Abstract: The invention relates to a device for the partial crystallisation of a phase in a solution, comprising at least one pump for circulation of the solution in a circuit of a heat exchanger formed from at least one tube in contact with a cooling circuit, characterised in that the circuit of the exchanger includes static means to mix the solution, so that the crystallised particles of the phase are continuously mixed with the solution during the circulation of said solution. The invention also relates to an assembly including several devices according to the invention or several parts of such a device. The invention also relates to a method to use such a device.

Abstract: High throughput screening of crystallization of a target material is accomplished by simultaneously introducing a solution of the target material into a plurality of chambers of a microfabricated fluidic device. The microfabricated fluidic device is then manipulated to vary the solution condition in the chambers, thereby simultaneously providing a large number of crystallization environments. Control over changed solution conditions may result from a variety of techniques, including but not limited to metering volumes of crystallizing agent into the chamber by volume exclusion, by entrapment of volumes of crystallizing agent determined by the dimensions of the microfabricated structure, or by cross-channel injection of sample and crystallizing agent into an array of junctions defined by intersecting orthogonal flow channels.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and apparatus for promoting rapid formation of biomolecule crystals from a solution of biomolecules, preferably proteins, wherein the protein solution undergoes rapid concentration according to its isoelectric point in an electric field. Protein crystallization according to the methods of the present invention takes place within a period of hours or less.

Abstract: A crystallization apparatus is provided. The crystallization apparatus includes a visible light source capable of obtaining high energy density output therein. A visible light irradiation system is formed by a plurality of visible laser beam sources arranged in a two-dimensional array. The visible light irradiation system includes a light intensity distribution forming apparatus for patterning light intensity distribution of a plurality of visible laser beams emitted by each visible laser beam source, and an imaging optical system for imaging the light having the light intensity distribution patterned by the light intensity distribution forming apparatus onto an irradiated region on the processed substrate. The visible laser beams emitted by a plurality of solid lasers or semiconductor lasers are overlapped in the light intensity distribution forming apparatus that satisfies an imaging position relationship in an optical axis with respect to the processed substrate.

Abstract: A method of preparing a toner, including periodically dripping and discharging droplets of a toner constituent liquid comprising a resin and a colorant with a dripper comprising a thin film comprising plural nozzles configured to discharge the droplets, and an electromechanical converter configured to oscillate the thin film; and solidifying the droplets to form toner particles, wherein the nozzle has an aperture discharging the droplet, having a circular or an ellipsoidal cross-sectional shape and cross-sectional area smaller than a cross-sectional area of another aperture contacting the toner constituent liquid.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and devices for rapidly forming vitreous ice-jacketed particle droplets.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for re-crystallization of layer structures by means of zone melting, in which, as a result of convenient arrangement of a plurality of heat sources, a significant acceleration of the zone melting method can be achieved. The method is based on the fact that a continuous recrystallisation of the layer is ensured as a result of overlaps being produced. According to the invention, a device is likewise provided with which the method according to the invention can be achieved. The method according to the invention is used in particular in the production of crystalline silicon thin layer solar cells or for example in SOI technology. However the application likewise relates also in general to the processing of metals, plastic materials or adhesives and here in particular to the production of thin layers.

Abstract: A protective coating is prepared for, and applied to, crucibles used in the handling of molten materials that are solidified in the crucible and then removed as ingots. Crucibles containing this protective coating may be used for the solidification of silicon. The coating has a specified oxygen content and contains a mineral binder and silicon nitride or silicon oxynitride.

Abstract: A light irradiation apparatus includes a light modulation element which has a step line of a phase step having a phase difference different from 180 degrees, and modulates a phase of incident light. An illumination optical system illuminates the modulation element with illumination light inclined in a direction perpendicular to the step line. An image forming optical system forms a light intensity distribution on a crystallized plane, based on the light subjected to phase modulation. The illumination optical system simultaneously illuminates the modulation element with first light which illuminates the modulation element along a first direction extending from a phase advance side toward a phase retardation side of the phase step and second light which illuminates the modulation element along a second direction extending from the phase retardation side toward the phase advance side, and has a light intensity setting mechanism which sets different light intensities of the first and second lights.

