1230 results about "Membrane structure" patented technology

Systems, devices, and methods for releasing one or more cell components from a photosynthetic organism. A bioreactor system is operable for growing photosynthetic organisms. Some of the methods include contacting the photosynthetic organism with an energy-activatable sensitizer, and activating the energy-activatable sensitizer, thereby releasing a cellular component from at least one of, for example, a membrane structure, tubule, vesicle, cisterna, organelle, cell compartment, plastid, or mitochondrion, associated with the photosynthetic organisms.

A protective cover or envelope for a keyboard array that prevents entry of contaminants such as water, foodstuffs, chemical compounds, including medical or pharmaceutical compositions in the form of fluids or solids, dust and the like into the interior of the keyboard assembly from the keypad top deck. A membrane of a resilient, substantially transparent, material, such as an elastomeric polyolefin, is used to form a one-piece cover that extends over the keyboard array and preferably at least a portion of the obverse face of the keyboard assembly and acts to drape or enshroud the keyboard assembly on its upper face or deck. Preferably the elastomeric cover is an envelope-like membrane structure of generally uniform thickness and is constructed in a shape that when stretched to receive the keyboard, it covers the top portion of the key array as well as extending at least partially down the side walls of the keyboard and is in proximate contact with the top deck of the keyboard assembly. The “touch” and “feel” of the individual keys is retained with the protective cover in its operative position, including keys of ordinary construction as well as those used with a Braille system of markings on the surfaces of the keys. As a consequence of its elastomeric properties, a single keyboard cover can be used with keyboards having different key patterns, e.g., different models from a single manufacturer or different keyboards from different manufacturers. The attractive economics and broad applicability achievable with the cover of the present invention also permits an individual user to retain a personal keyboard cover for a use with various keyboards.

A sieving membrane comprises a thin, microporous barrier to provide a high flux. The membrane structure can tolerate defects yet still obtain commercially-attractive separations.

An oral care composition containing membrane-structured solid nanoparticles formed from a lyotropic liquid-crystalline mixed phase having an average particle diameter in the range of 10 to 1,000 nm. The nanoparticles are generally solid at 25° C. and are a combination of agent-carrier particles and emulsifiers. The membranes penetrate the nanoparticles so that the emulsifiers are present in the interior and on the surface of the nanoparticles.

Inorganic membrane structures of high stability, high permeability, and large surface area. Zeolite membranes can be disposed onto an intermediate pore size modification layer which reduces the pore size of the inorganic porous support. The intermediate pore size modification layer minimizes the defects in the zeolite membrane and provides a more continuous and uniform zeolite membrane. The inorganic membrane structure can be in the form of a honeycomb monolith. The applications for the zeolite membranes include, for example, membrane ultra-filtration of gas or liquid fluids, biological assays and cell culture surfaces.

The invention provides a nano artificial dura mater with a plurality of functional layers, which comprises a structure with at least two layers; the layer facing the brain is a hydrophobic anti-adhesion electrospun layer; and the layer back to the brain is a hydrophilic nano cytoskeletal layer. The invention also provides a method for preparing the nano artificial dura mater, which comprises the following steps: preparing an electrospun solution of a hydrophobic polymer; preparing an electrospun solution of a hydrophilic polymer; preparing the prepared electrospun solution of the hydrophobic polymer into the hydrophobic anti-adhesion electrospun layer through static spinning; and preparing the hydrophilic nano cytoskeletal layer on the anti-adhesion electrospun layer from the prepared electrospun solution of the hydrophilic polymer through static spinning, receiving a membrane structure, and obtaining the nano artificial dura mater. The mechanical features of the nano artificial dura mater can meet the requirements on tensile strength and flexibility of adaptation diseases; and the nano artificial dura mater can be freely cut as required, and has wide application prospect.

