Abstract: The invention relates to a device or equipment as well as to a method for the simultaneous, fractionating operation of a plurality of parallel chromatographic columns. It is particularly advantageous to apply this equipment and method in research, in the framework of organic synthesis for simultaneous, parallel separation, isolation and purification of a plurality of chemical compounds, e.g. of potential new active ingredients for medicaments, particularly also on the semi-preparative scale.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of using a protein-polysaccharide complex composition as an adsorbent and filtering aid for in the processing of fluids or solids to absorb or decompose a variety of separable components including halogenated organic compounds such as PCBs and dioxins.

Abstract: A method of purifying a flue gas desulfurization aqueous waste slurry containing calcium-sulfur salts and residual solid grits, fly ash, carbon and oils by supplying the aqueous waste slurry to a screening station to remove the grits, passing the grit-free aqueous waste slurry to a magnetic separator to remove fly ash components, and transferring the aqueous slurry to a floatation cell to remove carbon and oils therefrom. A purified aqueous slurry of calcium-sulfur salts is removed from the floatation cell which can be used in producing quality plaster, wallboard, or feedstock in producing &agr;-hemihydrate gypsum.

Abstract: A process for removing or stabilizing arsenic and/or selenium from aqueous streams or slurries is provided that includes contacting the streams or slurry with a composition containing lanthanum chloride. The lanthanum chloride composition can optionally contain various lanthanides. The composition can optionally contain ferric or ferrous sulfate. The process is preferably conducted by adjusting the pH of solution to between about 8 or 10, adding 2 moles of lanthanum chloride for every mole of arsenic or selenium ions present in solution, adding 5 to 6 moles ferric or ferrous ions for every mole of arsenic or selenium ions present in solution and adjusting the oxidation potential of the solution to between 200-400 mV for removal of selenium ions and between 100-200 mV for removal of arsenic ions.

Abstract: Systems and methods separate platelets from a selected donor. The systems and methods convey anticoagulated blood containing plasma and platelets from the selected donor into the separation device for separating into a plasma yield and a platelet yield. The systems and methods estimate, at least in part while separation occurs, a count of platelets (PltCirc) available for collection from the selected donor by measuring the selected donor's platelet precount (Pltpre), estimating a dilution factor caused by addition of anticoagulant (Dilution), and estimating a depletion factor (Depletion) caused by removal of available platelets during blood processing. In estimating Depletion, the systems and methods take into account a splenic mobilization function (Spleen), which is derived from a population of donors and not specific to the selected donor, where Spleen comprises a function of PltPRE.

Abstract: Filtration apparatus prevents a membrane filter from fouling by providing a UV irradiation apparatus. The filtration apparatus comprises a filtration tank which contains a membrane filter with a pore size of 0.1 to 1 &mgr;m connected to the UV irradiation equipment, an air diffusing pipe placed below the membrane filter, an air blower for sending air to the air diffusing pipe, a filtrate discharge pipe connected to the membrane filter, a flow meter and a flow control valve.

Abstract: The concentration of dissolved arsenic in water is reduced by contacting the water containing the arsenic with zinc oxide.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for producing an electrolytic solution containing a solute of lithium hexafluorophosphate. This method includes a step of (a) reacting lithium fluoride with phosphorus pentafluiride, in a nonaqueous organic solvent that is used for producing a lithium cell's electrolytic solution, thereby to form the lithium hexafluorophosphate dissolved in the solvent. According to this method, both yield and purity of the reaction product are sufficiently high, and the reaction can easily be managed. According to need, after the step (a), the nonaqueous organic solvent may be replaced with another nonaqueous organic solvent. The present invention further relates to a method for purifying an electrolytic solution used for a lithium cell. This electrolytic solution contains an acid impurity having at least one hydrogen atom in the molecule.

Abstract: There is provided an efficient and effective method and apparatus for purifying methyl-tert butyl ether contaminated water by bubbling into the water an oxidizing gas and then stripping the oxidizing gas and MTBE from the water. A pressurized container is used to create microbubbles and to promote oxidation.

