Abstract: Metal objects are treated by anodising the metal object in contact with an aqueous electrolyte, and then subjecting the anodised metal object to a reversed voltage. The anodising is performed in two stages, firstly to passivate with the formation of an oxide layer, and secondly to form regions in the oxide layer having a higher oxygen to metal atom ratio, for example pits or caps, in this oxide layer. The second stage of anodising is performed by applying a multiplicity of voltage cycles, each voltage cycle involving ramping the voltage between a lower threshold voltage and an upper threshold voltage, and then returning to the lower threshold voltage. The reversed voltage step forms a hydrous metal oxide in the regions of higher oxygen to metal atom ratio, and the oxide layer and hydrous metal oxide together constitute a surface layer which is integral with the metal object, and has ion exchange capacity.

Abstract: Metal objects are treated by anodising the metal object in contact with an aqueous electrolyte, and then subjecting the anodised metal object to a reversed voltage. The anodising is performed in two stages, firstly to passivate with the formation of an oxide layer, and secondly to form regions in the oxide layer having a higher oxygen to metal atom ratio, for example pits or caps, in this oxide layer. The second stage of anodising is performed by applying a multiplicity of voltage cycles, each voltage cycle involving ramping the voltage between a lower threshold voltage and an upper threshold voltage, and then returning to the lower threshold voltage. The reversed voltage step forms a hydrous metal oxide in the regions of higher oxygen to metal atom ratio, and the oxide layer and hydrous metal oxide together constitute a surface layer which is integral with the metal object, and has ion exchange capacity.

Abstract: A non-thermal plasma reactor for the treatment of a gaseous medium comprising a plurality of double-sided filter elements in a stack, the elements being connectable alternately to high voltage and earth, and provided with a dielectric barrier between successive filter elements wherein the gaseous medium is constrained to flow into the filter elements.

Abstract: An air diffuser for a motor-fan unit having reduced blade passage frequencies, and reduced noise generation, includes a baffle plate, external vanes, internal vanes, diffuser ports, and a central opening. The baffle plate of the diffuser is made integral with the internal and external vanes, such that any leaking, rattling, or pure tone noise that may be generated from air movement over the surface of the diffuser are prevented or reduced. Additionally, the number of internal and external vanes provided by the diffuser is that equal to a prime number, thus resulting in a reduction of harmonic and pure tone noise generated during the operation of the motor-fan unit.

Abstract: A low-noise air moving motor assembly includes a motor assembly having a rotatable shaft, a fan assembly coupled to the rotatable shaft which generates an airflow that passes over at least a portion of the motor assembly. A self-extinguishing flame and noise suppression sleeve is at least partially disposed around the motor assembly. Ideally, the sleeve is a 94 V-0 rated foam material. The fan assembly includes a fan secured to the shaft, a diffuser/bracket assembly coupled to the motor assembly which rotatably receives the shaft. A fan shroud is secured to the diffuser/bracket assembly, wherein rotation of the fan draws air in through the fan shroud and out the diffuser/bracket assembly, the diffuser/bracket assembly having at least one foam piece coupled to curvilinear vanes reduce the noise of air flowing therethrough.