Abstract: A method of attaching a substantially uniform distribution of particulates to individual exposed surfaces of a matrix of fibrous material. The method includes the following steps: 1) electrically charging a matrix of fibrous material having individual exposed surfaces to create a substantially uniform distribution of charged sites at the exposed surfaces; 2) applying particulates to the charged matrix of fibrous material so that at least some particulates adhere at the charged sites; and 3) attaching particulates adhering to the fibrous material at charged sites by substantially non-transient bonding.

Abstract: An absorbent composition is produced by drying a mixture obtained by mixing a micro-filler (B) with a hydrogel having a water absorptive resin (A) and water. The hydrogel is produced by performing polymerization to produce the resin (A) and not drying the resin (A) after the polymerization. The absorbent composition has a specific surface area at least 10% lager than that of a reference composition produced by drying the hydrogel without the micro-filler (B).

Abstract: A process for producing an ultrafine mixed-crystal oxide characterized by producing an ultrafine mixed crystal oxide comprising primary particles in a mixed crystal state with a BET specific surface area of 10 to 200 m2/g, comprising the step of subjecting a halogenated metal to high temperature oxidation with an oxidizing gas to produce a metal oxide by a vapor phase production method, wherein said halogenated metal is in the form of a mixed gas (a mixed halogenated metal gas) comprising at least two compounds having a different metal elements selected from the group consisting of chlorides, bromides, and iodides of titanium, silicon, and aluminum, and said mixed halogenated metal gas and said oxidizing gas are independently preheated to 500° C. or more prior to a reaction, a ultrafine mixed crystal oxide obtained by the process, and use of the oxide.

Abstract: Deposition of a pyrocarbon coating of precise thickness onto one or more substrates being levitated along with a bed of particles in a fluidized bed coating enclosure is accomplished by varying the amount of hydrocarbon supplied to the bed as a part of an upward levitating flow to compensate for changes which are detected in the size of the fluidized bed. Increases and decreases in the size of the bed are detected by monitoring either the differential pressure above and below the bed or the weight of the bed, and compensating changes are made to return the bed to its desired size by changing the flow rate of hydrocarbon. For example, when a growth in bed size is detected that is not attributable to an aberration in either particle supply or withdrawal, the amount of hydrocarbon being supplied to the bed is decreased so as to cause the size of the bed to gradually return to its desired value.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for producing a spherical particle comprising an aggregate of particles containing at least 95% of a water-soluble single substance having a viscosity of 10 mPa.

Abstract: A method of curing a polymeric binder onto a powdered metal after such polymer has been coated on the powdered metal but before a part is therefrom molded, thereby forming a polymer matrix-powdered metal composite material. The polymer-coated powdered metal may be cured by retaining the polymer-coated powdered metal in a fluidized bed contained within a fluidized bath (e.g. a fluid bed coater/drier apparatus) even after the coating process has terminated. The temperature of the fluidized bath may then be raised, in turn raising the temperature of the fluidized bed, thereby curing the polymer onto the coated powdered metal in situ. By keeping the polymer-coated power metal in constant motion during the curing process, the polymer-coated powdered metal particles do not agglomerate nor otherwise adhere to other coated powdered metal particles.

Abstract: A method and apparatus provides for the formation of an encapsulated feedstock product matrix. A solid product matrix additive is spray ejected in a free-flow condition. The matrix additive is encapsulated in its free-flow condition with a matrix encapsulant. The encapsulant additive substantially solidifies in its free-flow condition to form the feedstock product matrix.

