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Oxygen transport membrane
PATENTS
Patents Process for recovering zirconium basic sulphate Applicant: ATI Properties Inc, USA A process for providing a zirconium basic sulphate includes providing a zirconium oxychloride solution, and then dialyzing the solution against a liquid, selected from water and an aqueous solution, across at least one anion exchange membrane to provide a dialyzate and diffusate. The dialyzate includes at least 90% of the zirconium ions of the zirconium oxychloride solution and has a total acidity that is lower than the original zirconium oxychloride solution. A precipitate including zirconium basic sulphate may be formed from at least a portion of the diffusate. The zirconium oxychloride solution may be provided, for example, by dissolving zirconium tetrachloride in one of water and a hydrochloric acid solution. A material including zirconium basic sulphate, produced by the process described by this invention, is also disclosed. Patent number: W O 01/75185 Inventor: J.A. Sommers Publication date." 11 October 2001
Microarrays for screening regulatory genes Applicant." University of Louisville Research Foundation Inc, USA Microarray technology allows the multiple parallel processing of information generated from matrices of huge numbers of loci on a solid substrate, which is useful for gathering gene signatures defining specific biological states. An approach has been developed to facilitate this process wherein genes of the same regulatory modality are selected. The transcriptional regulation of these genes is related to the same control element. Primers specific for the regulatory genes are selected, based on minimum cross-reactivity with other genes, using known gene data banks. P e R products of selected regions of known genes either binding to this sequence, or whose expression is dependent on this binding (as well as genes interacting with the regulatable genes and control genes, referred to as 'amplicons' or 'gene cDNA fragments' of between about 450 and 1000 nucleotide bases in length) are obtained from a total RNA pool. These amplicons are arrayed on a nylon membrane or other appropriate microchip substrates, which is then used as a regulatory gene-specific mincroarray that is hybridized with sample. Typically, the sample will be the mRNA obtained from cells associated with a particular state (examples include age or exposure to conditions such as outspace, low gravity), disease (such as cancer or an infection), or disorder (such as a genetic defect or trauma). The transcriptionally regulated profile of regulatory genes specific to a given cultured cell
sample is then determined using a software-based analysis of the amount of hybridization which is detected. This information is useful in determining drug targets, markers associated with the disease state (either the presence or absence, or the extent of the disease), or the response of the disease state to drugs or other treatments. Patent number: W O 01/75162 Inventor: E. Wang Publication date: 11 October 2001
Portable chemical hydrogen hydride system Applicant: Manhattan Scientifics Inc, USA A hydrogen source system delivers a controlled fuel stream to applications. The system uses a wicking material to control the contact between a mixture of fuel, comprising NaBH 4, N a O H and H 2 0 contained in a fuel tank and a hydrolyzing catalyst, to create a feedback mechanism to automatically maintain a constant pressure supply of hydrogen. The wicked fuel is bounded by a porous hydrophilic membrane and wets the outer fuel wetting surface. The catalyst is attached to hydrophobic porous membrane or molecular filter membrane. Production o f hydrogen is initiated by the catalyst making contact with surface wetted by the fuel. A small compact device packaged for storage is described, and the system operates in any orientation and is mobile. Patent number: W O 01/74710 Inventors: R. Hockaday, P.S. Turner, M.D. Dejohn, C.J. Navaz, H.L. Vaz, L.L. Vazul Publication date: 11 October 2001
Systems and methods for collecting plasma Applicant: Baxter International Inc, USA The subject of this patent is a system and method for treating plasma by separating targeted blood cell species (such as red blood cells and platelets) from the plasma by filtration through hydrophilic polyvinylidene fluoride membranes. Patent number: W O 01/74159 Inventors: A.A. Blom, J.-M. Mathias, L. Mespreuve, J.-M. Payrat, D. Vandendaul Publication date: 11 October 2001
material and its redox reaction creates an electrical potential across the cell. Patent number: W O 01/78170 Inventors: L.G. Johnson, Z. Mao Publication date: 18 October 2001
