of the substrate. In the substrate transporter, a controller controls the notch aligner on the basis of warpage-and-notch-position information and input information that is input about the warped state of the substrate, to determine the circumferential position of the notch of the substrate. Thus, the lower surface of the substrate placed on the transport mechanism comes into contact with the four supporters of the transport mechanism. As a result, it is possible to prevent or suppress the occurrence of rattling or misalignment of the substrate during transport by the transport mechanism, and enables stable transport of the substrate.

Abstract: Provided are a substrate holding device and a substrate holding method that enhance the precision of the shape of a substrate while holding the substrate. The substrate holding device includes a first holding member 1, including a plate-shaped first base 10, and a second holding member 2, including a thin plate-shaped second base 20. The first base 10 has an airway 102 extending to the upper surface of the first base 10. The second base 20 has a through hole 202 extending in a thick direction of the second base 20 at a center portion of the second base 20. The second base 20 includes, on the upper surface of the second base 20, multiple protrusions 211, which protrude upward, and at least one annular ridge 212, which protrudes upward in a substantially annular shape coaxial with the first base 10 and surrounds an upper opening of the through hole 202 and the multiple protrusions 211.

Abstract: A technique is presented for aligning, in a desired region within a flow chamber of a flow cell, a non-spherical biological entity carried in a sample. The flow chamber has a rectangular cross-section. A bottom flow input module, a top flow input module and a sample input module provide a viscoelastic first fluid, a second viscoelastic fluid, and the sample, respectively, to the flow chamber. The first and the second viscoelastic fluids laminarly flow along a bottom and a top wall of the flow chamber and the sample laminarly flows sandwiched between them. By controlling rate of flow of the first and/or the second viscoelastic fluids the sample flow, and thus the non-spherical biological entity, is focused in the desired region. A gradient of sheer within the sample flow set up due to the first and second viscoelastic fluids orients the non-spherical biological entity in the desired region.

Abstract: Various systems, methods, and devices are provided for focusing particles suspended within a moving fluid into one or more localized stream lines. The system can include a substrate and at least one channel provided on the substrate having an inlet and an outlet. The system can further include a fluid moving along the channel in a laminar flow having suspended particles and a pumping element driving the laminar flow of the fluid. The fluid, the channel, and the pumping element can be configured to cause inertial forces to act on the particles and to focus the particles into one or more stream lines.

Abstract: A sample identification sorting apparatus includes an identifying unit having an optical information-measuring section that measures optical information of a sample dispersed in a liquid, and a determining section that determines whether the sample is a target sample or a non-target sample, a sorting unit including a sorting nozzle having a flow path in communication with the flow path of the identifying unit, a liquid waste-collecting section that collects by suction a liquid waste discharged from a sorting nozzle tip, and a container to collect a sorting solution containing a target sample, a moving unit and a control unit that cause the sorting nozzle and/or the collecting container to move relatively based on the optical information. The liquid waste-collecting section has a suction nozzle that sucks a liquid waste containing a non-target sample discharged from the sorting nozzle tip or containing a non-target sample or a non-sortable sample.

Abstract: A pipe of an apparatus has a first gas in a first space and a second gas in a second space. The first gas is in the amount to generate a buoyancy force that exceeds at least a gravity force to position the apparatus in a stationary state at a predetermined distance relative to a reference surface. A fixture is coupled to the apparatus to secure the apparatus in the stationary state relative to the ground without supporting the apparatus. The first gas is lighter than the second gas. The pipe is capable of creating a flow of the second gas.

Abstract: A waste conveying system in which waste is collected/conveyed, e.g. by a suction system, in a waste container (10) of a regional waste space (16) or a transport container in which/from which the waste is then conveyed to further treatment. The waste space (16) and/or the waste container (10) or the transport container is arranged in a tunnel (20), such as a traffic tunnel, advantageously an underground tunnel, or in its vicinity, or there is a conveying connection from them to the tunnel (20) through which the waste is conveyed away.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for conveying particulate material during the manufacture of patterns in layers, wherein powder is conveyed out of a reservoir into a spreader unit and, if applicable, excess powder fed to the spreader unit is again conveyed back into the reservoir and wherein this conveying takes place in a closed conveying circuit.

