Abstract: A sensor system, and an associated method for detecting harsh environmental conditions, is provided. The sensor system includes at least one sensor having an electrical sensing element. The electrical sensing element is based on certain classes of composite materials: (a) silicon carbide (SiC); (Mo,W)5Si3C; (Mo,W)Si2; or (b) (Mo,W)5Si3C; (Mo,W)Si2; (Mo,W)5Si3. The sensor system is useful for determining harsh environmental conditions. Gasification systems, which include at least one of the sensor systems are also described.

Abstract: A polyethylene terephthalate container having a hydrogen generator and catalyst disposed or otherwise incorporated in components of the container. The container further comprises an indicator system or means for use with a hydrogen generator and a catalyst system.

Abstract: Technologies are generally described for a levitation microreactor adapted to facilitate a chemical reaction. The levitation microreactor may comprise one or more levitation zones arranged in spatial communication with one another, each levitation zone including a levitator that is effective to levitate a reactant droplet. In some examples, a first levitation zone may include a first levitator effective to levitate a first reactant droplet, while a second levitation zone may include a second levitator effective to levitate a second reactant droplet. The second reactant droplet may be distinct from the first reactant droplet. Some example microreactors may further include a third levitation zone that is arranged in spatial communication with the first and second levitation zones. The third levitation zone may be effective to facilitate a chemical reaction on the first and second reactant droplets while the first and second reactant droplets are levitated to produce a product.

Abstract: A process challenge device comprising process challenge device comprising a container defining a space within the container, wherein the space can fully contain a process indicator; and at least one pressure-actuating valve associated with the container, wherein the at least one pressure-actuating valve regulates entrance of a sterilant into and exiting of a gas and/or liquid out of the space within the container, methods of using the device and a kit including the device are disclosed.

Abstract: A process and an apparatus for converting solid organic materials into carbon or activated carbon. The processing of solid organic materials is oxygen-free and wholly under endothermic condition. The apparatus comprises a pressure vessel (1), thermal insulation with protective cladding for pressure vessel (2), a perforated or non-perforated rotary drum (3), a sealed dish end (4), a rotating shaft (5), a geared motor with belt or chain drive (6), a steam super heater (7) for generating superheated steam, at least one inlet valve (8) for regulating the super heated steam, at least one feed pipe (9), tilting or swivel support (10), at least one cylindrical roller (11), an open or close door end (12), a feeding or removal port (13), a connecting chute (14), at least one pressure safety valve (15), a gas exit pipe (16), at least one outlet valve (17), a gas treatment unit (18) for treating the generated reaction gases, at least one pressure gauge (19) and at least one temperature indicator (20).

Abstract: A sterilization process challenge device comprising a first container comprising walls which define a first space within the first container; a process indicator within the first space; at least one sterilant access for a sterilant to enter the first space within the first container; wherein at least one of the walls which defines the first space is a flexible wall; and wherein the walls are impervious to the sterilant; a method of using the device; and a kit including the device are disclosed.

Abstract: A method, apparatus, and system to apply a mineralizing agent to an asbestos containing material (ACM) after the ACM is reduced in size, particularly by spraying or injecting the mineralizing agent to a shredded ACM, is provided. The mineralizing agent may include a solution of alkali metal hydroxide, alkali metal silicate, alkali metal borate, alkaline earth borate, or mixtures thereof, which may be heated and mixed and is then delivered to the reduced size or shredded ACM using a piping system that injects the mineralizing agent downstream of an ACM shredding unit. The ACM treated with the mineralizing agent may be heated in a mineralizing furnace to convert the ACM to an essentially asbestos-free mineral. After removal from the mineralizing furnace, the mineralized material is moved to an atmosphere controlled environment where it is cooled gradually for further mineralization.

Abstract: The current invention relates to an apparatus for the production of stable oxy-chloro acid while monitoring the efficacy of the resin bed. The invention allows for simple ion exchange while modifying the pH to allow the chlorous acid to be in a stable form so that it does not rapidly degrading into chlorine dioxide and can be used as an effective biocide and cleaning composition. The apparatus also provides for an uninterrupted production of chlorous acid, which allows for the use of chlorous acid to be used in batch or continuous cleaning treatments.