Abstract: Methods for reducing or preventing the transmission of transmissible spongiform encephalopathy through blood or blood products are provided. The methods require the intact removal of leukocytes that are present in a blood product or an intermediate of a blood product prior to administering the blood product to a patient. To prevent or reduce the transmission of transmissible spongiform encephalopathies disease substantially all leukocytes are removed intact without significant lysis of such leukocytes.

Abstract: A method for contacting at least one printed circuit board or at least one punched grid and at least one hybrid includes the steps of: forming contact elements in a contacting foil, positioning the contacting foil over the hybrid in such a way that the contact elements are arranged at preselected positions between the printed circuit traces of the hybrid and the printed circuit traces of the printed circuit board, and etching away at least a portion of the contacting foil, such that the contact elements are at least partially freely accessible.

Abstract: In a method of fabricating a substrate, a substrate is submerged into a chemical bath so that the thickness of the substrate changes. The temperature of the chemical bath is monitored to ascertain a change in the thickness of the substrate.

Abstract: A process for the treatment of brass components to reduce leachable lead therefrom when the components are exposed to water which includes the steps of first cleaning the brass components with a cleaning agent in the form of a mineral acid, a mineral acid plus an oxidizing agent, ammonium chloride or ferric chloride and then rinsing to remove the cleaning agent. Thereafter, the brass components are contacted with a lead removal reagent after which the brass components are washed again. It is also possible, in the preferred embodiment, to remove any leachable lead remaining on the surface of the brass components by the additional step of treating the brass components with a water soluble acid and thereafter rinsing the components to leave the components substantially free of the acid. The process as disclosed reduces the leachable lead to well within the most stringent state and/or federal guidelines.

Abstract: There is disclosed a working fluid for refrigerating cycle equipment of refrigerant compression-type containing the refrigerant and a refrigeration lubricant for a refrigerator, wherein said refrigerant comprises a hydrocarbon having 2 to 4 carbon atoms and no halogen atom and said refrigeration lubricant comprises, as a main component, a ketone compound which is incompatible with said refrigerant. This working fluid demonstrates preferable performance even if the amount of the refrigerant is small.

Abstract: A process for the conditioning of dental cavities by etching in preparation for bonding restoration to enamel and dentin, comprising the steps: a) etching the dentin part of a dental cavity using an aqueous composition containing, as an active constituent, EDTA, in an effective amount, and b) etching the enamel part of said cavity using a conventional etching acid; and a kit for use in such process for conditioning.

Abstract: A crosslinkable composition of a polymeric thermoplastic and/or elastomeric material which is susceptible to scorching when processed at elevated temperatures, prior to crosslinking, in the presence of a free radical initiator, is protected against such scorching by the incorporation therein of a mixture of at least one hydroquinone compound and a sulfur accelerator. This mixture may also contain at least one monomeric allylic, methacrylic, acrylic or diene type coagent. The mixture exhibits a synergistic effect resulting in improved scorch protection for peroxide cured systems when compared with the protection afforded by the components singly.

Abstract: The process of recovering precious metals from ores containing precious metals, such as gold and silver, from an aqueous ammoniacal thiosulfate leach solution to provide a significant practical and economical process for the recovery of gold or silver. After leaching of the ore with an aqueous ammoniacal thiosulfate solution, the leach solution is contacted with a precious metal extraction reagent to extract the precious metal values from the leach solution, after which the precious metal values are stripped from the extraction reagent to form a concentrated solution of the precious metal values from which the precious metals may be recovered by conventional methods such as electrolysis. The extraction reagents are those having guanidyl functionality or a quaternary amine functionality mixed with a weak organic acid such as a phenol. In the process, novel thiosulfate complexes of the precious metals are formed with the quanidyl or the quaternary amine extractants.

