Abstract: The present invention generally relates to multiple emulsions, and to methods and apparatuses for making multiple emulsions. A multiple emulsion generally describes larger droplets that contain one or more smaller droplets therein. The larger droplets may be suspended in a third fluid in some cases. These can be useful for encapsulating species such as pharmaceutical agents, cells, chemicals, or the like. In some cases, one or more of the droplets can change form, for instance, to become solidified to form a microcapsule, a liposome, a polymerosome, or a colloidosome. Multiple emulsions can be formed in one step in certain embodiments, with generally precise repeatability, and can be tailored to include one, two, three, or more inner droplets within a single outer droplet (which droplets may all be nested in some cases).

Abstract: A microfluidic method and device for focusing and/or forming discontinuous sections of similar or dissimilar size in a fluid is provided. The device can be fabricated simply from readily-available, inexpensive material using simple techniques.

Abstract: A method for producing an emulsion is provided. At least a fluid to be processed that forms continuous phase and a fluid to be processed that forms dispersed phase are mixed in a thin film fluid formed between processing surfaces arranged to be opposite to each other so as to be able to approach to and separate from each other, at least one of which rotates relative to the other, whereby the emulsion having variation coefficient of 0.3 to 30% in a particle size distribution is obtained.

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 and apparatus for rapidly producing an emulsion and microcapsules in a simple manner is provided wherein a dispersion phase is ejected from a dispersion phase-feeding port toward a continuous phase flowing in a microchannel in such a manner that flows of the dispersion phase and the continuous phase cross each other, thereby obtaining microdroplets, formed by the shear force of the continuous phase, having a size smaller than the width of the channel for feeding the dispersion phase.

Abstract: A process for replacing the continuous phase of a nanoparticle dispersion with a less polar phase, includes filtering the dispersion through a semi-permeable membrane filter to remove the continuous phase, and introducing a less polar phase.

Abstract: Oil-in-water emulsions contain an oil dispersed phase, an aqueous continuous phase, and partly silylated pyrogenic silica having a content of silanol groups of 1.7 to 0.9 SiOH/nm2 wherein 50% to 95% of silanol groups of the starting silica are silylated, present at the interface between the dispersed phase and the continuous phase and an electrolyte content in the aqueous phase which establishes the viscosity of the emulsion.

Abstract: A process for the salt-free coagulation of polymer dispersions in a rotor/stator assembly is disclosed. The rotor/stator assembly includes a casing, a rotor shaft rotatably mounted within the casing, a rotor having a conical surface affixed to the rotor shaft, and a stator affixed to the casing and concentrically associated with the rotor. The conical surface faces a surface of the stator to form an adjustable shear gap, which is surrounded by an annular space. A polymer dispersion is fed into the assembly and conveyed through the shear gap. During this conveyance, the polymer dispersion is precipitated at a predetermined shear rate and a predetermined shear deformation. The polymer dispersion is discharged from the assembly through an outlet neck, and the assembly is flushed with water using one or more ports formed in at least one of a pipeline coupled to the axial feed neck, the stator, and the casing.

Abstract: The invention relates to water-in-oil (W/O) or oil-in-water (O/W) emulsions containing an oil phase of at least one water-insoluble constituent; an aqueous phase; pyrogenic silica at the oil-water interface, the pyrogenic silica partially silylated such that non-silylated surface silanol groups remaining are between 95% and 5% of initial silanol groups, the equivalent of 1.7 to 0.1 surface SiOH groups per nm2, a surface energy gamma-s-D of 30 to 80 mJ/m2, and a specific BET surface area between 30 and 500 m2/g; and optionally other substances, such as pigments or preservatives. The inventive emulsions have a mean particle size of the dispersed phase, of between 0.5 ?m and 500 ?m, and are of low viscosity.

