Abstract:
The invention provides a system and a method for improving the delivery of volatiles from a burning candle by providing a stabilized laminar gas flow adjacent a volatile-containing molten pool, ensuring an enlarged molten pool by close regulation of thermal transfer between a monolithic candle mass and the surrounding atmosphere, and minimizing volatile loss through unregulated thermal gradients.
Abstract:
A fuel cell power system is protected from electromagnetic pulse energy damage through the use of a protective enclosure. In addition, electrical lines entering or exiting the system contain voltage or current spike suppression devices sufficient to prevent damage to the electronics contained within the enclosure. Also, any openings in the enclosure will have electromagnetic pulse attenuating grids or honeycomb covers, and any viewing ports through the enclosure may be protected with transparent conductive materials, such as indium tin oxide coated onto glass.
Abstract:
The subject invention relates to a device (10), in particular for performing catalytic screening with a reactor element (16), containing at least one gas inlet port (18) and a plurality of channels (42,44) as well as a plurality of reaction chambers (46) that are connected to the channels (42,44), characterized in that the channels (42,44) form an angle not equal to zero degrees with the, at least one, gas inlet port (18).
Abstract:
A modular reactor system comprises a backplane connected to a computer and a thermal control unit. The backplane includes a plurality of seats for releasably holding a plurality of modules. Each module holds a reactor vessel that may be used to conduct experiments. A plurality of laboratory instruments, such as motors, switches, sensors and pumps are included within the backplane and on the reactor modules. These laboratory instruments are utilized to perform work on the contents of the reactor vessels when the modules holding the reactor vessels are positioned in the backplane. A computer is connected to the backplane and controls the laboratory instruments within the backplane and on the reactor modules positioned within the backplane. A thermal control unit provides a thermal control fluid that is delivered to the reactors in the reactor modules when the modules are properly seated in the backplane.
Abstract:
A modular reactor system comprises a backplane connected to a computer and a thermal control unit. The backplane includes a plurality of seats for releasably holding a plurality of modules. Each module holds a reactor vessel that may be used to conduct experiments. A plurality of laboratory instruments, such as motors, switches, sensors and pumps are included within the backplane and on the reactor modules. These laboratory instruments are utilized to perform work on the contents of the reactor vessels when the modules holding the reactor vessels are positioned in the backplane. A computer is connected to the backplane and controls the laboratory instruments within the backplane and on the reactor modules positioned within the backplane. A thermal control unit provides a thermal control fluid that is delivered to the reactors in the reactor modules when the modules are properly seated in the backplane.
Abstract:
A method and an apparatus in form of a disinfecting apparatus comprising a steam device for combatting germs on the surface of products, in particular of food products. The apparatus employs a combination of steam and ultrasound to kill germs on the surface of a product which is conveyed past the steam device. Pressurized steam is fed through a steam passage to an opening conveying the steam to a cavity, in which the steam is made to oscillate at a ultrasonic frequency. The oscillations in the steam prevent the steam from heating the products excessively, while germs presents on the surface of the products are heated and killed.
Abstract:
Disclosed herein is a microfluidics device that can be used to prepare natural products and their analogs. The device comprises the enzymes of a biosynthetic pathway immobilized thereon and a means for sequentially directing a starting material and each ensuing reaction product to the enzymes of the biosynthetic pathway in the order corresponding to the steps of the biosynthetic pathway. The device can thus be used to prepare the natural product using the natural starting material of the biosynthetic pathway or analogs of the natural product using an unnatural starting material. Alternatively, artificial pathways can be created by immobilizing an appropriate selection of enzymes on the device in an order whereby each subsequent enzyme can catalyze a reaction with the product of the prior enzyme. Novel chemical entities can be prepared from these artificial pathways.
Abstract:
Hydrogen is generated through the use of a fuel solution that is prepared using solid fuel component, e.g., a metal borohydride, and a liquid fuel component, e.g. water. Both of these components are dispensed in response to control signals. The solid fuel component can take different forms, including but not limited to granules, pellets and powder. Various devices, which operate in response to control signals, are disclosed for dispensing predetermined amounts of the solid and liquid components. Advantageously, this solution can be prepared, as needed, so as to obviate the need for storing and disposing of large amounts of highly alkaline fuel and discharged fuel solutions.
Abstract:
This invention provides a stepped heating cycle for the pre-treatment of phenolic microballoons prior to carbonization thereof, wherein the heating cycle comprises the steps of sequentially: gradually elevating the temperature of the microballoons to a temperature in the range 100null C.-170null C., holding the microballoons at the elevated temperature for 1-24 hours; and gradually cooling the microballoons. This invention also provides a heat-dissipation reactor (11, 21, 31) which comprises a walled reaction chamber having a bottom and no top, the reaction chamber being fitted with high thermal conductivity inserts. When used in accordance with this invention (61), the volume within the walls of the reaction chamber is charged with phenolic resin microballoons. In a preferred embodiment, the reaction chamber (11, 21) is subdivided into a plurality of subchambers by a vertical grid of aluminum plates (19, 29). In this embodiment, about half or more of the wall area of each subchamber comprises aluminum and a top edge (17) of the aluminum wall material communicates with atmosphere above the reaction chamber.
Abstract:
An apparatus for parallel processing of multiple reaction mixtures comprises a plurality of reactor vessels for holding reaction mixtures at pressures of at least about 15 psig. Cannula passages communicate with respective vessels, and a cannula is adapted to be inserted into each cannula passage. A sealing mechanism, comprising a valve and a seal, in each cannula passage maintains a respective vessel sealed when the cannula is inserted into and withdrawn from the cannula passage. A robot system is operable to insert the cannula to a location where a distal end and port of the cannula are past the open valve and seal, and to withdraw the cannula. Methods for transferring fluid reaction material to and from a series of pressurized vessels, establishing fluid communication between a cannula and a vessel of a combinatorial chemistry reactor and establishing fluid communication between a cannula and a series of pressurized vessels of a combinatorial chemistry reactor are also disclosed.