Abstract: Provided is an apparatus for performing a chemical reaction using a microchip having at least one micro-channel. The device, which is a semiautomatic operating device for a microchip on which at least one micro-channel with a reagent inlet is formed, includes: a base which accommodates the microchip; a slider with injection inlets corresponding to the reagent inlets that reciprocally move parallel to the base; and a slider moving unit which selectively moves the slider to a first location at which the microchip is opened, after the injection inlet of the slider and the reagent inlet are aligned, and to a second location where the microchip is sealed by a bottom surface of the slider covering the reagent inlet.

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 system contains a metal tray formed from a sheet of metal. A plurality of pockets is formed in the metal tray, wherein the plurality of pockets is formed from manipulating the sheet of metal. A cover is formed over the metal tray. Optionally, a base may be engaged with the cover, wherein the metal tray is formed to fit snugly between the cover and the base.

Abstract: A method and device related to a liquid product pressure and (optionally) temperature treatment method reduces the level of microorganisms in the liquid product to a preselected level. Utilizing the method, liquid product is diffused in a chamber with the speed of pressure variation of liquid product in one embodiment of about 109 Pa/sec. The preferred speed of the diffused drops is about 10 m/sec. The liquid product can optionally be heated before or during diffusion, and is preferably heated as a diffused liquid product by mixing it with superheated steam. The device includes a chamber and a diffuser in communication with the chamber.

Abstract: An apparatus and method improves heating of a solid precursor inside a sublimation vessel. In one embodiment, inert, thermally conductive elements are interspersed among units of solid precursor. For example the thermally conductive elements can comprise a powder, beads, rods, fibers, etc. In one arrangement, microwave energy can directly heat the thermally conductive elements.

Abstract: Photodynamic therapy is used in the treatment of orthopaedic infections. Particularly, it is used in the treatment of infections related to orthopaedic conditions and surgery and includes treatment of sites of deterioration or trauma, such as prior to and after prosthetic fixation such as joint replacement or treatment of trauma sites such as pinning of bone fractures. An orthopaedic disinfection apparatus includes a photosensitiser and a light delivery system capable of producing and delivering light at a wavelength which is capable of being absorbed by the photosensitiser. Methods of treatment of orthopaedic infections are also disclosed.

Abstract: Integrated Combustion Reactors (ICRs) and methods of making ICRs are described in which combustion chambers (or channels) are in direct thermal contact to reaction chambers for an endothermic reaction. Superior results were achieved for combustion chambers which contained a gap for flee flow through the chamber. Particular reactor designs are also described. Processes of conducting reactions in integrated combustion reactors are described and results presented. Some of these processes are characterized by unexpected and superior results.

Abstract: One or more purging devices are provided which prevent buildup of polymer particles on valves used in the production of polyolefins. More particularly, embodiments of the present invention relate to purge devices which direct continuous gas flow onto the face of a ball valve located in a recycle stream to prevent resin buildup. Further embodiments of the present invention relate to polyolefin production processes employing such purging devices.

Abstract: An apparatus and method including storage and dispensing vessels to safely store and dispense gaseous hydrides, where the storage and dispensing vessels contain a solid-phase physical sorbent medium having a physically sorptive affinity for gaseous hydrides, and wherein the gaseous hydride is decomposed in the apparatus to generate hydrogen gas. The gaseous hydrides include, but are not limited to, silane, germane, stibine and diborane. The gaseous hydrides decompose spontaneously and/or decomposition is enhanced using surface modified adsorbents. The hydrogen generated by the apparatus may be used in a fuel cell or other hydrogen gas consuming unit.

Abstract: It is an object of the present invention to provide: a protein refolding column filler, which is effective for the refolding, namely, the activation of the function, of an inactive protein with an as yet unformed higher order structure produced in Escherichia coli or the like, or a protein whose conformation has been changed due to a certain cause and which has become inactivated; and a column filled with the aforementioned column filler. The present invention provides a protein refolding column filler, which comprises zeolite with BEA structure (Zeolite Beta) that is granulated into a particle state.

