Abstract: Versions of the invention include methods for reducing microbubbles in liquids treated by heat or mass exchange devices. The exchange devices may be conditioned by having gases in crevices and surfaces displaced by a liquid. The methods can be used to prepare liquids with reduced numbers of microbubbles.

Abstract: Versions of the invention include methods for reducing microbubbles in liquids treated by heat or mass exchange devices. The exchange devices may be conditioned by having gases in crevices and surfaces displaced by a liquid. The methods can be used to prepare liquids with reduced numbers of microbubbles.

Abstract: Versions of the invention include methods for reducing microbubbles in liquids treated by heat or mass exchange devices. The exchange devices may be conditioned by having gases in crevices and surfaces displaced by a liquid. The methods can be used to prepare liquids with reduced numbers of microbubbles.

Abstract: Versions of the invention include methods for reducing microbubbles in liquids treated by heat or mass exchange devices. The exchange devices may be conditioned by having gases in crevices and surfaces displaced by a liquid. The methods can be used to prepare liquids with reduced numbers of microbubbles.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention are directed to an apparatus that can be used to treat fluids. The apparatus can include a housing with an inlet for receiving a process fluid to be treated, a surface within the housing for treating the process fluid that can be wet by the process fluid, and an outlet for removing treated process fluid. The housing includes a vent that aids in the removal of fluid components that separate from the process fluid. Removal of these separated fluids improves the efficiency and contact of the process fluid with the surfaces in the housing for treating the process fluid.

Abstract: A window screen for use adjacent a window of a structure for blocking a substantial portion of direct sunlight from entering the structure through the window while providing a generally unobstructed field of view through the window screen. The window screen includes a web having a generally uniform thickness and defining a plurality of openings therethrough, each opening having a depth dimension defined by and substantially equal to the thickness of the web and an opening dimension being generally transverse to the depth dimension. The depth dimension is greater than or equal to the opening dimension such that light rays entering the openings generally in the plane of the maximum opening dimension at an angle measured from a plane defined by a surface of the web are blocked from directly passing through the openings due to the light rays contacting the web along the depth of the openings.

Abstract: The present invention provides a process for forming inlaid patterns of metal into specified areas of a patterned substrate. The process, which is useful in the manufacture of semiconductor devices and circuits, comprises selectively removing seed layer from all surfaces save the trenches and vias and selectively electroless plating a metal into the patterned substrate where the seed layer remains. The present invention further provides an abrasive-free polishing-pad configured to planarize a metal plated surface, agitate chemical reagents and facilitate removal of gases generated by the electroless plating process.

Abstract: A process for and a system of removing volatile vapor solvents, particularly from paint-spray booths and paint dryers, and recovering such solvents, which process comprises: intimately contacting the solvent-laden air with a multiphase scrubbing media, particularly a water stream containing an oil-in-water emulsion or a surfactant or a powdered activated carbon, to capture and to dissolve the solvent vapor in the dispersed phase of the scrubbing media in a gas scrubber; removing the solvent-enriched scrubbing media and concentrating the solvent-enriched scrubbing media employing an ultrafiltration device; stripping the solvent from the concentrated solvent-enriched scrubbing media from the ultrafiltration device to remove and recover the solvent, while recycling the scrubbing media for further contact with fresh solvent-laden air; and recycling the water carrier as a permeate for reuse in contacting the solvent-laden air.

Abstract: A process for removing volatile vapor solvents, particularly from paint-spray booths and paint dryers, and recovering such solvents, which process comprises: intimately contacting the solvent-laden air with a multiphase scrubbing media, particularly a water stream containing an oil-in-water emulsion or a surfactant or a powdered activated carbon, to capture and to dissolve the solvent vapor in the dispersed phase of the scrubbing media in a gas scrubber; removing the solvent-enriched scrubbing media and concentrating the solvent-enriched scrubbing media employing an ultrafiltration device; stripping the solvent from the concentrated solvent-enriched scrubbing media from the ultrafiltration device to remove and recover the solvent, while recycling the scrubbing media for further contact with fresh solvent-laden air; and recycling the water carrier as a permeate for reuse in contacting the solvent-laden air.