Abstract: A dry disinfectant composition for the production of aqueous solutions of chlorine dioxide is formulated of a mixture of lithium hypochlorite, sodium bisulfate and sodium chlorite.

Abstract: A novel ferrielectric liquid crystal compound of the formula (1), wherein R is a linear alkyl group having 6 to 12 carbon atoms, X is a hydrogen atom or a fluorine atom, m is an integer of 1 to 3, n is an integer of 1 to 3, and C* is an asymmetric carbon atom. The ferrielectric liquid crystal compound of the invention characteristically has a ferrielectric phase in a broad temperature range and shows a high speed optical response in spite of a small spontaneous polarization.

Abstract: Liquid crystalline compounds which exhibit a negative dielectric anisotropy value, have an extremely high voltage holding ratio and a low threshold voltage, are small in their dependency on temperature, hardly exhibit smectic phase, and are excellent in miscibility with other liquid crystal materials at the same time; liquid crystal compositions comprising the compound; and liquid crystal display devices fabricated by using the liquid crystal composition are provided; the liquid crystalline compounds being specific 3,3′-difluorobiphenyl derivatives expressed by the following general formula (1):

Abstract: Photoluminescent phosphor powders and a method for making phosphor powders. The phosphor powders have a small particle size, narrow particle size distribution and are substantially spherical. The method of the invention advantageously permits the economic production of such powders. The invention also relates to improved devices, such as display devices and lighting elements, incorporating the phosphor powders.

Abstract: A conductive polymer composite material comprises: a minor phase material comprising a semicrystalline polymer; a conductive filler material dispersed in said minor phase material in an amount sufficient to be equal to or greater than an amount required to generate a continuous conductive network in said minor phase material; and a major phase material, said major phase material being a polymer which when mixed with said minor phase material will not engage in electrostatic interactions that promote miscibility, said major phase material having said minor phase material dispersed therein in an amount sufficient to be equal to or greater than an amount required to generate a continuous conductive network in said major phase material, forming a (semi)conductive ternary composite having distinct co-continuous phases.

Abstract: The invention provides polymeric PTC compositions and electrical PTC devices with higher voltage capability and improved electrical stability. Depending on device design, the composition can be used in low to high voltage applications 6 volts up to 240 volts.

Abstract: An electrically conductive paste which ensures formation of a dense electrode film even in a low-oxygen-concentration atmosphere without strict control of the atmosphere is described. The electrically conductive paste comprising Cu powder, glass frit and an organic binder resin, wherein the glass frit comprises Zn- and Cu-containing borosilicate glass and in the melt state has a contact angle with respect to Cu of 90° or less as measured in a nitrogen atmosphere.

Abstract: An electrically conductive paste which includes a thermoplastic polymer, a conductive metal powder and an organic solvent system is disclosed. The invention further encompasses an electrically conductive composite which includes the aforementioned thermoplastic and metal, wherein the metal represents at least about 30% by volume, based on the total volume of the composite. The composite is formed from the paste under elevated temperature. The paste is employed in processes which involve electrically connecting electrical and electronic components under process conditions which convert the paste to the composite.

Abstract: The present invention recites a method comprising reacting in a solvent in the presence of a base a) at least one diacidic monomer comprising about 1 to 100 mole % of at least one light-absorbing monomer having a light absorption maximum between about 300 nm and about 1200 nm and 99-0 mole % of a non-light absorbing monomer which does not absorb significant light at wavelengths above 300 nm or has a light absorption maximum below 300 nm, with b) an organic compound of Formula II X—B—X1 wherein B is a divalent organic radical to form a light absorbing composition comprising a mixture of a polymer having the formula and a cyclic compound having the general formula wherein B is as defined above; n is at least 2, m is 1, 2, 3 or 4 and A comprises the residue of a diacidic monomer comprising about 1 to 100 mole % of at least one light-absorbing monomer having a light absorption maximum between about 300 nm and about 1000 nm and wherein the remaining portion of A