Abstract: Impregnating agents are concurrently processed with bulky materials such as recycled wastes within a turbulent fragmenting zone in order to fragment and uniformity impregnate the fragmented materials with impregnating agents. Uniform distribution of the impregnating agents throughout the processed materials may be accomplished by using multiple injection lines which port into the fragmenting zone at a position so as impregnate fluidized particles. Application of the impregnating agent is maintained at a substantially uniform pressure (e.g. porting from a manifold) so as to uniformity disperse and impregnate the impregnating agents throughout the processing material. The dispersal of the impregnating agent is effectuated by concurrently suspending fragmenting and impregnating the materials within the fragmenting zone 7. Recycled waste materials may be effectively impregnated with a host of impregnating agents such as application of pesticides, colorants, binding agents, insecticides, herbicides, etc.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for increasing the charring ratio of coal. In manufacturing an ingot iron using the coal, magnesium oxide or limestone is used as an additive for charring the coal. The additive increases the charring ratio of the coal while giving no affection onto slag. An MgO suspension or limestone suspension is mixed with the coal and thus obtained mixture is dried to attach MgO or the limestone onto the surface of the coal. The charring effect is increased and the using amount of coke can be reduced.

Abstract: There is disclosed an improved, energy-saving granulation method, wherein use is made of a granulator (1) having a bottom floor (9) of a granulation section whose bottom is a perforated plate, an upper air feed pipe (23) for feeding air for fluidization to the bottom floor of the granulation section, a lower air feed pipe (2), air feed pipes (3, 4, 5) branched from the lower air feed pipe for jetting air into the granulation section, and jetting nozzles (6, 7, 8) provided at the centers of the air outlets for jetting a molten raw material; which involves the steps of jetting a molten raw material from the jetting nozzles to approximately spherical nuclei in the granulation section, which have been fed after the particle diameter has been caused to be an average particle diameter of 0.4 to 3.0 mm, to form granules. There is also disclosed an improved granulator.

Abstract: Coater for coating particles is provided with a casing and a cylinder having apertures rotatably mounted within the casing. Gas is blown into the casing and onto the host particles through the slots of the cylinder. Guest particles may be inserted into the casing initially or subsequently after rotation of the cylinder begins. The particles are fluidized when a balance is attained between the centrifugal force from the rotation of the cylinder and the force exerted upon the particles from the air flow. The centrifugal force exerted on the particles within the cylinder in an operating state is at least about 25 gs so as to cause guest particles of different sizes to be coated onto the host.

Abstract: A phosphor particle has thereon a moisture resistant treatment of a metallic nitride. By moisture resistant is meant a condition allowing the phosphor particle to function in a humid atmosphere for a significantly longer period of time than an untreated particle. The method of making such phosphors comprises the steps of introducing an inert gas into a reaction vessel; charging phosphor particles into the reaction vessel; heating the reaction vessel to a reaction temperature; introducing a nitride coating precursor into the reaction vessel in a manner to avoid restrictive reactions; introducing a co-reactant into the reaction vessel; and maintaining the inert gas flow, co-reactant flow and precursor supply for a time sufficient to moisture-proof the phosphor particles.

Abstract: An improved, pre-coated aluminum-alloy aircraft component prepared by providing an aluminum-alloy component precursor to a coating apparatus having a fluidized-bed or mist apparatus, suspending the components in the fluidized-bed apparatus vertically at a distance from the bottom of the apparatus and introducing a coating to the apparatus to coat the components while being suspended in the airstream flowing through the apparatus. The non-contact, fluidized-bed or mist coating method allows for the coating of increased batch sizes in shorter coating times with decreased variations in coating thickness and uniformity.

Abstract: An improvement in the immunofixation electrophoresis procedure for detecting proteins in serum, urine or cerebral spinal fluids. Samples are placed on a gel and subjected to electrophoresis for resolving or separating proteins. Thereafter, antisera are applied to the sample areas through openings located on a template. The template includes projections and, the template substantially precludes cross-contamination and the adverse effects of ambient conditions on the integrity of the fluid, such as by the projections contacting, depressing or cutting into the gel to form closed cavities.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for producing ferrofluid-forming magnetic particles substituted by DMSA (FFSH) that can be covalently coupled, directly or through a difunctional reactant, to an effector, which process comprises combining DMSA with ferrofluid-forming magnetic particles to form FFSS particles having disulfide bonds, and reducing the disulfide bonds of the FFSS at basic pH to form FFSH. The invention includes a composition comprising such FFSH magnetic particles. The invention also relates to a method in which FFSH magnetic particles are incubated with an effector comprising at least one functional group which forms an S--S, C--S, C--C, or C--N bond with DMSA, so that a covalent effector-FFSH complex is formed. The invention further includes a method for separating and/or distinguishing between molecules or cells having a ligand that forms an affinity complex with an effector-FFSH particle of the invention, and those molecules or cells that do not have such a ligand.