Abstract: A vehicle efficacious constituents supply apparatus 10 includes a main unit 13 including an air gun and a subunit 15 including an air gun. A curling ring V1 of air containing aromatic constituents is projected from the main unit 13 towards an efficacious area A, while a curling ring V2 of air is projected from the subunit 15 towards the efficacious area A. A control unit for controlling projection timings of curling rings V1, V2 includes an alarming mode in which a projection interval at which curling rings v1 are projected is set shorter than a projection interval at which curling rings V2 are projected, and by executing this alarming mode, curling rings V2 can be applied to an occupant without causing the curling rings V2 so projected to disappear in the efficacious area A.

Abstract: A method for operating a cleaning device or a cleaning system is proposed. In this case, the cleaning device is set up for carrying out a process for cleaning an article with a germicidal action. The method includes the following steps: information on a target germ with which the article could be contaminated is received; at least one process parameter of the cleaning process is selected according to the target germ in such a way that the target germ is killed with a high degree of probability during the cleaning process; and the cleaning process is carried out with the process parameter.

Abstract: An apparatus for automatic execution of different treatment operations in connection with staining of tissue specimens on microscope slides, wherein the apparatus (1) comprises an assembly of vessels (4) for receiving different liquids for staining of the tissue specimens, a loading station (2) for microscope slides (28), a conveyor (5) for transfer of carriers with microscope slides from vessel to vessel in accordance with a treatment program, an unloading station (8) for treated microscope slides, and a control unit (18) for controlling the treatment operations in accordance with a data program. The apparatus comprises different levels (I, II) having units for execution of the relevant treatment operations.

Abstract: A production apparatus, for producing a probe array, comprises a liquid discharging device for discharging a liquid containing a probe capable of being specifically bonded to a target substance in order to form a spot on the carrier, a detector for detecting whether the spot is formed or not by observing a surface state on the carrier, and a controller for controlling the liquid discharge device to again discharge the liquid to form the spot on the carrier if the detector detects that the spot has not been formed on the carrier.

Abstract: A chlorine treatment apparatus includes a housing with a cavity containing a chlorine generator for chlorinating a liquid such as water and at least three openings to the cavity. The chlorine generator may be an electrolytic cell. Some embodiments may include one or more plugs for closing the openings. The plugs may be keyed to operate with only certain of the openings. Yet other embodiments may include sensors for monitoring various aspects of the liquid such as temperature, salinity, flow rate, and chlorine concentration.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and to a device for producing conjugates comprising or consisting of a metallic nanoparticulate component and an organic component. Said method enables activated or reactive nanoparticles containing metal to be produced by irradiating a metal body with a laser beam and prevents the modification and damage of organic components of said conjugates by laser irradiation. Said nanoparticulate metallic component comprises plasmon resonant metal. According to the invention, the claimed method of production enables particles having a metal centre and a metal-oxide covering to be produced, in particular when using a carrier fluid containing oxygen, e.g. alcohol or water.

Abstract: A clinical analyzer with a vision system proximate a sample tube rack, the rack having a number of different insert adapters, the adapters having markings to identify the insert, thereby identifying the type of tube. The adapters are of heights selected to position tubes of various heights at a common aspiration level. A 2-D imaging device is employed to read the markings and for analyzing various distinguishing characteristics of the sample tubes.

Abstract: An endoscope sterilizing test pack includes an inner case having an open/close mechanism which can insert thereinto and remove therefrom an indicator for checking a sterilization effect of sterilization treatment; at least one tube connected to the inner case so that one end is opened and another end is communicated with an inside of the inner case; and a sheath member housing the tube and the inner case.

Abstract: A method for effectively decontaminating chemical agents to acceptable levels of contamination by applying hydrogen peroxide and ammonia decontaminants, and a mechanism for delivering the decontaminants.

Abstract: A breathing air purification device and method having a carbon-monoxide free sweep stream. Water vapor is removed from a compressed air stream using a membrane dryer, comprising, a membrane having a permeate portion and a non-permeate portion, a membrane housing which encases the membrane, a membrane feed inlet conduit connected to the membrane and a non-permeate gas outlet conduit fluidly connected to the non-permeate portion of the membrane. The sweep stream used to cleanse the outer permeate portion of the membrane dryer is taken from a catalyst filter. The catalyst filter includes a cartridge containing a bed of catalyst, two end pieces maintaining the cartridge within a catalyst bed housing and having outlet holes, a catalyst inlet conduit connected to the bed of catalyst and a product gas outlet conduit connected to the outlet holes. A sweep inlet tube provides a gas connection from the catalyst filter component to the permeate portion of the membrane.