Monitoring organic compounds in groundwater Applicant: General Electric Co, USA A sampling device is able to monitor contaminants in groundwater. The device comprises a semipermeable membrane for contact with groundwater. The membrane is permeable to contaminants and impermeable to groundwater. An inner chamber formed by the semi-permeable membrane contains the contaminants from the groundwater, and these diffuse through its structure. A sensor device communicates with the inner chamber. This device is in contact with the contaminants contained within the inner chamber, and is used to monitor the contaminants. Patent number: W O 01/77666 Inventors: S.S. Baghel, ED. Mackenzie, T.M. Sivavec, A.A. Bracco, J.J. Salvo Publication date: 18 October 2001
Exchange and the cultivation of cells Applicant/Inventor: R. Simmoteit, Germany and A. Bader, Germany The invention relates to a device for a material and gas exchange from cells, microorganisms, suspensions, solutions or fluids and is characterized in that flexible walls and structures, which may be linked to functions, permit internal and/or external conditioning processes. A geometrically defined arrangement of material exchange and/or gas permeable membranes form the internal structure of the device, which has a directional throughflow. The assembly is constructed such that the device possesses internal and/or external elastic properties and comprises at least one non-rigid, preferably elastic wall, and can absorb variations in pressure. Patent number." W O 01/77284 Publication date: 18 October 2001
Oxygen transport membrane Applicant." Praxair Technology Inc, USA
Electrochemical conversion Applicant: Johnson Research & Development Co Inc, USA An electrochemical conversion system is disclosed. It has a housing that is divided by a hydrogen concentration cell so as to define a first chamber and a second chamber. A first mass of hydride material is contained within the first chamber while a second mass of hydride material is contained within the other chamber. The hydrogen concentration cell has a first gas diffusion electrode, a second gas diffusion electrode, and a proton conductive membrane is situated between these electrodes. The release of hydrogen from one of the masses of hydride
An integrated system for producing high purity silicon dioxide is described. It comprises a source of an oxygen-containing feed gas and an oxygen transport membrane cell that contains an oxygen-selective transport membrane. This membrane is at an elevated temperature effective for separation of oxygen in the feed gas. This is achieved by transporting oxygen ions from the feed gas through the membrane to form a purified oxygen permeate, while retaining an oxygen-depleted, impurity-containing retentate on the cathode side. A passageway from the source to the cathode side of the membrane cell, a silicon source, and a silicon oxidation furnace, in communication with the anode side of said
® MembraneTechnologyNo. 143
membrane cell (ff~r reaction of the purified oxygen permeate with silicon at an elevated reaction temperature) is needed in order to produce the high purity silicon reaction, and high purity silicon dioxide. Patent number." W O 01/77014 Inventors: K.B. Albaugh, N.R. Keskar Publication date: 18 October 2001
Electrophoresis separation and treatment of samples Applicant: Gradipore Ltd, Australia An electrophoresis system for separating small macromolecules has been developed. It comprises two electrophoretic systems. Each system comprises an anode buffer and cathode buffer chamber containing an anode and cathode. There is an ion-permeable separation membrane placed between the anode and cathode buffer chambers, and an ion-pernreable restriction membrane positioned either side of the ion-permeable separation membrane to define first and second interstitial volumes. An electric field is applied between the buffer chambers in which the two electrophoretic systems are in fluid communication with each other. Patent number: W O 01/78877 Inventors: B.E Conlan, A.M. Gilbert, H. Nair, L.J. Ryan, D.B. Rylatt, T.M. Thonras Publication date: 25 October 2001
Plasmid recovery Applicant." Millipore Corp, USA A process for the recovery of plasmids, or other DNA from cells has been developed. It uses a first filtration step to remove the cellular debris and other large cellular components, and then an ultrafiltration step to capture the plasnfids or other DNA on the surface of the ultrafiltration membrane where they may be recovered. An apparatus is also taught for enacting the process and comprises an upper microfiltration, or coarse filtration membrane, and a lower ultrafiltration membrane. The driving force may be the same for both filters and may be done sequentially or simultaneously. Patent number." W O 01/79486 Inventor: J.T. Leonard Publication date: 25 October 2001
Electrolytic process Applicant/Inventor: R.L. Sampson, USA, A.H. Sampson,USA and E Di Mascio, USA An improved electrolytic process and apparatus are disclosed for oxidizing or reducing inorganic and organic species, especially in dilute aqueous solutions. The electrolytic reactor includes an anode, a cathode and a monobed of cation exchange material in contact with the anode (as i the primary electrode for oxidation) and anion : exchange material in contact with the cathode i (as the primary electrode for r e d u c t i o n ) . The monobed includes both modified ion i exchange materials, modified to have active:
semiconductor junctions to enhance rhe oxidation or reduction, and unmodified ion exchange materials to enhance diffusion of the ions through the monobed. The monobed may be divided into segments including one or more particulate ion exchange resin segments, and one or more ion exchange membrane segments. Patent number: WO 01/78879 Publication date: 25 October 2001
Preparation of ion exchange membranes Applicant." Innogy Technology Ventures Ltd, UK A process for manufacturing a cation-selective ion exchange nrembrane is the subject of this patent. It involves contacting one or both sides of a membrane (comprising a polymer having side chains which contain acid groups) with a solution that comprises one or nrore soluble salts of one or more onium ions, and a salt which will prevent swelling of the membrane, for a period of time sufficient to allow tire desired extent of substitution of the cations which are associated with the acid groups by onium ions. Patent number: W O 01/79336 Inventor: P.J. Morrissey Publication date: 25 October 2001
Water and wastewater treatment Applicant." Parkson Corp, USA A treatment system for treating water/wastewater includes two continuously operating granular media filters (GMFs) that are operated together in series. The water/wastewater to be treated is introduced as an influent into the first of the GMFs and is treated by this filter. Treated or processed water/wastewater or effluent is produced as is a first reject which contains impurities separated from a granular media bed in the first GMF and which is discharged from the first ( ; M E The effluent from the first GMF is further filtered in the second continuously operating GMF such that the effluent front the second GMF is clarified water and a second reject discharged from the second GMF contains impurities separated from a granular bed in the second G M E In order to reduce the pollutants in the first and second rejects, the first and second reject water being discharged from, respectively, the first and second continuously operated GMFs, is separately treated by gravity separation, membrane filtration, two-stage or multistage filtration or filtration or any combination of these so that cleaned water is created that meets quality standards and a sludge is created that can be disinfected and/or dewatered and processed by suitable hygienic measures. In addition, chemicals for coagulation/flocculation may be added and the liquid to be processed may be subjected to a disinfecting treatment and/or a mechanical, biological and/or chemical t'reatment.
Patent number: WO 01/79117 hwentor: H.E Larsson Publication date: 25 October 2001
Production method for bipolar membranes Applieam: Solvay (Societe Anonyme), Belgium The invention concerns a method for making a bipolar membrane. It involves treating a cationic membrane with a group 8 metal salt; treating an anionic membrane with a transition metal salt not belonging to group 8; and conjoining the two membranes, the latter being contacted, before and after being conjoined, with a treamrent solution selected among aqueous alkaline solnrions, aqueous metallic sulphate solutions and aqueous metallic sulphite solutions. Patent number." WO 01/79335 Inventors: E. Mischi, D. Mantione, A. Pastacaldi, L. Botte Publication date: 25 October 2001
Composite membrane Applicant: The Dow Chemical Co, USA A composite membrane and method for making the membrane is described. It comprises a porous support and a polyamide surface. The membrane provides improved lqux and/or rejection rates. It is further capable of operating at lower operating pressures. The method includes reacting a polyfunctional amine with a polyfunctional acyl halide to form a polyamide. The method includes the step of contacting a complcxing agent with the polyfunctional acyl halide prior to a substantial reaction between the polyfunctional acyl halide alld a polyfunctional amine. The process is easily adapted to conrmercial scale manufacturing processes and is particularly suited for making nanofiltration and reverse osmosis composite membranes. Patent number: WO 01/78882 Inventor. W.E. Mickols Publication date." 25 October 200 l
Electrolytic cell and method for electrolysis Applicant." Amuchina Spa, Italy An dectrolyric cell is provided for producing a sodiunl hypochlorite solution with active chlorine from brine. A plurality of the cells are typically employed with provision for cooling tile elcctrolyte. The cell comprises a cylindrical metallic cathode with a smaller cylindrical metallic anode disposed within the cathode to define an annular passage through which the electrolyte passes, hr preferred embodiments, the annular passage can contain particulate material such as carbon to enhance surface contact, and an anionic membrane can be provided between the anode and cathode to divide the annular passage into two chambers. Patent number: WO 01181656 /nventor: G. Ponzano Publication date: 1 November 200I
