Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for fusing tabs of a hook or loop fastener material to opposing ends of an elongated band of cooperating hook or loop fastener material. The tabs are fed from two sources of a first material on opposing sides of a bonding station. The band is formed from a supply of a second material which is first fed to a transfer device having first and second grippers. The grippers transfer the band of material to the bonding station in a direction transverse to the transfer of the tabs to the bonding station, and the ends of the band are placed in overlapping relationship with the tabs. Subsequently, a pair of ultrasonic welding horns are moved into contact with the overlapping material to fuse the band of material to the tabs. The apparatus operates under the control of a programmable controller and the length of the band may be varied by altering a length of the second material fed between the grippers of the transfer mechanism.

Abstract: A process and a device for making asymmetric laminated panes composed of a support and at least one sheet of plastic material by calendaring. A blank sheet of plastic material is brought into contact with the support to be covered by an endless conveyor belt. The blank sheet is released progressively so as to bring it into contact with the support just before the pressing passage, as the laminated assembly passes into and through the pressing passage.

Abstract: In a device by means of which to support dispensers of adhesive material for application to selected areas of a wrapping material, use is made of a slide equipped with a yoke providing a releasable restraint for at least one disposable type of dispenser consisting of or containing the adhesive. The slide reciprocates between at least two limit positions, following a path along which the adhesive is applied by the dispenser to a selected area.

Abstract: A process and apparatus are described for patterning a masked metal layer to form a layer of metal interconnects for an integrated circuits structure which removes metal etch residues, while inhibiting or eliminating erosion of the photoresist mask, by providing an amplitude modulation of the RF bias power supplied to the substrate support of the substrate being etched. The amplitude modulation of the RF power superimposes short pulses of RF power of sufficient magnitude (pulse height) and of sufficient duration (pulse width) to remove metal etch residues as they form during the etch process without, however, eroding the photoresist etch mask during the etch process sufficiently to adversely impact the patterning of the metal layer.

Abstract: An apparatus and process for making the fibrous structure, having three four, and more regions. The process is similar to known papermaking techniques, but comprises the additional steps of applying a differential pressure to selected regions of the fibrous structure which are not coincident with the regions of the fibrous structure defined by the apparatus in prior steps of the papermaking process. The selective application of noncoincident differential pressure to selected regions of the fibrous structure may result in densification or dedensification of such regions.

Abstract: A process for controlling the deposition of stickies from paper stock suspensions in papermaking involving the steps of: (a) providing a paper stock suspension containing stickies; and (b) contacting the stickies in the paper stock suspension with a native starch.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a continuous belt edge detector system for use in a paper making machine having a continuous belt guide device. The edge detector system comprises a continuous belt having an edge dope with metallic particles therein and an inductive sensor connected to the guide device and adjacent the edge dope. The inductive sensor sends a signal to the guide device indicative of a location of the continuous belt. The guide device moves the continuous belt, e.g., transversely relative to the running direction of the belt within the machine, dependent on the inductive sensor signal.

Abstract: The invention concerns a pressing arrangement for a moving web. The arrangement comprises a cylindrical roll forming a press zone with a glide-belt which is at least partially and slidingly supported by a shoe having a contour of alterable convexity along the press zone surface so as to alter the length of the press zone. Supply mechanisms are provided to supply lubricant for a lubricating film between the glide belt and the shoe. The shoe can be supported by a counter roll situated on the opposite side of the shoe relative the press roll and have a concave surface mating the counter roll thus enabling adjustment of the shoe around the centerline of the counter roll. In an alternative arrangement a desired press zone length could be obtained by installing a removable insert having a proper contour in the press zone area of the shoe.

Abstract: An apparatus for separating a first component of a process stream from a second component of a process stream in a single vessel has been developed. The single vessel apparatus has a membrane contactor dividing the vessel into an upper portion and a lower portion where the membrane contactor is a material providing selective permeation of fluid components and restricting passage of at least one component to the upper portion of the vessel, and a plurality of vertically spaced apart distillation contactors disposed within the vessel for vapor and liquid distillation located in the lower and/or upper portion of the vessel. The benefit is the production of a process stream that is of high first component purity at reduced capital equipment costs.

