Abstract: The invention relates to a microfluidic device comprising one or more fluid channels, one or more fluid ports, and a V-shaped particle retention structure. The fluid channel is generally opposite the particle retention structure, fluid ports are located between the fluid channel and the particle retention structure, and the particle retention structure has sloped side walls. Fluid, including reagents, can be delivered to the microfluidic device through the one or more fluid channels or the fluid ports. The invention also relates to methods of using the microfluidic device to monitor, observe, measure, or record a biological parameter of a particle, to separate a single particle from a group of particles, to culture a cell, to treat a particle, and to move a particle back and forth in the device.

Abstract: A method of producing a fixed-bed catalyst with nano-scale structure using a nano-powder production reactor and a filter, the method comprising: introducing a starting powder into the reactor, wherein the starting powder comprises catalyst material; the reactor nano-sizing the starting powder, thereby producing an output, wherein the output comprises a nano-powder entrained in a fluid stream, the nano-powder comprising a plurality of nano-particles, each nano-particle comprising the catalyst material; introducing the output from the reactor to the filter structure, wherein the filter structure is fluidly coupled to the reactor; the filter structure separating the nano-particles from the fluid stream, wherein the fluid stream flows through the filter structure, while the filter structure collects the nano-particles, thereby forming a structured collection of catalytic nano-particles on the filter structure; and removing the filter structure from the reactor, wherein the structured collection of catalytic nano-

Abstract: In order to realize a method and an apparatus, each of which requires no contact treatment and no chemical reaction, for separating isomers of a chiral substance by irradiating a chiral substance with light such as circularly polarized light, so as to separate isomers in accordance with a difference in acceleration between the isomers, separation of isomers of a chiral substance in accordance with at least one embodiment of the present invention includes: (i) a circularly polarized light irradiating apparatus for irradiating, with circularly polarized light, a chiral substance which is a mixture of different isomers and is released from a molecular beam generating apparatus in a vacuum chamber; and (ii) isomer inlets for separating the different isomers of the chiral substance in accordance with a difference in acceleration between the different isomers.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for degasification of Claus-derived sulfur by the use of gas-liquid eductor using the liquid sulfur as the ejector motive force and ambient sweep air as the active degassing agent combined with a static mixer and packed bed for promoting the intimate contact of the air and the sulfur.

Abstract: The invention pertains to a method for eluting a radionuclide-label or a radionuclide-labeled compound using a solid phase extraction resin, to a device for performing such a method, and to a computer program for controlling such a device.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a nucleic acid extracting apparatus, and the nucleic acid extracting apparatus can include a pipe-shaped tube having an open outlet at one side thereof, and a hydrogel supporting member that is provided inside the tube and filters impurities excluding an extraction target material.

Abstract: The device according to the invention for carrying out chemical and/or physical reactions between a solid material and a gas, in particular for the preheating, cooling and/or calcining of fine-grain materials, essentially comprises at least one helical and/or spiral conduit, in which the gas-solid material suspension is separated by centrifugal forces into a solid material flow and a gas flow, and, connected to the end of the helical and/or spiral conduit, at least one separation region, to which a solid material conduit for discharging the solid material flow and a gas conduit for discharging the gas flow are connected. The separation region is here formed by a lower part of the gas conduit, the separation region in the region of the junction of the helical and/or spiral conduit and the part of the gas conduit above and adjoining it having the same diameter.

Abstract: A solvent that reversibly converts from a hydrophobic liquid form to hydrophilic liquid form upon contact with water and a selected trigger, e.g., contact with CO2, is described. The hydrophilic liquid form is readily converted back to the hydrophobic liquid form and water. The hydrophobic liquid is an amidine or amine. The hydrophilic liquid form comprises an amidinium salt or an ammonium salt.

Abstract: A process for producing non-solid-stated polyester polymer particles having one or more properties similar to polyester polymer particles that have undergone solid-state processing. In one embodiment, the process comprises (a) forming polyester polymer particles from a polyester polymer melt; (b) quenching at least a portion of the particles, (c) drying at least a portion of the particles, (d) crystallizing at least a portion of the particles, (e) annealing at least a portion of the particles. At all points during and between steps (b) through (e), the average bulk temperature of the particles is maintained above 165° C.