Abstract: A pneumatic tube system, including at least one system control module for controlling delivery of a pneumatic carrier through pneumatic tubing. The system includes at least one pneumatic tube station having a sealer, the sealer includes a heating pad and a sealing strip, where the sealer automatically grips the open end within the heating pad and the sealing strip upon insertion of the bag into the system. In one example, the sealer creates a vacuum to extract air from an interior space of the bag. The sealer applies heat to the open end to seal the bag. The system includes at least one pneumatic tube station configured for sending at least one carrier, the at least one sending pneumatic tube station being in signal communication with the at least one system control module, where the at least one carrier is sent through the system by pneumatic tubing.

Abstract: A method includes the steps of: adding an organic surface cross-linking agent to a water absorbent resin having a cross-linked structure; adding a liquid permeability improving agent to the water absorbent resin concurrently with or after the addition of the organic surface cross-linking agent; and then adding a lubrication improving agent to the water absorbent resin. This provides a particulate water absorbing agent and a method for producing it, the particulate water absorbing agent being suitable for pneumatic transportation, suffering no decrease in the effect of the liquid permeability improving agent, and excelling in properties such as fluidity and damage resistance after the pneumatic transportation.

Abstract: A microfabricated sheath flow structure for producing a sheath flow includes a primary sheath flow channel for conveying a sheath fluid, a sample inlet for injecting a sample into the sheath fluid in the primary sheath flow channel, a primary focusing region for focusing the sample within the sheath fluid and a secondary focusing region for providing additional focusing of the sample within the sheath fluid. The secondary focusing region may be formed by a flow channel intersecting the primary sheath flow channel to inject additional sheath fluid into the primary sheath flow channel from a selected direction. A sheath flow system may comprise a plurality of sheath flow structures operating in parallel on a microfluidic chip.

Abstract: A pneumatic tube system, including at least one system control module for controlling delivery of a pneumatic carrier through pneumatic tubing. The system includes at least one pneumatic tube station having a sealer, the sealer includes a heating pad and a sealing strip, where the sealer automatically grips the open end within the heating pad and the sealing strip upon insertion of the bag into the system. In one example, the sealer creates a vacuum to extract air from an interior space of the bag. The sealer applies heat to the open end to seal the bag. The system includes at least one pneumatic tube station configured for sending at least one carrier, the at least one sending pneumatic tube station being in signal communication with the at least one system control module, where the at least one carrier is sent through the system by pneumatic tubing.

Abstract: A method and system are disclosed for moving and placing in hard to reach locations granular and other particulate material such as sand, gravel, earth and similar materials. The system includes an improved auger for moving the material and an improved rotary airlock mechanism designed to withstand the abrasive action of the particulate material and at the same time move the material several hundred feet through a flexible conduit for placement in a pre-designated location. A system and apparatus is also disclosed for transporting on one vehicle all of the devices needed at a remote site for operation the particulate placement system, including a front loader.

Abstract: A method for transporting dispersion, includes: introducing dispersion containing particles into a liquid transporting channel from a dispersion introducing port; transporting the dispersion in a laminar flow through the liquid transporting channel; and discharging the dispersion from a downstream of the liquid transporting channel, and the liquid transporting channel has a bent portion in a vertical direction, and a Dean vortex which cancels an exchange flow that is produced by movement of the particles caused by gravitational force is generated in the bent portion.

Abstract: A pneumatic tube system, including at least one system control module for controlling delivery of a pneumatic carrier through pneumatic tubing. The system includes at least one pneumatic tube station having a sealer, the sealer includes a heating pad and a sealing strip, where the sealer automatically grips the open end within the heating pad and the sealing strip upon insertion of the bag into the system. In one example, the sealer creates a vacuum to extract air from an interior space of the bag. The sealer applies heat to the open end to seal the bag. The system includes at least one pneumatic tube station configured for sending at least one carrier, the at least one sending pneumatic tube station being in signal communication with the at least one system control module, where the at least one carrier is sent through the system by pneumatic tubing.