Abstract: An apparatus for converting seawater or other contaminated water into pure water for reuse including: a source of the contaminated water; a first horizontal housing connected to the source of contaminated water and having a heat exchanger therein for vaporizing the contaminated water therein; a vertical housing connected to the distal end of the first horizontal housing for fluid communication therebetween; a second horizontal housing connected at its proximate end to the vertical housing for fluid communication therebetween, the second horizontal housing having a heat exchanger therein for condensing vapor therein; a weir vertically mounted in the first housing for retaining a portion of the contaminated water in the first housing and allowing the other portion of the contaminated water to pass through the heat exchange evaporator from the proximate to distal end of the first housing.

Abstract: A leaching device for electrolyzed silver comprising a pair of silver electrodes an electrolysis power source for applying a DC electrolyzing voltage between both of the electrodes, a power source control circuit for ON/OFF control of the electrolysis power source, a current control circuit for controlling the electrolyzing current flowing between both of the electrodes thereby controlling the leaching amount of silver, a polarity switching circuit for switching the polarity of the electrolyzing voltage, a driving circuit for driving the polarity switching circuit, and an abnormality sensing circuit that senses the abnormality of the silver electrode based on the change of an electric current flowing to the silver electrode.

Abstract: A water purifier removes harmful materials from tap water by electrochemical oxidation-reduction and distillation without using any filters. The water purifier has an electrochemical oxidation-reduction unit which removes heavy metals and organic materials from tap water by an electrochemical oxidation-reduction reaction, thus providing pre-purified water. A distillation unit heats the pre-purified water in order to vaporize the water while distilling off harmful materials. The vapor is discharged from the distillation unit and is condensed by a condenser while flowing in a vapor guide pipe, thus providing finally-purified water.

Abstract: An apparatus for producing electrolytically and collecting separately two gases includes an electrolytic tank, a power supply unit, and two gas tanks. The electrolytic tank has a casing with an open top, a plurality of electrode plates which are spaced parallelly in the casing and which are connected electrically to the power supply unit, and a lid member disposed on the open top of the casing. The lid member has first and second cavities in its upper face and a plurality of partition plates and press plates depending alternatively from its lower face. A plurality of clearances are formed between the partition and press plates. Each of the press plates abuts against a top edge of a respective one of the electrode plates. The first and second cavities are formed respectively with a plurality of first and second through holes which are staggered with one another so that the first and second cavities can be communicated alternatively with the clearances.

Abstract: A vacuum sputtering apparatus for forming metal lines on a semiconductor wafer, including an annular reactive gas injector and a silicon carbide chuck for direct uniform heating of the wafer to a high temperature, preferably in the range of approximately 500.degree. C. to 800.degree. C., thereby allowing the deposition of titanium and titanium nitride layers having uniform thickness and composition.

Abstract: A shield for use in a sputtering system. The shield includes a support having an inner expanse defining a two-dimensional array of cavities. The cavities are formed of two-dimensionally concave wall surfaces, where the intersections of the wall surfaces of adjacent cavities form a two-dimensional array of edges on the expanse. The shield minimizes the tendency of material deposited on the shield surface, such as sputtered carbon material, from flaking off during a sputtering operation. Also disclosed is a sputtering assembly that employs the shield.

Abstract: The invention concerns electrophoresis and methods and electrolyte compositions for decoupling or isolating the dual functions of the electrolyte composition in order to increase separation selectivity or reduce electromigration dispersion, or both. An electrolyte composition is used in electrophoresis to separate a charged analyte having a mobility .mu..sub.a in an electric field. The composition includes a buffer system having an ionic component that controls the pH of the composition and mobility matching ions having a mobility .mu..sub.2 in the electric field, such that .mu..sub.a /.mu..sub.2 equals about one. Alternatively, the buffer system may maintain the composition's pH and a complexing agent may complex with the buffer system to alter the mobility .mu..sub.2 of an ionic component of the buffer system, such that .mu..sub.a /.mu..sub.2 equals about one. The pH of the composition is within a pH range selected based on the analyte to be separated, and .mu..sub.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for and an apparatus for detecing amines or amino acids, which apparatus generally includes a capillary electrophoresis separation tube with a post-capillary reactor positioned at the end of the tube to immediately receive separated samples from the tube. The post-capillary reactor includes a solution of Ru(bpy).sub.3.sup.2+ buffered with a base. The post capillary reactor further includes an electrode assembly for providing current to the solution to convert nonluminescing Ru(bpy).sub.3.sup.2+ to luminescing Ru(bpy).sub.3.sup.3+. The method generally includes separating the desired analyte from the sample, contacting the analyte with the solution to produce luminescence, and then photometrically measuring the amount of analyte present as a function of the luminescence.