The invention discloses a method for preparing low-voltage high-flux charged nano-filtration membrane by dynamic self-assembly, which is characterized in that polymer ultra-filtration membrane is taken as a basic film; polycation electrolyte and polyanion electrolyte are alternatively and dynamically self-assembled on the surface of the basic film to gain a selective separation layer and to prepare the nano-filtration membrane of charged surface; wherein, the used ultra-filtration membrane molecular weight cutoff is less than 0.1 million; the ultra-filtration membrane material is surface-charged or modified-charged polymer. Nano-filtration membrane preparation by polyelectrolyte dynamic self-assembly has high efficiency, simple and convenient method and controllable assembly process and film structure; pure water solution is used in the whole preparation process, which is green and environmental protective; the applicable polyelectrolyte has a plurality of types; the separation films with different performances can be obtained by adjusting the types of the polyelectrolyte and the assembly conditions. Furthermore, the prepared nano-filtration membrane has low operation pressure, high removal rate on high valence inorganic salts and far greater flux than the current commercial nano-filtration membrane and the nano-filtration membrane preparation method has good application prospect.

The present invention relates to an improved method for making sulfonated block copolymers and to methods for making membranes from such block copolymers. In particular, the present invention relates to an improved method for making sulfonated block copolymers having at least two polymer end blocks that are resistant to sulfonation and at least one polymer interior block that is susceptible to sulfonation where the sulfonation agent is C2 to C8 acyl sulfate. In the improved process the residual carboxylic acid formed from the C2 to C8 acyl sulfate is converted to C1 to C4 alkyl esters by contacting the residual carboxylic acid with at least a 0.9:1 molar ratio of a C1 to C4 alcohol to residual carboxylic acid, resulting in an improved sulfonated block copolymer solution. The present invention further relates to the use of such sulfonated block copolymer solutions to prepare various membranes and other articles.

A piezoelectric micromachined ultrasonic transducer (PMUT) device includes a substrate having an opening therethrough and a membrane attached to the substrate over the opening. A portion of the membrane that overlies the opening is divided into a plurality of cantilevers that are mechanically coupled so that the cantilevers resonate at a common frequency.

A sensor arrangement (1) for measuring a pressure and a temperature in a fluid is disclosed. The sensor arrangement (1) comprises a temperature sensitive electrical element (3) and a pressure sensing electrical element (6), the temperature sensitive electrical element (3) and pressure sensing electrical element (6) are both coupled to one side of a metallic membrane structure (4,16). The metallic membrane structure is arranged to pass on the temperature of the fluid which is at the other side of the membrane structure (4,16) to the temperature sensitive electrical element (3) and to pass on the pressure in the fluid to the pressure sensing electrical element (6). In this way a combined pressure and temperature sensor is obtained which is applicable in vehicle air-conditioning systems working with CO2 as refrigerant.

A membrane structure is provided. The membrane structure includes a polymer layer having a plurality of pores; and a ceramic layer disposed on the polymer layer. The ceramic layer has a plurality of substantially unconnected pores. Each of the substantially unconnected pores is in fluid communication with at least one of the pores of the polymer layer. A method of manufacturing a membrane structure is provided. The method includes the steps of providing a polymer layer having a plurality of pores; and disposing a ceramic layer on the polymer layer. Disposing a ceramic layer includes depositing a metal layer on the polymer layer; and anodizing the metal layer to convert the metal layer into a porous layer. At least one of the depositing step and the anodizing step is performed as a continuous process. Alternatively, at least one of the depositing and the anodizing step is performed as a batch process.

Provided are electrokinetically-altered fluids (e.g., gas-enriched (e.g., oxygen-enriched) electrokinetic fluids) comprising an ionic aqueous solution of charge-stabilized oxygen-containing nanostructures in an amount sufficient to provide, upon contact with a cell, modulation of at least one of cellular membrane potential and cellular membrane conductivity. Particular aspects of the present invention provide compositions and methods suitable for modulation of at least one of cellular membrane potential and cellular membrane conductivity. Additional aspects provide compositions and methods suitable for modulating intracellular signal transduction, including modulation of at least one of membrane structure, membrane potential or membrane conductivity, membrane proteins or receptors, ion channels, and calcium dependant cellular messaging systems, comprising use of the inventive electrokinetically altered solutions to impart electrochemical and / or conformational changes in membranous structures (e.g., membrane proteins, receptors and / or other components) including G-protein coupled receptors (GPCRs), G-proteins, and / or intracellular junctions (e.g., tight junctions, gap junctions, zona adherins and desmasomes).

