Abstract:
Apparatus for liquid extraction is described. The apparatus includes a mixer to which a solvent stream (15) and a feed stream (16) are fed and in which they are mixed to form a flow stream or dispersion. The flow stream is fed to a two-stage settler (17) having a first settling stage (31) and a second settling stage (32). The first settling stage (31) is dimensioned such that primary phase separation occurs in the first settling stage (31), whilst secondary phase separation occurs in the second settling stage (32). The volume of the first settling stage (31) is less than that of the second settling stage (32).A process for liquid extraction, and a method for retrofitting a conventional mixer-settler are also described.
Abstract:
A process for producing a polyester comprising as repeating units(i) residues of at least one aliphatic hydroxycarboxylic acid, aminocarboxylic acid, or derivative thereof; or(ii) residues of (a) at least one aliphatic dicarboxylic acid or derivative thereof, (b) at least one aliphatic hydroxyamine, diol, polyol, diamine or polyamine, and optionally (c) at least one aliphatic hydroxycarboxylic acid, aminocarboxylic acid or derivative thereof;comprises reacting the components defined in (i) or components defined in (ii) in the absence of a solvent and in the presence of a lipase.
Abstract:
A ruggedized case for transportation and protection of electronic equipment used in harsh commercial or military environments. The ruggedized case is 30-70% lighter than other similar competing cases through the use of lightweight, low-density, superior strength composite materials. The ruggedized case includes a multi-panel case body open at each end and two removable covers. A chassis which may be vibration and shock isolated, and a removable rack mount frame are also provided. Each component of this ruggedized case, including recessed cover latches, and handles, weather and airtight seals, adjustable rack mount frame lock mechanisms, and vibration isolators, have been significantly improved to provide more ergonomic form and functionality.
Abstract:
The invention features a method of improving the growth of a plant, involving applying to a seed or locus thereof a composition comprising an active ingredient and a pH-dependent film-forming polymer, followed by exposing the composition to an appropriate pH to release said active ingredient. The invention further features a seed including a composition having a) an active ingredient; and b) a pH-dependent film-forming polymer. Additionally, the invention features a seed treatment composition that includes a) an agrochemical; b) a pH-dependent film-forming polymer; and c) a seed coating agent.
Abstract:
A method for repairing a blade forming a cathode and having a surface to be coated defining a critical area, utilizing an anode, an electrolyte bath including insoluble particles, and a mounting on which the blade is mounted in a working position relative to a reference wall. The mounting is placed in the bath, and the particles and the metal of the anode are co-deposited to form the coating on the surface to be coated. The anode is typically placed facing the critical area and the mounting includes a mechanism for monitoring current lines to obtain a coating with a relatively constant, predetermined thickness for the critical area, that gradually falls to a value of substantially zero along edges of the coating.
Abstract:
In a process for the preparation of an article having a contact biocidal property, there is provided a polymer solution which contains atomic/metallic silver in suspension or complexed with the polymer and/or which contains a silver compound in solution, in suspension or complexed with the polymer. This polymer solution is applied to a substrate by impregnation or surface deposition, thus coating the substrate. Alternatively, it is possible to convert the polymer solution to a fibre, film, powder or foam, effectively forming the article from the polymer solution instead of coating an existing article. In either case, any silver compound present is reduced to atomic/metallic silver, and the resultant article is dried.Chitosan is preferably used as the polymer, although poly(vinyl alcohol) and sodium alginate can also be used. The polymer may be cross-linked at a suitable point in the process to insolubilize it.
Abstract:
A high energy photon source for generating EUV radiation comprises a nozzle emitting a supersonic stream of source material, a laser or electrical/magnetic pre-ionization mechanism and a laser or electrical/magnetic excitation mechanism and a skimmer plate between them providing a collimated high density beam of source material for excitation.
Abstract:
The physical therapy tools, systems, kits and methods described herein may be used to apply gentle, passive and progressive amounts of pressure (including numerous repetitions of small movements) to achieve therapeutic mobilization of a spinal joint. The tools described herein may include a plurality of pads and actuators, where the pressure within each actuator is controlled so that a continuously varying pressure may be applied to mimic the pressure applied by human hands. These tools may also include a controller and one or more user inputs. The physical therapy tools may be operated at different operating modes (e.g., continuously varying pressure modes, step-pulse high frequency modes, step-pulse low frequency modes) for treating a subject's spine, and may be part of a system or kit. Methods of treating a subject using these physical therapy tools are also described herein.