Abstract: The present invention is related to the field of carbohydrate analysis. More particularly, this invention relates to a simple and inexpensive method for analyzing carbohydrates which can be used to separate mono-, di-, tri- and even poly-saccharides. More specifically, this invention relates to a quantitative and qualitative method for analyzing carbohydrates that may be present in a biological sample by employing a visible dye or chromophore and high resolution polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis.

Abstract: An electrocoat coating composition includes an anionic addition polymer latex and a water-insoluble crosslinking resin that is dispersed with an anionic dispersing resin.

Abstract: A composition is provided comprising a reaction product of (1) a bismuth compound; and (2) an heterocyclic compound having mercapto functionality. Such compositions are useful in electrodepositable compositions further comprising an active hydrogen-containing, cationic salt group-containing resin and a capped polyisocyanate curing agent. These electrodepositable compositions may be prepared without the use of conventional lead or tin catalysts and exhibit excellent properties as cured coatings.

Abstract: Disclosed are improved electrodeposition bath compositions comprising a resinous phase dispersed in an aqueous medium, the resinous phase being comprised of an active hydrogen containing ionic electrodepositable resin and a curing agent, where the improvement comprises the addition to an electrodeposition bath of at least one source of yttrium in an amount of about 10 to 10,000 parts per million of total yttrium based on electrodeposition bath weight. The electrodeposition bath compositions are preferably cationic and provide for excellent corrosion resistance over a variety of metal substrates including untreated steel. Also disclosed is a method of electrocoating a conductive substrate using the improved electrodeposition bath compositions of the invention. Metallic substrates which are coated using the method of the invention are also disclosed.

Abstract: A process for the in situ remediation of soil comprising introducing at least one co-metabolite for treating contaminants in a contaminated soil region into the contaminated soil region wherein the source of the at least one co-metabolite is at least one root zone located within the contaminated soil region, wherein each root zone contains the root system of a plurality of plants capable of releasing the at least one co-metabolite, and transmitting direct electric current through the contaminated soil region between a first electrode and a second electrode having opposite charge, wherein the first electrode is located at a first end of the contaminated soil region and the second electrode is located at the opposite end of the contaminated soil region.

Abstract: An electrocoagulation printing apparatus includes a cylindrical positive electrode, an ink supplying device, a printing head having negative electrodes forming dots of coagulated ink, a removing device for removing non-coagulated ink, a transfer device for bringing the dots of the coagulated ink into contact with an substrate and transferring the dots on the substrate, a gap measurement sensor, and gap control device. The gap measurement sensor measures the size of the gap between the positive electrode and the negative electrodes, and outputs the measured value to the gap control device. The gap control device changes the size of the gap by moving the negative electrodes with respect to a surface of the positive electrode such that the input measured value of the gap falls within a desired established range.

Abstract: A helical electrodeionization apparatus is adapted to purify aqueous liquids to effect the production of high purity water. An insulated net-separating wall is positioned between a pair of anion and cation exchange membranes to form a special membrane bag type flow unit I, each flow unit I is linked up with a group of slots on the side walls of central pipe, and is rolled up to form cylinder structure which centers on central pipe as the helical axis, a conductive crust is formed by winding metal strip or wire outside the cylinder. Ion exchange resin is filled up between the adjacent membrane bags to form flow unit II. The present invention has less pressure drop and needs less power, and is suited to multiple-device series operation. Preferably, daily maintenance and renewal of the resin is convenient, and production cost is lower.

Abstract: A method for plating gold to a plurality of bond leads on a substrate is disclosed. The method first extends a plating line from a plating loop on the edge of the substrate to a bond area in the center portion of the substrate to electrically connect the plurality of bond leads in series. The plating line further extends to connect to the plating loop after connecting the plurality of bond leads together. Then, electricity is applied to the plurality of bond leads via the plating loop and the plating line thereby plates gold to the plurality of bond leads. Finally, a bonding tool is used to cut off and remove the plating line when the bonding tool is provided to bond the plurality of bond leads to a die that is attached to the substrate, whereby the residual plating line remaining on the substrate does not affect the performance of the semiconductor chip.

Abstract: An anode container, electroplating system, method and object so plated. A feature of the invention is that an anode container has an interior cross-sectional area, at or near a lower end thereof, that is larger than an interior cross-sectional area of an upper end thereof. An anode-receiving container also has a body with a plurality of sides and a lower end having a larger cross-sectional interior area than an upper end. The container may also include punched out apertures positioned to provide strength to the container and an apparatus to vibrate the container coupled to a lower end of the container.

