Technology Offerings

A process for an efficient phase separation of emulsions resulting from biphasic whole cell-bio-transformations has been developed at the TU Dortmund. The phase separation of unavoidable emulsions typically present due the presence of microorganisms and bio-surfactants, which has previously been seen as problematic, has been greatly simplified to permit further processing of the reaction mixture. In contrast to other approaches such as the use of de-emulsifiers or centrifuges a phase separation can be achieved with a minimal effort in both energy and equipment. Using a physical effect the new methods enables a high potential for an industrial application due to its scalability, low costs and easy process control.

The invention concerns a T-cell based immunotherapy using peptides which are derived from human membrane protein desmoglein. By applying a medical preparation including a peptide or a combination of peptides, a specific immunological tolerance is triggered. Therefore, the clinical signs of pemphigus vulgaris disease improve, because the base for disease is deprived.

An der Hochschule für Technik und Wirtschaft des Saarlandes (HTW
Saar) wurde nun ein System entwickelt, dass die Möglichkeiten erdgedeckter Flüssiggas-tanks optimal aus nutzt und so eine substanzielle Energie-und Kosteneinsparung generiert. Die entscheidende Innovation besteht darin, dass flüssiggas betriebene Blockheizkraftwerk (BHKW) mit einer Wärmepumpe zu koppeln, wobei der Gastank außer zur Speicherung des Flüssiggases gleichzeitig
als Erdwärmekollektor und Verdampfer für die Wärmepumpe genutzt wird. Dies ist nur bei einem erdgedeckten Tank sinnvoll möglich.
Das Flüssiggas dient im laufenden Betrieb gleichzeitig als Kraftstoff und als Kältemittel. Die erfindungsgemäße Anlage trägt auf diese Weise dazu bei, Betriebskosten zu reduzieren und die Energieeffizienz des Systems zu steigern. Da die verwendeten Komponenten bis auf wenige Bauteile mit denen eines herkömmlichen flüssiggasbetriebenen BHKW übereinstimmen, kann auf einfache Weise und ohne die Anschaffung separater Wärmekollektoren ein deutliches Einsparpotenzial nutzbar gemacht werden. Modellrechnungen
ergeben eine Reduktion des Kraftstoffverbrauchs von bis zu 40%.
Die Optimierung des gesamten Systems im Hinblick auf die verschieden Betriebsparameter ist Gegenstand einer aktuellen Prototypenstudie.

The presented method combines the advantages of a highly specific and sensitive immunological sensor surface with the extensive detail of an infrared spectroscopic analysis, with particular regard to the secondary structure analysis of protein biomarker candidates. Every non-clotting, cell-free fluid is analyzable.

The Institute of Aircraft Design (IFB) at the University of Stuttgart developed a flexible pressure roll mechanism for braiding machines, which significantly improves the automated braiding of components with sharp curvatures and widely varying cross-sections without the need for manual intervention. While overbraiding a mandrel the flexible mounting of the pressure rolls allows for adaptation to the mandrel's positioning (e.g. inclined position) and to changes in the cross section. They exert a constant and precisely defined force on the braid and thereby press it against the mandrel.
As part of the automated process, the robot control of the braiding machine coordinates the movement of the pressure rolls. This significantly improves the braiding of components with a variable cross-section and curvatures so that manual intervention is no longer required.

Based on a very thin, high-strength design of the invention the ultrasonic sensor is placed between the teeth of the approximal region, thus reducing the distance significantly. As a result the images posses a very high spatial resolution.
The ultrasonic sensor consists of a metallic base plate with a reinforced frame, made of high-strength pure titanium or a TiAl6V4 alloy. The edges of the frame are rounded to make the insertion in the approximal region more comfortable. The total thickness of the design is limited to a maximum of 0.8 mm. The piezoelectric part is made on a PVDF-film equipped with spacers and shielded by an adjustable cover. The cover allows for a special contact by respecting the safety clearance to the teeth. By removing the cover hydrogel is pumped into the gap to provide acoustic coupling. In addition, it is used for lubrication of the cover movement.