Abstract: Reversible switchable surfactants are provided. A surfactant is the salt of an amidine or guanidine: having at least one R group that is a hydrophobic moiety selected from the group consisting of higher aliphatic moiety, higher siloxyl moiety, higher aliphatic/siloxyl moiety, aliphatic/aryl moiety, siloxyl/aryl moiety, and aliphatic/siloxyl/aryl moiety. The other R groups are smaller moieties such as H, C1 to C4 aliphatic or the like. The surfactant is turned on by a gas that liberates hydrogen ions, such as, for example, carbon dioxide, which liberates hydrogen ions in the presence of water. The surfactant is turned off by exposure to a flushing gas and/or heating. When “on” the surfactants are useful to stabilize emulsions, and when “off” they are useful to separate immiscible liquids or a liquid and a solid. The surfactants find uses in polymerization and in the oil industry.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method for the mechanically protective production of finely dispersed micro-/nanoemulsions with narrow droplet size distribution, whereby drops are produced on the surface of a membrane or of a filter fabric, and the drops are detached from the membrane or filter fabric surface by motion of the membrane or of the filter fabric in a first immiscible liquid phase in which pronounced stretching flow components in particular, besides shear flow components, bring about the detachment of the drops formed on the membrane surface especially efficiently and protectively. The invention also relates to a device for implementing the method according to the invention with a membrane or filter unit that is positioned to move, in particular to be able to rotate, in a housing with a gap that may be eccentric toward the inner wall of the housing and/or provided with flow baffles that produce stretching flow components.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a wax formulation for use in lignocellulosic products, which impart improved properties such as dimensional stability when the products are exposed to moisture. The wax formulations include a wax and a surface tension/interfacial tension reducing agent comprising one or more of a fluorinated compound having two to six carbon atoms, an alkylphenol alkoxylate or an ethoxylated acetylenic diol.

Abstract: In a process for the production of a silicone in water emulsion in which a polysiloxane fluid, at least one surfactant and water are continuously fed to a high shear mixer in such proportions as to form a viscous oil in water emulsion which is continuously withdrawn from the mixer. The polysiloxane fluid may be a non-reactive fluid or may have reactive groups capable of taking part in a chain extension reaction. A desired emulsion particle size can be maintained by monitoring the pressure in the supply line at the inlet to the high shear mixer.

Abstract: A method for producing a functional colloid during which particles are reactively fragmented in a mechanical manner in a dispersant in the presence of a modifying agent so that the modifying agent is chemically bound, at least in part, to the fragmented colloid particles.

Abstract: The particle sizes of agglomerates of carbon nanospheres are reduced by dispersing the carbon nanospheres in an organic solvent. The carbon nanospheres are multi-walled, hollow, graphitic structures with an average diameter in a range from about 10 nm to about 200 nm, more preferably about 20 nm to about 100 nm. Spectral data shows that prior to being dispersed, the carbon nanospheres are agglomerated into clusters that range in size from 500 nm to 5 microns. The clusters of nanospheres are reduced in size by dispersing the carbon nanospheres in an organic solvent containing at least one heteroatom (e.g., NMP) using ultrasonication. The combination of organic solvent and ultrasonication breaks up and disperses agglomerates of carbon nanospheres.

Abstract: A continuous output system makes paper coating by combining an emulsifier with ASA (alkenyl succinic anhydride) particles having a mean average size in the low to sub-micron region. A turbine, pump, blender or other device exposes the ASA to a number of repeated episodes of high shear until the resulting ASA is in the form of particles having a mean average diameter in approximately the 1? range. The measure of the amount of high shear is identified by an energy factor index. A system for cooling the ASA enables the processing without causing a hydrolyzing of the ASA, even when a heated cooked emulsion is used.

Abstract: Methods for the formation of colloidal suspensions. The method includes combining an aqueous substance with a second substance that is normally immiscible with the aqueous substance, to form a mixture, and before, during or after the combining removing dissolved gases from one or both of the aqueous and second substance, whereby the aqueous and second substances mix and form a colloidal suspension. The methods for the formation of colloidal suspensions include methods for the formation of emulsions as well as particulate dispersions. The methods used to form the colloidal suspensions in accordance with the present invention produce colloidal suspensions that are stable for periods from an hour to several weeks in the absence of surfactants or stabilizing agents.

Abstract: An improved process for the production of ultralow density, high specific surface area gel products is provided which comprises providing, in an enclosed chamber, a mixture made up of small particles of material suspended in gas; the particles are then caused to aggregate in the chamber to form ramified fractal aggregate gels. The particles should have a radius (a) of up to about 50 nm and the aerosol should have a volume fraction (fv) of at least 10?4. In preferred practice, the mixture is created by a spark-induced explosion of a precursor material (e.g., a hydrocarbon) and oxygen within the chamber. New compositions of matter are disclosed having densities below 3.0 mg/cc.