Abstract: Concentration of tritium and/or deuterium that is a contaminant in H2O, followed by separation of the concentrate from the H2O. Employed are certain metal oxo complexes, preferably with a metal from Group VIII. For instance, [RuIV(2,2′,6′,2″-terpyridine)(2,2′-bipyridine)(O)](ClO4)2 is very suitable.

Abstract: Petroleum waxes are converted to high viscosity index lubricants by a hydroisomerization process in which the wax feed is subjected to hydroisomerization over a low acidity molecular sieve isomerization catalyst (the molecular sieve being preferably a zeolite) which effects a preferential isomerization on the paraffin components in the feed to less waxy, high VI isoparaffins. The hydroisomerization is operated at high pressure, at least 1000 psig hydrogen partial pressure (reactor inlet) using a zeolite catalyst, preferably a noble metal containing zeolite beta catalyst which contains boron as a framework component of the zeolite to give a low alpha value, typically below 10. The hydroisomerization is carried out at with a 650° F.+ conversion in the range of 10 to 40 weight percent of the feed. A final dewaxing step to target pour point may be used with relatively low loss, typically no more than 15 weight percent, during this dewaxing.

Abstract: An integrated process for converting a hydrocarbon feedstock having components boiling above about 100° C. into steam cracked products is described. The process first involves passing the feedstock to a hydrotreating zone at a pressure in the range of from about 400 psig to about 1,250 psig to effect substantially complete decomposition of organic sulfur and/or nitrogen compounds. The product from the hydrotreating zone is passed to a steam cracking zone. Hydrogen and C1-C4 hydrocarbons, steam cracked naphtha, steam cracked gas oil and steam cracked tar are recovered, where the amount of steam cracked tar produced is reduced by at least about 15 percent, basis the starting hydrocarbon feedstock which has not been subject to hydrotreating.

Abstract: A process combination is disclosed to selectively upgrade naphtha to obtain a component for blending into gasoline. A naphtha feedstock is subjected to formation of olefins from paraffins using a nonacidic catalyst followed by aromatization of the resulting olefin-containing product to obtain improved yields of an aromatics-rich, high-octane gasoline product.

Abstract: A catalytic hydrocracking process wherein a denitrification and desulfurization reaction zone effluent is heat-exchanged with a hydrogen-rich gaseous stream and introduced into a hydrocracking zone. The resulting effluent from the hydrocracking zone is passed directly without cooling into a hot, high-pressure stripper utilizing a hot, hydrogen-rich gaseous stream at least a portion of which is heated during the heat exchange with the denitrification and desulfurization reaction zone effluent. The stripper overhead is partially condensed to produce a hydrogen-rich gaseous stream and a liquid stream containing hydrocracked hydrocarbon compounds. At least a portion of the stripper bottoms is recycled to the denitrification and desulfurization reaction zone.

Abstract: Processes and apparatus for providing improved catalytic cracking, specifically improved recovery of olefins, LPG or hydrogen from catalytic crackers. The improvement is achieved by passing part of the wet gas stream across membranes selective in favor of light hydrocarbons over hydrogen.

Abstract: Methods for producing fuel distillates used as raw material in the production of fuel for engines or jet engines. The invention involves mixing residual petroleum raw material (oil fuel, tar) with sapropelite and with a fraction of thermo-cracking or hydro-cracking hydrogenated products having a boiling point of between 300 and 400° C. in an amount of between 1 and 5% relative to the weight of the residual petroleum raw material. The mixture is heated, homogenized at least twice in a dispersing agent at a temperature of between 85 and 105° C., and submitted to a thermo-cracking or hydro-cracking process. The fuel distillates (petrol, diesel fuel and gas oil) are then separated from the thermo- or hydro-cracking products. The invention thus pertains to the production of petroleum fuels and may be used in the oil-conversion industry.

Abstract: The present invention provides a process for the preparation of a catalyst composition which comprises, as first cracking component, a zeolite beta, and a second cracking component selected from (i) crystalline molecular sieves having pores with diameters greater than 0.6 nm, (ii) clays, and (iii) amorphous cracking components, the process comprising the steps of: (a) preparing a mixture comprising the first cracking component and a gelatin material, and mixing intimately, (b) mulling with the second cracking component, and (c) extruding the mixture of step (b) into catalyst extrudates, and calcining the extrudates.

