www.megayachtnews.com
Press Release:
Jun 21, 2007
Fort Lauderdale Florida USA, Thursday, June 14, 2007:
After nearly two years under review, on February 6, 2007, the United States Patent and Trademark office recognized the efforts of designers and engineers at Headhunter Inc of Fort Lauderdale Fl. with patent on a new method for treating wastewater. Among the many unique features of this new method is a patent on using cross-flow filtration for separation of solids in the process.
TIDALWAVE HMX® compact sewage treatment systems are U.S. Coast Guard certified Type II Marine Sanitation Devices that are also IMO Approved for worldwide compliance with Annex IV Regulation 3(1)(a)(i) of Marpol73/78, which provides regulations for the prevention of pollution by sewage from ships. These units are accepted in accordance with Resolution MEPC.2(VI) which outlines the performance standards required. Standard models are available to treat up to 50,000 US Gallons per day (189 cubic meters per day). These systems provide PLC controlled, state of the art processing of onboard sewage. Designed for quick starts and stops with the push of a button, the TIDALWAVE HMX system uses chemical oxidation, hydro-maceration and patented crossflow separation techniques to thoroughly destroy influent biomass. The optional Electrocatalytic system generates sodium hypochlorite onboard from seawater or brine, thus eliminating consumables during operation. The four-stage treatment system provides trouble free treatment of black and gray water with a sterile effluent for disposal. The PLC controller allows the treatment technique to be customized after installation for varying hydraulic and organic loading conditions, or to meet varying performance standards in different areas. These systems are provided in marine grade aluminum or steel construction with a durable, flexible ceramic, epoxy coating for superior corrosion protection.
To date nearly 100 HMX systems have been installed on yachts, drilling ships like Global Sante Fe’s Arctic IV, and a few very large fixed offshore structures for the production of natural gas in Brazil. Captain John Beadon of the M/Y Montrevel has had an TW-HMX 512 installed on a charter yacht since early 2004. A recent email to Headhunter is an unexpected testament to the reliability of the system, Captain Beadon wrote “Dear Mark,……As we have done about 11,000 hours during the last 3 years, is there anything on the unit that you suggest replacing other than the spares that you will be pricing? We are out of the water in Genoa, launching end Feb. Regards, John” The systems were conceived specifically for the marine industry where small spaces, light weight, and reliability above all else is the design criteria.
Headhunter Vice President of Sales mark Mellinger reports, “Everyone in the marine industry is familiar with the reverse osmosis process for creating fresh water from seawater, now Headhunter has mastered the application of this technique as applied to the wastewater treatment process. Further to this we have created a process, a recipe, that can be varied to meet the new IMO standards once they are ratified. We are very excited.”
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The Triton · 757 SE 17th Street #1119 · Fort Lauderdale, FL 33316 · www.the-triton.com
or email editorial@the-triton.com
Copyright© 2007 The Triton. All rights reserved.
Friday, June 22, 2007
Drexel Researcher Develops Sensor to Test for E. coli in 10 Minutes
The latest outbreak of E. coli cases — now in 12 Western states and involving 6 million pounds of fresh and frozen meat — shows a need for better detection in food processing exists.
Dr. Raj Mutharasan, a professor of chemical engineering at Drexel University, has developed over the past five years sensor technology that can test for E. coli bacteria in just 10 minutes. He is working with a company that has licensed Drexel’s technology to commercialize the device and expects it to be in the hands of food-safety experts soon.
The sensor could also have wide applications in medical diagnostic testing (prostate cancer) and monitoring for biothreat agents (anthrax). In medical testing, the sensor can be used to analyze the four most widely tested fluids: blood, urine, sputum and spinal fluid.
The standard detection process of E. coli bacteria in food processing requires about 24 hours and involves a trip to a laboratory. Mutharasan’s sensor can be contained in a handheld device that is accurate and easy to use.
No direct test for minute amounts of proteins exists on the market. A study published in the April 1, 2007, issue of Analytical Chemistry using Mutharasan’s sensor detected E. coli in ground beef at some of the lowest concentrations ever reported.
Unlike salmonella, for example, no Food and Drug Admistration requirement to test food for E. coli exists. Requirements are in place, however, to ensure proper food-manufacturing practices are met to help avoid contamination, says Dr. Stanley Segall, Drexel professor emeritus of food science and nutrition.
E. coli outbreaks have increased in recent years because reporting systems have been more efficient and effective and food production has become more centralized, with distribution spanning the country in rapid time frames, Segall says.
The near-prototype sensor Mutharasan has developed contains a sensitivity of four cells per milliliter of solution. The sensor uses E. coli antibodies to detect the bacteria in a way similar to how our bodies work. Those antibodies are affixed to a narrow sliver of glass. A ceramic layer, attached to the other end of the glass, generates voltage in response to applied mechanical stress.