Abstract: The invention is directed to processes for treating biosolids that result in high-value, nitrogen-containing, slow-release, organically-augmented inorganic fertilizer that are competitive with less valuable or more costly conventional commercially manufactured fertilizers. The process involves conditioning traditional waste-water biosolids and processing the conditioned biosolids continuously in a high throughput manufacturing facility. The exothermic design and closed loop control of the primary reaction vessel decreases significantly the amount of power necessary to run a manufacturing facility. The process utilizes green technologies to facilitate decreased waste and enhanced air quality standards over traditional processing plants. The fertilizer produced from recovered biosolid waste is safe and meets or exceeds the United States Environment Protection Agency (USEPA) Class A and Exceptional Quality standards and is not subject to restrictions or regulations.

Abstract: A control system of a surgery autoclave is described, which is capable of establishing a sterilization cycle which includes at least a first evacuation step of a sterilization chamber and of heating of a load and a final drying step. The autoclave includes a device capable of detecting a parameter proportional to the energy used up in a step of the cycle preceding the drying step and the control system establishes at least a reduction of the drying step upon determining that, the parameter of used up energy lies below a preset threshold.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for taking out and analysing a sample from a polymerisation reactor comprising one or more sample conduits (2), for taking a sample out of said reactor and for conducting said sample to one or more sample flash tanks (3), whereby said conduits each are in communication with said reactor (19) and each are provided with at least two sampling valves (4, 5); comprising one or more sample flash tanks (3), for separating said solid particles and evaporated gas, whereby said sample flash tanks are connected to said conduits (2) and provided with means for analysing said evaporated gas (7), and comprising one or more sample receivers (6), for purifying said solid particles, whereby said receivers are connected to said sample flash tanks (3) and provided with means (8) for analysing said solid particles. The invention further relates to a method for improving a polymerisation reaction in a polymerisation reactor.

Abstract: A drape including a sensing device according to the present invention is disposed over a top surface of a thermal treatment system having a basin recessed therein. A portion of the drape is pushed down into the basin to form a drape container for collecting a sterile medium. The thermal treatment system may be of the type that either heats or congeals the sterile medium. The sensing device includes electrodes that are typically disposed through the drape and sealed. The electrodes provide signals indicating the presence of liquid and/or leaks or other conditions within the drape container to the system to facilitate control of system operation. In addition, the sensing device includes a fuse to limit the drape to a single use. The system disables the fuse to indicate prior use and detects tampering to bypass the fuse, thereby preventing use of the drape for subsequent medical procedures.

Abstract: Processes and facilities for the production of biological synthesis gases and/or a synthetic propellant, in particular DME (dimethyl ether), and/or biological silica using biogenic input materials and comprising the following steps: Allothermal gasification of the biogenic input material by means of impulse burners for the integrated generation of process heat in a fluidized bed gasifier Gasification of inert pyrolytic coke from the first gasification step in a second gasification step preferably operated in parallel according to the principle of the expanded or circulating fluidized bed using oxygen/steam as gasification agents Combination of at least part of the gasification products from the two gasifiers for common processing

Abstract: Disclosed are biomimetic membrane precursors and membranes formed therefrom. Also disclosed are methods of making biomimetic membrane precursors and membranes formed therefrom.

Abstract: A method for sorting carbon nanotubes (CNTs) is disclosed. In one embodiment, a method for sorting CNTs of the present disclosure comprises providing to a surface of a substrate, the surface modified with a trans isomer of photo-isomerization-reactive diazo compound, a dispersion containing a mixture of conducting CNTs and semiconducting CNTs; removing CNTs which are not associated with the modified surface from the surface; and irradiating the modified surface to detach the CNTs associated with the modified surface.

Abstract: A continuous process wherein a mechanized and automated feeding system provides precision delivery of thermally and atmospherically conditioned components to a pelletization process including extrusion, pelletization, thermal processing, drying, and post-processing of the polymeric pellets formed. The components can be combined to form solutions, dispersions, emulsions, formulations, and the like. These components can further be reacted and thermally modified to form oligomers, pre-polymers, polymers, copolymers, and many combinations thereof.

