Abstract: Disclosed herein is a device for the removal of biological and chemical contaminants from an air current The apparatus comprises a) a housing that defines an interior chamber, the housing having an inlet and an outlet; b) one or more ultraviolet emitting light sources positioned within the interior chamber; and c) one or more baffles providing resistance to airflow, wherein air enters the chamber through the inlet, travels through the inner chamber, and exits via the outlet. In addition, the apparatus includes a photocatalyst.

Abstract: A method of controlling air pollution arising from sulphur trioxide and or sulphuric acid in coal combustion gases, combustion gases passing through the demister region of a wet flue gas desulphurisation unit are exposed to a sulphide based reducing agent such as hydrogen sulphide, such that metal catalysts promoting the oxidation of ammonia leading to the formation of nitrosylsulfuric acid are poisoned and so prevented from catalysing the formation and discharge of sulphuric acid in aerosol emissions in stack gases.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a process for sintering particles using a sintering aid. The sintering aid can be brought into contact with a plurality of particles to be sintered such that a mixture of the particles and the sintering aid is provided. The mixture of particles and the sintering aid is heated and at least part of the sintering aid is vaporized. Sintering of the particles to form a sintered component followed by cooling of the sintered component can complete the process, or in the alternative, a subsequent heating step or steps can be included whereby additional vaporization of the sintering aid can occur.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a process for joining materials. The process can include providing a first component with a first joint face and a second component with a second joint face. The first component, second component, and bonding layer can be assembled such that the first joint face is oppositely disposed from the second joint face with the bonding layer located at least partially therebetween. Heat can be applied to the first joint face and the second joint face with the bonding layer therebetween. In this manner, wetting and possibly slight dissolving of the first joint face and the second joint face can be afforded, with at least part of the bonding layer being vaporized. In addition, the first joint face can come into intimate contact with the second joint face and form a bond interface, with the first component being bonded to the second component across the bond interface.

Abstract: A method of presenting password information to a user, the method comprising: receiving a password; determining the number of unique character sets utilized in the password; and displaying the number of unique character sets that are contained within the password.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention provides a system that establishes a secure connection with a peer. During operation, the system obtains an identity for the peer. Next, the system looks up the identity for the peer in a local store, which contains identities for trusted peers. If this lookup fails, the system asks a user if the peer can be trusted. If the user indicates that the peer can be trusted, the system establishes a secure connection with the peer.

Abstract: An embodiment of the invention is directed to a method and diluent for stabilizing biomolecules, comprising Tris and a polyhydroxy carbohydrate selected from the group consisting of mannitol and trehalose. The diluent may optionally include casein added as a background blocking protein. The diluent may optionally include sodium azide as an anti-microbial agent. Mannitol and/or trehalose are particularly useful embodiments of polyhydroxy carbohydrates.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention provides a system that establishes a secure connection with a peer. During operation, the system obtains an identity for the peer. Next, the system looks up the identity for the peer in a local store, which contains identities for trusted peers. If this lookup fails, the system asks a user if the peer can be trusted. If the user indicates that the peer can be trusted, the system establishes a secure connection with the peer.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a new delivery system and method for producing same. The delivery system is a biphasic system of delivering charged macromolecules and comprises a negatively charged hydrophobic organic phase and a positively charged inorganic phase. The organic phase and the inorganic phase entrapping added macromolecules. The macromolecules are entrapped by electrostatic bonds between the organic phase, the inorganic phase and the macromolecules. The method for producing the delivery system comprises the steps of contacting together and mixing a negatively charged organic phase, a charged macromolecule and positively charged inorganic phase.

Abstract: The frame of a laminating press includes a plurality of spaced-apart fixed threaded fasteners over which an edge of a vacuum bag having apertures aligned with such fasteners is placed. Subsequently, a backing bar having aligned apertures is placed over the vacuum bag and second threaded fasteners are secured to the first-named threaded fasteners for clamping the edge of the vacuum bag between the channel and backing bar. In a preferred embodiment, the channel is substantially C-shaped providing a serpentine pathway and attachment of the edge of the vacuum bag to the laminating press frame, thereby securely holding the edge of the vacuum bag thereto. In a preferred embodiment also, a sealing pad is positioned on the lower surface of the frame to improve the vacuum seal between the vacuum bag and the lower adjacent table on which the part to be laminated is placed.

Abstract: A registration controller for sensing the presence and location of registration marks on a web as the web passes a scanner, and for generating a signal for use in controlling downstream operations such as cutting and/or printing operations. The controller includes a light source located remotely from the scanner. Light from the source is directed to the scanner and onto the web. The web reflects the light, the amount and intensity of the reflection depending upon the color and reflectivity of the particular area of the web on which the light is being currently directed. The reflected light is directed to a photo receptor which converts the reflected light to an analog electric signal, the level of the signal being determined by the amount and intensity of reflected light, within a particular predetermined range. This analog electric signal is then amplified, processed and converted to a digital signal for use in controlling the aforementioned downstream operations.

Abstract: A liquid holding tank incorporates a liquid-containing portion surrounded by thermal insulating material within a casing. The liquid-containing portion comprises an elongated horizontal chamber and at least one tubular shaft extending upwardly from the chamber. The elongated chamber may be segment-shaped in cross-section, the top being flat.