Abstract: A method of providing a semiconductor device with an inorganic electrically insulative layer, the device having exposed semiconductor surfaces and electrically conductive metal end terminations, in which the device is reacted with phosphoric acid to form a phosphate on the exposed surfaces of the semiconductor but not on the metal end terminations, and in which the device is thereafter barrel plated in a conventional electrical barrel plating process and the plating is provided only on the end terminations because the phosphate is not electrically conductive.

Abstract: An incremental object or part fabrication method includes the step of determining the dimensional boundaries of the part, the dimensional boundaries including x, y, and z dimensions. A reference surface is provided and a first incremental layer of mold material is formed on the reference surface. The first incremental layer of mold material is selectively interrupted to define at least one dimensional boundary of the part. A first incremental layer of part material is formed upon at least the reference surface, wherein a second reference surface is defined by the first incremental layers of mold and part material. The steps of forming incremental layers of mold and part material are repeated until the object is fully fabricated and all dimensional boundaries are defined.

Abstract: An electroetching tool using scanned localized application of flowing electrolyte against a workpiece such as a large area mask having high density features for the fabrication of microelectronic components. A masked molybdenum plate is suspended in a vertical direction within a tank which functions as a reservoir for a recirculating electrobyte. The electrolyte in the reservoir is filtered and pumped to a pair of travelling cathode assemblies from which the flowing electrolyte is simultaneously applied through respective charged orifices to both sides of the workpiece. The workpiece is masked on its opposite sides with mirror imaged mask apertures having corresponding opposite-sided features in registration with each other.Each orifice through which the electrolyte is applied comprises an open groove in the surface of a block of polyvinal chloride material which groove extends in a vertical direction relative to the tank. The bottom of the groove is adjacent to a conductive plate.

Abstract: An electrokinetic system and method are provided for removing charged species from a sample in which said charged species is commingled with at least one radionuclide. The apparatus comprises an anode compartment comprising an anode, a cathode compartment comprising a cathode, and a treatment zone in fluid communication with the anode and cathode compartments for containing the sample. The anode compartment, cathode compartment, and treatment zone are arranged so that a voltage gradient applied between the anode and the cathode induces an electrical current flow through the sample in the treatment zone. The current causes migration of the positively charged species in the sample toward the cathode and the negatively charges species toward the anode. A pH controller is provided for monitoring and adjusting acidity and basicity to facilitate the removal of salts while maintaining contaminants within the sample.

Abstract: An apparatus for reducing nitrates in an aqueous solution includes an electrochemical cell having a container for containing the aqueous solution containing nitrates, a carbon fiber cathodic electrode, a carbon fiber anodic electrode, and a reference electrode immersed in the aqueous solution, and an electronic control circuit which impresses a voltage across the electrodes causing electrochemical reduction/oxidation reactions on the surfaces of the electrodes. The electrodes are at a potential such that nitrates are reduced to gaseous products, and further such that hydrogen, oxygen, chlorine, an other noxious substances are not produced. The cell may be a flow cell or a holding tank and apparatus of different size and capacity are disclosed. The apparatus is useful in reducing nitrates in any water system and is particularly useful in reducing nitrates in aquatic systems without harming aquatic life.

Abstract: A molecular sieve catalyst is composited with an inert binder derived from an organic silicon source and organic polymer. The catalyst is used in dewaxing of petroleum chargestocks.

