Abstract: Anhydrous processing to convert methane into oxygenates (such as methanol), liquid fuels, or olefins uses an initiator to create methyl radicals. These radicals combine with sulfur trioxide to form methyl-sulfonate radicals. These radicals attack fresh methane, forming stable methane-sulfonic acid (MSA) while creating new methyl radicals to sustain a chain reaction. This system avoids the use or creation of water, and liquid MSA is an amphoteric solvent that increases the solubility and reactivity of methane and SO3. MSA from this process can be sold or used as a valuable chemical with no mercaptan or halogen impurities, or it can be processed to convert it into methanol, dimethyl ether, or other fuels or liquid products. The sulfur that is removed from the MSA (usually in the form of SO2) can be oxidized to SO3 and recycled back into the MSA-forming reactor, enabling the complete system to operate with very little waste production.

Abstract: An improved, economical alternative method to supply steam and methane to a steam methane reformer (SMR) is accomplished by a combination of procedures, wherein product gas from a steam hydro-gasification reactor (SHR) is used as the feedstock for the SMR by removing impurities from the product stream from the SHR with a gas cleanup unit that operates substantially at process pressures and at a temperature above the boiling point of water at the process pressure, is located between the SHR and SMR.

Abstract: Combinatorial synthesis methods obtain a plurality of compositions having materially different characteristics using an apparatus having a plurality of collectors. A first quantity of fluid reactants are reacted to form a first quantity of product composition. Following completion of the collection of the first quantity of product composition, a second quantity of fluid reactants are reacted to form a second quantity of product composition, the second quantity of product composition being material different from the first quantity of product composition. An apparatus includes a nozzle connected to a reactant source and a plurality of collectors. The nozzle and plurality of collectors move relative to each other such that a collector can be selectively placed to receive a fluid stream emanating from the nozzle. The plurality of product compositions can be evaluated to determine their suitability for various applications.

Abstract: A unit for hydrorefining of hydrocarbon crude oil comprising sulfur-containing compounds comprises first catalyst layer 33 and second catalyst layer 38, top space 34 for separating vapor component and liquid component, bottom space 36, and valve tray 35 that divides top space 34 and bottom space 36. Hydrogen released from hydrogen nozzle 40 placed in the bottom space is passed through liquid component that has accumulated in the valve tray and stripping of liquid components is performed. Hydrogen released from hydrogen nozzle 40 is again introduced, to second catalyst layer 38 as a cocurrent with the stripped liquid component. By stripping, it is possible to reduce the sulfur content, the nitrogen content and reduce the aromatic content of the hydrocarbon crude oil when compared to the conventional method. Since the hydrorefining unit has a simple structure, the unit can be easily made by modifying existing units.

Abstract: A reactor (1) having a vertical longitudinal axis and an inlet (2) for a liquid or liquid/solid feed stream in the upper region of the reactor and an inlet (3) for a gaseous stream in the lower region of the reactor (1), characterized by

Abstract: The invention relates to an installation for the preparation of urea from ammonia and carbon dioxide, the installation comprising two reactor sections in a vertically placed combined reactor and a high-pressure condenser section. The installation may comprise a vertically placed combined reactor, with the two reactor sections being separated by a high-pressure condenser section. In another embodiment the installation comprises a vertically placed combined reactor that comprises two reactor sections and a high-pressure condenser section placed outside the reactor. The invention also relates to a process for the preparation of urea in this installation. This involves feeding the gas stream leaving the stripper wholly or partly to the high-pressure condenser section of the installation. Preferably, a portion of the gas stream leaving the scrubber is fed to the second reactor section in the vertically placed combined reactor via an ammonia-driven ejector.

Abstract: A synthetic strategy for the creation of large scale chemical diversity. Solid-phase chemistry, photolabile protecting groups, and photolithography are used to achieve light-directed spatially-addressable parallel chemical synthesis. Binary masking techniques are utilized in one embodiment. A reactor system, photoremovable protective groups, and improved data collection and handling techniques are also disclosed. A technique for screening linker molecules is also provided.

Abstract: A process is provided to stabilize and/or reactivate an olefin production catalyst system which comprises contacting an olefin production catalyst system, either before or after use, with an aromatic compound.