Abstract: A catalytic reforming process comprising the catalytic conversion of hydrocarbons to aromatics, said process comprising treating a halided zeolite catalyst (hiz-cat) containing a Group VIII metal at commercial startup conditions and then reforming hydrocarbons, wherein said catalyst is prepared by washing a bound zeolite catalyst base or a bound zeolite catalyst before halide addition. A preferred hiz-cat is a non-acidic Pt K L-zeolite catalyst prepared by a process that includes the steps of preparing a calcined silica-bound K L-zeolite catalyst base; washing said bound zeolite catalyst base with a liquid comprising water; and incorporating Pt and halogen-containing compound(s) comprising chlorine and fluorine into said washed catalyst base. Ammonium chloride and ammonium fluoride are preferred halide sources.

Abstract: A process for hydroprocessing a fluid stream containing at least hydrogen and hydrocarbons. The process uses a hydrocarbon-selective membrane to reduce the concentration of hydrocarbons and contaminants in the hydrogen stream recycled to the hydroprocessing reactor. The membrane can operate in the presence of hydrogen sulfide. The process also provides the opportunity for increased NGL recovery from the hydrocarbon-enriched membrane permeate stream.

Abstract: The invention is a process for decreasing the acidity of an organic acid containing petroleum oil, comprising contacting said petroleum oil containing organic acids with an effective amount of an alcohol and an effective trace amount of a base selected from Group IA and IIA metal carbonates, hydroxides, phosphates, and mixtures of a hydroxide and phosphate at a temperature and under conditions sufficient to form the corresponding ester of said alcohol.

Abstract: A multi-stage catalytic hydrogenation and hydroconversion process for heavy hydrocarbon feed materials such as coal, heavy petroleum fractions, and plastic waste materials. In the process, the feedstock is reacted in a first-stage, back-mixed catalytic reactor with a highly dispersed iron-based catalyst having a powder, gel or liquid form. The reactor effluent is pressure-reduced, vapors and light distillate fractions are removed overhead, and the heavier liquid fraction is fed to a second stage back-mixed catalytic reactor. The first and second stage catalytic reactors are operated at 700-850° F. temperature, 1000-3500 psig hydrogen partial pressure and 20-80 lb./hr per ft3 reactor space velocity. The vapor and light distillates liquid fractions removed from both the first and second stage reactor effluent streams are combined and passed to an in-line, fixed-bed catalytic hydrotreater for heteroatom removal and for producing high quality naphtha and mid-distillate or a full-range distillate product.

Abstract: A cyclonic separator for separating fluids of differing densities comprises a first chamber having a vortex finder and a core member. The vane is arranged co-axial with and adjacent the internal surface of the vortex finder to increase the rotational velocity component of fluids passing through the vortex finder by translating the axial velocity component of the fluids into a rotational velocity component.

Abstract: Described is an aerator (10) that includes a venturi chamber (18), a pump for drawing liquid into the venturi chamber from a liquid inlet, an air inlet connected to the venturi chamber for aerating the liquid drawn through the venturi chamber, and an outlet for discharging the aerated liquid. A float chamber (26) is provided for supporting the aerator in a liquid medium, e.g. a fishing lake. Preferably, the liquid inlet and the outlet are on substantially parallel axes, wherein the liquid inlet is turnable between two positions: one position where the liquid inlet takes in liquid in an opposite direction to the outlet flow and the other position where the liquid is drawn in and discharged in the same direction. A control means responsive to sensors for determining biological oxygen demand and chemical oxygen demand is also provided for controlling the speed of the pump.

Abstract: A drainwater treatment system positionable within a horizontal flow passage of a drainage system utilizes a partition which divides the flow passage into an upstream chamber and a downstream chamber. In addition, a mid-panel is supported within the upstream chamber for dividing the interior of the upstream chamber into an upper section and a lower section so that the drainwater enters the upper section before entering the lower section through a first opening provided in the mid-panel. A conduit is also joined between a second opening provided in the mid-panel and the opening of the partition for conducting drainwater from the lower section of the upstream chamber to the downstream chamber so that the drainwater which enters the upper section and then into the lower section is decelerated to flow conditions at which debris and suspended are permitted to separate and settle from the drainwater before being conducted from the lower section and into the downstream chamber through the conduit.