Abstract: A test paper includes a porous membrane capable of separating an object that should be filtered out of a sample by filtration, the porous membrane carrying a reagent capable of reacting with a specified component of the sample to result in coloring. The porous membrane includes a first layer having a surface on which the sample is supplied and a second layer having a surface at which sample percolation and measuring are effected, the first layer composed of large pore portions, the surface of the first layer consisting of a smooth surface having open pore portions, the second layer composed of minute pore portions the surface of the second layer consisting of a surface having open pore portions. The porous membrane has a thickness of 50 to 200 ?m and a porosity of 60 to 95%.

Abstract: A process for producing non-solid-stated polyester polymer particles having one or more properties similar to polyester polymer particles that have undergone solid-state processing.

Abstract: A humidification system (A) for humidifying a dry hydrocarbon stream includes a column (10) which defines an interior cavity (20). The cavity is partially filled with a bed (12) of a packing material (40) and a layer of water (20), leaving a headspace above the water. An inlet (52) adjacent a lower end of the cavity receives a dry hydrocarbon stream which is broken up by the packing material and dissolves water as it passes therethrough. Entrained water droplets fall out of the wet blend in a disengagement zone (70) above the water layer leaving the hydrocarbon stream humidified yet substantially free of liquid water in an upper region (72) of the column.

Abstract: The invention concerns a capture tank for capturing a captive target compound from a gaseous and/or vaporous mixture comprising at least the captive target compound and one other material, or for capturing, concentrating or crystallising a target compound from a liquid mixture or solution comprising the target compound and at least one other material, the capture tank comprising an enclosure having a top region, a bottom region and at least one side defining the enclosure, the enclosure being at least partly open in its top region in order to communicate in use of the capture tank with the gaseous and/or vaporous mixture and for permitting ingress of a gaseous and/or vaporous mixture into the enclosure; the enclosure communicating in its bottom region with a reservoir for receiving the captured captive target compound; having means associated with its at least one side and/or its bottom region for permitting egress from the enclosure of the gaseous and/or vaporous mixture in at least partially captive target

Abstract: A method and system are disclosed for separating single-walled carbon nanotubes from double and multi-walled carbon nanotubes by using the difference in the buoyant density of Single-Walled versus Multi-Walled carbon nanotubes. In one embodiment, the method comprises providing a vessel with first and second solutions. The first solution comprises a quantity of carbon nanotubes, including single-walled carbon nanotubes and double and multi-walled carbon nanotubes. The single walled nanotubes have a first density, the double and multi-walled nanotubes having a second density. The second solution in the vessel has a third density between said first and second densities. The vessel is centrifuged to form first and second layers in the vessel, with the second solution between said first and second layers. The single-walled carbon nanotubes are predominantly in the first layer, and the second and multi-walled carbon nanotubes are predominantly in the second layer.

Abstract: A device designed to separate fats waters and other contaminants from used vegetable oil.

Abstract: A system and process for separating methacrolein (MA) from methacrylic acid (MAA) and acetic acid in the gas phase product from partial oxidation of isobutylene (IB) in two oxidation steps is disclosed. The process and system maximize recovery of all three components at minimum capital and energy cost, under conditions that minimize polymerization conditions and plugging by solids deposition in compressors, columns, etc.

Abstract: A system includes a first source including a first reactant; a second source including a second reactant capable of reacting with the first reactant to form a first product; and a reactor. The reactor includes a first element having a wall connecting a first point and a second point, the wall extending more than 180° around the first point; and a second element movably engaged with the first element to define a reconfigurable reaction chamber capable of being in fluid communication with the first and second reactants.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus are disclosed herein for recovery of high-purity silicon, silicon carbide and PEG from a slurry produced during a wafer cutting process. A silicon-containing material can be processed for production of a silicon-rich composition. Silicon carbide and PEG recovered from the silicon-containing material can be used to form a wafer-saw cutting fluid. The silicon-rich composition can be reacted with iodine containing compounds that can be purified and/or used to form deposited silicon of high purity. The produced silicon can be used in the photovoltaic industry or semiconductor industry.