Abstract: Methods, devices and apparatus are disclosed for carrying out multiple chemical reactions, such as in situ synthesis of polynucleotides, on a surface comprising an array of discrete sites. Molecules are deposited at a predetermined number of the discrete sites on the surface for reaction at the discrete sites. The surface is positioned relative to an outlet of a fluid ejection device, which is activated to dispense a small volume of a fluid through the outlet to the surface to provide uniform coating of a continuous region of the surface comprising a multiple of the discrete sites. The fluid is dispensed as uniform particles having a diameter such that the uniform particles form a sheet to coat the continuous region of the surface. In one embodiment of the present invention, liquid is dispensed as uniform particles through a fluid ejection device activated by means of ultrasonic energy. The invention has particular application to the in situ synthesis of polynucleotides in arrays on a surface.

Abstract: The synthesis of arrays of DNA probes sequences, polypeptides, and the like is carried out using a patterning process on an active surface of a substrate. An image is projected onto the active surface of the substrate utilizing an image former that includes a light source that provides light to a micromirror device comprising an array of electronically addressable micromirrors, each of which can be selectively tilted between one of at least two positions. Projection optics receives the light reflected from the micromirrors along an optical axis and precisely images the micromirrors onto the active surface of the substrate, which may be used to activate the surface of the substrate. The first level of bases may then be applied to the substrate, followed by development steps, and subsequent exposure of the substrate utilizing a different pattern of micromirrors, with further repeats until the elements of a two dimensional array on the substrate surface have an appropriate base bound thereto.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for detection of multiple target nucleic acids and/or antigens such as hormones, antibodies, or nerve agents in a sample, involves presenting the sample to a plurality of reporter binding sites wherein each reporter binding site comprises two partially hybridized molecules. A first of the two hybridized molecules is bound to the binding site and is complementary to a target nucleic acid or antigen, and it will therefore hybridize to the target nucleic acid or antigen and cause the release of the second hybridized molecule into the sample. The second hybridized molecule comprises a reporter nucleic acid sequence, which uniquely identifies the target nucleic acid or antigen. Subsequent PCR amplification of the unique reporter nucleic acid sequence using labeled primers results in multiple labeled copies of the unique nucleic acid sequence.

Abstract: A unitary creped nonwoven web has a hydrophobic uncreped side and a creped side. The hydrophobic side includes looped regions. The creped side includes relatively narrow hydrophilic regions. The looped regions and creped regions act in conjunction with each other to form gradient capillaries, which urge the transfer of liquid toward the hydrophilic regions and away from the hydrophobic looped regions. The creped nonwoven web can be used as a top liner for an absorbent structure, such as a diaper, with the hydrophilic ends facing the absorbent core. When used in this fashion, the creped nonwoven web helps keep the wearer's skin dry.

Abstract: Methods, devices, apparatus and kits for amplifying and detecting nucleic acid are provided. The apparatus is a one or two-tier thermal cycling device that operates in conjunction with a reaction/detection unit. A sample is loaded into a reaction chamber of the device which is then mated with a detection chamber to form the reaction/detection unit. A first heating element of the thermal cycling apparatus applies a desired temperature to the reaction/detection device to amplify target nucleic acid in the sample. The reaction mixture is then transferred to the detection chamber by the second heating element and amplified target nucleic acid is immobilized on a support in the detection chamber. Microprocessor control controls the heat applied by the second element independently of the heat applied by the first element. A detection system associated with the apparatus detects and analyzes the immobilized amplified nucleic acid target.

Abstract: The nucleic acid amplification procedures of the present invention provide methods for amplification of a nucleic acid comprised of a first strand, comprising (a) using the first strand to generate copies of a second strand at a first location, (b) moving the copies of the second strand to a second location, and (c) using the copies of the second strand to generate copies of at least a portion of the first strand. Target nucleic acids used in the context of the present method include RNA or DNA, either single stranded or double stranded, using primer extension or joining-type protocols. Embodiments are set forth for automated forms of the claimed procedures.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for performing a nucleic acid amplification reaction and preferably a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) in a reaction mixture in at least one capillary tube. Several different embodiments are disclosed. One embodiment cycles a sample through a capillary tube loop passing through two thermostatted fluid baths. Another embodiment has the capillary tube routed alternatingly between two heat exchangers to that the sample makes only one pass through the tube. Other embodiments maintain the heat exchangers stationary and translate the samples between them. Still further embodiments maintain the samples stationary and either automatically translate or rotate the heat exchangers past the samples contained within the capillary tubes to perform the thermal cycles necessary for the amplification reaction.