Abstract: In a process for the production of a silicone in water emulsion in which a polysiloxane fluid, at least one surfactant and water are continuously fed to a high shear mixer in such proportions as to form a viscous oil in water emulsion which is continuously withdrawn from the mixer. The polysiloxane fluid may be a non-reactive fluid or may have reactive groups capable of taking part in a chain extension reaction. A desired emulsion particle size can be maintained by monitoring the pressure in the supply line at the inlet to the high shear mixer.

Abstract: Methods for manufacturing nanomaterial dispersions, such as nanomaterial concentrates, and related nanotechnology are provided. The nanomaterial concentrates provided can be more cheaply stored and transported compared to non-concentrate nanomaterial forms.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a process for preparing a hydrophobic fluid containing metal oxide nanoparticles dispersed therein such as heat transfer fluids or lubricant fluids, including introducing an alkaline aqueous solution (aqueous phase) and an organic solution of an organic acid metal salt (hydrophobic phase) into a rotating packed bed, the two solutions flowing radially through the rotating packed bed under a great centrifugal force, so that the aqueous phase and the hydrophobic phase contact with each other, reactants in the two phases undergo reactions at the interface of the two phases rapidly, and thus metal oxide nanoparticles are formed. The metal oxide nanoparticles stably dispersed in the hydrophobic phase, which is nanofluid.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method for producing an emulsified aqueous hydrocarbon solution comprising, providing a liquid hydrocarbon stream at a particular temperature and a separate water stream, mixing the water stream with a surfactant at a predetermined ratio, raising the pressure of the hydrocarbon stream to a pressure greater than the vapor pressure of steam at the temperature, spraying the water into the hydrocarbon stream at a pressure greater than that of the hydrocarbon stream in a pre-mix chamber; and passing the pressurized hydrocarbon-water mixture through a static mixing chamber.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for comminuting and stabilizing small particles are provided. In one embodiment, an apparatus moves an organic compound dissolved in a solvent to form a suspension of particles in a first fluid stream and moves the suspension in a second fluid stream, wherein the second fluid stream is oriented and positioned with respect to the first stream to cause shearing between the streams and mixing of at least some of the particles in the first and second streams.

Abstract: The disclosed invention relates to a process for making an emulsion. The process comprises: flowing a first liquid through a process microchannel having a wall with an apertured section; flowing a second liquid through the apertured section into the process microchannel in contact with the first liquid, the second liquid being immiscible with the first liquid, the first liquid forming a continuous phase, and the second liquid forming a discontinuous phase dispersed in the first liquid.

Abstract: A method for transiently and controllably enhancing the adhesion of a hydrogel composition to select substrates for facilitating the handling of the hydrogel composition during processing, includes the steps of placing the hydrogel composition in a liquid state onto a plastic film facestock, which has biaxially-oriented polypropylene, microporous cellulose acetate or a combination thereof, for temporarily adhering the hydrogel composition to the sheets of the roll stock during processing of the hydrogel composition, and then removing the hydrogel composition from the sheets of the roll stock, after processing of the hydrogel composition is complete, without any adverse affect on the textural qualities of the hydrogel composition.

Abstract: Ionic colloidal crystals (ordered multicomponent colloids formed by attractive electrostatic interactions) may be produced by controlling the surface potential and relative size of multiple populations of colloidal particles in suspension. Such suspensions are dried or otherwise caused to precipitate out the particles in ordered arrays. The crystal structure of the arrays may be controlled by appropriate choices of particle materials, sizes, and charge ratios.

Abstract: Ultradispersed ones of primary particles of nanometer-sized carbon are obtained by applying a wet-type milling method and/or a wet dispersion method to an aggregate structure of the primary particles to overcome van der Waals forces, by which forces the primary particles are held together to form the aggregate structure, whereby the ultradispersed primary particles are obtained in a colloidal dispersion on a large-scale basis at low cost without using any additive. In a method of manufacturing the ultradispersed primary particles, the wet-type milling method is carried out in a ball mill, preferably in combination with a high-energy ultrasonic-wave process carried out in a dispersing medium such as pure water, whereby a colloidal solution or slurry with a low-concentration of the primary particles ultradispersed in the dispersing medium is obtained.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for rapidly producing an emulsion and microcapsules in a simple manner. A dispersion phase is ejected from a dispersion phase-feeding port toward a continuous phase flowing in a microchannel such that flows of the dispersion phase and the continuous phase cross each other, thereby obtaining microdroplets, formed by the shear force of the continuous phase, having a size smaller than the width of the channel for feeding the dispersion phase.

