Abstract: Optical information media having high pressure-at-break values, and methods for determining pressure-at-break values are disclosed. The media have high structural integrities, and are designed to confer greater resistance to delamination forces as compared to conventional optical information media.

Abstract: Optical information media containing encapsulated data layers are disclosed. Selective layering of materials in inner radial, middle radial, and outer radial zones allows for the faces and edges of at least the data layers to be encapsulated by other materials, resulting in increased resistance to harmful environmental agents such as oxygen and moisture.

Abstract: An accelerated vapor recompression apparatus 10 converts incoming flow 35a to a concentrate 35c by developing a concentration profile 146 within a tank 30 holding a liquid 23 containing dissolved solids. The resulting curve 160 of saturation temperature of the stratified liquid 23 (such as a brine 23 or other material 23) moves away from the curve 162 corresponding to fully mixed conditions. The shift 174, 180 in saturation temperature results in increased boiling without increased energy from a heater 70 or compressor 50. A method 90, 200 of control of the system provides interventions 203, 204, 205, 206 at different levels 92, 94, 96, 98 of control, ranging from mass flows 35 to work of a compressor 50, heat from a heater 70, and a predictive processing 215 of feedback 217 for controlling commands 216 algorithmically.

Abstract: An accelerated vapor recompression apparatus 10 converts incoming flow 35a to a concentrate 35c by developing a concentration profile 146 within a tank 30 holding a liquid 23 containing dissolved solids. The resulting curve 160 of saturation temperature of the stratified liquid 23 (such as a brine 23 or other material 23) moves away from the curve 162 corresponding to fully mixed conditions. The shift 174, 180 in saturation temperature results in increased boiling without increased energy from a heater 70 or compressor 50. A method 90, 200 of control of the system provides interventions 203, 204, 205, 206 at different levels 92, 94, 96, 98 of control, ranging from mass flows 35 to work of a compressor 50, heat from a heater 70, and a predictive processing 215 of feedback 217 for controlling commands 216 algorithmically.

Abstract: An accelerated vapor recompression apparatus 10 converts incoming flow 35a to a concentrate 35c by developing a concentration profile 146 within a tank 30 holding a liquid 23 containing dissolved solids. The resulting curve 160 of saturation temperature of the stratified liquid 23 (such as a brine 23 or other material 23) moves away from the curve 162 corresponding to fully mixed conditions. The shift 174, 180 in saturation temperature results in increased boiling without increased energy from a heater 70 or compressor 50. A method 90, 200 of control of the system provides interventions 203, 204, 205, 206 at different levels 92, 94, 96, 98 of control, ranging from mass flows 35 to work of a compressor 50, heat from a heater 70, and a predictive processing 215 of feedback 217 for controlling commands 216 algorithmically.

Abstract: Disclosed is a digital information media having an adhesion promotion layer supported on a dummy (L1) substrate that enables secure bonding of the L1 layer, directly or indirectly, to the rest of the stack of layers in the digital information media. Certain materials including metals, metal alloys, or metalloids enhance adhesion between the adhesive layer and the L1. By applying an adhesion promotion layer of such materials on an inner surface of the L1, the bond between the adhesive and the adhesion promotion layer improves bonding and reduces a tendency for the L1 to delaminate from the rest of the stack. The tendency for breakage of the media at the juncture between the adhesion promotion layer and the adhesive is reduced, and incursion of moisture or oxygen through the interface between the adhesion promotion layer and the adhesive is inhibited.

Abstract: Optical information media having high pressure-at-break values, and methods for determining pressure-at-break values are disclosed. The media have high structural integrities, and are designed to confer greater resistance to delamination forces as compared to conventional optical information media.

Abstract: Optical information media containing encapsulated data layers are disclosed. Selective layering of materials in inner radial, middle radial, and outer radial zones allows for the faces and edges of at least the data layers to be encapsulated by other materials, resulting in increased resistance to harmful environmental agents such as oxygen and moisture.

Abstract: The present invention provides a process for removing metals from aqueous solutions. This process entails contacting the aqueous solution with at least one neutralizing agent and at least one precipitating agent that preferentially precipitates metals from the aqueous solution. The neutralizing agent is a lithic material that neutralizes the acidity of the aqueous solution to promote the precipitation of metals form the aqueous solution. The precipitating agent is a lithic material that serves as a preferred locus of deposition for the metals precipitated by the neutralizing agent, i.e. those metals precipitated form the aqueous solution during neutralization.

Abstract: The use of dilute aqueous water-soluble fertilizer compositions are disclosed to enhance the rewetting of water, uniformity and nutrient retention characteristics of initially untreated plant culture media and soil.