Abstract: Apparatus for the synthesis of chemical compounds consists of a housing having a top, front, side and rear walls surrounding and enclosing a reaction table. A track on the rear wall of the housing carries a pair of extending arms on each of which is movably mounted a vertically extendible probe for positioning at various locations over the reaction table. At least on control syringe communicates between the probe and containers for system fluids. A programmable controller is provided for control of the syringe and probes. A reaction block on the reaction table consists of a body having an upper portion and a lower portion and an upper and lower surface and a multiplicity of reaction wells for carrying out the synthesis. Each reaction well is closed at its lower end and open to the upper surface. A flushing conduit is located adjacent each of the well and is in fluid communication with the closed lower end of the reaction well.

Abstract: A shift reactor is disclosed that is mounted on the exhaust end of an underoxidized burner so that the exhaust product is introduced to a cooler water bath in a compartment of the reactor. The exhaust product is passed through the water bath via submerged gas diffusers. The reactor compartment includes a collection chamber for receiving the bathed exhaust product containing hydrogen gas which is then exited to a shift catalyst chamber. The latter includes eductor for recirculation. A conduit may be coupled to the water bath for distributing heated water from the bath for exterior heating purposes or for purification means. A drain is operably connected to the conduit for permitting removal of excess water and a fill inlet is provided for adding water.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for performing a nucleic acid amplification reaction and preferably a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) in a reaction mixture in at least one capillary tube. Several different embodiments are disclosed. One embodiment cycles a sample through a capillary tube loop passing through two thermostatted fluid baths. Another embodiment has the capillary tube routed alternatingly between two heat exchangers to that the sample makes only one pass through the tube. Other embodiments maintain the heat exchangers stationary and translate the samples between them. Still further embodiments maintain the samples stationary and either automatically translate or rotate the heat exchangers past the samples contained within the capillary tubes to perform the thermal cycles necessary for the amplification reaction.

Abstract: The present invention relates to improvements of fluid bed catalysts. More particularly, the present invention relates to improvements of fluid bed oxidation catalysts useful in the preparation of maleic anhydride from C.sub.4 hydrocarbons, including n-butane. The present invention includes a process of contacting a fluid bed catalyst with a reactivating agent in a catalyst standpipe. The present invention also provides a catalyst containing the mixed oxides of vanadium and phosphorus, treated using the above process. The present invention further provides a process for producing maleic anhydride, utilizing the catalyst prepared using the above process. The present invention additionally provides for a reactor standpipe, utilized for regenerating catalyst according to the above process.

Abstract: A method and device for forming large arrays of polymers on a substrate (401). According to a preferred aspect of the invention, the substrate is contacted by a channel block (407) having channels (409) therein. Selected reagents are flowed through the channels, the substrate is rotated by a rotating stage (403), and the process is repeated to form arrays of polymers on the substrate. The method may be combined with light-directed methodolgies.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a method for the enzymatic synthesis of a peptide. A protected peptide having a C-terminal carboxylate group or a protected, N-acyl amino acid having an alpha carboxylate group is reacted with a protected peptide having an N-terminal ammonium group or a protected amino acid having an alpha ammonium group in the presence of a condensation enzyme under conditions in which the carboxylate group and the ammonium group condense to form a protected, uncharged, peptide product. This peptide product is transported across a water-immiscible hydrophobic phase into an aqueous product phase and prevented from back diffusing across the water-immiscible hydrophobic phase. The peptide product can be converted, chemically or enzymatically, to a charged species that cannot back diffuse across the water-immiscible phase into the aqueous reaction phase.

Abstract: A device or kit having inlet means for introducing within the kit a first reagent, includes a substrate and at least a second reagent in the form of microcapsules adapted to release, according to a predetermined release profile, the second reagent after the first reagent has been introduced into the kit. The device allows to carry out at least two and optionally more transformations of the physical and/or chemical properties of the substrate by means of a single step procedure by the operator consisting of the introduction of the first reagent.The invention particularly relates to the preparation of stable injectable preparations of radiopharmaceuticals.