The sensor affixed with antibodies against E. coli can detect as low as four cells per milliliter of solution. A voltage is applied to a ceramic layer, causing it to expand and contract, vibrating the glass sliver. The sensor detects changes in the glass sliver’s resonate frequency (the point where vibration is the greatest) and determines the presence and concentration of E. coli bacteria.
Because the same principles of resonate frequency apply, the sensor can test liquid and solid samples. The sensor can be equipped with a range of antibodies to detect many pathogens or it can be homozygous with a single antibody, enabling the sensor to detect even the smallest amounts of the harmful bacteria.
Source: Drexel University
Dr. Raj Mutharasan, a professor of chemical engineering at Drexel University, has developed over the past five years sensor technology that can test for E. coli bacteria in just 10 minutes. He is working with a company that has licensed Drexel’s technology to commercialize the device and expects it to be in the hands of food-safety experts soon.
The sensor could also have wide applications in medical diagnostic testing (prostate cancer) and monitoring for biothreat agents (anthrax). In medical testing, the sensor can be used to analyze the four most widely tested fluids: blood, urine, sputum and spinal fluid.
The standard detection process of E. coli bacteria in food processing requires about 24 hours and involves a trip to a laboratory. Mutharasan’s sensor can be contained in a handheld device that is accurate and easy to use.
No direct test for minute amounts of proteins exists on the market. A study published in the April 1, 2007, issue of Analytical Chemistry using Mutharasan’s sensor detected E. coli in ground beef at some of the lowest concentrations ever reported.
Unlike salmonella, for example, no Food and Drug Admistration requirement to test food for E. coli exists. Requirements are in place, however, to ensure proper food-manufacturing practices are met to help avoid contamination, says Dr. Stanley Segall, Drexel professor emeritus of food science and nutrition.
E. coli outbreaks have increased in recent years because reporting systems have been more efficient and effective and food production has become more centralized, with distribution spanning the country in rapid time frames, Segall says.
The near-prototype sensor Mutharasan has developed contains a sensitivity of four cells per milliliter of solution. The sensor uses E. coli antibodies to detect the bacteria in a way similar to how our bodies work. Those antibodies are affixed to a narrow sliver of glass. A ceramic layer, attached to the other end of the glass, generates voltage in response to applied mechanical stress.
The sensor affixed with antibodies against E. coli can detect as low as four cells per milliliter of solution. A voltage is applied to a ceramic layer, causing it to expand and contract, vibrating the glass sliver. The sensor detects changes in the glass sliver’s resonate frequency (the point where vibration is the greatest) and determines the presence and concentration of E. coli bacteria.
Because the same principles of resonate frequency apply, the sensor can test liquid and solid samples. The sensor can be equipped with a range of antibodies to detect many pathogens or it can be homozygous with a single antibody, enabling the sensor to detect even the smallest amounts of the harmful bacteria.
Source: Drexel University
Friday, June 15, 2007
USA: Milliken launches new antimicrobial-charged fabric technology
LAS VEGAS: The one of largest privately-held textile and chemical manufacturers in the world, Milliken® & Company has announced a new antimicrobial-charged fabric technology called BioSmart™ that harnesses the sanitising power of EPA-registered chlorine bleach and helps to reduce the spread of infection-causing bacteria and viruses, including emerging antibiotic-resistant microbes, said Travis Greer, senior technologist for Milliken’s Apparel and Specialty Fabrics division in a release.
The product made with BioSmart are key to effective infection prevention strategies and programs in the workplace, in community settings and at home and extends the capabilities of EPA-registered chlorine base sanitisers – proven hygienic agents that do not promote resistant microbes, to maintain an effective antimicrobial barrier against contamination.
The technology can be applied to synthetics, cotton and poly/cotton fabrics and are ideal for industries where bacterial contamination is a concern, including food processing and services, healthcare, public safety, hospitality, sports apparel, activewear and military.
BioSmart fabrics are non-irritating to the skin and have passed the ISO skin irritation and skin sensitivity tests an it is both durable and effective for the life of most garments as the fabric technology literally recharges after every washing, thus providing a longer shelf life and optimising value for manufacturers, laundries and consumers alike.
In addition, BioSmart fabrics are odorless, dry quickly and wick moisture and is currently available in butcher coats and other garments for the food safety and processing industries through G&K Services.
BioSmart is a patent-pending textile technology that binds chlorine molecules to the surface of fabrics.
Founded in 1865, Milliken & Company is a privately held textile and chemical company that employs approximately 10,000 associates worldwide and operates nearly 50 manufacturing facilities in the US and eight countries.
The product made with BioSmart are key to effective infection prevention strategies and programs in the workplace, in community settings and at home and extends the capabilities of EPA-registered chlorine base sanitisers – proven hygienic agents that do not promote resistant microbes, to maintain an effective antimicrobial barrier against contamination.