Abstract: The present invention provides a large number of inhibiting agents that are useful to reduce aldol condensation in monoethanolamine scrubbers. Such agents include hydrazine, hydroperoxides, hydrogen peroxide, and dialkylketone oximes. Preferred inhibiting agents are hydrazines.

Abstract: Alkylphosphonate ester compounds or acids thereof are disclosed as effective fouling inhibitors in liquid hydrocarbonaceous medium undergoing processing at elevated temperatures.

Abstract: A catalyst system comprises a physical mixture of a conversion catalyst and a sulfur sorbent to accommodate small quantities of sulfur from a hydrocarbon feedstock. Preferably, the physical mixture comprises a sulfur-sensitive reforming catalyst protected from sulfur deactivation by a manganese-oxide catalyst. The invention shows substantial benefits over prior-art processes in catalyst utilization.

Abstract: This FCC process suspends a layer of catalyst in a riser proximate or above the riser outlets. The density at the riser outlets is higher than the flowing density in the riser. The suspended catalyst provides a disengagement zone that enhances the separation of catalyst from product vapors. The riser operates in a manner that prevents any discharge of catalyst from its end. The arrangement also provides a convenient method for vetoing stripping vapors into a closed reactor cyclone system.

Abstract: An omnidirectional skimmer for removing debris from the surface of a liquid includes a first flotation member, a second flotation member, first and second hollow cross-members and a net operatively connected to the first and second hollow cross-members. The first and second hollow cross-members have open ends such that in operation one of the cross-members is submerged in water and therefore filled with water, while the other cross-member is above the surface of the water and therefore empty. The hollow open cross-members and an omnidirectional pulling element allow the pool skimmer to be operated in any direction regardless of orientation. For example, the pool skimmer can be flipped over and still operated, or the net of the pool skimmer can be inverted while the pool skimmer maintains operational effectiveness.

Abstract: A bubble aeration system and method for removing radon and other contaminants from domestic or commercial water supplies in a single tank having a baffle arrangement or channels creating a sinuous water path for a more effective separation of radon from the water supply and incorporating a storage chamber for cleaned water.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for oxidizing an aqueous suspension of organic matter at elevated pressure. The apparatus has a reactor and an inlet for the aqueous suspension which is introduced to an upstream end of the reactor. A device for circulating the aqueous suspension through the reactor. An inlet for an oxygen containing gas introduced to the aqueous suspension. An outlet for removing treated aqueous suspension from a downstream end of the reactor and a static mixer vane arrangement for splitting, rearranging and combining the aqueous suspension as the circulating device circulates the aqueous suspension through the reactor. The improvement comprises withdrawing the treated aqueous suspension from the downstream end of the reactor and combining a major portion thereof with fresh incoming aqueous suspension. The circulating device returns the combined aqueous suspension to the reactor via the inlet for the aqueous suspension.

Abstract: A cleaning water production system in which pure water from a primary pure water production system is treated in a subsystem to produce ultrapure water, which is then sent to points of use through supply pipes, the point of use being connected to the subsystem through return pipes for returning unused cleaning water to the subsystem, wherein an extra-ultrapure water production system is provided at a distal end portion of the supply pipes near the point of use for supplying extra-ultrapure water to the points of use.

Abstract: A variable-orifice fluid restrictor for use with a supercritical extractor or chromatograph includes an inlet line for fluid at a pressure above its critical pressure, an extended tubular probe having an inner and an outer surface and a proximal and a distal end. The proximal end of the probe is disposed toward the inlet line. The distal end of the probe includes an adjustable orifice means adapted for metering the fluid and having first and second orifice members and an adjusting stem having first and second ends. The adjustable orifice means is adjacent to the outer surface of the probe and the orifice means is adjustable with the adjusting stem. The end of the adjusting stem is located at the distal end of the probe and is adapted for moving the first orifice member with respect to the second orifice member to control the adjustable orifice for varying the restriction of fluid passing through the adjustable orifice.