Abstract: A container is disposed within a vacuum insulation jacket which surrounds a vessel or pipe which contains or through which flows a hydrogen containing medium. The container holds oxygen under pressure or holds a material which liberates oxygen when exposed to heat and/or reacts with water to liberate oxygen. The container is sealed by means of a membrane of palladium or palladium alloy. A water absorbing material is disposed inside the container. The palladium membrane is thus exposed on its first side facing the interior of the container to a region of relatively high oxygen pressure produced by the oxygen inside the container and low hydrogen partial pressure inside the container, and is exposed on its other side to the vacuum (low oxygen pressure, and higher hydrogen partial pressure as a result of the outgassing or permeation of hydrogen from the medium in contact with the vacuum chamber walls).

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for automatically constructing a polypeptide of high purity, up to 50 amino acids in length, using only single couplings. The apparatus includes an activation system for receiving protected amino acids, one kind at a time, having a common vessel (an activator vessel) in which to activate each of the amino acids. Also included is a reaction vessel for containing a resin used in solid-phase peptide synthesis for attaching a peptide chain thereto. A transfer system is also provided, which operates under control of a computer, to transfer the activated species from the activation system to the reaction vessel and to transfer amino acids, reagents, gases, and solvents from one part of the apparatus to another. The activator system also includes a temperature controlled concentrator vessel in which an activator solvent is replaced by a coupling solvent to enhance the coupling of the activated species to the peptide chain in the reaction vessel.

Abstract: A partial oxidizer and reformer comprising a tubular member having a wick adjacent its inner wall and a catalyzed metallic spiral adjacent the wick and further comprising an annular member connected to and surrounding the tubular member and in which is disposed a catalyst bed.

Abstract: Modified Claus furnace containing, in addition to primary reaction chamber, a secondary chamber in heat exchange with said primary reaction chamber wherein H.sub.2 S is cracked to supply hydrogen needed downstream in a clean-up system. This eliminates the need for supplemental hydrogen generator now usually provided for in a sulfur recovery system. A catalyst such as cobalt-molybdenum can be used in the secondary reaction chamber.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided in a chemical heat pipe for shifting the reaction equilibrium in order to operate at a "shifted" temperature without also "shifting" the pressure. A diluent is added to the heat pipe in a constant-pressure manner near a reaction zone. The diluent exists in the gaseous phase at the reaction zone so as to shift the reaction equilibrium. This has the effect of "shifting" the temperature required for the reaction to proceed to a predetermined extent. The diluent is chemically inert in the particular reacting system and is removed from the system so as not to increase the pressure therein. In a preferred embodiment, methylcyclohexane is dissociated by endothermic reaction at a heat source position to form toluene and hydrogen and water is added to the heat pipe at or near the heat source position to form a diluent of water vapor at the reaction zone. The diluent is removed from the system downstream of the reaction zone, as by a desiccant.

Abstract: Process and apparatus for pyrolysis of a heavy hydrocarbon feedstock in which the feedstock is countercurrently contacted with a hot hydrogenating gas stream flowing spirally from the periphery of a substantially circular reactor (1). The hydrocarbon feedstock is injected through an inlet (4) located toward the center of reactor (1). The hot hydrogenating gas is preferably formed by combustion, using a steam-oxygen mixture injected through inlet (2), of carbonaceous by-products from the pyrolysis. Product is removed centrally through outlet (3).

Abstract: Disclosed herein are a process and apparatus for manufacturing vanadium pentoxide in powder form by the thermal decomposition of ammonium metavanadate containing more than 10% NH.sub.3 in a single operation.

Abstract: An RF plasma deposition apparatus for depositing a film of material on substrates positioned in a vertical plane and electrically "floating" within the glow discharge. For deposition of silicon nitride films, the apparatus is adapted to introduce silane gas in a substantially uniform and laminar flow into a coating cavity containing substrates, a ground screen electrode, and a "hot" RF electrode, within which a glow discharge is ignited. Elemental nitrogen may be delivered to the coating cavity after being dissociated in a local, separate RF plasma called an "atomizer" cavity. During coating, elemental nitrogen combines with elemental silicon and deposits silicon nitride upon the substrate surface.