Abstract: An oil suction filter having an enclosed housing with a base surface and an oil intake opening, a top surface with an oil discharge opening, and a filter usually in the form of a filter cloth in the housing between the intake opening and the outlet. In one form, an oil diverting device at least partially surrounds the oil intake opening. In another form, an oil flow diverting device is provided at either or both of the oil intake opening and the oil outlet. In another form, an oil filter cloth has various densities, thicknesses or layers that control the flow. All the foregoing is for the purpose of minimizing formation of large air bubbles passing through the suction filter. Further, beads in the housing may keep the filter cloth off the base surface.

Abstract: Improved water treatment minerals and a canister with a divider platform for use in a dispersal valve to enable a fluid mixing stream to be bifurcated and simultaneously but separately treat the water flowing therethrough with water treatment compositions containing bacteria killing chemicals and bacteria killing minerals.

Abstract: An enclosed, elongated structure for placement in the ground to filter and biologically pretreat wastewater after it leaves a septic tank and before it enters a drain field. The structure includes an upstream chamber or compartment connected to an inlet and containing a filter media such as stone and two or more baffles positioned crosswise to the direction of flow to direct the wastewater through multiple, sequential downward and upward flow paths through the stone for filtering and for anaerobic biological conversion of undesirable substances in the wastewater. A downstream chamber or compartment vented to atmosphere contains a filter media such as gravelly sand and receives the wastewater flow from the upstream chamber for further progressive filtering and for aerobic biological conversion of undesirable substances. Beneath the gravelly sand is a U-shaped perforated pipe for collecting the wastewater and directing it to an outlet leading to the drain field.

Abstract: An oxygenated water cooler and method of operating the same for dispensing oxygen enriched water from a water bottle installed on the cooler. An pressurized gas source integrated into the cooler delivers pressurized gas through the water to a headspace above the water in the water bottle to maintain the dissolved oxygen content of water in the water bottle preferably above about 15 mg/liter, but optimally above about 40 mg/liter.

Abstract: A method of monitoring performance of liquid chromatography apparatus comprising an elongated chromatography column and having a conduit coupled to the column inlet for introducing a flow of liquid into said column preferably at very high pressure. Variations in a selected electromagnetic property, such as the electrical conductivity, of the liquid flow are measured, preferably in the conduit. Apparatus is configured so that respective volumes of sample liquid and eluant may be introduced into the conduit sequentially or substantially simultaneously with substantially no band-spreading when flowing through the conduit into the column. A pair of electrically conductive electrodes, coupled to metering means, are positioned at two spaced-apart locations within the conduit and are electrically insulated from each other and from the ends of the conduit.

Abstract: The invention provides a shower module that includes an upper elongated chamber, a supply pipe located in the upper elongated chamber, wherein the supply pipe includes at least one discharge opening that faces a side wall of the upper elongated chamber, a lower elongated chamber located adjacent to the upper elongated chamber, wherein fluid flow is provided between the lower elongated chamber and the upper elongated chamber via a transfer opening, and wherein the lower elongated chamber includes a discharge opening; and a coupling mechanism for coupling a flexible member to the lower elongated chamber beneath and substantially parallel to the discharge opening. When incorporated with a rotary vacuum filter, the flexible member causes a reservoir of shower liquid to form on a mat located on the shower drum.

Abstract: A grid (250, 280) is disclosed which can be used as part of a salt platform (10, 50, 80) to support salt in an ion exchange water softener. The grid is preferably formed of ABS plastic and has a border portion (252) and bands (254, 256) without holes (274) formed therethrough for strength. When the grid is used as part of a salt platform having vertically oriented members (12-24) with open upper ends, cap portions (258-270), without holes formed therethrough, are used to cover the upper ends of the members. A ring (350) can be used to fit the salt grid in the brine tank.

Abstract: The present invention provides a water plant treatment system in which the nitrogen and phosphorus components and other contamination substances are removed from the water which has been treated biologically by the conventional system. The water plant treatment system according to the present invention includes a distribution section for temporarily storing the incoming waste water to distribute it to the next stages, a first section for filtering the waste water of the distribution section by means of a filtering layer, and for eliminating the nitrogen and phosphorus components by the water caltrops of the filtering layer, a second section with water hyacinths planted therein, for purify the water coming from the first section, a third section with great duckweeds planted on the water surface thereof, for purifying the water coming from the second section, and a fourth section with a filtering layer disposed therein and with water caltrops planted therein.

Abstract: Wastewater treatment systems which utilize an interacting surge anoxic mix zone for facilitating nitrogen removal and an aerobic sequential batch reaction, clarification and decantation zone for facilitating aeration for BOD removal and nitrate production for the surge anoxic mix zone.