Abstract: A method is provided that comprises generating a screen storage plate that contains screen solutions at a screen generation station; employing a transport mechanism to transport the screen storage plate from the screen generation station to a screen storage station; storing the screen storage plate in the screen storage station among a plurality of screen storage plates; having the screen storage station retrieve screen storage plate from among the plurality of screen storage plates stored within the screen storage station; and having a crystallization trial generation station generate crystallization trials in a crystallization plate incorporating the screen in the retrieved screen storage plate; wherein the method is performed in a single automated system.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing toner includes steps of supplying, periodically dispensing, and solidifying. The supply step supplies a liquid to be atomized, which includes at least a resin and a colorant. The periodic dispensation step periodically dispenses droplets of the liquid through an atomizing unit. The solidification step solidifies the dispensed droplets into toner particles. The atomizing unit includes a thin film, a vibration actuator, and multiple holes. The thin film has a relatively stiff portion and a relatively elastic portion, and is configured to contact the liquid. The vibration actuator is connected to and supports a periphery of the thin film, and is configured to induce vibration of the thin film. The multiple holes are formed in the relatively stiff portion, and are configured to discharge droplets therethrough when the thin film vibrates.

Abstract: A method of fabricating an elastomeric structure, comprising: forming a first elastomeric layer on top of a first micromachined mold, the first micromachined mold having a first raised protrusion which forms a first recess extending along a bottom surface of the first elastomeric layer; forming a second elastomeric layer on top of a second micromachined mold, the second micromachined mold having a second raised protrusion which forms a second recess extending along a bottom surface of the second elastomeric layer; bonding the bottom surface of the second elastomeric layer onto a top surface of the first elastomeric layer such that a control channel forms in the second recess between the first and second elastomeric layers; and positioning the first elastomeric layer on top of a planar substrate such that a flow channel forms in the first recess between the first elastomeric layer and the planar substrate.

Abstract: A method is provided that comprises having a trial generation station generate crystallization trials in a crystallization plate transporting the crystallization plate to an imaging station; and having the imaging station take images of the crystallization trials within 30 minutes of the formation of the crystallization trials; wherein the method is performed in a single automated system.

Abstract: Efficient measuring of protein solubility with the use of a precipitating agent as crystallization parameter; and production of a high-quality protein crystal with the use of a solubility curve obtained by the measuring. Protein crystal is disposed, and the surrounding thereof is filled with a protein solution. Not only is the concentration of precipitating agent in the protein solution increased but also the interference fringes of the protein solution around the crystal are observed, and in which of dissolution, growth and equilibrium the condition of crystal resides is judged from the interference fringes. The protein concentration of protein solution is simultaneously measured, and the solubility, of protein is determined from the observation results of interference fringes together with the measured protein concentration and precipitating agent concentration. Further, a solubility curve is prepared, and a protein crystal is produced through controlling of supersaturation condition.

Abstract: A method for the directional solidification of silicon or other materials.

Abstract: A method is provided for performing array microcrystallizations to determine suitable crystallization conditions for a molecule, the method comprising: forming an array of microcrystallizations, each microcrystallization comprising a drop comprising a mother liquor solution whose composition varies within the array and a molecule to be crystallized, the drop having a volume of less than 1 microliter; storing the array of microcrystallizations under conditions suitable for molecule crystals to form in the drops in the array; and detecting molecule crystal formation in the drops by taking images of the drops.

Abstract: The invention provides a crystallizing method and an apparatus for producing a biopolymer capable of simplifying operations for taking out a produced crystal and mounting the crystal onto a crystal structure analyzer, thereby improving efficiency in the operations as well as reducing a labor burden. A crystallizing apparatus for producing a biopolymer crystal from a solution containing a biopolymer includes a crystal-growing chip 10 made of a material allowing electromagnetic waves to permeate through the chip, and in which a circular frame 16 is formed to retain a droplet 20 of a solution containing a biopolymer and a biopolymer crystal 28 produced in the droplet.

Abstract: In a method for crystallising plastic granules with a tendency to conglutinate, in particular PET and PU granules, the granules are subjected to vibratory excitation in a vibrating trough (1) transversely to the direction of longitudinal extension of the vibrating trough (1), at around their reaction temperature. The flow of granules follows a spiral path through the trough, achieving a narrow dwell time spectrum and a homogenous temperature gradient for the granules. Conglutination is also reliably prevented.

Abstract: A method for the crystallization of macromolecules in a three-phase system using a vessel containing a lower aqueous phase, a middle phase and an upper hydrophobic phase having a lower density than that of the lower aqueous phase, wherein an aqueous solution of the macromolecules is added to the middle phase to form a fourth phase, followed by incubation.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for the production of low sodium lithium carbonate and lithium chloride from a brine concentrated to about 6.0 wt % lithium are disclosed. Methods and apparatus for direct recovery of technical grade lithium chloride from the concentrated brine are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a crystallization process and apparatuses for such processes. In a first aspect, the process of the invention comprises a step wherein a liquid comprising a solvent and material dissolved therein, is subjected to crystallization conditions in the presence of Dean vortices, which Dean vortices result from said liquid flowing through a channel having at least one curvature. In a second aspect, the invention is directed to a crystallization process, which comprises a step wherein a liquid comprising a solvent, material dissolved therein and heterogeneous particles is subjected to crystallization conditions in the presence of Dean vortices, which Dean vortices result from said liquid flowing through a channel having at least one curvature, wherein said material crystallizes on solid surfaces, in particular on surfaces of the heterogeneous particles present in the feed.