Abstract: A laboratory reactor (1) with a reaction vessel (2) for receiving media or substances to be processed has devices or units for processing or mixing media or components and for measuring, the devices or units being able to engage in the reaction vessel or reactor vessel (2) from above or below. On the lower side of the base (5), the laboratory reactor (1) has placement feet (6) which are mounted movably or flexibly and are connected to a weight measuring device or to sensors belonging to a weight-measuring device such that the weight of the product to be processed or a change in weight can be determined without complicated additional weighing operations.

Abstract: Systems and methods for the extraction of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) by continuous and/or batch processing are disclosed. Generally, a carbon nanotube material including carbon nanotubes (CNTs), carbon nanoparticles (CNPs), and carboxylated carbon (CC) is provided and agitated to produce a well-dispersed mixture. The well-dispersed mixture can be allowed to stand in a vessel having a lower end and an upper end. In some cases, the CNPs settle at the lower end. In some cases, at least some of the CNTs and CC are disposed at the upper end and can be removed in a dispersion, which can be pH adjusted and/or filtered to extract the CNTs from the CC.

Abstract: In a method of treating viscous products, particularly for the implementation of polymerization operations, more particularly for the homopolymerization or copolymerization of bipolymers, where monomer(s) and/or catalysts and/or initiators are fed to a backmixed mixing compound (1), in particular having a length/diameter ratio of 0.5-3.5, more particularly a process corresponding to a stirred tank cascade of 2-5 stirred tanks in series, and the product is supplied with heat and is backmixed with product that has already reacted, and the reacted product is taken off from the mixing compound (1), the product is to be heated in the mixing compound (1) up to its optimum processing temperature or boiling temperature or sublimation temperature, parts of the product are to be evaporated, and hence the exothermic heat of the product and excess mechanical introduction of heat are absorbed by evaporative cooling.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a gas reaction device. Reactions are happened on a fixed bed and/or a slurry bed in four reaction states. Thus, by using the four reaction states, reactions are thoroughly completed with the same catalyst. Or, different reactions are completed with different catalysts for different purposes.

Abstract: The methods and systems for producing hydrogen on demand use aluminum, a heat source and an electrical source, such as, but not limited to, solar power. The heat source and electrical source is used to produce chemical intermediates from sodium chloride via electrolysis. The chemical intermediates from the sodium chloride may be reacted with aluminum to produce hydrogen. The on-demand hydrogen systems can generate a continuous stream of hydrogen that can power a home or business. Alternatively, or in addition, the on-demand hydrogen system can be incorporated into a vehicle to power the vehicle.

Abstract: The present invention relates to applications of TiO2-containing, macro-sized nanostructures in the fields including photocatalysis, information writing-erasing-rewriting, microfiltration, controlled drug release, and tire making. In one aspect, the present invention relates to a method of photocatalytically decomposing organic pollutants. In one embodiment, the method includes the steps of mixing a solution containing organic pollutants and a plurality of TiO2-containing, macro-sized nanostructures to form a mixture and exposing the mixture to UV irradiation to decompose the organic pollutants.

Abstract: A system for gas sterilization includes a sterilization chamber, a source of sterilant gas, and a sterilant gas remediation mechanism. Embodiments relate to systems and methods for delivering humidified air to a sterilization chamber, systems and methods for removing gaseous NO2 from an exhaust gas stream of a sterilization chamber, systems and methods for removing and replacing a source of sterilant gas, an exhaust gas scrubber and/or supplies for a humidification system. Some embodiments relate to hardware and software for user interface in a sterilizing device and hardware and software for control of a sterilization cycle. Some embodiments relate to chamber, chassis and door configurations of a sterilizer.

Abstract: A method and system for treating coal with hydrogen fluoride to remove fly ash and thereafter regenerating substantially all of the hydrogen fluoride used during the process (thereby significantly reducing the amount of HF on site). An exemplary method includes the steps of charging at least one reaction vessel with coal containing fly ash; feeding hydrogen fluoride into the reaction vessel to form a first reaction mixture of soluble reaction products, insoluble fluoride compounds and initially clean coal; separating out the first soluble and insoluble reaction products; feeding nitric acid into the same reaction vessel to react with any remaining fly ash components and separating out those second reaction products; and regenerating substantially all of the hydrogen fluoride used in the first fluoride reaction.