Abstract: A gas-generating apparatus (10) includes a reaction chamber (18) containing a solid fuel component (24) and a liquid fuel component (22) that is introduced into the reaction chamber by a fluid path, such as a tube, nozzle, or valve. The flow of the liquid fuel to the solid fuel is self-regulated. Other embodiments of the gas-generating apparatus are also disclosed.

Abstract: A dispenser (200) dispenses an amount of concentrate using a diluent to form a use solution. The dispenser (200) includes a housing (201) having a cavity. A product holder (210) is positioned to support the concentrate in the cavity of the housing (201). A load cell housing (207) is operatively supported by the housing. More than one load cell (240) is positioned in the load cell housing (207). The product holder (210) is supported on the more than one load cell (240), wherein weight of the concentrate is determined.

Abstract: In a method and equipment for conditioning low-metal scrap high in plastics, which contains at least partially scrap high in plastics from shredder processes, especially of scrap vehicles, the method includes: splitting up ferromagnetic components from the scrap that is high in plastics; separating a first raw sand fraction from the scrap high in plastics that has been reduced in metals; reducing in size the fraction high in plastics that remains after the isolation of the first raw sand fraction; separating a second raw sand fraction after reducing in size the remaining fraction high in plastics; and splitting up the remaining fraction, that is high in plastics, into a light fraction and a heavy fraction. The equipment has the appropriate device for carrying out the individual method steps.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to an apparatus and method for studying dissolution of a compact sample. The compact sample is typically a pharmaceutical drug sample. A flow-through apparatus includes a frame defining a flow-through channel, a removable insert having a drug sample, the insert positioned within the frame such that a fluid interacts with the sample when the fluid passes through the flow channel. The frame has an opening on the top side to allow a glass plate, typically a microscope cover slip to be positioned within the frame and allow viewing of the fluid flow and interaction with the drug sample. The hydrodynamics of the fluid flow are either known or computed. Thus, dissolution can be studied and observed in view of hydrodynamic characteristics. Typically, only a small amount of sample is necessary for a study. The flow-through apparatus is designed to fit on a microscopy stage and allow visual observation of the fluid/sample interaction.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for dispensing of a product based on weight as a load cell (22) which supports a structure holding the product (20a) to be dispensed. The weight of the product (20a) that is dispensed is determined by use of a controller (23).

Abstract: A process for producing non-solid-stated polyester polymer particles having one or more properties similar to polyester polymer particles that have undergone solid-state processing. In one embodiment, the process comprises (a) forming polyester polymer particles from a polyester polymer melt; (b) quenching at least a portion of the particles, (c) drying at least a portion of the particles, (d) crystallizing at least a portion of the particles, (e) annealing at least a portion of the particles. At all points during and between steps (b) through (e), the average bulk temperature of the particles is maintained above 165° C.

Abstract: An apparatus for deactivating medical instruments and devices having a circulation system for circulating fluids through the apparatus and a chemical delivery assembly for generating a deactivation fluid to circulate through the circulation system. The chemical delivery assembly is comprised of a chemistry housing that has a first receptacle and a second receptacle formed therein. A first fluid inlet communicates with the first receptacle. A second fluid inlet communicates with the second receptacle. A first fluid outlet is disposed near an upper portion of the first receptacle to establish a predetermined fluid level in the first receptacle when fluid is introduced into the first receptacle. A second fluid outlet is disposed near an upper portion of the second receptacle to establish a predetermined fluid level in the second receptacle when fluid is introduced into the second receptacle. A lid is attached to the chemistry housing. The lid is movable between a first position and a second position.

Abstract: A process comprising contacting a solvent with a sulfur stream comprising sulfur and a contaminant, separating the sulfur from at least some of the contaminant and at least some of the solvent, thereby producing a decontaminated sulfur stream, contacting the decontaminated sulfur with a washing agent, and separating the sulfur from at least some of the washing agent, thereby producing a purified sulfur stream comprising elemental sulfur.