Abstract: Cells having cavities and the manufacture and use of the same are described. An example cell includes a first layer including a gap to at least partially define a cavity and a reservoir area to receive material to enter the cavity by diffusion. Additionally, the cell includes one or more other layers coupled to the first layer to at least partially define the cavity and to hermetically seal the cavity from an exterior environment.

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: Waste water emissions from a biodiesel production facility are substantially reduced by recovering water from a spent water stream used in a water washing step in the refining of crude biodiesel which water washing removes glycerin. The water is recovered from the spent water stream is concentrated to provide an aqueous fraction which can be recycled for the water washing. The concentration also provides a glycerin-containing fraction containing that can be blended with crude glycerin by-product generated by transesterification of glycerides to make the biodiesel.

Abstract: A dry heat sterilization system having a housing and a number of plenums to guide the flow of hot air. Hot air is forced to flow through the plenums, the intake slide duct and into the bottom of the containers. The hot air will rise and exit from the top of the container through the exhaust slide duct. Furthermore, the external surfaces of the container are also sterilized through the use of semi-pierced duct walls with adjustable diffuser panels. Hot air will re-circulate until it reaches a pre-determined temperature. The container and its contents can be safely handled once the exhaust air blower removes hot air from the system.

Abstract: Process for the preparation of urea granules in a fluid bed granulator comprising at least one inlet for fluidization air, a distribution plate above which the fluid bed is present and sprayers that are mounted in the distribution plate, from which the urea melt is sprayed on or over the urea particles present in the fluid bed, which particles are kept in motion by the fluidization air, characterized in that the fluidization air contains very finely atomized water and in that the urea concentration of the urea melt is higher than 97 wt. %.

Abstract: A microwave inlet for introducing microwaves (coaxial waveguide) and a microwave launcher for generating volume-wave plasma are arranged on one side in a vacuum chamber, and a movable metal plate is arranged opposite to the microwave launcher on the other side in the vacuum chamber. The microwave launcher has a sandwiched structure where a quartz plate is sandwiched by a perforated plate having many holes of a specified diameter. Microwaves are introduced from an external microwave generator to the microwave launcher in, for example, oxygen gas, a mixture of helium gas and oxygen gas, a mixture of argon gas and oxygen gas, or a mixture of oxygen gas and nitrogen gas to change the spatial distribution of the electric field intensity, whereby the volume-wave plasma discharge is diffused to the entire inner space of the vacuum chamber by microwaves leaking through the holes in the perforated plate.

Abstract: Liquid hydrocarbons are removed from waste pits where they exist in a free state, via physical or mechanical methods (with heat or otherwise). The pits are blinded and closed once the areas altered by confinement of the selected material have been cleaned, using clean granular material from nearby quarries or gravel pits. The bituminous mixture or liquid oil-bearing material extracted from the pits is filitered and stabilized, using heat or chemicals, by means of a Portable Crude Stabilizer Tank. After filtering thick emulsion contaminated solid debris, the remaining oil-bearing mass is preheated and immediately liquefied in a tank, using preheating coils and, optionally, injecting chemicals. Final filtration and breaking the oil-bearing emulsion down into its components occurs in a closed horizontal or tilted receptacle, lined with thermal insulation, with diameters ranging form 43 to 86 inches, and a total length of around 15, 30 or 45 feet (varying in accordance with the required treatment speed).

Abstract: An apparatus and process for production of a liquid containing fuel that avoid the need to add any extra surfactant and also the need to apply ultrasonic wave energy and attain high stability of minute bubbles, etc. Production apparatus for a liquid containing fuel comprises pump for pressurizing a stored fuel and nanobubble generating unit adapted to inject a liquid containing the pressurized fuel. The apparatus may be equipped with homogenizing means for storing the liquid containing fuel. The process for production of a liquid containing fuel is characterized by sequentially performing storing of a liquid containing fuel in storage means, pressurizing the liquid so as to obtain a high-pressure liquid with a given pressure, injecting the same through a nozzle into a matrix of liquid containing fuel and effecting collision thereof with a wall so that nanobubbles of foreign substance are dispersed in the matrix of liquid containing fuel.