Abstract: A body 300 having a cavity 310 for mounting a substrate 120 fabricated with probe sequences at known locations according to the methods disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,143,854 and PCT WO 92/10092 or others, is provided. The cavity includes inlets 350 and 360 for introducing selected fluids into the cavity to contact the probes. Accordingly, a commercially feasible device for use in high throughput assay systems is provided.

Abstract: The superparamagnetic monodispersed particles comprise a core of a first polymer, an internal layer of a second polymer coating the core and in which a magnetic material is distributed, and an external layer of a third polymer coating the magnetic layer and capable of interacting with at least one biological molecule. At least the second polymer is heat sensitive and has a predetermined lower critical solubility temperature (LCST) of 15-65.degree. C. These particles may be used to isolate at least one biological molecule from a liquid specimen.

Abstract: A biosensor apparatus for detecting a binding event between a ligand and receptor. The apparatus includes an electrode substrate coated with a high-dielectric hydrocarbon-chain monolayer, and having ligands attached to the exposed monolayer surface. Binding of a receptor to the monolayer-bound ligand, and the resultant perturbation of the monolayer structure, causes ion-mediated electron flow across the monolayer. In one embodiment, the monolayers have a coil-coil heterodimer embedded therein, one subunit of which is attached to the substrate, and the second of which carries the ligand at the monolayer surface.

Abstract: A cholesterol sensor facilitating rapid measurement of serum cholesterol levels is disclosed. The sensor comprises an electrode system composed of at least a measuring electrode and a counter electrode and disposed on an electrically insulating base plate and a reaction layer formed on or in the vicinity of the electrode system. The reaction layer contains cholesterol esterase for catalyzing the conversion of cholesterol ester into cholesterol, cholesterol oxidase and a surfactant.

Abstract: Tests for elevated pH and volatile amines in aqueous fluids are disclosed, including tests useful in the diagnosis of bacterial vaginosis and in other biological conditions. By using formulated indicators and indicators held in matrices that are permeable to gas but not to liquid, the tests provide clear and sharp transitions detectable by visual or machine-readable means rather than by subjective judgments such as small gradations in color or olfactory determinations. The tests lend themselves readily to iconic readouts of the test indications and to the inclusion of positive and negative controls.

Abstract: A method for the preparation of an immobilized protein ultrathin film reactor by immersing a solid support alternately into an aqueous solution of protein, and into an aqueous solution of polyion charged oppositely to said protein and preparing a structurally controlled ultrathin film of mono- or multi- protein layers on a said solid support with precision at molecular level. And a method for chemical reaction of a substrate by preparing an immobilized protein ultrathin film reactor composed of multiple layers of protein on a solid support by above mentioned method, and initiating a chemical change of the substrate molecules using obtained immobilized protein ultrathin film reactor.

Abstract: An automated slide stainer with slides mounted in a horizontal position on a rotary carousel. Reagents and rinse liquids are automatically dispensed onto tissue sections or cells mounted on slides for the purpose of performing chemical or immunohistochemical stains. The rinse liquids are removed by an aspiration head connected to a source of vacuum. The aspiration head is a hollow chamber with a flattened bottom aspect. Eight holes in the bottom of the aspiration head provide for fluid communication between the exterior and interior of the aspiration head. To aspirate liquid off of a slide, the aspiration head is lowered so that the bottom aspect contacts the liquid. The liquid is sucked into the hollow interior of the aspiration head and collected into a liquid waste collection bottle. Several different liquid waste collection bottles are placed in parallel, between the source of vacuum and the aspiration head. A solenoid valve is positioned in line with each liquid waste collection bottle.