Abstract: An apparatus and system for separating remaining powder of hulls includes a first remaining powder separating unit to be supplied with hulls of a spent nuclear fuel subjected to a high-temperature oxidation, and to include a first brush for separating remaining powder of the hulls; a hull alignment unit to be supplied with the hulls from the first remaining powder separating unit, and to align the hulls; a second remaining powder separating unit to be supplied with the aligned hulls from the hull alignment unit, and to include a second brush for separating remaining powder adhered on an inner peripheral surface of the hulls; and a third remaining powder separating unit to be supplied with the hulls from the second remaining powder separating unit, and to separate the remaining powder remaining on the inner/outer peripheral surface of the hulls by using air.

Abstract: A system includes a portable source of gaseous chlorine dioxide (CD). The source has first source and return couplings for sealingly connecting to a CD generation flow path comprising at least one gas conduit. The CD generation flow path comprises second source and return couplings for sealingly connecting the source to a device to be treated with the CD generation flow path, or a tent structure enclosing the device to be treated. A portable scrubber has third couplings for sealingly connecting to a scrubbing flow path comprising at least one gas conduit for removing the CD from the device or tent structure. The gas conduit has fourth couplings for connecting the device or tent structure to the scrubbing flow path.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method for isolating and purifying nucleic acids from large sample volumes and a device suitable for this. The device comprises a funnel, a separating column, and a tab which are detachable from each other. The method according to the invention in which the device according to the invention is used ensures a higher yield of nucleic acids.

Abstract: In order to realize a method and an apparatus, each of which requires no contact treatment and no chemical reaction, for separating isomers of a chiral substance by irradiating a chiral substance with light such as circularly polarized light, so as to separate isomers in accordance with a difference in acceleration between the isomers, separation of isomers of a chiral substance in accordance with at least one embodiment of the present invention includes: (i) a circularly polarized light irradiating apparatus for irradiating, with circularly polarized light, a chiral substance which is a mixture of different isomers and is released from a molecular beam generating apparatus in a vacuum chamber; and (ii) isomer inlets for separating the different isomers of the chiral substance in accordance with a difference in acceleration between the different isomers.

Abstract: The present invention addresses a problem with conventional techniques for recycling electrical equipment that have a hardened epoxy resin and electroconductive material where a catalyst is degraded to an extent that it can no longer be reused when water is present in a dissolving system. Moisture, when present in the dissolving system for treating electrical equipment including electroconductive material of aluminum, may react with aluminum to produce an aluminate compound which is transformed into aluminum oxide (alumina) under heating, which, in turn, may cause abnormal temperature rise to melt aluminum. This may be accompanied by formation of hydrogen which can cause danger of explosion. The present invention manages moisture content in a dissolving system by drying an object to be treated with a catalyst and a solvent prior to the dissolving treatment.

Abstract: The present invention provides a process and an apparatus for transferring a solute from a first fluid to a second fluid immiscible in each other.

Abstract: A microseparation structure is provided that includes a top surface defining a first chamber. A second chamber is provided that is in fluid communication with the first chamber and characterized by a volume less than the volume of the first chamber. At least one hole extends in fluid communication with the second chamber to transmit fluids into a capillary draw void volume filled with a capillary draw-inducing agent such that liquid placed in the first chamber is drawn through the second chamber and through the hole to the capillary draw void volume filled with capillary draw-inducing agent. Particles of interest within the liquid are unable to pass into the hole and are therefore isolated within the second chamber. This structure is amenable to forming into a compact chromatographic filtration media made up of multiple such structures that is well suited for sealed testing for diseases such as malaria.

Abstract: A vessel includes: a pocket capable of assuming a folded state and an expanded state, processing element including an active inner portion; protection element including a side wall, a lower portion and an upper portion defining an inner space, the lower portion being attached to the upper portion of the pocket, the active inner portion being provided in the inner space when the pocket is in the folded state, the peripheral portion of the inner space about the processing element defining a protection chamber; at least one insertion and/or draining opening. The active inner portion is provided inside the pocket adjacent to the lower end portion thereof, the processing element and the protection element are independent in terms of their movements, and the height of the protection chamber is variable and automatically adapts itself based on respectively, the flat-folded, unfolded and expanded states or any intermediate state of the pocket.