Abstract: A silicon reclamation apparatus with which a large amount of silicon can be easily recovered from a waste slurry is provided. The silicon reclamation apparatus of the present invention includes a solid-liquid separation part for obtaining solid substances for silicon recovery by solid-liquid separation of a concentrate of a waste slurry or the waste slurry which is discharged from a cutting device which cuts silicon or a polishing device which polishes silicon, with use of a slurry comprising abrasive grains and coolant; a washing part in which the solid substances for silicon recovery are washed with an organic solvent; and a classification part in which the solid substances for silicon recovery after the washing are classified to obtain a silicon-containing powder having a higher silicon content than before the classification.

Abstract: It's referred to a continuous fluid treatment chamber designed for pulsed electric field or radio frequency electric field. It's a chamber with two metal hollow tubes and isolating ring. Isolating ring is between two metal hollow tubes which are connected with high intensive pulse or radio frequency generator respectively. The main characteristics are as follow: In two metal hollow tubes near the isolating ring there is at least one metal conductor or lead. With this chamber, the capacity can be greatly improved (the material can pass through any large diameter tube, not sew). And the electric field distribution can be more uniform and the treatment of fluid will be highly efficient. It's benefit for pulse electric field or radio frequency electric field to be applied in industry.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for producing Cu67 radioisotope suitable for use in medical applications. The method comprises irradiating a metallic zinc-68 (Zn68) target with a high energy gamma ray beam. After irradiation, the Cu67 is isolated from the Zn68 by any suitable method (e.g., chemical and/or physical separation). In a preferred embodiment, the Cu67 is isolated by sublimation of the zinc (e.g., at about 500-700° C. under reduced pressure) to afford a copper residue containing Cu67. The Cu67 can be further purified by chemical means (i.e., dissolution in acid, followed by ion exchange).

Abstract: This invention relates to a micro cartridge and to a method of using the micro cartridge to sample and extract components of interest from a gas or a liquid. The cartridge contains a sorbent and has passages through which a pressure drop can be created to permit access between the gas or liquid and the sorbent. The micro cartridge is elongated and has one pointed end to fit into the injection port of a suitable analysis instrument where the components of interest are desorbed. The cartridge has two ends that are covered by removable closures and preferably has a diameter of less than 1 millimeter. The cartridge can be used with micro machine components and components made using nano technology.

Abstract: The present invention includes a magnetically susceptible polymer component, a method of making the same, and apparatuses and systems for mixing, separating or localizing a magnetically susceptible polymer compound in a reaction. The magnetically susceptible polymer component includes a polymer and a magnetically susceptible particle of a predetermined size, which yields a component having a much-improved magnetic reactivity due to the increase in magnetic material by mass percentage. The apparatuses and systems of the present invention employ controllable magnetic fields distributable in perpendicular directions in order to precisely control the orientation, position and relative motion of any magnetically susceptible components within a reaction vessel.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method to inhibit microbes located within a pipeline comprising: applying a photosensitizer composition to a predetermined interior surface area of the pipeline where microbes are located; and applying light to the area at a wavelength that is absorbed by the photosensitizer composition so as to inhibit or eliminate the microbes; wherein the light is applied by a photodynamic disinfection device adapted to provide light to the area. The present invention also provided a photodynamic disinfection device comprising a pipeline inspection gauge (pig) adapted to include a circumferential high energy light source and an energy source wherein the light source is in communication with and powered by the energy source via communication means.