Abstract: A shaped article is obtained by polymerizing a selectively reflective solution comprising a cellulose derivative and a polymerizable solvent. The cellulose derivative is a cellulose derivative having an alkyl degree of substitution of about 2.2-3, an acyl degree of substitution of about 0-0.8 (preferably 0.1-0.8), and a total degree of alkyl and acyl substitution of about 2.8-3. The cellulose derivative is thus, e.g., a highly substituted alkyl cellulose (ethyl cellylose) or an acylated alkyl cellulose. Moreover, the polymerizable solvent may be a (meth)acrylic monomer (e.g., (meth)acrylic acid). According to the present invention, a shaped article having selective reflectivity with respect to wavelength and circularly polarized light is provided.

Abstract: A photochromic compound featuring a large fading rate to prevent a change in the color tone at the time of fading, exhibiting little color after aged, and exhibiting good durability in the photochromic property. The photochromic compound is a novel chromene compound having a substituted phenyl group at the second position of the naphthopyrane ring and an alkyl group at the fifth position thereof, and is represented by, for example, the following formula, wherein R1 is an alkyl group, R2 and R3 are substituted phenyl groups, and R4 and R5 are substituents.

Abstract: A process for tinting a resin and a tinted optical material produced by the process. The process comprising dipping a resin into a liquid containing at least one compound selected from the group consisting of polar inorganic compounds and polar organic compounds and subsequently tinting the resin, wherein the resin is obtained by curing by polymerization of a sulfur-containing compound alone or a composition comprising the sulfur-containing compound, the sulfur-containing compound having in the molecule thereof one or more structures represented by the following formula hydrocarbon group having 1 to 10 carbon atoms, R2, R3 and R4 each represents a hydrogen atom or a hydrocarbon group having 1 to 10 carbon atoms, Y represents S or O and n represents 0 or 1.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for practicing the method of making toric contact lenses having a toric axis and ballast axis located on the anterior and posterior surfaces of a lens. Detectable features are formed on the anterior and posterior mold sections corresponding to the location of the toric axis and ballast axis, respectively. An axis alignment tool having detecting means thereon is used to set the mold sections to a known angular position. The desired axial offset is input into a computer which establishes the axial offset between the mold sections.

Abstract: A method of making rotating element sheet material utilizing magnetic latching is disclosed. First a plurality of rotating elements, each element having a magnetized segment, are mixed with an elastomer and a plurality of magnetic particles to attract the magnetic particles to the magnetized segments. Then a magnetic field is applied to orient the elements in a common direction. When the rotating elements have all been oriented in a common direction, they are held in that orientation for a long enough period of time to allow the magnetic particles to migrate in the elastomer to the regions of the elastomer in the vicinity of the magnetized segments of the elements. The elastomer is then cured to form an elastomer substrate with trapped rotating elements and magnetic particles. The elastomer substrate is then immersed into a bath of dielectric plasticizer which is absorbed more readily by elastomer than by the rotating elements.

Abstract: A method for formulation of high supercoiled DNA content microspheres is described herein. A primary emulsion is formed which optionally contains a DNA nicking inhibitor in addition to DNA with or without buffer. The temperature of the primary emulsion is lowered below the freezing point of the aqueous inner phase which provides increased encapsulation efficiency by decreasing the rate of diffusion of DNA out of the aqueous phase. Thereafter, the primary emulsion is transferred to a water-based surfactant solution and subjected to homogenization to form a secondary microsphere emulsion. The organic phase is removed and the microspheres hardened which are then isolated, frozen and lyophilized.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for the preparation of a mixture of cellulosic fibers and microfibers. Said process comprises: the preparation of a cellulosic solution (C); the extrusion of said solution (C) through the hole or holes of a die (1); the disintegration of said solution (C) when it comes out of said hole or holes by projecting a liquid or gas fluid (F) in a direction making an angle lower than or equal to 75 degrees with the axis of said die (1); said fluid (F) being neutral or appropriate to regenerate or precipitate, only partially, the cellulose; the reception in a cellulose regeneration or precipitation bath, of the dispersion generated at the disintegration step; the recovery of the mixture of fibers and microfibers, more or less bonded, obtained in said bath. Said process provides for the preparation of mixtures rich in microfibers (with a fineness lower than 1 dtex, particularly between 0.5 and 0.3 dtex).