Abstract: A method of producing an organic based fertilizer and usable water from animal waste includes the step of separating the animal waste into liquid waste and solid waste. The liquid waste is clarified to produce a supernatant and a sludge which is pressed into a filter cake. Ammonia is extracted from the supernatant to produce ammonium sulfate and an aqueous solution. The aqueous solution is filtered to produce a concentrate and water filtrate. The water filtrate may be used as drinking and washing water. The filter cake, ammonium sulfate, and concentrate may be used to supplement to the solid waste which is pelletized into the organic based fertilizer. In alternative embodiments a portion of the supernatant and aqueous solution may be used as a liquid fertilizer.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for concentrating a target substance in a liquid has been invented. The apparatus comprises a first reservoir with inlet openings for introducing a fluid comprising a target substance into the first reservoir and a second reservoir separated from the first reservoir by a partition permeable to permit the fluid to traverse the partition while retaining the target substance in the first reservoir.

Abstract: The current invention discloses a novel process and system to improve the quality of the slag product from a gasification process, thereby producing low-carbon marketable aggregate product. The inventive processes and systems employ a hindered-bed settler in conjunction with optional disengager and de-watering devices. A slag slurry stream from a gasification process is de-watered and the solids content is increased from less than 5% to greater than 30% via the de-waterer before being conveyed to a hindered-bed settler, wherein the carbon content is reduced from as much as 70% to less than 5%. Particles with a high carbon content are conveyed to a gravity settler, whereby they are concentrated and then recycled to the gasification reactor.

Abstract: A micro-channel chip comprising a first substrate and a second substrate bonded together, characterized in that at least one patch of a non-adhesive thin-film layer for generating a micro-channel is formed on the mating surface of at least one of the two substrates, a port that is open to the atmosphere is provided in the first substrate, and at least one end portion of the non-adhesive thin-film layer is communicably connected to the port, further characterized in that an underplate made of a material that is difficult to deform by itself is provided on the underside of the second substrate, the underplate has a recess at the interface with the second substrate that extends from a position that is short of the center of the port toward the non-adhesive thin-film layer, and the width of the recess is greater than that of the non-adhesive thin-film layer.

Abstract: A process to upgrade heavy oil and convert the heavy oil into lower boiling hydrocarbon products is provided. The process employs a catalyst slurry comprising catalyst particles with an average particle size ranging from 1 to 20 microns. In the upgrade process, spent slurry catalyst in heavy oil is generated as an effluent stream, which is subsequently recovered/separated from the heavy oil via membrane filtration. In one embodiment, residual hydrocarbons, i.e., heavy oil and solvent employed in the filtration for the heavy oil extraction are removed from the catalyst particles with the use of a cleaning solution comprising a sufficient amount of at least a surfactant for removing at least 90% of the hydrocarbons from the catalyst particles. In one embodiment, ultrasonic cleaning is also used for the removal of hydrocarbons. In another embodiment, a plasma source is employed for the volatization of the hydrocarbons.

Abstract: A process is provided for recovering polymer solids from a polymerisation reactor effluent. The process comprises extracting the polymerisation effluent from a polymerisation reactor; passing the effluent, or a part thereof, to a flash vessel for flashing liquid in the effluent to vapour, and removing said vapour from said flash vessel; passing the polymer solids from the flash vessel to a transfer apparatus which comprises a transfer vessel; passing the polymer solids from the transfer vessel to a purging means for removing residual liquid from the polymer solids; wherein the polymer solids are passed from the flash vessel to the purging means in a continuous flow such that a quantity of polymer solids is maintained in the transfer vessel. An apparatus for performing the process is also provided.

Abstract: The invention relates to tunable elastomeric nanochannels for nanofluidic manipulation. In particular, the present invention relates to nanochannels for performing biological assays.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a phosphoric ester of 2,3-dihydroxypropyl cellulose or 3-(2,3-dihydroxypropoxy)-2-hydroxypropyl cellulose, the cellulose having optionally undergone partial carbamidation, and to a metal absorbent employing the ester, and to a metal-absorbing apparatus employing the metal adsorbent. The cellulose derivative phosphoric ester serves as a metal adsorbent which exhibits high metal adsorption performance and metal adsorption rate per unit weight; has high mechanical strength; effectively soften water or a similar liquid; removes heavy metals from wastewater or a similar liquid at remarkably high efficiency; has excellent processability and can be formed into a variety of shapes and thus is applicable within a wide range; and can readily be reutilized.