Abstract: In a process for the production of a silicone in water emulsion in which a polysiloxane fluid, at least one surfactant and water are continuously fed to a high shear mixer in such proportions as to form a viscous oil in water emulsion which is continuously withdrawn from the mixer. The polysiloxane fluid may be a non-reactive fluid or may have reactive groups capable of taking part in a chain extension reaction. A desired emulsion particle size can be maintained by monitoring the pressure in the supply line at the inlet to the high shear mixer.

Abstract: A continuous output system makes paper coating by combining an emulsifier with ASA particles having a mean average size in the low to sub-micron region. A turbine, pump, blender or other device exposes the ASA to a number of repeated episodes of high shear until the resulting ASA is in the form of particles having a mean average diameter in approximately the 1? range. The measure of the amount of high shear is identified by an energy factor index. A system for cooling the ASA enables the processing without causing a hydrolyzing of the ASA, even when a heated cooked emulsion is used.

Abstract: A process for preparing a solution of a liquid additive in a liquid base wherein the liquid additive tends to gel when mixed with the liquid base at temperatures less than a gelling temperature TG includes the steps of providing a stream of the liquid base at a temperature TC which is greater than ambient temperature and less than the gelling temperature TG; feeding the stream to a mixer having a mixer inlet so as to impart energy to the stream; and adding the liquid additive to the stream downstream of the inlet, whereby the liquid additive mixes with the liquid base and the energy inhibits gelling of the liquid additive.

Abstract: A process for preparing a bimodal emulsion of viscous hydrocarbon in water includes providing a stream of water at ambient temperature; providing a liquid additive that tends to gel when mixed with water at temperatures less than a gelling temperature TG; heating the stream to provide a heated stream at a temperature TC which is greater than ambient temperature and less than the gelling temperature TG; feeding the heated stream to a mixer having a mixer inlet so as to impart energy to the heated stream; adding the liquid additive to the heated stream downstream of the mixer inlet, whereby the liquid additive mixes with the stream and the energy inhibits gelling of the liquid additive to provide a substantially homogeneous solution of additive in water. The solution is then divided and used to make two different droplet sized emulsions which are mixed to form the bimodal emulsion.

Abstract: A process for preparing a hydrocarbon in water emulsion, comprising the steps of providing a liquid additive that tends to gel when mixed with water at temperatures less than a gelling temperature TG; providing a stream of water at a temperature TC less than the gelling temperature TG; feeding said stream to a mixer having a mixer inlet so as to impart energy to the stream; adding the liquid additive to the stream downstream of the mixer inlet, whereby the liquid additive mixes with the stream and the energy inhibits gelling of the liquid additive so as to provide a substantially homogeneous solution of the liquid additive in the water; and mixing the solution with a hydrocarbon in a mixer so as to form a hydrocarbon-in-water emulsion. In further accordance with the invention, different emulsions can be formed and combined so as to provide a combined emulsion having desired properties.

Abstract: Wax in water emulsions prepared from Fischer-Tropsch derived waxes, Fischer-Tropsch process water, and two alkyl ethoxylated phenol nonionic surfactants having different hydrophilic-lipophilic balances provide high performance pipeline transport of waxes with reduced pipeline fouling.

Abstract: In order to easily and effectively polymerize an organosiloxane and produce a polyorganosiloxane latex from which the organosiloxane monomer does not emerge and which has a weight-average diameter controlled to under 0.4 &mgr;m, a paste is polymerized which contains at least a cyclic organosiloxane, a surface active agent, an initiator, and water, and which is an emulsified dispersion of the cyclic organosiloxane, in which the water content is in a proportion of 1 to 66 parts by weight with respect to 100 parts by weight of the cyclic organosiloxane. A latex obtained by diluting the thus-obtained polymerized paste has excellent liquid stability. The above paste, which is an emulsified dispersion of the cyclic organosiloxane, can be produced by mixing the organosiloxane, the surface active agent, the initiator, and the water together in an emulsifying and dispersing machine, and dispersing therein.

Abstract: The invention relates to aqueous dispersions of sparingly water-soluble or water-insoluble organic UV filter substances, which comprise at least one sparingly water-soluble or water-insoluble organic UV filter substance as colloidally disperse phase in amorphous or partially amorphous form.