MembraneTechnologyNo. 143
Patents Process for recovering zirconium basic sulphate Applicant: ATI Properties Inc, USA A process for providing a zirconium basic sulphate includes providing a zirconium oxychloride solution, and then dialyzing the solution against a liquid, selected from water and an aqueous solution, across at least one anion exchange membrane to provide a dialyzate and diffusate. The dialyzate includes at least 90% of the zirconium ions of the zirconium oxychloride solution and has a total acidity that is lower than the original zirconium oxychloride solution. A precipitate including zirconium basic sulphate may be formed from at least a portion of the diffusate. The zirconium oxychloride solution may be provided, for example, by dissolving zirconium tetrachloride in one of water and a hydrochloric acid solution. A material including zirconium basic sulphate, produced by the process described by this invention, is also disclosed. Patent number: W O 01/75185 Inventor: J.A. Sommers Publication date." 11 October 2001
Microarrays for screening regulatory genes Applicant." University of Louisville Research Foundation Inc, USA Microarray technology allows the multiple parallel processing of information generated from matrices of huge numbers of loci on a solid substrate, which is useful for gathering gene signatures defining specific biological states. An approach has been developed to facilitate this process wherein genes of the same regulatory modality are selected. The transcriptional regulation of these genes is related to the same control element. Primers specific for the regulatory genes are selected, based on minimum cross-reactivity with other genes, using known gene data banks. P e R products of selected regions of known genes either binding to this sequence, or whose expression is dependent on this binding (as well as genes interacting with the regulatable genes and control genes, referred to as 'amplicons' or 'gene cDNA fragments' of between about 450 and 1000 nucleotide bases in length) are obtained from a total RNA pool. These amplicons are arrayed on a nylon membrane or other appropriate microchip substrates, which is then used as a regulatory gene-specific mincroarray that is hybridized with sample. Typically, the sample will be the mRNA obtained from cells associated with a particular state (examples include age or exposure to conditions such as outspace, low gravity), disease (such as cancer or an infection), or disorder (such as a genetic defect or trauma). The transcriptionally regulated profile of regulatory genes specific to a given cultured cell
sample is then determined using a software-based analysis of the amount of hybridization which is detected. This information is useful in determining drug targets, markers associated with the disease state (either the presence or absence, or the extent of the disease), or the response of the disease state to drugs or other treatments. Patent number: W O 01/75162 Inventor: E. Wang Publication date: 11 October 2001
Portable chemical hydrogen hydride system Applicant: Manhattan Scientifics Inc, USA A hydrogen source system delivers a controlled fuel stream to applications. The system uses a wicking material to control the contact between a mixture of fuel, comprising NaBH 4, N a O H and H 2 0 contained in a fuel tank and a hydrolyzing catalyst, to create a feedback mechanism to automatically maintain a constant pressure supply of hydrogen. The wicked fuel is bounded by a porous hydrophilic membrane and wets the outer fuel wetting surface. The catalyst is attached to hydrophobic porous membrane or molecular filter membrane. Production o f hydrogen is initiated by the catalyst making contact with surface wetted by the fuel. A small compact device packaged for storage is described, and the system operates in any orientation and is mobile. Patent number: W O 01/74710 Inventors: R. Hockaday, P.S. Turner, M.D. Dejohn, C.J. Navaz, H.L. Vaz, L.L. Vazul Publication date: 11 October 2001
Systems and methods for collecting plasma Applicant: Baxter International Inc, USA The subject of this patent is a system and method for treating plasma by separating targeted blood cell species (such as red blood cells and platelets) from the plasma by filtration through hydrophilic polyvinylidene fluoride membranes. Patent number: W O 01/74159 Inventors: A.A. Blom, J.-M. Mathias, L. Mespreuve, J.-M. Payrat, D. Vandendaul Publication date: 11 October 2001
material and its redox reaction creates an electrical potential across the cell. Patent number: W O 01/78170 Inventors: L.G. Johnson, Z. Mao Publication date: 18 October 2001
Monitoring organic compounds in groundwater Applicant: General Electric Co, USA A sampling device is able to monitor contaminants in groundwater. The device comprises a semipermeable membrane for contact with groundwater. The membrane is permeable to contaminants and impermeable to groundwater. An inner chamber formed by the semi-permeable membrane contains the contaminants from the groundwater, and these diffuse through its structure. A sensor device communicates with the inner chamber. This device is in contact with the contaminants contained within the inner chamber, and is used to monitor the contaminants. Patent number: W O 01/77666 Inventors: S.S. Baghel, ED. Mackenzie, T.M. Sivavec, A.A. Bracco, J.J. Salvo Publication date: 18 October 2001