Abstract: A method for the reactive coating or reactive encapsulation of fluidizable, organic or inorganic, anisotropic or isotropic substrates with a cross-linking, thermostable and insoluble thermoset by spraying onto substrates a cationically curing one-pot liquid resin system comprising a cationic initiator, which method comprises fluidizing the substrates in a fluidized-bed coater at a temperature above the activation temperature of the cationic initiator and then injecting the one-pot liquid resin system into the fluidized-bed coater through a spraying device, the one-pot liquid resin system having a gelling time of from 1 to 60 seconds at from 100 to 150.degree. C., results in unagglomerated substrates having a cross-linked, thermostable and homogeneous coating.

Abstract: A method of preparing treated silica is described. The method comprises mixing a hydrolyzable silica precursor such as methyltrichlorosilane with water, an acid (e.g., hydrochloric acid) and a hydrophobing agent capable of rendering polar silanol groups hydrophobic, such as trimethylchlorosilane. The treated silica is then recovered from the mixture.The inventive method provides a number of mechanisms for controlling the physical properties (e.g., particle size, surface area, etc.) of the treated silica. For example, the rate of hydrolysis of the silica precursor, which impacts these physical properties, can be regulated by the nature and concentration of the acid used in the reaction.

Abstract: An antimicrobial caries-detecting composition, which comprises(i) water, a water-miscible solvent or a combination thereof, (ii) a dye capable of staining the caries-infected portions of teeth, and (iii) at least one antimicrobial agent.

Abstract: There is disclosed a sensor for an analyte comprising a working electrode assembly, itself comprising a micro-electrode array in which each micro-electrode is coated with a layer of redox state dependent conducting organic polymer, a counter electrode; a conductive medium containment into which the electrodes are disposed and a material for analysis may be introduced; means for applying an alternating electric polarizing potential across the electrodes; and means for detecting a variation in a conductimetric property across the {working electrode.fwdarw.counter electrode} plane in the presence of the analyte.

Abstract: A corrosion protective coating composition, applied over a metal surface, contains frangible microcapsules which rupture and release fluid upon impact or other stress likely to damage the coating. The fluid, from the microcapsules, contains a film forming component to cover the damaged area of the coating and a corrosion inhibitor for the metal surface.

Abstract: A stable protein-coated nickel particle useful in biological assays contains a nickel particle having removed from the surface thereof nickel oxide; a linker attached to said nickel particle, the linker having a free amino group; and a protein attached to said linker by covalently bonding to the free amino group. Methods of producing and using these oxide-free nickel-protein conjugates are disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for the preparation of low-dust granules, which comprises applying an aqueous solution or suspension of a hydrate-forming compound to a particulate starting material, the particulate starting material being at a temperature below the transition temperature of the hydrate-forming compound during the application of the aqueous solution or suspension and the aqueous solution being at a temperature above the transition temperature, effecting granulation subsequently or simultaneously and, if desired, drying the granules obtained.

Abstract: The present invention provides an inexpensive and sensitive device and method for detecting and quantifying analytes present in a medium. The device comprises a metalized film upon which is printed a specific, predetermined pattern of analyte-specific receptors. Upon attachment of a target analyte to select areas of the plastic film upon which the receptor is printed, diffraction of transmitted and/or reflected light occurs via the physical dimensions and defined, precise placement of the analyte. A diffraction image is produced which can be easily seen with the eye or, optionally, with a sensing device.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing activated, substantially monodisperse, phosphorescent particles and particles formed thereby. The method suspends substantially monodisperse, phosphor-precursor particles in a fluidizing gas and then introduces a reactive gas to contact the suspended phosphor-precursor particles. Heating the suspended phosphor-precursor particles to a reaction temperature then forms unactivated phosphorescent particles. In another embodiment, the phosphor-precursor particles may be heated to a reaction temperature where they decompose to form the unactivated phosphor particles. The unactivated phosphorescent particles suspended within the fluidizing gas are activated by heating the unactivated phosphorescent particles to an activation temperature forming activated, substantially monodisperse, phosphorescent particles.