Abstract: A device for producing disperse mixtures by ultrasound, containing a housing, and a reaction chamber within the housing and at least one sonotrode having a free emitting surface which is directly in effective connection with the reaction chamber and whose end remote from the free emitting surface is coupled to an ultrasonic transducer, wherein the sonotrode is designed as a rod-shaped, axially emitting longitudinal oscillator with the emitting surface corresponding essentially to the surface of the reaction chamber, and wherein the reaction chamber depth which is essentially vertical with respect to the emitting surface is lower than a maximum effective depth of the sonotrode.

Abstract: Emulsions and microemulsions containing particles of siloxane polymers are prepared by an emulsion polymerization process involving (i) the formation of a mixture by combining a siloxane oligomer, an ionic surfactant, no nonionic surfactant, and water; (ii) agitating the mixture without using high shearing forces (homogenization) to form droplets of oligomer prior to polymerization that have an average diameter of greater than 10 micron/10,000 nanometer; (iii) adding a siloxane polymerization catalyst to the oligomer mixture; (iv) agitating the mixture without using high shearing forces; (v) polymerizing the oligomer to form new particles of polymer; and (vi) continuing step (v) until the polymer has increased in viscosity or molecular weight.

Abstract: Disclosed is an aqueous organopolysiloxane emulsion for use as an adjuvant to hair-care treatment toiletry preparations suitable in respect of the good storage stability and relatively large average diameter of the organopolysiloxane droplets of 0.1 to 1.0 mm despite the high viscosity of the organopolysiloxane and the high content of the organopolysiloxane. The organopolysiloxane emulsion consists of: (A) 70 to 90% by weight of an organopolysiloxane having a viscosity of 1×105 mPa·s or higher; (B) 1 to 15% by weight of a surface active agent; and (C) 5 to 25% by weight of water.

Abstract: Dispersibility of thickener is constant for every lot and viscosity difference is little. Fine bubbles existing in the thicker in ink follower are removed. A step of homogenizing the thickener at any temperature within a range of 40° C. to 130° C. is included. Preferably, a step of homogenizing the thickener at any temperature within a range of 100° C. to 130° C. is included.

Abstract: In a process for producing stable emulsions of at least two substantially immiscible fluids, particularly emulsions of a liquid fuel with water, a considerable increase in the efficiency of the emulsion-formation process is achieved by injecting the fluids to be emulsified into an emulsification chamber provided with an injection system which imparts to the fluids a motion in a direction which is substantially perpendicular to the general direction in which the fluids travel through the emulsification chamber. This injection system can be provided by means of a diffuser having an inlet hole, through which a stream of liquid is fed in a substantially axial direction, and at least one outlet hole, which leads into the chamber and whose axis lies on a plane which is substantially perpendicular to the direction of the inlet stream.

Abstract: A method employing a ultrasonicator apparatus to emulsify a pressurized multi-component liquid. The apparatus includes a die housing comprising a chamber adapted to receive a pressurized multi-component liquid, an inlet adapted to supply the chamber with the pressurized multi-component liquid, an exit orifice defined by the walls of a die tip, and a means for applying ultrasonic energy to a portion of the pressurized liquid. The method for emulsifying a pressurized multi-component liquid comprising supplying a pressurized multi-component liquid to the apparatus, applying ultrasonic energy to the pressurized liquid but not the die tip while the exit orifice receives pressurized liquid from the chamber, and passing the pressurized liquid out of the exit orifice in the die tip so that the multi-component liquid is emulsified, wherein the means for applying ultrasonic energy is excited, it applies ultrasonic energy to the pressurized liquid without applying ultrasonic energy to the die tip.

Abstract: In a process for producing stable emulsions of at least two substantially immiscible fluids, particularly emulsions of a liquid fuel with water, a considerable increase in the efficiency of the emulsion-formation process is achieved by injecting the fluids to be emulsified into an emulsification chamber provided with an injection system which imparts to the fluids a motion in a direction which is substantially perpendicular to the general direction in which the fluids travel through the emulsification chamber. This injection system can be provided by means of a diffuser having an inlet hole, through which a stream of liquid is fed in a substantially axial direction, and at least one outlet hole, which leads into the chamber and whose axis lies on a plane which is substantially perpendicular to the direction of the inlet stream.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for cutting high viscosity liquid material, said apparatus comprising a cylinder divided into upper and lower tanks by a partition with a central discharge opening, a moveable and elevatable liquid supply pipe with a distal end positioned opposite the discharge opening, the liquid supply pipe being mounted so that it can be raised until its distal end contacts the partition around the discharge opening, and then lowered until there is no contact, means for raising and lowering the liquid supply pipe, the upper tank having peripheral injection ports for injecting a low viscosity liquid into the upper tank, means for feeding high viscosity liquid material into the lower tank and flowing it into the upper tank, means for feeding low viscosity liquid into the liquid supply pipe and for feeding low viscosity liquid into the peripheral injection ports, the high viscosity liquid material flowing from the lower tank into the upper tank when the liquid supply pipe is lowered, the high viscosity li