The technology can be applied to synthetics, cotton and poly/cotton fabrics and are ideal for industries where bacterial contamination is a concern, including food processing and services, healthcare, public safety, hospitality, sports apparel, activewear and military.
BioSmart fabrics are non-irritating to the skin and have passed the ISO skin irritation and skin sensitivity tests an it is both durable and effective for the life of most garments as the fabric technology literally recharges after every washing, thus providing a longer shelf life and optimising value for manufacturers, laundries and consumers alike.
In addition, BioSmart fabrics are odorless, dry quickly and wick moisture and is currently available in butcher coats and other garments for the food safety and processing industries through G&K Services.
BioSmart is a patent-pending textile technology that binds chlorine molecules to the surface of fabrics.
Founded in 1865, Milliken & Company is a privately held textile and chemical company that employs approximately 10,000 associates worldwide and operates nearly 50 manufacturing facilities in the US and eight countries.
Sunday, June 3, 2007
Applied Biosystems/ U.S. Department of Defense Contract for Prototype Instrument System to Identify Infectious Diseases Terminated
System Met Technical Milestones; Parties Could Not Agree on Further Development and Commercialization
FOSTER CITY, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Applied Biosystems (NYSE:ABI), an Applera Corporation business, announced today that its contract with the U.S. Department of Defense surrounding the development of a prototype instrument system to improve the way infectious diseases are identified for epidemiological and biosecurity purposes has been terminated for the convenience of the government. Though Applied Biosystems had successfully completed all technical milestones required to date in the contract, the action was taken by the government after Applied Biosystems and the U.S. Air Force were unable to agree on an approach for further development and commercialization of an instrument system that could be derived from an AB prototype instrument. Applied Biosystems anticipates no material financial impact from the contract termination.
Applied Biosystems expects that its biosecurity strategy will continue to focus on delivering early warning systems for detecting and tracking emerging natural and man-made pathogens in the environment, in agriculture, and in the animal and human food supply.
About Applera Corporation and Applied Biosystems
Applera Corporation consists of two operating groups. The Applied Biosystems Group serves the life science industry and research community by developing and marketing instrument-based systems, consumables, software, and services. Customers use these tools to analyze nucleic acids (DNA and RNA), small molecules, and proteins to make scientific discoveries and develop new pharmaceuticals. Applied Biosystems' products also serve the needs of some markets outside of life science research, which we refer to as "applied markets," such as the fields of: human identity testing (forensic and paternity testing); biosecurity, which refers to products needed in response to the threat of biological terrorism and other malicious, accidental, and natural biological dangers; and quality and safety testing, for example in food and the environment. Applied Biosystems is headquartered in Foster City, CA, and reported sales of over $1.9 billion during fiscal 2006. The Celera Group is primarily a molecular diagnostics business that is using proprietary genomics and proteomics discovery platforms to identify and validate novel diagnostic markers, and is developing diagnostic products based on these markers. Celera maintains a strategic alliance with Abbott Laboratories for the development and commercialization of molecular, or nucleic acid-based, diagnostic products, and it is also developing new diagnostic products outside of this alliance. Through its genomics and proteomics research efforts, Celera is also discovering and validating therapeutic targets, and it is seeking to develop therapeutic products based on these discovered targets through strategic partnerships.
Information about Applera Corporation, including reports and other information filed by the company with the Securities and Exchange Commission, is available at http://www.applera.com, or by telephoning 800.762.6923.
Information about Applied Biosystems is available at http://www.appliedbiosystems.com/.
FOSTER CITY, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Applied Biosystems (NYSE:ABI), an Applera Corporation business, announced today that its contract with the U.S. Department of Defense surrounding the development of a prototype instrument system to improve the way infectious diseases are identified for epidemiological and biosecurity purposes has been terminated for the convenience of the government. Though Applied Biosystems had successfully completed all technical milestones required to date in the contract, the action was taken by the government after Applied Biosystems and the U.S. Air Force were unable to agree on an approach for further development and commercialization of an instrument system that could be derived from an AB prototype instrument. Applied Biosystems anticipates no material financial impact from the contract termination.
Applied Biosystems expects that its biosecurity strategy will continue to focus on delivering early warning systems for detecting and tracking emerging natural and man-made pathogens in the environment, in agriculture, and in the animal and human food supply.