Abstract: A process for preparing crystalline particles, especially particles of a pharmaceutical or carrier substance suitable for inhalation therapy, in addition to apparatus for the preparation of such particles.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device and a method for producing granulated material by melt crystallization having a nozzle prechamber for receiving a melt, having nozzles for producing droplets of the melt, and having a cooling pipe for cooling the droplets, means being provided to prevent undercooling of the nozzles.

Abstract: A method, apparatus, and system are described to generate a single-crystal film formed of an organic material in a microstructure chamber having a growth zone with defined dimensions. A flow of at least one of a 1) saturated solution of organic crystalline molecules or 2) molten organic crystalline molecules may be controlled to the growth zone to achieve a balance between crystal-film growth and the flow of the at least one of 1) additional saturated solution of organic crystalline molecules or 2) additional molten organic crystalline molecules into the growth zone.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a high yield process to prepare high purity crystalline glycolic acid using a multi-loop crystallization process characterized by high liquid and/or solid recycle, said process suitable for large scale purification and producing high purity glycolic acid with low diglycolic acid content.

Abstract: The invention relates to a chamber for the crystallization of solid catalyst carrier. The chamber is provided with an acoustic generator (9) for loosening the carrier from the walls of the chamber.

Abstract: An apparatus includes an autoclave for preparing a supercritical solvent, a convection controller for establishing a convection flow, a dissolution zone where a feedstock is located above the convection controller and a crystallization zone where a seed is located below the convection controller are formed. A convection flow rate of the supercritical solution between the dissolution zone and the crystallization zone is determined by the degree of opening of the convection controller and the temperature difference between the dissolution zone and the crystallization zone. Accordingly, the supercritical solution, in which the nitride has a negative temperature coefficient of solubility, is supplied from the dissolution zone to the crystallization zone in which a seed is located through the convection controller so that nitride crystal is selectively grown on the seed by maintaining supersaturation of the supercritical solution with respect to the seed at a raised temperature.

Abstract: A process for thermally crystallizing a polyester polymer by introducing pellets into a liquid medium having a temperature of at least 140° C. within a liquid medium zone and crystallizing the submerged pellets at or above the vapor pressure of the liquid medium without increasing the molecular weight of the pellets, and while the pressure on at least a portion of the pellets is equal to or greater than the vapor pressure of the liquid medium, separating at least a portion of said pellets and at least a portion of the liquid medium from each other. The crystallization is desirably conducted in the liquid medium zone without mechanically induced agitation. Optionally, the pellets are formed by an underfluid pelletizer.

Abstract: High throughput screening of crystallization of a target material is accomplished by simultaneously introducing a solution of the target material into a plurality of chambers of a microfabricated fluidic device. The microfabricated fluidic device is then manipulated to vary the solution condition in the chambers, thereby simultaneously providing a large number of crystallization environments. Control over changed solution conditions may result from a variety of techniques, including but not limited to metering volumes of crystallizing agent into the chamber by volume exclusion, by entrapment of volumes of crystallizing agent determined by the dimensions of the microfabricated structure, or by cross-channel injection of sample and crystallizing agent into an array of junctions defined by intersecting orthogonal flow channels.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of an optical line detector for regulating the position of the wash front and/or of the build-up front of the crystal bed of a wash column in a melt crystallization process and a corresponding regulation method. The line detector, for example a CCD camera or a linear array of reflection probes, is arranged in such a way that optical properties of the crystal bed can be detected continuously in a region running parallel to the longitudinal axis of the wash column, this region covering the desired setpoint position of the wash front or of the build-up front.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for molecular and macromolecular crystallization. More particularly, the device comprises a well and a transparent cap for growing diffraction-quality protein crystals by conventional vapor diffusion techniques. The present device is particularly advantageous in that it allows the pre-filling of the well with a solution for transport and handling.