The invention provides a double-layered bone repairing membrane material and a preparation method thereof and in particular provides a bone repairing membrane material with antibacterial and inflammation-diminishing and bone promotion functions and belongs to the field of biological materials. The material takes biodegradable aliphatic polyester with biocompatibility and natural polymers as main raw materials and is prepared by adopting an electrostatic spinning method. The material has a double-layered membrane structure and comprises an outer layer added with an antibacterial drug and an inner layer added with a bone promotion substance. The material provided by the invention has excellent biocompatibility and a controllable and long-period medicine releasing performance; meanwhile, an outer-layer membrane of the double-layered membrane structure can be used for inhibiting bacterial infection and inflammation, which are easily caused after bone defects occur, and preventing bacteria from entering defected parts; an inner-layer membrane can be used for promoting the repairing of the bone defects. The material can be used for realizing controllable in-vivo degradation according to requirements and the material does not need to be taken out by a second surgery.

An apparatus for separating at least one component from a mixture of a plurality of chemical species is provided. The apparatus comprises a membrane structure comprising a plurality of pores disposed within a matrix material to allow mass transport from a first surface of the membrane structure to a second surface of the membrane structure. The matrix material has a thermal conductivity of at least about 10 W / m / K; and a functional material disposed within at least a portion of the plurality of pores. The functional material has the property of promoting selective transport of at least one species through the membrane structure from the first surface to the second surface.

Self-supporting thin film membranes of ceramic materials and related electrochemical cells and cell stacks. The membrane structure is divided into a plurality of self-supporting thin membrane regions by a network of thicker integrated support ribs. The membrane structure may be prepared by laminating a thin electrolyte layer with a thicker ceramic layer that forms a network of support ribs.

A membrane structure is provided. A membrane structure has a top surface and a bottom surface. The membrane structure includes a plurality of sintered layers including an inner layer disposed between two outer layers. The membrane structure further includes a nonmonotonic gradient in pore size extending between the top surface and the bottom surface. A method of making a membrane structure is provided. The method includes the steps of providing at least one inner layer; providing a plurality of outer layers; and laminating the inner layer and the outer layers to obtain a membrane structure.

A permeable, propylene-containing film structure including a core layer containing a propylene polymer matrix that has been cavitated by a two-component cavitation system, wherein the first component of the two-component cavitation system is a beta-nucleating agent to produce the beta-crystalline form of polypropylene and the second component is a filler. The film structure also includes first and second thermoplastic skin layers on either side of the core layer, respectively. A method of manufacturing a permeable propylene-containing film structure, including: forming a melt containing a propylene polymer, a beta-nucleating agent and a filler; cooling the melt to form a film layer; and stretching the film layer. The film structure has a water vapor transmission rate greater than 300 g / m2 / day and a Gurley air permeability less than 3,000 s / 10 cc.

A new method to produce solid nanocrystalline cellulose (NCC) films containing patterns by differential heating of aqueous suspensions of NCC has been discovered. When acid-form NCC suspensions are dried by heating to temperatures above 50° C., darkening of the NCC can occur, while neutral forms of NCC can produce iridescent chiral nematic films by heating to temperatures up to 105° C. Placing materials of different thermal conductivity beneath the container containing an evaporating NCC suspension results in watermark-like patterns of different iridescent color imprinted within the film structure. Other colloidal rod-like particles can be employed in place of nanocrystalline cellulose (NCC), for example chitin or chitosan.

A stem cell which is obtainable from the non-embryonic tissue isolated from the dental follicle of tooth or wisdom tooth which are able to differentiate into a periodontal ligament like membrane structure.

An optical device including: a substrate with a top surface and a bottom surface and a hole extending through the substrate from the top surface to the bottom surface; and a multilayered thin film structure fabricated on the substrate and forming a membrane over the hole, the multilayered thin film structure including a thermally tunable thin film optical filter structure at least a portion of which is positioned over the hole.