Abstract: An aerobic microorganism growth medium for use in a wastewater treatment system is formed as a resilient coil of fibrous strand material suspended on a frame placed in a vessel containing the wastewater to be treated.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for producing potable water from an aqueous feed such as seawater utilizing a pressure vessel designed for operation in the range of about 250 psig to about 350 psig having reverse osmosis (RO) separation elements disposed upstream of at least one nanofiltrate separation element. The supply of seawater at such pressure creates no permeate flow through the RO membranes, so the seawater flushes the feed side of the RO elements on its way to the NF element where very substantial permeate flux occurs, producing a NF permeate substantially depleted in divalent ions and optionally moderately depleted in monovalent ions. The NF permeate is collected in a holding tank having liquid level switches, and when a desired level is reached, a control system causes the pump to draw suction from the holding tank while shutting off feed from the seawater source.

Abstract: A spiral wound type membrane element is formed by winding independent or continuous envelope-like membranes around the peripheral surface of a water collection pipe and interposing raw water spacers between the envelope-like membranes. When running, raw water is supplied from at least the periphery side of the spiral wound type membrane element and permeate is taken out from an opening end of the water collection pipe. In back wash reverse filtration, permeate is introduced from the opening end of the water collection pipe and permeate guided out from the peripheral surface of the water collection pipe is discharged from at least the periphery side of the spiral wound type membrane element.

Abstract: A reverse osmosis water purification system for providing potable water from a municipal water or other source containing undesired impurities. A motor driven pump supplies a feed stream to a reverse osmosis unit resulting in the creation of a product water stream and a concentrate or brine stream. The inclusion of a product water holding tank may be optionally omitted by routing the product water outlet stream directly to the tap via a branched line. A pressure sensor causes a solenoid valve to open when the withdrawal of water from the tap is terminated, opening a valve in the branch line leading back to the pump. The pump then continues to run, recirculating the product water stream to a mixing unit where it is blended with a major part of the concentrate stream that is being recycled and with make-up fresh water to create a composite feed stream.

Abstract: Method for loading a column with a packing material by inserting one end of a column to be packed into a slurry of a packing material in a volatile solvent, allowing said slurry to be drawn into said end of said column by capillary action, withdrawing said end from said slurry, and removing said volatile solvent from the slurry that has been drawn into said end of said column, through the same end of the column at which the slurry entered, and sinteriing.

Abstract: A chromatography column has valve and method for filling it with a slurry of media, the valve utilizing a piston to compact the slurry in the column. The piston moves through a cavity in communication with both a slurry inlet and slurry ports which are in communication with the interior of the chromatography column. The piston assists in compacting the slurry within the column. The method of filling the column does not require disassembly of the column. The piston may also be utilized to change the valve position from a slurry fill position to a normal operation position or other position.

Abstract: A method of coagulating particulates, as in papermaking or water clarification applications, for example, is provided wherein a zeolite crystalloid coagulant is added to water containing the solid matter, a source of multivalent cations, and a cationic acrylamide polymer. The zeolite crystalloid coagulant is preferably prepared by admixing aqueous sodium silicate and sodium aluminate solutions to form a reaction mixture and allowing a reaction to proceed for a sufficient time to form a zeolite crystalloid coagulant particles having particle sizes of at least about 4 nm before terminating the reaction.

Abstract: For the removal of trace quantities of iodine-containing contaminants from corrosive liquid feed streams, an alternative with distinct advantages over the prior art is provided. The treatment method involves the use of a crystalline manganese phosphate which has been cation-exchanged with an iodine-reactive metal. This inorganic adsorbent may be used in unbound form, or it can bound with a substantially insoluble porous inorganic refractory metal oxide binder. A reactivation technique for this material is also presented.

Abstract: A novel method and apparatus for removing multi-particulate matter from a medium is disclosed. The device includes a containment vessel for accumulating particles, and the containment vessel includes an increased diameter, generally spherical portion for accumulating the particles therein. The containment vessel may also include an electromagnetic matrix which is capable of being energized and de-energized. A blow valve is located at a lower portion of the containment vessel, and the blow valve is capable of being opened and closed, and can preferably be operated simultaneously with the energizing and de-energizing of the electromagnetic matrix. Opening of the blow valve preferably provides that the particles can evacuate from the containment vessel, and specifically from the increased diameter, generally spherical portion thereof, through the blow valve.