Abstract: A device and process for crystallizing a compound using hydrodynamic cavitation comprising the steps of mixing at least one stream of a feed solution of such compound to be crystallized with at least one stream of an anti-solvent in a nucleating section via collision of the feed solution and the anti-solvent, passing the mixed streams at an elevated pressure through at least one local constriction of flow to create hydrodynamic cavitation thereby causing nucleation and the production of seed crystals, passing the fluid stream containing the seed crystals through an intermediate section to a crystal growth section, passing the fluid stream containing the seed crystals through the crystal growth section at an elevated pressure through at least one local constriction of flow to create hydrodynamic cavitation thereby causing further crystallization of the compound contained in the solution.

Abstract: A static fluid and a second fluid are placed into contact along a microfluidic free interface and allowed to mix by diffusion without convective flow across the interface. In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, the fluids are static and initially positioned on either side of a closed valve structure in a microfluidic channel having a width that is tightly constrained in at least one dimension. The valve is then opened, and no-slip layers at the sides of the microfluidic channel suppress convective mixing between the two fluids along the resulting interface. Applications for microfluidic free interfaces in accordance with embodiments of the present invention include, but are not limited to, protein crystallization studies, protein solubility studies, determination of properties of fluidics systems, and a variety of biological assays such as diffusive immunoassays, substrate turnover assays, and competitive binding assays.

Abstract: This invention provides methods, kits and automated systems for identifying a reagent in which a compound crystallizes, and methods for crystallizing a compound.

Abstract: A kit and method for growing crystals for educational purposes. The kit consists of a small plastic petri dish, and a paper substrate with short and long slits precut therein that act as seed, respectively, for the formation of single and multiply crystals. The disk of paper has a tab that serves as a handle for placing and removing the disk from the petri dish and as a place to write on the disk. The kit is used by pouring a saturated aqueous salt solution in the bottom of the petri dish and then floating the substrate on the top of the solution. The dish is then allowed to sit uncovered for several days and crystals grow on the bottom surface of the substrate as the liquid evaporates.

Abstract: An apparatus for producing oxidic nanocrystals from metal organic compounds or volatile inorganic compounds comprises an apparatus which includes a first vaporizer which is connected to a first carrier gas stream to produce a first reactant gas stream, a second vaporizer is connected to a second carrier gas stream to produce a second reactant gas stream the first and second reactant gas streams are connected to a first feed line and flow heated reactor wherein the reactants are heated and reacted to provide oxidic nanocrystals which are unagglomerated having a mean particle size of up to 20 nanometers.

Abstract: High throughput screening of crystallization of a target material is accomplished by simultaneously introducing a solution of the target material into a plurality of chambers of a microfabricated fluidic device. The microfabricated fluidic device is then manipulated to vary the solution condition in the chambers, thereby simultaneously providing a large number of crystallization environments. Control over changed solution conditions may result from a variety of techniques, including but not limited to metering volumes of crystallizing agent into the chamber by volume exclusion, by entrapment of volumes of crystallizing agent determined by the dimensions of the microfabricated structure, or by cross-channel injection of sample and crystallizing agent into an array of junctions defined by intersecting orthogonal flow channels.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and installation for the dry fractionation of edible oils and fats and related products, said method comprising the steps of: a) solidifying the product in a crystallizer comprising at least one cooling chamber that is provided with at least one wall permitting heat transfer, to form a solid block of crystallized material; b) discharging the chambers and collecting the block; c) crushing the block so that a pumpable paste is obtained; d) pumping this paste into a filter press; e) separating this paste into an olein fraction and a stearin fraction by filtration and collecting both fractions.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for the production of nanoparticles using a continuous flow miniaturised reaction vessel. In particular, the invention provides a method for preparing nanoparticles by a direct one-stage process.

Abstract: A method for crystallizing a substance, especially an inhalable medicament, comprising the following steps: (a) dissolving said substance in a solvent, to produce a solution of said substance, (b) producing a segmented stream which consists of alternating segments of said solution of the substance and of a transport medium, (c) introducing said segmented stream into the first end of a retention stretch, which retention stretch has a first end and a second end, so that said segmented stream passes from said first end to said second end of said retention stretch, and exists from the second end of the retention stretch, (d) cooling the retention stretch, to thereby bring about crystallization of the substance in the segments of solution, in the segmented stream, as said segmented stream passes through the retention stretch, and (e) separating the crystals of material from the segmented stream as it exits from the second end of the retention stretch.