Abstract: Methods and systems for programmed dispensation of consumable compositions are provided. A method for sterilizing a beverage container may comprise: (a) detecting a sterilization status of a beverage container; and (b) controlling functionality of a controllable device according to the sterilization status. A system for sterilizing a beverage container may comprise: (a) detecting a sterilization status of a beverage container; and (b) controlling functionality of a controllable device according to the sterilization status. A method for sterilizing a beverage container may comprise: (a) detecting an identity of a consumable composition; and (b) controlling a sterilization of at least a portion of a beverage container according to the identity of the consumable composition.

Abstract: An after-treatment system architecture and method for oxidizing the nitric oxide component of a gas stream.

Abstract: A method of sterilizing an article by sequentially exposing the article to hydrogen peroxide and ozone is disclosed. The article is exposed under vacuum first to an evaporated aqueous solution of hydrogen peroxide and subsequently to an ozone containing gas. The exposure is carried out without reducing the water vapor content of the sterilization atmosphere, the water vapor content being derived from the aqueous solvent of the hydrogen peroxide solution and from the decomposition of the hydrogen peroxide into water and oxygen. The complete sterilization process is carried out while the chamber remains sealed and without removal of any component of the sterilization atmosphere. For this purpose, the chamber is initially evacuated to a first vacuum pressure sufficient to cause evaporation of the aqueous hydrogen peroxide at the temperature of the chamber atmosphere. The chamber is then sealed for the remainder of the sterilization process and during all sterilant injection cycles.

Abstract: A laser crystallization apparatus includes a box main body having an interior region, a barrier wall demarcating the interior region of the box main body into first and second operation chambers, the barrier wall having a through hole connecting the first and second operation chambers, a gas inflow port at one side of the first operation chamber, and a plurality of flow control plates in the second operation chamber and adjacent to the barrier wall.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a catalyst for reducing mercury, which comprises a reagent comprising any of the sulfites of potassium, sodium, calcium and magnesium, or any of the phosphates thereof, or a combination of them, as a main reagent of a catalyst component. And the present invention relates to the catalyst for reducing mercury, wherein the catalyst component is mixed with a different salt as an agent for inhibiting crystallization of the catalyst component.

Abstract: A sterilization process challenge device comprising a solid body comprised of walls which define a space, wherein the space can fully contain a sterilization indicator and a volume of gas of at least 5 cubic centimeters and not more than 1000 cubic centimeters; a flow restrictor associated with the solid body such that any flow of the gas out of the space and any flow of a sterilant into the space is restricted; wherein the sterilization indicator indicates whether or not it has been contacted by the sterilant for a time and at a temperature sufficient to sterilize an article; and wherein the walls of the solid body are impervious to the sterilant and have a thickness of at least 0.3 centimeter, methods of using the device and a kit including the device are disclosed.

Abstract: A method of testing a sterilization process for a packaging member such as, for example, for containers or machines, may include the steps of acting upon at least one first region of the packaging member or of the machine with an oxidizable medium. The method further includes acting upon at least one second region of the packaging member or of the machine with an oxidizing agent. The first region and the second region overlap at least in part. The method may also include visually inspecting at least one intersection region, which has been acted upon both with the oxidizable medium and with the oxidizing agent.

Abstract: An apparatus and a system for extracting gaseous specimens to be measured, preferably during the production of polycrystalline silicon, are disclosed. The apparatus according to the invention is a flange-like device (80), which is placed between each of the at least two pipe sections (11a, 11b, 21a, 21b, 41a, 41b) of the outlet pipes (11, 21, 41).

Abstract: A system and a method for the production of polycrystalline silicon according to the monosilane process are disclosed. At least one reactor (10), at least one converter (20), at least one injection tank (30) and at least one vaporizer (40) are provided. Each reactor (10) is provided with an inlet pipe (11a) for fresh mixtures of gases and an outlet pipe (11b) for partially used-up mixtures of gases. Likewise, each converter (20) comprises an outlet pipe (21) for a mixture of gases and each vaporizer (40) comprises an outlet pipe (41) for a mixture of gases. Several sampling elements (7) for specimens to be measured are provided in the inlet pipe (11a) and the outlet pipe (11b) of each reactor (10) as well as in the outlet pipe (21) of each converter (20) and the outlet pipe (41) of each vaporizer (40). The withdrawn specimens to be measured are fed by the sampling elements (7) via a pipe (8) to at least one gas-phase chromatograph (2).