Abstract: A process for the treatment of an aqueous media having contaminants therein, including adding hydrogen peroxide to the aqueous media, exposing the aqueous media to a catalytic environment, removing the aqueous media from the catalytic environment prior to the aqueous media having a five minute residence time within the catalytic environment, thereafter adding ozone to the aqueous media, and allowing the ozone and aqueous media to interact outside of the presence of the catalytic environment.

Abstract: The use of dilute aqueous water-soluble fertilizer compositions are disclosed to enhance the rewetting of water, uniformity and nutrient retention characteristics of initially untreated plant culture media and soil.

Abstract: The present invention provides a process for removing metals from aqueous solutions. This process entails contacting the aqueous solution with at least one neutralizing agent and at least one precipitating agent that preferentially precipitates metals from the aqueous solution. The neutralizing agent is a lithic material that neutralizes the acidity of the aqueous solution to promote the precipitation of metals form the aqueous solution. The precipitating agent is a lithic material that serves as a preferred locus of deposition for the metals precipitated by the neutralizing agent, i.e. those metals precipitated form the aqueous solution during neutralization.

Abstract: A process for the treatment of an aqueous media having contaminants therein, including adding hydrogen peroxide to the aqueous media, exposing the aqueous media to a catalytic environment, removing the aqueous media from the catalytic environment prior to the aqueous media having a five minute residence time within the catalytic environment, thereafter adding ozone to the aqueous media, and allowing the ozone and aqueous media to interact outside of the presence of the catalytic environment.

Abstract: A process for the treatment of an aqueous media having contaminants therein, including adding hydrogen peroxide to the aqueous media, exposing the aqueous media to a catalytic environment, removing the aqueous media from the catalytic environment prior to the aqueous media having a five minute residence time within the catalytic environment, thereafter adding ozone to the aqueous media, and allowing the ozone and aqueous media to interact outside of the presence of the catalytic environment.

Abstract: Solid surfactant-impregnated, water-soluble fertilizer compositions are disclosed together with aqueous concentrates made therefrom. The use of dilute aqueous compositions made from said concentrates to enhance the rewetting of water uniformity and nutrient retention characteristics of initially untreated plant culture media is also disclosed. The fertilizer composition solids are friable and are composed of from 65 to 99 weight percent water-soluble fertilizer; and from 1 to 35 weight percent of a surfactant system comprising water-soluble nonionic surfactant and alkyl polyglycoside in a weight ratio of from less than 2:1 to 1:5. When these solid compositions are dissolved in water to form concentrates having from 20 to 50 weight percent fertilizer, the concentrates are both single phased and extremely stable.

Abstract: This invention relates to certain natural diatomaceous earth granule compositions which can be broadcast, i.e., dry spread on the soil to deliver a pesticide or fertilizer. The granules retain their physical integrity when spread, and have the unique property to spontaneously disintegrate when irrigation water is applied or rainfall hits the particle. Upon wetting, the particle disintegrates (blooms) to cover the soil surface. This bloom can cover an area many times the original area covered by the granule. The granules have high loadings of the diatomaceous earth, i.e. from about 35 to about 95 weight percent and contain from about 5 to about 40 weight percent of a surfactant system which exhibits excellent disintegration; rewetting and binding properties. Bioactive compounds can be loaded at up to 60 weight percent of the granule. Bioactive compounds may be formulated products or technical grades and may be homogeneously distributed throughout the granule or spray impregnated onto the granule.

Abstract: This invention relates to certain natural diatomaceous earth granule compositions which can be broadcast, i. e., dry spread on the soil to deliver a pesticide or fertilizer. The granules retain their physical integrity when spread, and have the unique property to spontaneously disintegrate when irrigation water is applied or rainfall hits the particle. Upon wetting, the particle disintegrates (blooms) to cover the soil surface. This bloom can cover an area many times the original area covered by the granule. The granules have high loadings of the diatomaceous earth, i.e. from about 35 to about 95 weight percent and contain from about 5 to about 40 weight percent of a surfactant system which exhibits excellent disintegration; rewetting and binding properties. Bioactive compounds can be loaded at up to 60 weight percent of the granule. Bioactive compounds may be formulated products or technical grades and may be homogeneously distributed throughout the granule or spray impregnated onto the granule.

Abstract: A safety valve for retaining liquid in an inverted, liquid-filled canister inserted within a receptacle having an outlet, includes a valve having a base and a head, a retainer attached to the receptacle, the retainer having a compartment for receiving the valve base and at least one passage for allowing the liquid to flow through at least one passage when the valve is disengaged, and a spring positioned within the compartment, telescopically engaging the valve base, for providing a sealing force on the valve, wherein the valve head engages the outlet of the receptacle for retaining the liquid within the canister when the spring force exceeds the hydrostatic force of the liquid within the canister and the weight of the valve.