Abstract: An appliance for washing objects is disclosed that effectively and energy-efficiently filters oil-based residue from a fluid such as washing fluid that drains from a basin in the appliance. In one illustrative embodiment, an appliance includes a novel filter assembly for filtering oil-based residue out of the washing fluid. The filter assembly includes a filter layer composed of a material that is both oleophilic and hydrophobic. The filter assembly forms part of a fluid distribution system that has different configurations. A first configuration allows for recirculating filtered wash fluid from an outlet of the filter assembly back into the basin of the appliance. A second configuration allows for draining both the washing fluid from the outlet of the filter assembly and the oil-based residue from a bypass zone of the filter assembly to an appliance outlet.

Abstract: An appliance for washing objects is disclosed that effectively and energy-efficiently filters oil-based residue from a fluid such as washing fluid that drains from a basin in the appliance. In one illustrative embodiment, an appliance includes a novel filter assembly for filtering oil-based residue out of the washing fluid. The filter assembly includes a filter layer composed of a material that is both oleophilic and hydrophobic. The filter assembly forms part of a fluid distribution system that has different configurations. A first configuration allows for recirculating filtered wash fluid from an outlet of the filter assembly back into the basin of the appliance. A second configuration allows for draining both the washing fluid from the outlet of the filter assembly and the oil-based residue from a bypass zone of the filter assembly to an appliance outlet.

Abstract: A device for controlling the flow of electric current is provided. The device comprises a first conductor as thin film form; a second conductor switchably coupled to the first conductor to alternate between an electrically connected state with the first conductor and an electrically disconnected state with the first conductor. At least one conductor further comprises an electrical contact, the electrical contact comprising a solid matrix comprising a plurality of pores; and a filler material disposed within at least a portion of the plurality of pores. The filler material has a melting point of less than about 575 K. A method to make an electrical contact is provided. The method includes the steps of: providing a substrate; providing a plurality of pores on the substrate; and disposing a filler material within at least a portion of the plurality of pores. The filler material has a melting point of less than about 575 K.

Abstract: Provided is a method that includes providing a granular first material (e.g., a magnetocaloric material) and a sinterable second material. The granular first material and the sinterable second material can be combined to form an aggregate. Once the aggregate has been formed, localized sintering of the aggregate can be performed, for example, such that, subsequent to localized sintering, the second material is substantially contiguous and binds the granular first material. Associated compositions and systems are also provided.

Abstract: A device for controlling the flow of electric current is provided. The device comprises a first conductor as thin film form; a second conductor switchably coupled to the first conductor to alternate between an electrically connected state with the first conductor and an electrically disconnected state with the first conductor. At least one conductor further comprises an electrical contact, the electrical contact comprising a solid matrix comprising a plurality of pores; and a filler material disposed within at least a portion of the plurality of pores. The filler material has a melting point of less than about 575 K. A method to make an electrical contact is provided. The method includes the steps of: providing a substrate; providing a plurality of pores on the substrate; and disposing a filler material within at least a portion of the plurality of pores. The filler material has a melting point of less than about 575 K.

Abstract: A porous nanozeolite material having a first dimension less than about 1 micron and a second dimension less than about 100 microns. The nanozeolite material comprises pores having an average diameter less than about 50 nm. A method of making microporous nanozeolites is provided. The method comprises the steps of providing an aqueous solution comprising at least one nanozeolite precursor material or zeolite particles, and electrospinning the aqueous solution onto a substrate to form an electrospun material. The electrospun material comprises microporous nanozeolites. A method of making mesoporous nanozeolites is also provided. The method comprises the step of providing an aqueous solution comprising a nanozeolite precursor material and at least one structure directing agent, and electrospinning the aqueous solution onto a substrate to form an electrospun mesoporous nanozeolite material. A gas sensor device is provided. The device comprises nanozeolite sensing material.

Abstract: A device for controlling the flow of electric current is provided. The device comprises a first conductor; a second conductor switchably coupled to the first conductor to alternate between an electrically connected state with the first conductor and an electrically disconnected state with the first conductor. At least one conductor further comprises an electrical contact, the electrical contact comprising a solid matrix comprising a plurality of pores; and a filler material disposed within at least a portion of the plurality of pores. The filler material has a melting point of less than about 575K. A method to make an electrical contact is provided. The method includes the steps of: providing a substrate; providing a plurality of pores on the substrate; and disposing a filler material within at least a portion of the plurality of pores. The filler material has a melting point of less than about 575K.