Abstract: A method for making a medical device having at least one biomolecule immobilized on a substrate surface is provided. The method may include combining a biomolecule comprising a 1,2 dicarbonyl moiety with a material comprising a guanidino moiety to form an immobilized biomolecule on a medical device biomaterial surface through covalent bonds. Another method of the present invention may include combining a biomolecule comprising a guanidino moiety with a material comprising a 1,2 dicarbonyl moiety to form an immobilized biomolecule on a medical device biomaterial surface through covalent bonds. Additionally, one method of the present invention may be employed to crosslink biomolecules, located in solution or on a medical device biomaterial surface, thereby forming a crosslinked biomaterial or a crosslinked medical device coating.

Abstract: A method of immobilizing a ligand (L) to the surface (P) of a carbon-containing substrate material; said method comprising: a photochemical step of linking of one or more photochemically reactive compounds (Q) to a carbon-containing material surface (P); wherein the photochemically reactive compound (Q) is a quinone compound containing a cyclic hydrocarbon, or from 2 to 10 fused cyclic hydrocarbons, with at least two conjugated carbonyl groups; and wherein the photochemical step comprises irradiation of the photochemically reactive compound (Q) with non-ionizing electromagnetic radiation having a wavelength in the range from UV to visible light.

Abstract: A measuring device for measuring or examining physiological parameters on biocomponents includes an FET sensor 5 whose electrical protective layer 12 is roughened or has a structured coating 15. The structuring of the active sensor contact surface 12 is adapted to the outer contour and topography of the biocomponent in question, so that a better possibility is available for anchoring the biocomponents to the contact surface 24 forming the FET protective layer of the sensor 5.

Abstract: A process for producing a ceramic-base sinter, comprising sintering coated ceramic particles wherein the particles are prepared for sintering by the steps of: dispersing a powder of ceramic core particles in a gaseous atmosphere to form a mixture of a gas and particles in a powder of highly dispersed core particles; charging a precursor for the coat forming substance that has been formed via the vapor phase and/or a precursor for the coat forming substance in a vapor-phase state and the mixture of the gas and the powder of highly dispersed core particles that have a predetermined dispersity according to the average diameter of the core particles in a coating start region of a coating space; coating the surfaces of the core particles with the coat forming substance by allowing the precursor to contact and/or impinge against the core particles; shaping and sintering the thus coated ceramic core particles or a mixture containing them under appropriate sintering conditions.

Abstract: A process for producing a metal-base sinter, comprising sintering coated metal particles wherein the particles are prepared for sintering by the steps of: dispersing a powder of metal core particles in a gaseous atmosphere to form a mixture of a gas and particles in a powder of highly dispersed core particles; charging a precursor for the coat forming substance that has been formed via the vapor phase and/or a precursor for the coat forming substance in a vapor-phase state and the mixture of the gas and the powder of highly dispersed core particles that have a predetermined dispersity according to the average diameter of the core particles in a coating start region of a coating space; coating the surfaces of the core particles with the coat forming substance by allowing the precursor to contact and/or impinge against the core particles; shaping and sintering the thus coated metal core particles or a mixture containing them under appropriate sintering conditions.

Abstract: A process for preparing silicon granules with a chlorine contamination below 50 ppm by weight by deposition of elemental silicon on silicon particles in a fluidized-bed reactor. This reaction has a heating zone below a reaction zone. The silicon particles, in the heating zone, are fluidized by means of an inert silicon-free carrier gas to produce a fluidized bed and are heated by means of microwave energy. The silicon particles are reacted within the reaction zone, a reaction gas made up of a silicon source gas and the carrier gas. The average temperature of the reaction gas in the reaction zone, while the gas is perfusing the fluidized silicon particles, is maintained at less than 900.degree. C. The average temperature of the fluidized silicon particles in the reaction zone, while they are being perfused by the reaction gas, is maintained at greater than 900.degree. C.

