The invention relates to a method for the separation of isocyanate monomers from isocyanate-containing mixtures by the provision of the mixture in a solvent and dialysis of the dissolved mixture against the solvent by means of a permeable membrane having a pore size in the range of between 5 and 400 nm. The method may in particular be employed for the separation of isocyanate monomers from prepolymers containing isocyanate groups, with said prepolymers being used for the production of adhesives, insulating, and expanding foams.

The invention relates to a method for the separation of isocyanate monomers from isocyanate-containing mixtures by the provision of the mixture in a solvent and dialysis of the dissolved mixture against the solvent by means of a permeable membrane having a pore size in the range of between 5 and 400 nm. The method may in particular be employed for the separation of isocyanate monomers from prepolymers containing isocyanate groups, with said prepolymers being used for the production of adhesives, insulating, and expanding foams.

A gas permeable, liquid impermeable membrane for use with gas sensors consists of a film forming polymer which incorporates nanoparticles selected to improve one or more of the following: permeability to gases, to selectively regulate permeability of selected gases through the membrane, to inhibit microbial growth on the membrane. A capsule shaped container consists of wall material biocompatible with a mammal GI tract and adapted to protect the electronic and sensor devices in the capsule, which contains gas composition sensors, pressure and temperature sensors, a microcontroller, a power source and a wireless transmission device. The microprocessor receives data signals from the sensors and converts the signals into gas composition and concentration data and temperature and pressure data for transmission to an external computing device. The capsule wall incorporates gas permeable nano-composite membranes with embedded catalytic and nano void producing nanoparticles, enhancing the operation, selectivity and sensitivity of the gas sensors.

A device for extracting and concentrating a target analyte including a sample channel that receives the sample, a separation channel, a waste channel, a first junction between the sample channel and the separation channel, and, a second junction between the separation channel and the waste channel. The first junction selectively transports a first group of analytes, including target analytes, from the sample channel to the separation channel in accordance with a size of a first free transport region of the first junction. The second junction selectively transports a second group of analytes from the separation channel to the waste channel in accordance with a size of a second free transport region of the second junction, the second group being a subset of the first group, so as to concentrate a number of the target analytes in the separation channel.

A device for extracting and concentrating a target analyte including a sample channel that receives the sample, a separation channel, a waste channel, a first junction between the sample channel and the separation channel, and, a second junction between the separation channel and the waste channel. The first junction selectively transports a first group of analytes, including target analytes, from the sample channel to the separation channel in accordance with a size of a first free transport region of the first junction. The second junction selectively transports a second group of analytes from the separation channel to the waste channel in accordance with a size of a second free transport region of the second junction, the second group being a subset of the first group, so as to concentrate a number of the target analytes in the separation channel.

A module having polymeric gas-separation membranes is capable of operation in extreme temperature environments. In one embodiment, the module includes polymeric fiber membranes, a tubesheet for holding the membranes, and a sleeve encasing the membranes, all of which are made of materials having coefficients of thermal expansion which differ from each other by not more than about 10%. In another embodiment, the membranes, the tubesheet, and the sleeve are all made of materials having a glass transition temperature greater than a highest anticipated temperature of operation of the module. In another embodiment, the module includes a head, and a clamshell having multiple protrusions which engage corresponding grooves in the head and in at least two grooves formed in the tubesheet.

A module having polymeric gas-separation membranes is capable of operation in extreme temperature environments. In one embodiment, the module includes polymeric fiber membranes, a tubesheet for holding the membranes, and a sleeve encasing the membranes, all of which are made of materials having coefficients of thermal expansion which differ from each other by not more than about 10%. In another embodiment, the membranes, the tubesheet, and the sleeve are all made of materials having a glass transition temperature greater than a highest anticipated temperature of operation of the module. In another embodiment, the module includes a head, and a clamshell having multiple protrusions which engage corresponding grooves in the head and in at least two grooves formed in the tubesheet.

A biological fluid separation device adapted to receive a biological fluid sample having a first portion and a second portion is disclosed. The device includes a housing having a first chamber having a first chamber inlet for receiving the biological fluid sample therein and a first chamber outlet. The housing has a second chamber having a second chamber inlet and a second chamber outlet, and a separation member separating at least a portion of the first chamber outlet and the second chamber. The separation member is adapted to restrain the first portion of the biological fluid sample within the first chamber and to allow at least a portion of the second portion of the biological fluid sample to pass into the second chamber. An actuator, such as a vacuum source, draws the biological fluid sample into the first chamber and the second portion into the second chamber.

A biological fluid separation device adapted to receive a biological fluid sample having a first portion and a second portion is disclosed. The device includes a housing having a first chamber having a first chamber inlet for receiving the biological fluid sample therein and a first chamber outlet. The housing has a second chamber having a second chamber inlet and a second chamber outlet, and a separation member separating at least a portion of the first chamber outlet and the second chamber. The separation member is adapted to restrain the first portion of the biological fluid sample within the first chamber and to allow at least a portion of the second portion of the biological fluid sample to pass into the second chamber. An actuator, such as a vacuum source, draws the biological fluid sample into the first chamber and the second portion into the second chamber.

A filtration cell (10) for a biological sample including an upper chamber for receiving the biological sample to be filtered, a lower chamber in fluid communication with the upper chamber, and a filtration membrane (14) positioned between the upper chamber and the lower chamber is disclosed. A surface of the filtration membrane has a contact angle >90°. The flow of the biological sample through the upper chamber may be tangential to the filtration membrane and a filtrate passing through the filtration membrane may be collected in the lower chamber. Also, a method of filtering a biological sample including passing the biological sample through an upper chamber of a filtration cell as described above and collecting a filtrate in the lower chamber is disclosed.