Abstract: The present invention provides a support beam for use in an easily polymerizeable substance treatment apparatus. The support beam supports or reinforces an internal provided in the easily polymerizeable substance treatment apparatus. The support beam has an internal mounting portion to which the internal is attached, and a folded-back portion, at least part of which, is inclined downward with respect to a horizontal direction when approaching an end thereof.

Abstract: A dehydrogenation fuel theft prevention system for preventing the theft of dehydrogenation organic fuel containing hydrogen is provided. The dehydrogenation fuel theft prevention system is for systems including a reformer for dehydrogenating organic fuel containing at least hydrogen and a dehydrogenation fuel recovery tank for storing dehydrogenation fuel produced when organic fuel is dehydrogenated in the reformer. The theft prevention system is provided with a means for mixing an odorant as a component with a pungent odor other than the fuel components or a agent for coagulating the fuel components. The odorant or the coagulating agent is mixed when fuel is manufactured, distributed, utilized, recovered, or stored or fuel is about to be stolen.

Abstract: This invention relates to apparatus and methods for on-chip monitoring of cellular reactions, and in particular to such an apparatus and method that enables soft-docking of cells by using a dam wall that is parallel to the direction of fluid flow. The invention further relates to an apparatus and method capable of generating a controlled concentration gradient, and in particular a concentration gradient such that the cells are aligned in the direction of the concentration gradient after docking.

Abstract: Bio-waste sterilizers are described. In one implementation an exemplary system has waste transport vessels that can be intermittently heated and pressurized, for example, with steam, and are interconnected to provide multiple sterilization pathways for waste as the waste is transported. Selected sterilization pathways may depend on attributes of the waste. Sterilization factors, such as mechanical shredding, application of steam, application of pressure, maintenance of temperature, separation of liquid, etc., are integrated into the waste transport features of the system, which can be made compact to save space while processing relatively large bulk amounts of materials, such as medical wastes. The system maintains safe isolation of bio-hazardous components in the waste from the external environment. A system controller provides parameters management, smart sterilization cycle control, quality assurance, safety management, diagnostics, and reporting over a network.

Abstract: Device for dispersing a water-soluble polymer comprising: a chamber for grinding and draining of the dispersed polymer comprising a rotor and a stator, and on all or part of the periphery of the chamber, a ring fed by a secondary water circuit. The ring communicates with the chamber for spraying of pressurised water on the blades of the stator. A method implementing the device is also provided.

Abstract: A device for selectively controlling and varying surface texture includes a body having at least one surface, and an active material in operative communication with the at least one surface, wherein the active material is configured to undergo a change in a property upon receipt of an activation signal, wherein the change in a property is effective to change a texture of the at least one surface.

Abstract: This invention relates to a micro cartridge and to a method of using the micro cartridge to sample and extract components of interest from a gas or a liquid. The cartridge contains a sorbent and has passages through which a pressure drop can be created to permit access between the gas or liquid and the sorbent. The micro cartridge is elongated and has one pointed end to fit into the injection port of a suitable analysis instrument where the components of interest are desorbed. The cartridge has two ends that are covered by removable closures and preferably has a diameter of less than 1 millimeter. The cartridge can be used with micro machine components and components made using nano technology.

Abstract: A device for providing sterilized or cleaned fluid to a receptacle and thereby facilitate conveyance of a substance out of the receptacle, comprising a connector and a container which form an integrated unit. The connector is provided with a first means for connection to a receptacle. Sterilized or cleaned fluid is transferred from the container to the receptacle.

Abstract: A system for microbially deactivating articles, such as medical, dental, veterinary and mortuary instruments and devices. The system includes vibration means for producing ultrasonic waves to facilitate drying after the completion of a liquid microbial deactivation process.

Abstract: An improved apparatus and method of producing acetic acid includes condensing overhead vapor to provide reflux to the light ends column as well as condensing vapor from a central portion of the light ends column to increase capacity. Throughput or load on the light ends column is substantially reduced without compromising product quality.