Abstract: An electrochemical test device is provided for determining the presence or concentration of an analyte in an aqueous fluid sample. The electrochemical test device includes a working electrode and a counter electrode made of an amorphous semiconductor material. The working electrode is overlaid with a reagent capable of reacting with an analyte to produce a measurable change in potential which can be correlated to the concentration of the analyte in the fluid sample. The test device optionally contains a reference electrode made of an amorphous semiconductor material having a reference material on the reference electrode.

Abstract: Compounds which possess a complementary structure to a desired molecule, such as a biomolecule, in particular polymeric or oligomeric compounds, which are useful as in vivo or in vitro diagnostic and therapeutic agents are provided. Also, various methods for producing such compounds are provided. These polymeric or oligomeric compounds are useful in particular as antimicrobial agents, receptor, hormone or enzyme agonists and antagonists.

Abstract: A biomimetic approach utilizing biomolecular self-assembly is described to form nanometer particle size composites for uses, such as, nonlinear optical media. Yeast tRNA was utilized as an ion-exchange/nucleation site within a polymeric matrix (polyacrylamide). Cadmium ion-exchange and subsequent sulfide precipitation resulted in formation of nanometer particle size composites. Illumination of samples with an Argon laster (514 nm) utilizing the Z-scan measurement method resulted in third order nonlinearity .chi..sup.3 values of +2.7.times.10.sup.-6 esu.

Abstract: A method for forming a continuous, conformal non-particulate coating of boron oxide on individual phosphor particles is provided. The method involves reacting a boron-containing precursor with an oxidizing gas in a fluidized bed of phosphor particles. The boron oxide coated phosphor exhibits an increased quantum efficiency under ultraviolet (UV) and vacuum ultraviolet (VUV) excitation.

Abstract: Sealant compositions for sulfur coated fertilizer particles are mixtures of wax materials and additives which provide improved moisture barrier properties and abrasion resistance. The sealants have penetration values measured by ASTM D-1321 of at least 20 at 25.degree. C., and congealing points measured by ASTM D-938 of between about 50.degree. C. and about 100.degree. C. The sealed fertilizer particles are conditioned with particulate materials with a surface area of at least about 2 m.sup.2 /g and an oil absorption of at least about 100%. A method for the production of abrasion resistant sulfur coated fertilizers is also disclosed.

Abstract: An imaging agent for ultrasound to be administered into a vein is provided. More specifically, an imaging agent for ultrasound containing microbubbles, which has a long-life and is stable within a human body even after is has passed through a lung, and a method for producing the same, are provided.A method for producing an imaging agent for ultrasound comprises a mixing step wherein a mixture of water, Sodium Stearate, Saponin and CaCl.sub.2 and gas are mixed by a homogenizer for forming bubbles, and a separation step wherein bubbles having a desired size are separated according to their buoyancy after the mixing step. The mixing step further includes two stages, i.e., a low speed mixing stage and a high speed mixing stage. In the low speed mixing stage, a shaft of the homogenizer is immersed into a solution containing a preset amount of Sodium Stearate, Saponin, and CaCl.sub.2, which is mixed at a low rotation speed for a given period of time and is then left for a given period.

Abstract: A method of detecting heparin-induced antibodies to complete a diagnosis of heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HITP) is disclosed. This method comprises the first step of attaching a glycosaminoglycan to a solid support, wherein the glycosaminoglycan is attached to the solid support only at the reducing end of the molecule (unidirectionally). Platelet factor 4 is then bound to the glycosaminoglycan forming a complex having an epitope recognizable by antibodies generated in an HITP immune response. Human blood plasma or serum from a patient suspected of having HITP is exposed to the complex and the complex is analyzed to determine if HITP-related antibodies are present. A device and kit used in performing the diagnostic assay are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention provides a process for adhering a liquid to a particulate substrate. The process comprises the steps of:a) providing an apparatus which can create an oscillating magnetic field within a chamber,b) providing particulate magnetic material within the chamber of said apparatus while said oscillating field is active,c) having in the chamber within the oscillating magnetic field a liquid coating material and a particulate substrate to be coated with said liquid,d) and having said magnetic field form a fluidized bed of at least said particulate magnetic material, said liquid coating material coating the surface of the particulate substrate, ande) optionally continuously collecting the coated particulate substrate.The particulate magnetic material may be added to the chamber before or after the magnetic field has been activated to oscillate.