Abstract: A microfabricated sheath flow structure for producing a sheath flow includes a primary sheath flow channel for conveying a sheath fluid, a sample inlet for injecting a sample into the sheath fluid in the primary sheath flow channel, a primary focusing region for focusing the sample within the sheath fluid and a secondary focusing region for providing additional focusing of the sample within the sheath fluid. The secondary focusing region may be formed by a flow channel intersecting the primary sheath flow channel to inject additional sheath fluid into the primary sheath flow channel from a selected direction. A sheath flow system may comprise a plurality of sheath flow structures operating in parallel on a microfluidic chip.

Abstract: A method of operating a gasification facility includes channeling a conveying fluid at a first temperature through at least one first steam heating device to increase the temperature of the conveying fluid to a second predetermined temperature. The method also includes channeling the conveying fluid at the second predetermined temperature through a second steam heating device to increase the temperature of the conveying fluid to a third predetermined temperature. The method further includes channeling the conveying fluid at the third predetermined temperature to a solids conveyance system. Solids become entrained within the conveying fluid. The method also includes transporting at least a portion of the solids to a gasification system.

Abstract: Method and apparatus are provided for transferring particles from an upper zone through an intermediate zone to a lower zone. The transfer of particles between the zones through valveless conduits is regulated by varying the pressure of the intermediate zone and the flow rate of gas passing through the valveless conduits. A body within the lower zone is in particle communication with a valveless conduit and obstructs the particle flow within the lower zone.

Abstract: Method and apparatus are provided for transferring particles from an upper zone through an intermediate zone to a lower zone. A valveless conduit provides particle communication from the upper zone to the middle zone and a valved conduit provides particle communication from the middle zone to the lower zone. The transfer of particles between the zones through the conduits is regulated by varying the pressure of the middle zone, the flow rate of gas passing through the valveless conduit, and the valve in the valved conduit.

Abstract: Method and apparatus are provided for transferring particles from an upper zone through an intermediate zone to a lower zone. The transfer of particles between the zones through valveless conduits is regulated by varying the pressure of the intermediate zone and the flow rate of gas passing through the valveless conduits. A container within the second zone is in particle communication with a valveless conduit and provides more consistent particle flows.

Abstract: Method and apparatus are provided for transferring particles from an upper zone through an intermediate zone to a lower zone. The transfer of particles between the zones through valveless conduits is regulated by varying the pressure of the intermediate zone and the flow rate of gas passing through the valveless conduits. A container within the second zone is in particle communication with a valveless conduit and provides more consistent particle flows.

Abstract: Containers, particularly to containers for storing dry granules and powders, for examples silos. A container can include an air filter for cleaning the air that pneumatically conveys bulk product into the container. A valve can be used to restrict the air flow through the air filter, thereby elevating the pressure within the container to above atmospheric pressure.

Abstract: Apparatus for inhibiting fines carryover in the form of a settlement tank comprising: a filter which divides the tank into upper and lower portions; a fluid inlet in the lower portion for admitting into the tank a fluid with entrained solids; and a fluid outlet in the upper portion through which filtered fluid can leave the tank. The filter comprises filter media supported on a permeable wall, the wall including a filter media outlet which is normally closed, and opening means for opening the filter media outlet to allow the filter media to discharge into the lower portion of the tank. The invention also relates to a method of refilling the filter with filter media.

Abstract: A transfer mechanism for transferring food product from a compartment of a food processing system includes a conduit having a first end portion configured to be in communication with the compartment and a second end portion, a fluid discharge positioned substantially within the conduit between the first end portion and the second end portion, and a pressurized fluid source in communication with the fluid discharge. The pressurized fluid source is operable to propel a fluid through the fluid discharge to move the food product from the first end portion of the conduit toward the second end portion.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus and method for transporting fruits, comprising: a frame; a channel for fluid arranged on the frame for the purpose of transporting the fruits between an entry side and an exit side of the channel; a system for causing circulation of the fluid; and transport influencing means for influencing transport of the fruits and/or the fluid.