Abstract: A pipe extension for a filtering pot of a return filter has an outlet connection projecting from the filtering pot at its free end and a pipe secured to the outlet connection. An annular groove extending in circumferential direction is arranged at the outlet connection and an annular seal which does not protrude radially beyond the outer circumference of the outlet connection is inserted into the annular groove. Radially projecting, axially extending conical webs are provided at the outer circumference of the pipe connection in the region between the annular groove and the filtering pot and a pipe consisting of metal is pushed onto these webs, whereby the pushed-on pipe is expanded by the conically extending webs to achieve a secure seat. A bead reaching into the annular groove is introduced into the pushed-on pipe.

Abstract: A filter module for filtering a flow of fluid employs a base member which either mounts a blanking plug or a diverter valve module. The plug is replaced by a diverter valve module for use with those engines that require an auxiliary source of low pressure fuel. A solenoid valve is housed in the module. A pressure regulator valve positioned in the valve module maintains a backpressure in the filter assembly to insure that there is sufficient head to drive the flow of fuel to the engine.

Abstract: A filter for the separation of solids and liquids from muds, and specifically those from industrial processing, includes a container and a filtering bag housed in the container for reception of the muds. The filter further includes a deformable membrane housed in the container and defining therein a closed volume of variable size. A fluid pump is provided, communicating with the volume, to vary the size of the volume by pumping fluid into the volume, thereby squeezing the filtering bag in the container.

Abstract: A micropore filter of discrete flow-through pores of highly controlled pore configuration and dimensions is formed by bonding platelets into a laminate, each platelet having been etched, preferably by a combination of electropolishing and photoetching techniques, to form depth-etched passages and through-etched passages, respectively. The filter is housed in a module which contains wiper blades for periodically removing deposited debris from the filter surface.

Abstract: A vibrating screen unit for dewatering dredged material. The vibrating screen unit includes a frame and a top screen deck, a middle screen deck and a bottom screen deck. The middle screen deck includes a splitter which extends across the width of the frame and comprises alternating closed channels and screen rows which alternate across the width of the frame.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of preparing a support for a filtration medium comprising passing a sheet of nonwoven fibrous polymeric material having first and second sides through a calender which comprises a nondeformable roll and a resilient roll, the nondeformable roll being maintained at a temperature below the melting temperature of the material, so as to increase the smoothness of the first side of the material which contacted the resilient roll. A filtration medium support material prepared in accordance with the method of the present invention, as well as a filter comprising a filtration medium and that filtration medium support material, are also provided by the present invention.

Abstract: A compressed adsorbent filter cake for removing caffeine from liquids. The filter cake is composed of a compressed matrix of fibrous material; and adsorbent particulate material integrated within the compressed matrix of fibrous material, so that passage of a liquid having a caffeine concentration ranging from about 20 to about 100 mg per 100 mL of liquid through the matrix for a contact time of less than about 2 minutes results in at least a 40 percent reduction in the caffeine concentration of the liquid. The compressed matrix of fibrous material may a compressed wet-laid fibrous mat. The adsorbent material may be selected from clay minerals and zeolites. Generally speaking, the filter can be adapted to provide at least a 40 percent reduction in the caffeine concentration for about 1 cup to about 40 cups of a liquid.

Abstract: Compositions and methods of use of constructed microbial mats, comprising cyanobacteria and purple autotrophic bacteria and an organic nutrient source, in a laminated structure, are described. The constructed microbial mat is used for bioremediation of different individual contaminants and for mixed or multiple contaminants, and for production of beneficial compositions and molecules.

Abstract: A nocardia foaming controlling method of waste water treatment includes a step of injecting cationic polymer to a retention activation sludge line within the final clarifiers of the traditional waste water treatment process. When polymer is returned along with retention activation sludge to the aeration basins, the polymer's hydrophilic nature reduces the surface tension created between air bubbles and nocardia enriched floc. This allows nocardia to pass through the aeration basins, to eventually escape the treatment system.