Abstract: In the process for the agglomeration of slightly soluble and hydrolytically sensitive substances, a powder of the slightly soluble substance is conducted, together with at least one water-soluble binder, in free fall through a steam atmosphere at temperatures between 85.degree. C. and 105.degree. C. essentially without the action of compacting forces. In this process, the residence time in the steam atmosphere is approximately 0.5 to 10 seconds. The agglomerates formed are then dried in free fall, so that small solid bridges form from the binder liquid bridges formed at the points of contact between the primary particles. In a following integrated fluidized-bed dryer, the final drying then takes place to a water content of less than 0.5% by weight. The process is carried out in a steam jet agglomerator in which a freely falling product curtain of the pulverulent mixture to be agglomerated is impinged by steam using steam jet nozzles (5, 6).

Abstract: There is provided a method and system for transferring biological material samples from the point of collection to a chamber for placement into a centrifuge for processing and analysis. A container is used to hold the sample from the point of collection and during transport to a sample chamber which is placed into the centrifuge. The container is provided with a threaded open end, the threads being complementary with screw threads on a lid and also with threads around a port in the chamber. Thus, the user collects the sample, places it within the container, and engages the lid to close the open end of the container. The container is transported to the laboratory, where the lid is removed, and the threads on the container engaged with the threads on the chamber to attach the container to the chamber. The container is then inverted to permit the sample to pass from the container into the chamber. The chamber may then be placed into a known centrifuge for processing.

Abstract: A process for the production of a material for sealing and healing wounds comprises the even application of a suspension to a collagen carrier. An elongated container, into which the suspension is filled, is provided with a base frame (1) and a set of two perforated plates (2,3) as its bottom. The upper plate (3) is movable and is continuously moved back and forth during the process at a right angle to the transport direction of the collagen carrier, which allows the suspension to drip on the collagen carrier which is transported underneath the container.

Abstract: In the present invention method, the surface of articles made of acrylic polymers and methacrylic polymers are converted into thin biomimetic layers by using the process involving at least the following two steps:(a) The polymer surface is contacted, in the presence of water and for a predetermined reaction time necessary to form a continuous surface layer thinner than about 500 microns, with a solution containing one or more tetraalkylammonium hydroxides of the general formula:R.sub.1 R.sub.2 R.sub.3 R.sub.4 N.sup.+ OH.sup.-where R.sub.1, R.sub.2, R.sub.3, R.sub.4 are the alkyl substituents, in which the sum of the number of carbon atoms is equal to or larger than 8 but smaller than 45; and,(b) The article is removed from the aqueous reaction solution and excess of tetraalkylammonium hydroxide is removed from the polymer surface by washing the polymer with a liquid miscible with the tetraalkylammonium hydroxide.

Abstract: A wood-plastic composite material is produced in a twin screw extruder with parallel intermeshing segmented screws. The screw segments are positioned on two spline shafts and perform the various required functions of mixing, deaerating and removal of moisture followed by extrusion. A polymer is fed to the main throat of the extruder where the plastic is conveyed along a barrel formed by the case of the extruder. Cellulosic fiber is positively fed into the extruder approximately one-quarter of the way down the extruder barrel by a twin screw side stuffer. A vent is provided for entrained air in the cellulosic material to escape. The molten mixture of polymer and cellulosic material is then conveyed to a devolatilization area having a first atmosphere devolatilization area and a second vacuum devolatilization area separated by a melt seal.