Abstract: A microfabricated sheath flow structure for producing a sheath flow includes a primary sheath flow channel for conveying a sheath fluid, a sample inlet for injecting a sample into the sheath fluid in the primary sheath flow channel, a primary focusing region for focusing the sample within the sheath fluid and a secondary focusing region for providing additional focusing of the sample within the sheath fluid. The secondary focusing region may be formed by a flow channel intersecting the primary sheath flow channel to inject additional sheath fluid into the primary sheath flow channel from a selected direction. A sheath flow system may comprise a plurality of sheath flow structures operating in parallel on a microfluidic chip.

Abstract: A system is provided for distributing particulate matter. The system includes at least two conduits, each conduit extending from a common first position adjacent a source of particulate matter to a second position. The pressure differential between the first and second positions is substantially the same for each conduit. A pressurized fluid conveys particulate matter through the at least two conduits. A device measures mass flow of particulate matter in each of the at least two conduits. A controller is in communication with the device that provides additional pressurized fluid to each conduit having a solids ratio greater than the desired solids ratio of the at least two conduits in response to a measured mass flow rate to balance (or to preferentially bias) mass flow of particulate matter through each of the at least two conduits.

Abstract: A method of, and apparatus for, transferring material, which may be hydrocarbon exploration and production industry by-products in the form of drill cuttings, from a first location to a second location. A container is provided containing fluid and the material is transferred from a first location outside of the container to a second location inside the container. Fluid, which is typically air, is at least partially evacuated from within the container in order to facilitate progression of the material into the container.

Abstract: A microfabricated sheath flow structure for producing a sheath flow includes a primary sheath flow channel for conveying a sheath fluid, a sample inlet for injecting a sample into the sheath fluid in the primary sheath flow channel, a primary focusing region for focusing the sample within the sheath fluid and a secondary focusing region for providing additional focusing of the sample within the sheath fluid. The secondary focusing region may be formed by a flow channel intersecting the primary sheath flow channel to inject additional sheath fluid into the primary sheath flow channel from a selected direction. A sheath flow system may comprise a plurality of sheath flow structures operating in parallel on a microfluidic chip.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a warp detection system (200) for determining warping in a carrier (110) configured to carry substrates (120) for processing. In one embodiment, the system (200) includes a guide plate (210) configured to guide a path of the carrier (110) during the processing, where the guide plate (210) is positioned underneath the carrier (110). In addition, the system (220) includes a plurality of sensors (230) positioned within the guide plate (210), wherein each of the plurality of sensors (230) is configured to measure a distance of a respective area of the carrier (110) from the guide plate (210). Also in this embodiment, the system (200) includes a processing device (310) configured to receive the measured distances and determine warping in the carrier (110) based on differences between the measured distances.

Abstract: A microfabricated sheath flow structure for producing a sheath flow includes a primary sheath flow channel for conveying a sheath fluid, a sample inlet for injecting a sample into the sheath fluid in the primary sheath flow channel, a primary focusing region for focusing the sample within the sheath fluid and a secondary focusing region for providing additional focusing of the sample within the sheath fluid. The secondary focusing region may be formed by a flow channel intersecting the primary sheath flow channel to inject additional sheath fluid into the primary sheath flow channel from a selected direction. A sheath flow system may comprise a plurality of sheath flow structures operating in parallel on a microfluidic chip.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to a fluidizer including at least one wall forming a conduit for a gas. The at least one wall may include a material having microscopic holes therein with a sufficient porosity to permit the escape of the gas through the microscopic holes to gas a substance. The present invention may also relate to a fluidizer including a non-cylindrical shape for fluidizing a particulate substance. The fluidizer can include a body at least partially positioned within a flow of the particulate substance wherein at least some of the particulate substance flows around the body.

Abstract: A sleeve (50) for forced immersion of an article including a tubular body (52) defining an article travel passage, and at least one fluid inlet (58) for establishing an article drive stream. The passage defined by the body is generally tubular. The sleeve has means (58, 60) for establishing a helical stream of liquid inside the passage flowing at the periphery of the passage. The apparatus is applicable to filling a container with fruit.