Abstract: Novel methods for the removal of sodium perchlorate from electrolytic processes for the production of sodium chlorate have been discovered, allowing sodium chlorate production processes to proceed with low levels of sodium perchlorate. A portion of the mother liquor from the sodium chlorate crystallization is fed to a secondary crystallization step to concentrate sodium perchlorate in a second mother liquor. In this manner, at least a portion of the sodium perchlorate in the sodium chlorate production process is isolated in the second mother liquor, which can be removed from the sodium chlorate production process. The process is run until the concentration of sodium perchlorate in the second mother liquor reaches a desired concentration, at which point at least a portion of the second mother liquor can be removed, thereby removing a portion of the sodium perchlorate from the sodium chlorate production process.

Abstract: The use of microfluidic structures enables high throughput screening of protein crystallization. In one embodiment, an integrated combinatoric mixing chip allows for precise metering of reagents to rapidly create a large number of potential crystallization conditions, with possible crystal formations observed on chip. In an alternative embodiment, the microfluidic structures may be utilized to explore phase space conditions of a particular protein crystallizing agent combination, thereby identifying promising conditions and allowing for subsequent focused attempts to obtain crystal growth.

Abstract: A crystalline material sufficiently pure for use in pharmaceuticals may be made by forming a saturated solution of the material changing the temperature of the solution so it becomes supersaturated, and briefly subjecting the solution to irradiation by high intensity ultrasound, before allowing the solution to cool gradually without further irradiation. The ultrasound may be applied using a vessel with an array of ultrasonic transducers attached to a wall, so each transducer radiates no more than 3 W/cm2 yet the power dissipation within the vessel is between 25 and 150 W/litre. This method can reduce the metastable zone width to less than 10 K. There is no erosion of the wall and consequently no formation of small particles of metal. It is applicable for example to aspartame, and to amino acids.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for continuous slag treatment of molten silicon for removal of one a more impurity elements from the silicon, the apparatus comprising a vessel (1) intended to contain molten silicon and liquid slag.

Abstract: The present invention relates to microfluidic devices and methods facilitating the growth and analysis of crystallized materials such as proteins. In accordance with one embodiment, a crystal growth architecture is separated by a permeable membrane from an adjacent well having a much larger volume. The well may be configured to contain a fluid having an identity and concentration similar to the solvent and crystallizing agent employed in crystal growth, with diffusion across the membrane stabilizing that process. Alternatively, the well may be configured to contain a fluid having an identity calculated to affect the crystallization process. In accordance with the still other embodiment, the well may be configured to contain a material such as a cryo-protectant, which is useful in protecting the crystalline material once formed.

Abstract: A temperature- and evaporation-controlled device for the crystallization of proteins from a protein-containing solution. The device comprises a compartment, such as a microcapillary tube, for holding the solution from which crystals are formed. The compartment is in communication with a cold generating unit, such as a cold finger, that maintains a temperature lower than the temperature of the compartment thereby causing de-watering of the solution. A vacuum pump can be attached to the device to reduce vapor pressure to further promote de-watering of the solution. The device can be used terrestrially or in a microgravity environment, such as in outer space, for formation of high quality protein crystals.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for the purification of a substance from a solution, a suspension or a mixture of liquids by crystallization, preferably in a continuous manner. The apparatus comprises a first crystallizer (1c) comprising an input (1) for receiving a liquid comprising the substance and an output (4) for discharging a slurry of liquid and crystals. The apparatus comprises also a first separator (1s) connected to the output 4 of the first crystallizer (1c) having a product output (2), and being with a residue output (5) connected to an input of a second crystallizer (2c), and a second separator (2s) being with an input connected to an output (6) of the second crystallizer (2c), a crystal output (7) of the second separator (2s) being connected to an input of the first crystallizer (1c).

Abstract: A system and method are provided for producing Bisphenol-A (BPA) using direct crystallization of BPA in a single crystallization stage. In one embodiment the method comprises reacting Phenol and Acetone in the presence of a catalyst to form a product solution including Bisphenol-A and Phenol; removing a part of the Phenol from the product solution if required, and providing a selective amount of solvent, so as to obtain a product solution with the desired phase equilibrium behavior; and feeding the product solution with a selective composition to a crystallization stage operated at a selected temperature, so as to recover substantially pure Bisphenol-A in crystal form.

Abstract: An apparatus for growing a biological macromolecular crystal by vaporizing biological macromolecular solution into an oversaturated state. The apparatus includes a first sealed room that receives first crystallizing agent solution, and a communicating tube that communicates with the first sealed room and has a small sectional area for suppressing convection of air. A plurality of droplets of solution dissolving a biological macromolecule and a crystallizing agent therein are held in the communicating tube with the plurality of droplets being separated from each other.

Abstract: A method is described for the manufacture of semiconductor nanoparticles. Improved yields are obtained by use of a reducing agent or oxygen reaction promoter.