Abstract: An irradiation module apparatus 100 for use in a duct or conduit 10 of an air ventilation system preferably has a separation panel 1; an electronic module 2 for storing a ballast and electronic components mount on an external side of the separation panel 1; an irradiation module 5 comprised of a germicidal lamp 3 in a substantially parabolic reflector 4, the reflector 4 having an aperture 43 for passing filtered air from an air filter module 6, the lamp 3, reflector 4, and an air filter module 6 all being supported on an internal side of the separation panel 1; and wherein upon assembly to the conduit 10, the irradiation module apparatus 100 is passed into an opening 9 cut in the conduit 10 until the separation panel 1 can cover the opening 9 and be fastened to conduit 10, thereby positioning the irradiation module 5 and the filter module 6 in the air path of the conduit 10 or duct.

Abstract: A process for the removal of at least one volatile compound from a reactive or unreactive mixture of substances with the aid of at least one micro-evaporator, the micro-evaporator displaying channels for carrying the mixture of substances having a hydraulic diameter of 5 to 1000 ?m and a specific evaporator surface area of at least 103 m2/m3.

Abstract: An apparatus for manipulating droplets is provided. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes a substrate having electrodes and adjacent reference elements configured for manipulating a droplet on a surface of the substrate. Other embodiments having a top plate, a footprint, and a dielectric are also included.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are described for achieving uniform stretching of polynucleotides in hybrid electrophoretic-gel, micro-constricting microfluidic channels. Polynucleotides in normally relaxed configurations are driven by an electric field along a microfluidic channel. The polynucleotides thread through a porous gel barrier formed in the channel and extend into a constriction where an electric field gradient exists. The combined action of the gel and field gradient acts to extend the polynucleotide configuration fully for direct linear analysis of the molecule.

Abstract: A nucleic acid amplification method, includes: performing nucleic acid amplification using a microchip that comprises: a specimen introduction section; a reaction section; and a channel that connects the reaction section and the specimen introduction section, wherein the method further comprises preventing a reaction solution from evaporating during the amplification reaction, and a microchip, includes: a specimen introduction section; a reaction section; and a channel that connects the reaction section and the specimen introduction section, wherein the microchip executes a method for preventing a specimen containing a nucleic acid from evaporating.

Abstract: A method and device for destroying and inhibiting exposure to microbes and infection includes a first element and a second element, and a power source. At least one of the elements includes antimicrobial metal, which, when energized by the power source, produces ions that are lethal to microbes. The device can be incorporated into virtually any useful object. During normal use of the object, electrical communication is established between the two elements, causing current supplied from the power source to flow through the antimicrobial metal. The two elements are configured and arranged to ensure that ions flowing from the antimicrobial metal flow through the region in which it is desired to kill microbes. The antimicrobial metal can be on the surface of the element, incorporated into the material making up the element, or provided in any other way that allows the antimicrobial effect to be achieved.

Abstract: A composition and method for treatment of cancer. The composition for treating a skin disorder, comprising: a Nitrogen Mustard or an HX salt of the Nitrogen Mustard, wherein the Nitrogen Mustard or the HX salt of the Nitrogen Mustard is in a non-aqueous vehicle or carrier that does not include petrolatum or ethanol, wherein the non-aqueous vehicle or carrier that does not include petrolatum or ethanol does not include petrolatum or ethanol. The method comprises topically applying the composition of a Nitrogen Mustard or a HX salt of the Nitrogen Mustard to the affected skin, wherein the Nitrogen Mustard or the HX salt of the Nitrogen Mustard is in a non-aqueous vehicle or carrier that does not include petrolatum or ethanol, wherein the non-aqueous vehicle or carrier does not include petrolatum or ethanol.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing lipid-based nanoparticles using a dual asymmetrical centrifuge, products produced by means of said method, kits for producing said nanoparticles using a dual asymmetrical centrifuge, and accessories for carrying out the inventive method.