Abstract: An apparatus for levitating objects has an elongated diaphragm and a transducer. The diaphragm has a first end portion and a second end portion. The first end portion is fixed to a horn and the second end portion is fixed to a supporting member. The transducer is connected to only the horn. The transducer vibrates the diaphragm and an object is levitated above a surface of the diaphragm by radiation pressure of a sound wave generated from the diaphragm. Therefore, the elongated diaphragm can be vibrated by one transducer in a stable condition with a simple structure.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for controlling the flow of a process material from a higher pressure environment to a lower pressure environment is provided. Each of a first and second chamber is divided into a product region and a control region by a flexible boundary. Inlet and outlet flow control devices provide fluid communication between each product region and a material input line and a material output line, respectively. A chamber control device is arranged to provide fluid communication between the control region of each chamber, which is filled with a non-compressible fluid. As product fills the product region of one chamber, fluid is displaced from the corresponding control region and into the control region of the other chamber. As the control region of the other chamber expands, product is forced out of the corresponding product region and into the material output line. The product region of each chamber is alternately filled and emptied to produce a continuous transport of material.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for transporting non free-flowing pastes using a vessel having a lower conical portion where the cone has an angle which provides for mass flow of the non free-flowing pastes when there is an application of compressed air on the surface of the non free-flowing pastes in the vessel.

Abstract: Device for the floating accommodation of a wafer. This device comprises two mutually opposite parts which delimit a chamber in which the wafer is placed. By gas being supplied from opposite sides, the wafer is held in a floating position. To prevent the wafer from touching the lateral boundaries, it is proposed to provide a discharge of gas at least partially near the circumference of the chamber wherein the wafer is accommodated. This discharge is realised such that if the wafer moves from the intended position to such a gas discharge, by closing of said gas discharge, the pressure is locally increased such that a force is generated acting in opposite direction to return the wafer in the intended position.

Abstract: A transport system for a spherical object. The transport system has a supply of a first fluid and a passageway for communication of a spherical object in a path between an inlet and an outlet. At least part of the passageway is bounded by a first tube having a first annular wall with at least one opening through the first annular wall. The first tube guides flow of a spherical object in the first fluid from the inlet towards the outlet. The transport system further includes a source of vacuum in communication with the passageway through the at least one opening through the first annular wall. The source of vacuum produces a low pressure region which causes the first fluid in the passageway to be drawn from the passageway through the at least one opening through the first annular wall. The transport system further includes a supply of a second fluid which is in communication with a spherical object moving between the inlet and the outlet.

Abstract: The present invention provides a device and method for singulating from a holder with liquid and/or individualizing of products, such as fruits, wherein the device comprises: a discharge conveyor extending above the liquid level in the holder for discharging the products in rows; and a feed conveyor of V-shaped cross-section, the discharge end of which connects onto a front end of the discharge conveyor and which extends at an inclination from this front end to below the liquid level in the liquid holder.

Abstract: It is an object of the present invention to provide a method for reducing crushing of grain when the grain having Vickers hardness Hv in a range of 11≦Hv≦14 is transported by means of gas. The present invention is a gas transportation method for grain having Vickers hardness Hv in a range of 11≦Hv≦14, and gas transportation is performed under the condition that a velocity V of transportation gas is set at a value in a range of 10 m/s≦V≦20 m/s. Alternatively or additionally, a blending ratio &mgr; expressed as a ratio of a flow amount of the grain (kg/H) to a flow amount of the transportation gas (kg/H) is set at a value in a range of (3 V−30)≦&mgr;≦(3 V−20).

Abstract: A method and apparatus for sorting particles moving through a closed channel system of capillary size comprises a bubble valve for selectively generating a pressure pulse to separate a particle having a predetermined characteristic from a stream of particles. The particle sorting system may further include a buffer for absorbing the pressure pulse. The particle sorting system may include a plurality of closely coupled sorting modules which are combined to further increase the sorting rate. The particle sorting system may comprise a multi-stage sorting device for serially sorting streams of particles, in order to decrease the error rate.

