Abstract:
Provided herein is a biological detection system and method of use wherein the biological detection system comprises at least one mixer or liquid bridge for combining at least two liquid droplets and an error correction system for detecting whether or not proper mixing or combining of the two component droplets have occurred.
Abstract:
A method of processing geophysical data from a survey of a surveyed region of the earth to provide a three-dimensional representation of the underlying geology of said surveyed region, the method comprising: inputting geophysical data for said surveyed region, generating an initial three-dimensional representation depicting faults of said underlying geology of said surveyed region using said input geophysical data, calculating the accommodation zone for each depicted fault using geomechanical parameters including at least stress and strain, generating a final three-dimensional representation depicting both faults and accommodation zones.
Abstract:
A multi-port liquid bridge (1) adds aqueous phase droplets (10) in an enveloping oil phase carrier liquid (11) to a draft channel (4, 6). A chamber (3) links four ports, and it is permanently full of oil (11) when in use. Oil phase is fed in a draft flow from an inlet port (4) and exits through a draft exit port (6) and a compensating flow port (7). The oil carrier and the sample droplets (3) (“aqueous phase”) flow through the inlet port (5) with an equivalent fluid flow subtracted through the compensating port (7). The ports of the bridge (1) are formed by the ends of capillaries held in position in plastics housings. The phases are density matched to create an environment where gravitational forces are negligible. This results in droplets (10) adopting spherical forms when suspended from capillary tube tips. Furthermore, the equality of mass flow is equal to the equality of volume flow. The phase of the inlet flow (from the droplet inlet port (5) and the draft inlet port (4) is used to determine the outlet port (6) flow phase.
Abstract:
The present invention provides a process for preparing a polymer, employing the steps of: (1) contacting a free radical initiator; a chain transfer agent containing a thiocarbonyl thio group and a free radical leaving group; and a radically polymerisable monomer, to form a polymer chain; and (2) contacting the polymer chain of step (1) with at least one of a polyvalent coupling agent, a polymerization inhibitor, a grafting acylating agent, an amine and an oil of lubricating viscosity. The invention further provides compositions and uses for the polymer.
Abstract:
A readily burstable slide fastener 1 for an inflatable device, such as a lifejacket 101′, comprises a first stringer 3, a second stringer 5 and a slider 19 slidably mounted on the second stringer 5. At a weakened region 23 along the slide fastener 1 coupling elements 15 are omitted from each of the stringers 3, 5 so that when a bursting force is applied to this region 23 the coupling elements 15 adjacent thereto are disengaged. Coupling elements 15 are omitted from the top of the first stringer 3 so that when the slider 19 is at the top of the coupling elements 15 of the second stringer 5, the first stringer 3 can disengage from the slider 19. When the slide fastener 1 is fitted to an inflatable lifejacket 101′, the stringers 3, 5 are separated completely when the lifejacket 101′ is inflated.
Abstract:
A subsea assembly (11) comprises a valve assembly (12) and a winch assembly (8) mounted relative to the valve assembly (12). The valve assembly (12) comprises: a valve block (22) defining a throughbore (24); a valve member (26) mounted within the valve block (22) and adapted to be moved between open and closed positions to selectively provide a fluid barrier within the throughbore (24); and first and second valve stems (29, 31) extending from respective sides of the valve member (26) and through a side wall of the valve block (22), each valve stem (29, 31) including a sealing region in fluid communication with the throughbore (24), wherein a cross-sectional area of the sealing region of the first valve stem (29) is substantially equal to the cross-sectional area of the sealing region of the second valve stem (31). The winch assembly (8) comprises a winch chamber (9) in fluid communication with the throughbore (24) of the valve block (22), wherein the winch assembly (8) comprises a winch drum (15) carrying a spoolable member (17) adapted to extend through the throughbore (24) of the valve block (22).
Abstract:
The present invention generally relates to a devices, systems, and methods for amplifying nucleic acids in flowing droplets. In certain embodiments, the invention provides a device for amplifying nucleic acids including at least one channel through which sample droplets including nucleic acids flow, in which the nucleic acids in the droplets are optically detectable while the droplets are flowing through the channel, and a plurality of temperature zones in thermal contact with the channel, in which the zones are located at different locations along the channel and the zones are separated from each other.
Abstract:
The invention provides a lubricating composition containing an oil of lubricating viscosity, an oil soluble molybdenum compound, and an ashless antiwear agent. The invention further provides for a new antioxidant. The lubricating composition is suitable for lubricating an internal combustion engine.
Abstract:
The invention provides a lubricating composition containing an oil of lubricating viscosity and a hydrogenated copolymer of an olefin block and vinyl aromatic block, wherein the copolymer is optionally functionalised. The invention further provides a method for preparing a hydrogenated copolymer; and the use of the lubricating composition.