Abstract: When sealing an insulating glass pane (51) with at least one corner in which the edges (60) of the glass panes of the insulating glass pane (51), i.e. the edges which lead to the corner, include with one another an angle, for example a right, obtuse or acute angle, the sealing nozzle (4) is moved without stopping in one pass around the corner (61) and as the sealing nozzle (4) moves around the corner the emergence of the sealing mass from the sealing nozzle (4) into the edge joint is not interrupted. When travelling around one corner (61) the path (79) of movement of the axis which is aligned perpendicular to the plane of the insulating glass pane (51) to be sealed and around which the sealing nozzle (4) can turn is guided such that it deviates from the outside contour of the insulating glass pane (51). For sealing nozzles (4) which are guided to slide externally along the edges (60) of the glass panes of the insulating glass pane (51), i.e.

Abstract: A lightweight shaft configured for use as a golf club shaft or a composite golf club equipped with such a shaft. The uniqueness of this shaft is that it is made of two distinct composite walls (tubes, one tube within another) with a greater density than, and separated by, an expansive middle layer of lesser density material which expands with the application of heat during the composite curing cycle. Additionally, the tip of the shaft (one to six inches in length from the tip, or longer, as required by design) is to be made of solid material (composite, metal or other material). The addition of this solid tip to the shaft as called for in this invention, provides for a stronger and solid tip that can be adjusted to fit into the hosel openings of any club head. This goes to provide a much stronger joining of the head to the shaft and adds to the clubs impact with the golf ball thus providing for greater travel distance of the ball.

Abstract: The present invention relates to foamed products. More particularly, the present invention relates to foamed products comprising a plurality of coalesced extruded strands or profiles or layers of a foamed thermoplastic composition having a low density.

Abstract: To increase the anti-wettability of a body vis a vis a fluid the body is subjected in a treatment enclosure to a post-discharge nitrogen plasma. A fluorinated vapor is fed into the plasma on the input side or on the output side of the discharge cavity.

Abstract: An improved method for texturing gypsum fiber panels and producing surface textured panels, edge tapers, and deeper patterned wainscot-type panels, involving the use of a flexible die with a textured surface. The die is pressed onto the panel in its slurry state just after the onset of an exothermic rehydration reaction. Partial hydration and setting occur during pressing by the die to form a textured mat. The mat is removed from contact with the die at a point along the rehydration temperature curve about at or less than one-half of the rise to the greatest rehydration temperature.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for the production of fiberboards from coarse wood particles and isocyanate as binder, in which the wood particles are heated under excess water vapor pressure and simultaneously comminuted to fibers which are then delivered with expansion to a drier by means of a blowing pipe, and dried in the drier.

Abstract: Disclosed is a thermoplastic composition comprising an unreacted mixture of an aliphatic polyester polymer as a continuous phase, polyolefin microfibers as a discontinuous phase encased within the aliphatic polyester polymer continuous phase, and a compatibilizer for the aliphatic polyester polymer and the polyolefin microfibers. The multicomponent fiber exhibits substantial biodegradable properties and good wettability yet is easily processed. The thermoplastic composition is useful in making nonwoven structures that may be used in a disposable absorbent product intended for the absorption of fluids such as body fluids.

Abstract: This invention relates, in general, to thermoplastic film and fiber structures and methods of making the same. More specifically, this invention relates to substantially water-free films and fibers comprising unmodified polyvinyl alcohol.