Abstract: Hydrocarbon in water emulsions comprising Fischer-Tropsch process water, at least 20 to about 90 weight percent of a Fischer-Tropsch wax, a first nonionic surfactant having an HLB of at least 11 and a second nonionic surfactant having an HLB less than 11. Said emulsions are liquid at room temperature and pour by ordinary gravity. Also disclosed are methods of making said hydrocarbon in water emulsions.

Abstract: A microchannel apparatus includes a plural partition walls 4 formed as extensions of plural microchannels 1 toward a continuous phase, and a flow path 5 is formed between adjacent ones of the partition walls 4. A dispersed phase pumped into a continuous phase via each microchannel 1 generates nearly perfect spheres in the course of passing through the microchannel and the flow path 5 in between the partition walls 4, thereby producing emulsions comprising fine and homogenous microspheres.

Abstract: Cross-flow microchannel apparatus for producing emulsions includes a pump 9 and a pump 11 which are driven to respectively supply a continuous phase to a concave portion 4 via a supply pipe 10, a supply hole 6 and a supply port 18 and a dispersed phase to a space between the outside of a base 3 and the inside of a concave portion 2 formed in a case 1 via a supply pipe 12 and a supply hole 7. Then, by applying a predetermined pressure to the dispersed phase, the dispersed phase is formed into fine particles via a microchannels 21 and mixed with the continuous phase, thereby forming emulsions. The emulsions are withdrawn to a tank and so on via a withdrawal port 19, a withdrawal hole 8, and a withdrawal pipe 13 for emulsions.

Abstract: In a process for producing stable emulsions of at least two substantially immiscible fluids, particularly emulsions of a liquid fuel with water, a considerable increase in the efficiency of the emulsion-formation process is achieved by injecting the fluids to be emulsified into an emulsification chamber provided with an injection system which imparts to the fluids a motion in a direction which is substantially perpendicular to the general direction in which the fluids travel through the emulsification chamber. This injection system can be provided by means of a diffuser having an inlet hole, through which a stream of liquid is fed in a substantially axial direction, and at least one outlet hole, which leads into the chamber and whose axis lies on a plane which is substantially perpendicular to the direction of the inlet stream.

Abstract: A continuous output system makes paper coating by combining an emulsifier with ASA particles having sizes in the low to sub-micron region. A turbine, pump, blender or other device exposes the ASA to a number of repeated episodes of high shear until the resulting ASA is in the form of particles having a mean average diameter in approximately the 1&mgr; range. A manifold provides the system piping in order to minimize the internal areas where ASA may build up. This manifold has a plurality of holes bored in a solid metal block so that each of the bores forms a short pipe which is only an inch or two in length in order to reduce the interior surface area of an ASA transport and conveyance system.

Abstract: In an apparatus for continuously manufacturing microspheres, a dispersed phase (O) is supplied to a chamber 27 for the dispersed phase inside of a bulkhead member 26 via a supply port 23. Thereafter, the dispersed phase enters into a gap 31 between a plate 22 via a supply port 29 in a base 25. The dispersed phase which enters into the gap 31 grows microspheres (particles) having a certain diameter while passing through a microchannel 33 by pressure applied by, for example, a pump, and is mixed with a continuous phase (W), so that microspheres are produced. The thus-produced microspheres float or are suspended in the continuous phase without needing any particular external force in response to their specific gravity, allowing the microspheres to be generated and withdrawn from a withdrawal port 32 at a significantly reduced pressure in comparison to conventional methods and apparatus.

Abstract: A simulated insect trapping surface for removably supporting visual representations of insects. A plurality of icons symbolizing insects, for attaching to the simulated trapping surface, and an adhesive interface between each icon and the surface for temporarily holding the icons on the surface, for teaching interpretation of an insect pattern in a sticky monitoring trap. Instead of the adhesive interface, the simulated trapping surface supports visual representations of the insects by including liquid crystal, and is transparent to light for optical projection of the representations for viewing and interpretation.