Abstract: The present invention describes a system and method for accurately measuring the concentration of a substance within a filter housing. A concentration sensor and a communications device are coupled so as to be able to measure and transmit the concentration of a particular substance within the filter housing while in use. This system can comprise a single component, integrating both the communication device and the concentration sensor. Alternatively, the system can comprise separate sensor and transmitter components, in communication with one another. In yet another embodiment, a storage element can be added to the system, thereby allowing the device to store a set of concentration values. The use of this device is beneficial to many applications. For example, the ability to read concentration values in situ allows integrity tests to be performed without additional equipment.

Abstract: A bottle, a system and a method sterilize a liquid. The bottle has an interior to hold the liquid and an ultraviolet light emitting lamp that extends into the interior. A cord may be attached to the bottle so that pulling the cord may power the ultraviolet light emitting lamp and/or charge a battery used to power the ultraviolet light emitting lamp. The bottle may have a status light that indicates that the ultraviolet light emitting lamp may have an amount of power equal to or greater than a threshold value, such as, for example, an amount of power necessary for the ultraviolet light emitting lamp to operate for ninety seconds. The bottle may have a removable lid located opposite to the ultraviolet light emitting lamp.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for purification, respectively processing and/or analysis of biological target molecules with a detection device for detecting at least one object, which includes at least one detection area, wherein the detection device is adapted to detect at least one height value of the detection area and is adapted to determine, from the at least one height value, a spatial position and/or orientation and/or a type and/or a presence and/or a number and/or a state of the at least one object. Further, the invention relates to a receiving device for receiving material for the processing, purification and/or analysis of biological target molecules with at least one identification element, wherein the at least one identification element defines a height profile for identifying the receiving device, wherein the height profile is provided for at least one height measurement and extends at least in sections along a line, preferably a straight line.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a photolytic artificial lung. The photolytic artificial lung converts water to oxygen for blood absorption, regulates pH, the removes carbon dioxide, and co-produces electrical power is disclosed. The photolytic artificial lung includes a photolytic cell where all of the chemical reactions occur. The photolytic cell disclosed herein can also be used to direct chemical reactions in organs other than the lung. Also disclosed herein is a gas sorption device for removing carbon dioxide from the system by chemical sorption.

Abstract: A hydrogen generator comprising a plurality of a fuel pellets (10) containing a hydrogen-generating compound such as ammonia borane, a case serving as a pressure-resistant container for containing the fuel pellets, and a controller for controlling hydrogen generation from the fuel pellets. This hydrogen generator generates hydrogen from the hydrogen-generating compound by a chemical reaction. The periphery of the fuel pellet is surrounded by a member including a thin plate of metal aluminum such as aluminum foil (18) on its surface.

Abstract: Various systems and methods are described for controlling a selective catalytic reduction system coupled to an exhaust system of an engine, the selective catalytic reduction system including a catalyst and a diesel particulate filter. One example method comprises, before regeneration of the diesel particulate filter, adjusting an operating parameter to decrease an amount of ammonia stored in the SCR catalyst to a desired amount of stored ammonia, where the desired amount of ammonia storage is varied based on operating conditions, and initiating regeneration of the catalyst when the desired amount of stored ammonia is reached.

Abstract: A self-sealed medical sterilization pouch comprises the following elements of: a first sheet being pervious to sterilization gases and surrounded by at least one printing domain thereon, a plurality of signs being disposed on the printing domain and located outside of a closed space, the first sheet having at least two sterile processing indicators having color response, one surface of an end of the first sheet having a flap; and a second sheet being impervious to sterilization gases, the second sheet having an opening and being joined with the first sheet by a first seal line, a second seal line and a third seal line at a left side, a right side and an upper side to form the closed space, the sterile processing indicators being disposed between the third seal line and a ladle-shaped end and the third seal line and another ladle-shaped end respectively.