Abstract: A process is disclosed for producing an oxidized liquid effluent containing minimal dissolved gases therein, from a subcritical wet oxidation treatment system. The oxidation mixture exiting from the treatment system is separated into a first oxidized liquid effluent and a first gaseous phase as the mixture a first separator vessel operated at a relatively low superatmospheric pressure. Sufficient pressure is maintained in the first gaseous phase to provide the motive force for transport to further treatment or discharge. The first oxidized liquid effluent flows to a second separator vessel operated at essentially atmospheric pressure, where remaining dissolved gases separate from the first oxidized liquid effluent. The second gaseous phase is discharged and the second oxidized liquid effluent is suitable for storage or further treatment. Provision for adjusting the pH of the oxidized liquid effluent during the separation process is also disclosed.

Abstract: An improved dual-stage pump system is provided for the accurate pumping and filtering of viscous fluids. Two hydraulically activated pumps are provided in series with a filter and reservoir disposed in-line between the two pumps. The reservoir acts as a source bottle for the second pump and allows the first pump to pump the viscous fluid through the filter at a rate independent of the dispensing rate of the second pump. By operating the first pump at a rate independent of the second pump, back pressure at the filter is avoided. Each hydraulically activated diaphragm pump is equipped with an improved diaphragm that is pre-formed to the geometries of the process fluid cavity thereby eliminating any inaccuracies in the operation of the pumps due to expansion of retraction of the diaphragm during pump operation.

Abstract: Noxious odors and water pollution commonly associated with the raising of hogs, cattle or poultry under confined conditions are eliminated by replacing the conventional waste lagoon and waste spreading fields with a wastewater treatment plant. The treatment plant extracts manure from the wastewater, then dries and burns the manure along with collected waste gases. The liquid waste portion is filtered, deodorized and then recirculated to the growing buildings as flushwater.

Abstract: A process for breaking down hydroxylamine in aqueous solutions, especially wastewaters, by treatment with an oxidizing agent, which comprises using as said oxidizing agent an alkali metal hypohalite or alkaline earth metal hypohalite or peroxomonosulfuric or peroxodisulfuric acid or a salt thereof and carrying out the treatment with said oxidizing agent at a pH<8.

Abstract: A method for retrofitting a gravity filter with a porous plate filter media support that increase filter production by increasing the depth of the media, allows installation of an air backwash system in filters having a monolithic underdrain system, and reduces turbulence and head loss in granular filtration systems. The method comprising removal of existing media and gravel media-support bed and installation of a porous plate media support. The porous plate can have multiple layers of fine sized and coarse sized pores. The porous plate is positioned between the media and the filter bottom and is securely anchored to the monolithic underdrain system thereby allowing uniform distribution of backwash, inhibiting media penetration of the filter bottom and avoiding seal failures.

Abstract: Incorporating a permeable hose within a peristaltic pump results in a unique device that can simultaneously pump, filter and self-clean suspensions, producing a concentrate and clarified liquid stream. This process, termed peristaltic filtration, has wide applicability to a variety of commercial and industrial applications, including dewatering sludge in sand and gravel operations the treatment of water or other streams in industrial plants, municipal wastewater treatment plants, and food processing. The flexing motion that accompanies peristaltic pumping enhances filtration of the suspension by locally increasing the pressure and cleaning the filter by bending the hose to release trapped solids back into the suspension. Peristaltic filtration can be applied to conventional rotary pumps, linear pumps or other configurations. Rotary peristaltic filters are also modular and can be made to be adaptable to a variety of feedstocks.

Abstract: In floating substance removing, collecting and treating method and apparatus capable of securely separating and collecting floating substances floating on a water surface without adversely affecting an ecological system regardless of the type and state of the floating substances, a permeable sheet 4 is successively or intermittently moved through a drive unit 5 so as to traverse the treating water P taken from an intake port 3 and at the same time the treating water P is forcibly moved relatively to the permeable sheet 4. Accordingly, floating substances F on the water surface can be effectively collected by being deposited on and separated from the permeable sheet 4, whereby filtered clean water can be obtained.

Abstract: A semiconductor micromachine and method of making the micromachine, wherein the micromachine includes a substrate and a movable portion made of a semiconductor thin film. The movable portion is arranged opposite the substrate with a gap interposed therebetween, and is supported by acicular bodies. This movable portion is provided with electrode sections, wires and an electrical insulation section interconnecting the electrode sections and the wires. The electrical insulation section prevents crosstalk of signals among the electrode sections and the wires to achieve a high S/N ratio as well as a high degree of design freedom. In order to achieve this purpose, the semiconductor micromachine of the present invention includes.