Hybrid membrane structures that include: an inorganic porous support that includes first and second ends, and a plurality of inner channels having surfaces defined by porous walls and extending through the support from the first to the second ends; optionally, one or more porous inorganic intermediate layers coating the inner channel surfaces; and a polymeric amine-containing membrane.

Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to analyte determining methods and devices (e.g., electrochemical analyte monitoring systems) that have a membrane structure with an analyte permeability that is substantially temperature independent. The devices also include a sensing layer disposed on a working electrode of in vivo analyte sensors, e.g., continuous and / or automatic in vivo monitoring using analyte sensors and / or test strips. Also provided are systems and methods of using the, for example electrochemical, analyte sensors in analyte monitoring.

The invention relates to PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride) coating waterproof cloth, belonging to the technical field of weaving. The PVC coating waterproof cloth is characterized by comprising 100 parts of PVC paste resin, 2-10 parts of stabilizer, 20-50 parts of filler, 40-80 parts of plasticizer and 4-10 parts of fire retardant and 1-5 parts of antibrowning agent. A mixed coating agent is formed by the components, a suitable amount of crosslinker is added to the mixed coating agent, the mixed coating agent is coated on high-strength polyester yarn, and the high-strength polyester yarn is heated, dried, treated and shaped through a plastic box. The invention resists cold and heat, can be used at 30 DEG C below zero to 70 DEG C, has excellent performance of waterproofness, flame retardance, enzyme resistance, ultraviolet ray resistance, high-strength tensile tearing, wear resistance, and the like and can be widely applied to gas membranes, inflatable materials, vehicles, rapid soft doors, big tents, oil booms, chemical-proof suits, membrane structures, cover cloth, and the like.

A releaseable membrane structure for producing a free membrane containing a substrate, a release stratum on the substrate and a membrane stratum on the release stratum. The release stratum and the membrane stratum contain oppositely-charged polyelectrolytes that are associated. The oppositely-charged polyelectrolytes of the release stratum are selected to dissociate upon application of stimulus whereas those of the membrane stratum are selected to remain associated upon application of the stimulus. Thus, when the stimulus is applied the polyelectrolytes in release stratum dissociate and the membrane stratum is released from the substrate and is a free membrane.

Particular aspects of the present invention provide compositions and methods for modulating intracellular signal transduction, including modulation of at least one of membrane structure, membrane potential or membrane conductivity, membrane proteins or receptors, ion channels, and calcium dependant cellular messaging systems, comprising use of the inventive electrokinetically generated solutions to impart electrochemical and / or conformational changes in membranous structures (e.g., membrane and / or membrane proteins, receptors or other components) including but not limited to G-protein coupled receptors (GPCRs) and / or G-proteins, and intracellular junctions. In particular embodiments, the electrokinetically generated solutions or compositions are gas-enriched and / or comprise other therapeutic agents. Other embodiments include particular therapeutic methods comprising administration or formulations of the therapeutic compositions, and in various combination treatments.

A membrane structure suitable for use in forward osmosis processes, which membrane structure is comprised of a support membrane comprised of ultra high molecular weight polyethylene and having an active surface which active surface contains a cellulosic coating.

This invention relates to improved water-soluble polymeric materials, and particularly to water-soluble films designed with a non-migratory plasticizer system for increasing the longterm use of the film. Specifically, the invention comprises a film comprising a blend of polyvinyl alcohol, a low molecular weight plasticizer, a high molecular weight plasticizer and a water-soluble or water-dispersible salt or mineral nucleating agent including any material which is water soluble, or substantially so, and capable of being incorporated into the film structure, preferable materials are salts or minerals. More particularly, the present invention relates to a system and method including providing a dissolvable film for packaging individually sealed dosages of materials. This present invention also relates to a method of producing a water-soluble film that can effectively act as the primary packaging for liquids, gels or pastes products containing 1-85% water by weight whilst keeping package integrity till the intended use of said product. These films can be produced by lamination of cold water-insoluble films to existing cold water soluble films, co-extrusion, solution casting, printing of a PE / PVA copolymer or a plasticized 99% Hydrolyzed PVA on an existing cold water-soluble film, or extrusion coating of PE / PVA copolymer on an existing cold water-soluble film.