Abstract: An extrusion apparatus including at least one conical stator, and at least one conical rotor. The rotor is adapted for defibering or orienting a plastic material. The apparatus has an opening for receiving an elongate product or mandrel. The product or mandrel may be disposed in the apparatus such that, with the product or mandrel received in the opening, an extrusion conduit is defined in the opening between the product or mandrel and the rotor and stator. The rotor and stator are disposed with respect to one another to form a supply opening wherein the plastic material flows between the stator and rotor and is pressed into the extrusion conduit.

Abstract: An article of manufacture and method of making and implanting the article made of a polyolefin star or linear copolymer are disclosed in which the polyolefin copolymer is biostable and crack-resistant when implanted in vivo. The polyolefin copolymer is the reaction product of a rubbery component which when homopolymerized produces a polymer having a low level of hardness, and a hardening component which when homopolymerized produces a polymer having a high level of hardness. The polyolefin copolymer is elastomeric, has a hardness intermediate the low and high levels of hardness, and has a backbone in which the majority of polymer linkages along the copolymer chain are alternating quaternary and secondary carbon atoms.

Abstract: Improved covers for electrolytic capacitors, offering both durability and low extractability of halides by high temperature electrolytes, can be produced from molding compositions including thermoset polymers having low halide extractability, preferably based on materials such as phenolic resins, and nonporous fillers, the compositions preferably being essentially free of porous fillers.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a process for preparing a Class-A surface, fiber reinforced molded article. The process broadly requires the use of two separate fiber surfacing veils with a fiber reinforcement sandwiched therebetween. A polyurethane reaction system is injected into the mold. The system requires the presence of specified hindered amines.

Abstract: A multi-layered heat distributor system is provided for use in a microwave process. The multi-layered heat distributors includes a first inner layer of a high thermal conductivity heat distributor material, a middle insulating layer and an optional third insulating outer layer. The multi-layered heat distributor system is placed around the ceramic composition or article to be processed and located in a microwave heating system. Sufficient microwave energy is applied to provide a high density, unflawed ceramic product.

Abstract: A method of making the a multilayer, biaxially oriented, heat shrinkable thermoplastic film includes a layer having between 50 and 100 parts by weight ethylene/alpha-olefin C4-C12 copolymer, and between 0 and 50 parts by weight of a polymer selected from polyolefin, and modified polyolefin, the layer having more than one melting point when detected by diffential scanning calorimetry according to ASTM D-3418; wherein the total thickness variation in the multilayer film is lower than ±10%.

Abstract: According to the present invention, a hollow molded article of high quality can be produced by conducting the following steps of: providing a small-sized molding machine comprising a mold having a pair of mold halves wherein at least one of the mold halves comprises a body and a slidable block; supplying a resin in an unsolidified state between the mold halves to fill a mold cavity having a first clearance with the resin; supplying a pressured fluid into the resin lying between the mold surfaces; moving the slidable block from a first position to a second position; opening the mold until a cavity clearance becomes a second clearance which is larger than the first clearance; and opening the mold to take out the hollow molded article.

Abstract: A plasma generating electrode device including a substrate 31 made of a dense ceramic, and an electrode 55 buried in said substrate 31, wherein said electrode 55 is isolated from a setting face of said substrate 31, and plasma is generated over said substrate. It is preferable that the minimum thickness of an electromagnetic wave permeation layer 37 is not less than 0.1 mm, the average thickness of the electromagnetic wave permeation layer is not less than 0.5 mm, the electrode 55 is a planar electrode made of a metal bulk, and the electrode is a monolithic sinter free from a joint face. This structure can be applied to an electric dust collector, an electromagnetic shield device or an electrostatic chuck. These can be preferably installed inside a semiconductor production unit using a halogen-based corrosive gas.

Abstract: Molybdenum disilicide/&bgr;′-Si6-zAlzOzN8-z, wherein z=a number from greater than 0 to about 5, composites are made by use of in situ reactions among &agr;-silicon nitride, molybdenum disilicide, and aluminum. Molybdenum disilicide within a molybdenum disilicide/&bgr;′-Si6-zAlzOzN8-z eutectoid matrix is the resulting microstructure when the invention method is employed.