Abstract: An axial conveyor is described, in particular for conveying gas/liquid dispersions, wherein the conveying elements comprise a wall-sweeping edge pointing in the direction of the pressure side of the conveying elements. The axial conveyor is particularly suitable as a circulating member in loop reactors. A process comprising conveying gas/liquid dispersions as well as a process for carrying out chemical reactions directly reacting gas with gases not completely dissolved in a liquid medium, or optionally in the presence of finely divided solids, through the use of an axial conveyor, is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method for mixing a pulverulent material in a main gas flow with a view to achieving uniform distribution of the pulverulent material. The turbulence in the main gas flow is increased in a vortex-generating zone. The pulverulent material is introduced into the main gas flow, in a mixing zone, with a carrier gas flow whose net motion during introduction is essentially opposite to the main gas flow. The mixing zone is positioned downstream of the vortex-generating zone and in the vicinity thereof. The carrier gas flow with the pulverulent material is in a rotational zone given a helical motion, whose axis of symmetry is essentially parallel with the direction of flow of the main gas flow, and is introduced into the mixing zone in the form of a divergent hollow cone. A device for carrying out the method comprises a gas duct (1) for the main gas flow with vortex-generating means (4) and an introducing means (11) for introduction of pulverulent material in dispersed state into a carrier gas flow.

Abstract: An apparatus for loading thin-walled, elastic, tubular members having a single closed end, such as finger cots, condoms, balloons or the like, onto elongated rod or finger elements for subsequent placement onto a mandrel for processing or testing, where the tubular member is drawn in inverted manner onto the finger elements by suction and where separable finger element alignment blocks are provided to properly align and position the finger elements to receive the tubular member.

Abstract: It is an object of the present invention to provide a method for reducing crushing of grain when the grain having Vickers hardness Hv in a range of 11≦Hv≦14 is transported by means of gas. The present invention is a gas transportation method for grain having Vickers hardness Hv in a range of 11≦Hv≦14, and gas transportation is performed under the condition that a velocity V of transportation gas is set at a value in a range of 10 m/s≦V≦20 m/s. Alternatively or additionally, a blending ratio &mgr; expressed as a ratio of a flow amount of the grain (kg/H) to a flow amount of the transportation gas (kg/H) is set at a value in a range of (3 V−30)≦&mgr;≦(3 V−20).

Abstract: A wafer formed thin through a back grinding process is placed on a support table included in an alignment stage. When a faulty suction is caused by a warp of the wafer, a surface of wafer is pressed by a pressing plate to be corrected and held by suction. The wafer held by suction is transported, along with the alignment stage, to a mount frame preparing unit at the next step. The wafer is received while being held by suction by a chuck table contacting the surface of wafer.

Abstract: An apparatus for handling and orienting elastic, thin-walled, tubular members having a closed end and an open end, such as finger cots, such that all tubular members are delivered in the same orientation, the apparatus having a retrieval conduit, a delivery conduit angularly joined to the retrieval conduit, a reversing chamber extending linearly forward from the retrieval conduit and across the opening to the delivery conduit, and suction means to draw the tubular members through the retrieval and delivery conduits. A tubular member traveling in the forward orientation with the closed end forward will be drawn directly into the delivery conduit, while a tubular member traveling in the reverse orientation with the open end forward will first pass the opening to the delivery conduit and strike the barrier end wall of the reversing chamber, and then be drawn into the delivery conduit with the closed end forward.

Abstract: A chargeable resin powder is transported by means of an airstream which is a mixture of air and steam. This enables pneumatic transport of chargeable resin powder without building up electrostatic charges.

Abstract: An apparatus for handling and orienting elastic, thin-walled, tubular members having a closed end and an open end, such as finger cots, such that all tubular members are delivered in the same orientation, the apparatus having a retrieval conduit, a delivery conduit angularly joined to the retrieval conduit, a reversing chamber extending linearly forward from the retrieval conduit and across the opening to the delivery conduit, and suction means to draw the tubular members through the retrieval and delivery conduits. A tubular member traveling in the forward orientation with the closed end forward will be drawn directly into the delivery conduit, while a tubular member traveling in the reverse orientation with the open end forward will first pass the opening to the delivery conduit and strike the barrier end wall of the reversing chamber, and then be drawn into the delivery conduit with the closed end forward.