Abstract: This invention provides a composite reverse osmosis membrane having a polyamide type skin layer whose average surface roughness is at least 55 nm, and the polyamide type skin layer comprises the reaction product of a compound having amino groups and polyfunctional acid halide compound having acid halide groups. The composite reverse osmosis membrane of this invention is superior in salt rejection and water permeability. A polymer film is formed on a supporting film by contacting a solution containing e.g., m-phenylenediamine with a porous polysulfone supporting film so as to form a layer of the solution on the supporting film, then contacting the film with a solution of trimesic acid chloride and holding the film in a hot air dryer so that a polymer film is formed on the supporting film. The surface of the polyamide type skin layer can also be treated with quaternary ammonium salt and coated with a crosslinked layer of an organic polymer having positively-charged groups.

Abstract: Large volumes of waste water stream containing oil, greases, sometimes ferric ions, and dissolved contaminant hydrocarbons such as BTEX are rapidly treated in two stages. Initially, the oils and greases are separated, then the dissolved contaminant hydrocarbons are removed by countercurrent adsorption on powdered resinous polymeric adsorbents in an exchange zone, preferably in the absence of ferric ions. The contaminant laden adsorbents are regenerated and continuously recycled to the exchange zone.

Abstract: The present invention provides for methods for treating bottoms sludge and water-oil interphase emulsions present in a containment vessel by injecting into the sludge an effective resolving amount of an oil-based demuislfier. In a preferred embodiment, the containment vessel is a desalter containing a bottoms sludge layer, a water/brine layer, a water-oil interphase emulsion layer and a hydrocarbon layer and the demulsifier is injected through the mud wash header.

Abstract: A sewage purification method which includes a first step in which at least two kinds of flocculants are introduced in sewage for stirring and mixing therewith so as to float and settle inorganic and organic materials. The first step is sequentially repeated more than one time. Next, at least three kinds of flocculants are introduced into the supernatant obtained in the first step for stirring and mixing therewith so as to further float and settle remaining inorganic and organic materials. At least one of the first and second steps is sequentially repeated more than one time. In the above way, middle water, drinking water and super-pure water can be obtained from sewage. Purification of exhaust gas is also possible by introducing such exhaust gas in one of the above steps.

Abstract: A method and composition for detackifying or coagulating and flocculating waterborne and mixed waterborne/solventborne paints in paint spray booth water. Aluminum chlorohydrate and a tannin containing polymer, preferably in an aqueous solution, are added to the paint spray booth water to detackify or coagulate and flocculate the paints.

Abstract: Process for determining the sylvine saturation in which the salt concentration in the solid matter-free crude solution through temperature determination at a temperature T.sub.M >T, and subsequently after contacting with KCl at a temperature T.sub.NS >T and heating to T.sub.M, is measured again, and from this data a saturation temperature T.sub.S is obtained. The temperature difference T.sub.S -T serves as a measure for the sylvine saturation degree. In this manner, the sylvine saturation degree can automatically be measured in intervals of seconds and can serve as a control value for the addition of crude salt in a hot solution process.

Abstract: Insolubilized enzyme particulates are located on the upstream surface of a filtration layer of a filtering element which can be used in a cartridge filter. Employed in a recycling flow reaction system at relatively high flux rates, the cartridges are useful for conducting catalyzed chemical reactions of dissolved solutes, for example, esterifications, isomerizations, oxidations, reductions, and cyclizations.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are disclosed for separating and collecting blood fractions or components such as platelets. A first anticoagulant solution is added to whole blood, which is then separated into platelet-rich plasma and red cells. A second anticoagulant is added to the platelet rich plasma, which is then separated into platelet-poor plasma and platelet concentrate. The rate of red cell sedimentation is increased and the time of the separation/collection procedure may be reduced when the pH of the first anticoagulant is greater than approximately 6.0.

Abstract: A method for processing sewage eliminates chemical "treatment", or, the addition of chemicals that are as harmful or more so to the environment as raw sewage. The method of processing sewage disintegrates the generally solid components of sewage into a highly de-moisturized powder via alternative processes of either (i) a freeze-drying process, or (ii) a combination centrifugal separation and an evacuated "bake-out" process, both which substantially drive out the vaporizable components of the sewage. In consequence, there are no resultant effluent and/or exhausting vapors from this method which would impact the environment.