Exchange and the cultivation of cells Applicant/Inventor: R. Simmoteit, Germany and A. Bader, Germany The invention relates to a device for a material and gas exchange from cells, microorganisms, suspensions, solutions or fluids and is characterized in that flexible walls and structures, which may be linked to functions, permit internal and/or external conditioning processes. A geometrically defined arrangement of material exchange and/or gas permeable membranes form the internal structure of the device, which has a directional throughflow. The assembly is constructed such that the device possesses internal and/or external elastic properties and comprises at least one non-rigid, preferably elastic wall, and can absorb variations in pressure. Patent number." W O 01/77284 Publication date: 18 October 2001
Oxygen transport membrane Applicant." Praxair Technology Inc, USA
Electrochemical conversion Applicant: Johnson Research & Development Co Inc, USA An electrochemical conversion system is disclosed. It has a housing that is divided by a hydrogen concentration cell so as to define a first chamber and a second chamber. A first mass of hydride material is contained within the first chamber while a second mass of hydride material is contained within the other chamber. The hydrogen concentration cell has a first gas diffusion electrode, a second gas diffusion electrode, and a proton conductive membrane is situated between these electrodes. The release of hydrogen from one of the masses of hydride
An integrated system for producing high purity silicon dioxide is described. It comprises a source of an oxygen-containing feed gas and an oxygen transport membrane cell that contains an oxygen-selective transport membrane. This membrane is at an elevated temperature effective for separation of oxygen in the feed gas. This is achieved by transporting oxygen ions from the feed gas through the membrane to form a purified oxygen permeate, while retaining an oxygen-depleted, impurity-containing retentate on the cathode side. A passageway from the source to the cathode side of the membrane cell, a silicon source, and a silicon oxidation furnace, in communication with the anode side of said
® MembraneTechnologyNo. 143
membrane cell (ff~r reaction of the purified oxygen permeate with silicon at an elevated reaction temperature) is needed in order to produce the high purity silicon reaction, and high purity silicon dioxide. Patent number." W O 01/77014 Inventors: K.B. Albaugh, N.R. Keskar Publication date: 18 October 2001
Electrophoresis separation and treatment of samples Applicant: Gradipore Ltd, Australia An electrophoresis system for separating small macromolecules has been developed. It comprises two electrophoretic systems. Each system comprises an anode buffer and cathode buffer chamber containing an anode and cathode. There is an ion-permeable separation membrane placed between the anode and cathode buffer chambers, and an ion-pernreable restriction membrane positioned either side of the ion-permeable separation membrane to define first and second interstitial volumes. An electric field is applied between the buffer chambers in which the two electrophoretic systems are in fluid communication with each other. Patent number: W O 01/78877 Inventors: B.E Conlan, A.M. Gilbert, H. Nair, L.J. Ryan, D.B. Rylatt, T.M. Thonras Publication date: 25 October 2001
Plasmid recovery Applicant." Millipore Corp, USA A process for the recovery of plasmids, or other DNA from cells has been developed. It uses a first filtration step to remove the cellular debris and other large cellular components, and then an ultrafiltration step to capture the plasnfids or other DNA on the surface of the ultrafiltration membrane where they may be recovered. An apparatus is also taught for enacting the process and comprises an upper microfiltration, or coarse filtration membrane, and a lower ultrafiltration membrane. The driving force may be the same for both filters and may be done sequentially or simultaneously. Patent number." W O 01/79486 Inventor: J.T. Leonard Publication date: 25 October 2001
Electrolytic process Applicant/Inventor: R.L. Sampson, USA, A.H. Sampson,USA and E Di Mascio, USA An improved electrolytic process and apparatus are disclosed for oxidizing or reducing inorganic and organic species, especially in dilute aqueous solutions. The electrolytic reactor includes an anode, a cathode and a monobed of cation exchange material in contact with the anode (as i the primary electrode for oxidation) and anion : exchange material in contact with the cathode i (as the primary electrode for r e d u c t i o n ) . The monobed includes both modified ion i exchange materials, modified to have active:
semiconductor junctions to enhance rhe oxidation or reduction, and unmodified ion exchange materials to enhance diffusion of the ions through the monobed. The monobed may be divided into segments including one or more particulate ion exchange resin segments, and one or more ion exchange membrane segments. Patent number: WO 01/78879 Publication date: 25 October 2001
Preparation of ion exchange membranes Applicant." Innogy Technology Ventures Ltd, UK A process for manufacturing a cation-selective ion exchange nrembrane is the subject of this patent. It involves contacting one or both sides of a membrane (comprising a polymer having side chains which contain acid groups) with a solution that comprises one or nrore soluble salts of one or more onium ions, and a salt which will prevent swelling of the membrane, for a period of time sufficient to allow tire desired extent of substitution of the cations which are associated with the acid groups by onium ions. Patent number: W O 01/79336 Inventor: P.J. Morrissey Publication date: 25 October 2001
Water and wastewater treatment Applicant." Parkson Corp, USA A treatment system for treating water/wastewater includes two continuously operating granular media filters (GMFs) that are operated together in series. The water/wastewater to be treated is introduced as an influent into the first of the GMFs and is treated by this filter. Treated or processed water/wastewater or effluent is produced as is a first reject which contains impurities separated from a granular media bed in the first GMF and which is discharged from the first ( ; M E The effluent from the first GMF is further filtered in the second continuously operating GMF such that the effluent front the second GMF is clarified water and a second reject discharged from the second GMF contains impurities separated from a granular bed in the second G M E In order to reduce the pollutants in the first and second rejects, the first and second reject water being discharged from, respectively, the first and second continuously operated GMFs, is separately treated by gravity separation, membrane filtration, two-stage or multistage filtration or filtration or any combination of these so that cleaned water is created that meets quality standards and a sludge is created that can be disinfected and/or dewatered and processed by suitable hygienic measures. In addition, chemicals for coagulation/flocculation may be added and the liquid to be processed may be subjected to a disinfecting treatment and/or a mechanical, biological and/or chemical t'reatment.
Patent number: WO 01/79117 hwentor: H.E Larsson Publication date: 25 October 2001
Production method for bipolar membranes Applieam: Solvay (Societe Anonyme), Belgium The invention concerns a method for making a bipolar membrane. It involves treating a cationic membrane with a group 8 metal salt; treating an anionic membrane with a transition metal salt not belonging to group 8; and conjoining the two membranes, the latter being contacted, before and after being conjoined, with a treamrent solution selected among aqueous alkaline solnrions, aqueous metallic sulphate solutions and aqueous metallic sulphite solutions. Patent number." WO 01/79335 Inventors: E. Mischi, D. Mantione, A. Pastacaldi, L. Botte Publication date: 25 October 2001
Composite membrane Applicant: The Dow Chemical Co, USA A composite membrane and method for making the membrane is described. It comprises a porous support and a polyamide surface. The membrane provides improved lqux and/or rejection rates. It is further capable of operating at lower operating pressures. The method includes reacting a polyfunctional amine with a polyfunctional acyl halide to form a polyamide. The method includes the step of contacting a complcxing agent with the polyfunctional acyl halide prior to a substantial reaction between the polyfunctional acyl halide alld a polyfunctional amine. The process is easily adapted to conrmercial scale manufacturing processes and is particularly suited for making nanofiltration and reverse osmosis composite membranes. Patent number: WO 01/78882 Inventor. W.E. Mickols Publication date." 25 October 200 l
Electrolytic cell and method for electrolysis Applicant." Amuchina Spa, Italy An dectrolyric cell is provided for producing a sodiunl hypochlorite solution with active chlorine from brine. A plurality of the cells are typically employed with provision for cooling tile elcctrolyte. The cell comprises a cylindrical metallic cathode with a smaller cylindrical metallic anode disposed within the cathode to define an annular passage through which the electrolyte passes, hr preferred embodiments, the annular passage can contain particulate material such as carbon to enhance surface contact, and an anionic membrane can be provided between the anode and cathode to divide the annular passage into two chambers. Patent number: WO 01181656 /nventor: G. Ponzano Publication date: 1 November 200I
MembraneTechnologyNo. 143