Abstract: A process for separating tetrafluoroethylene from a mixture comprising tetrafluoroethylene and carbon dioxide by contacting the mixture with at least one ionic liquid.

Abstract: A method and system for collecting a plurality of slurries containing solid particles of varying particle size distribution and amount and performing a classification and separation on the slurries is provided whereby a fines-rich stream and a stream containing substantially coarse particles is obtained. The method and system includes separating the fines from the slurry liquid and thickening the separated coarse particles in a settling zone for subsequent use.

Abstract: The conventional techniques for recycling an electrical equipment including a hardened epoxy resin and electroconductive material has involved conventional problems that a catalyst is degraded to an extent that it can be no longer reused when a water is contained in a dissolving system. Moreover, moisture, when present in the dissolving system for treating an electrical equipment including an electroconductive material of aluminum, may react with aluminum to produce an aluminate compound which is transformed into aluminum oxide (alumina) under heating, which, in turn, may cause abnormal temperature rise to melt aluminum. This may be accompanied by formation of hydrogen which can cause danger of explosion. The present invention manages moisture content in the dissolving system by drying an object to be treated, a catalyst and a solvent prior to the dissolving treatment.

Abstract: A system and method for extracting active elemental iodine from the contact of water with stored crystal iodine and for introducing the extracted elemental iodine into a water supply line and/or otherwise making the extracted elemental iodine available for an intended use. The system operates by allowing a portion of the water entering from a water supply line to be redirected to a first housing where it makes contact with stored crystal iodine causing to extract active elemental iodine. The iodinized water leaves the first housing and enters a second housing where it makes contact additional stored crystal iodine to help stabilize the elemental iodine concentration. The system can be designed to provide the elemental iodine in more than one potency concentration through the use of a metering valve and different travel routes for the elemental iodine out of the second housing.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are provided to rapidly thaw and heat frozen bags of biological materials, such as plasma. The apparatus has a hollow bladder having a flexible wall that is placed in contact with the bag. A circulation system draws fluid from a reservoir and fills the bladder with the fluid. The circulation system also drains fluid from the bladder. A heater in the reservoir heats the fluid before the fluid enters the bladder. As heated fluid flows through the bladder, heat is transferred through the bladder wall to the plasma bag to thaw the biological material. The bladder wall expands against the plasma bag as the bladder fills with fluid, and contracts from the plasma bag as the bladder is drained. The expansion and contraction of the bladder wall agitates the plasma bag and biological material to accelerate the thawing process.

Abstract: Carbon dioxide contained within exhaust gas is combined with bivalent metal ions such as calcium ions or the like in concentrated salt water to form precipitated calcium carbonate and then can be expelled out. Such an environmental friendly design is realized by a bottle upside down device with a bottle neck exit on a bottom. A piston inside the device can be elevated to a top portion to produce a near vacuum air pressure inside the device. All the brine, exhaust gas, and oxygen, ozone drawn together into the device can be accelerated to form, at least, precipitated calcium carbonate to reduce carbon dioxide contained within the exhaust gas. Chemical reaction is accelerated by a high voltage discharger below the piston and by flashing a portion of water to atomize the brine. A heater can heat up the near vacuum device to accelerate chemical reaction.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for refining silicon which can remove impurity elements such as phosphorus and antimony as well as impurity elements such as boron and carbon using an electron beam in the same vacuum chamber are provided. Silicon is irradiated and melted with an electron beam in a low vacuum inside a vacuum vessel, a compound-forming substance such as H2O which reacts with boron or the like in the molten silicon and forms a vaporizable oxide is introduced into the vacuum chamber, and impurity elements such as boron having a low vapor pressure in a vacuum are evaporated from the molten silicon as part of the vaporizable compound. Silicon in the vacuum vessel is then irradiated with an electron beam in a high vacuum in the vacuum vessel, and impurity elements contained in the silicon having a high vapor pressure in a vacuum such as phosphorus are removed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for precipitation of peptide where the mixing step of the peptide with the precipitation aid and the precipitation itself are specially separated.