About Applera Corporation and Applied Biosystems
Applera Corporation consists of two operating groups. The Applied Biosystems Group serves the life science industry and research community by developing and marketing instrument-based systems, consumables, software, and services. Customers use these tools to analyze nucleic acids (DNA and RNA), small molecules, and proteins to make scientific discoveries and develop new pharmaceuticals. Applied Biosystems' products also serve the needs of some markets outside of life science research, which we refer to as "applied markets," such as the fields of: human identity testing (forensic and paternity testing); biosecurity, which refers to products needed in response to the threat of biological terrorism and other malicious, accidental, and natural biological dangers; and quality and safety testing, for example in food and the environment. Applied Biosystems is headquartered in Foster City, CA, and reported sales of over $1.9 billion during fiscal 2006. The Celera Group is primarily a molecular diagnostics business that is using proprietary genomics and proteomics discovery platforms to identify and validate novel diagnostic markers, and is developing diagnostic products based on these markers. Celera maintains a strategic alliance with Abbott Laboratories for the development and commercialization of molecular, or nucleic acid-based, diagnostic products, and it is also developing new diagnostic products outside of this alliance. Through its genomics and proteomics research efforts, Celera is also discovering and validating therapeutic targets, and it is seeking to develop therapeutic products based on these discovered targets through strategic partnerships.
Information about Applera Corporation, including reports and other information filed by the company with the Securities and Exchange Commission, is available at http://www.applera.com, or by telephoning 800.762.6923.
Information about Applied Biosystems is available at http://www.appliedbiosystems.com/.
Study: New TB test cuts diagnosis times
LONDON, June 1 (UPI) -- A new tuberculosis test could cut diagnosis time from three days to a matter of hours, according to a U.S. study released Friday.
Current tests, including gastric washing and bronchoscopy are invasive, time consuming and complicated. For the most common tests, patients must stay in a hospital for three days, delaying the start of treatment, according to the study.
In the new test, patients simply inhale salty water through a nebuliser for 20 minutes. Doctors then take sputum samples from deep inside the lungs which can be rapidly analyzed for traces of mycobacterium tuberculosis, the bacterium which causes most cases of tuberculosis.
The test is not only easier, but also just as effective as older tests, said the article appearing in the journal Clinical Infectious Diseases. In the 140 people who were examined, use of three sputum specimens correctly detected the disease in 39 percent of patients compared to 30 percent with gastric washing.
"By doing all the tests in one day, we can start treatment sooner and get patients home sooner," said study researcher Robert Davidson, from the Division of Medicine at Imperial College in London.
Current tests, including gastric washing and bronchoscopy are invasive, time consuming and complicated. For the most common tests, patients must stay in a hospital for three days, delaying the start of treatment, according to the study.
In the new test, patients simply inhale salty water through a nebuliser for 20 minutes. Doctors then take sputum samples from deep inside the lungs which can be rapidly analyzed for traces of mycobacterium tuberculosis, the bacterium which causes most cases of tuberculosis.
The test is not only easier, but also just as effective as older tests, said the article appearing in the journal Clinical Infectious Diseases. In the 140 people who were examined, use of three sputum specimens correctly detected the disease in 39 percent of patients compared to 30 percent with gastric washing.
"By doing all the tests in one day, we can start treatment sooner and get patients home sooner," said study researcher Robert Davidson, from the Division of Medicine at Imperial College in London.
New Sensor Capable of 24/7 Detection of Pathogens in Water Supplies
Successful testing of an unattended water sensor to monitor water for biological pathogens, which includes biotoxins, bacteria, viruses, and protozoa has been completed. Testing took place at a large San Francisco Bay Area water utility for more than a year and, just recently, has been deployed to a municipal water station in Arizona for additional observation and adjustments.
The sensor is currently able to achieve sample analysis in just 12 minutes - a marked improvement over the original goal of 30 minutes or less - due to the automated sample preparation. In addition, the sensor is currently able to detect protein toxins such as S. aureus enterotoxin B (SEB), botulinum, and ricin. The next phase of the Sandia activities will be to expand the device's detection capability to include bacteria such as E. coli and protozoa such as Cryptosporidium.
The sensor is expected to operate for at least three months in Arizona before the device is brought to an U.S. Environmental Protection Agency facility or the U.S. Army's Edgewood Chemical Biological Center, where it can be tested in a real-world environment that includes analysis on bona fide toxic agents situated in authentic water supply conditions. Currently, analysis is conducted in both situations individually, but not simultaneously.
The sensor is currently able to achieve sample analysis in just 12 minutes - a marked improvement over the original goal of 30 minutes or less - due to the automated sample preparation. In addition, the sensor is currently able to detect protein toxins such as S. aureus enterotoxin B (SEB), botulinum, and ricin. The next phase of the Sandia activities will be to expand the device's detection capability to include bacteria such as E. coli and protozoa such as Cryptosporidium.
The sensor is expected to operate for at least three months in Arizona before the device is brought to an U.S. Environmental Protection Agency facility or the U.S. Army's Edgewood Chemical Biological Center, where it can be tested in a real-world environment that includes analysis on bona fide toxic agents situated in authentic water supply conditions. Currently, analysis is conducted in both situations individually, but not simultaneously.
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