Abstract: The present invention relates to swimming pools and other pools of standing water, and in particular to a dispensing unit that distributes a chemical solution that reduces evaporation and heat loss by forming a film or monomolecular layer over the surface or substantial surface area of the swimming pool or water pond.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a column packing and concentrating columns for the analysis of metallic elements, wherein the column packing is formed from swollen and cleaned macroporous adsorbent resins of high, medium or non-polarity via dynamic on-column treatment or static immersion treatment using treating solution I or treating solution II; said treating solution I is a mixed aqueous solution of 0.02˜0.06 g/L of 2-(5-bromo-2-pyridyl azo)-5-diethylamino phenol, 1.60˜1.90 g/L of Na2B4O7.10H2O, 6.0×10?3˜8.0×10?3 mol/L of HCl, and polyethylene glycol octyl phenyl ether with a volume percent of 0.3˜0.8%; said treating solution II is a mixed aqueous solution of 0.04˜0.10 g/L of 2-(5-bromo-2-pyridyl azo)-5-diethylamino phenol, 0.05˜0.08 mol/L of glycin, 0.05˜0.08 mol/L of NaOH, 0.010˜0.015 mol/L of NaCl, and polyethylene glycol octyl phenyl ether with a volume percent of 0.3˜0.8%.

Abstract: A magnetic microparticle-packing unit using centrifugal force, a microfluidic device including the same, and an immunoassay method using the microfluidic device are provided. The magnetic microparticle-packing unit includes a rotary body controllably rotating; a microfluidic channel which includes a curved portion in which the microfluidic channel first extends away from the rotation center of the rotary body and then turns toward the rotation center of the rotary body.

Abstract: A system (1) for the treatment of powdered material, in particular pharmaceutical powders, comprising, with the possibility of suitable connection between them using pipe means (4), at least a first operating unit (2) designed for mixing the powdered material with other substances to obtain a predetermined mixture, and at least a second operating unit (3) designed for subjecting the mixture to a fluid bed type treatment. The first unit (2) is supported in such a way that it is mobile relative to the second unit (3); there being means (8, 7, 13) for supporting and moving the first unit (2), for moving the first unit (2) alternatively in a predetermined direction (F) relative to the second unit (3), between a first and a second operating position (A, B).

Abstract: In order to produce granules granulometrically polidispersed in a very little range, a fluid bed granulation process of the type comprising the steps of preparing a fluid bed of seeds (S1) of the substance to be granulated, having a free surface (P) substantially horizontal; and feeding a continuous flow (L) of a fluid comprising a growth liquid, provides in the fluid bed for a continuous vortex (V) with a substantially horizontal axis, in which an upper zone (Z1) of seeds wetting and evaporation of possible solvent contained in the flow (L) and a lower zone (Z2) of solidification/consolidation of the growth liquid are identified.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for uniformly dispersing dispersoids in a dispersion medium. The method of the present invention for dispersing dispersoids includes applying an electric field to a mixture of a dispersion medium and dispersoids. In this dispersion method, a dispersion apparatus containing a container 3 for placing a mixture 2 of a dispersion medium and dispersoids, and an electric field application means 4 for applying an electric field to the mixture 2, which has a pair of opposing electrodes 5a and 5b, can be used.

Abstract: A system for maintaining the freshness of an object of preservation comprising an electrode made of a flexible conducting polymer. The system includes: an electrode module comprising a first electrode and a second electrode which face each other; and an electric field supply module generating an electric field between the first electrode and the second electrode by supplying a voltage to the electrode module, and where the first electrode is comprised of a flexible conducting polymer material.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a freshness maintaining apparatus for maintaining freshness of an object in the apparatus. The apparatus comprises a first shelf having a first electrode disposed therein a second shelf having a second electrode disposed therein; the first shelf and the second shelf being disposed in a manner to be parallel to one another; and a power supply unit in electrical communication with the first electrode and the second electrode; the first electrode having an electrical polarity that is opposedly disposed to an electrical polarity of the second electrode.