Abstract: An in-situ method and apparatus for recovering hydrocarbons from hydrocarbon-bearing material by dissociation includes sinking a well casing into a deposit of the hydrocarbon-bearing material. A probe is inserted into the well casing until the probe end is adjacent the deposit of material. An electrical charge is released into the deposit via the probe end to dissociate the hydrocarbon-bearing material and produce a hydrocarbon rich product which can be recovered for fuel value.

Abstract: A deposition system is described. The deposition system includes a deposition source that generates deposition flux comprising neutral atoms and molecules. A shield defining an aperture is positioned in the path of the deposition flux. The shield passes the deposition flux though the aperture and substantially blocks the deposition flux from propagating past the shield everywhere else. A substrate support is positioned adjacent to the shield. A dual-scanning system scans the substrate support relative to the aperture with a first and a second motion.

Abstract: A deposition system in a semiconductor fabrication system provides at least one electron gun which injects energetic electrons into a semiconductor fabrication chamber to initiate and sustain a relatively high density plasma at extremely low pressures. In addition to ionizing atoms of the extremely low pressure gas, such as an argon gas at 100 microTorr, for example, the energetic electrons are also believed to collide with target material atoms sputtered from a target positioned above a substrate, thereby ionizing the target material atoms and losing energy as a result of the collisions. Preferably, the electrons are injected substantially tangentially to the walls of a chamber shield surrounding the plasma in a magnetic field generally parallel to a central axis of the semiconductor fabrication chamber connecting the target to and the substrate.

Abstract: Electrode device for electrochemical baths, particularly for electrolytic tinning contrivances, comprising a container (10) having at least one liquid-permeable wall (14) and comprised of a material which remains unaffected by the electrochemical fluid, whereby said container (10) is provided for the accommodating of a material substance necessary for the electrochemical process.

Abstract: A double line electrode unit for use in an electro-coagulation printer contains a pair of electrode plates, negative electrodes and a prepreg (or an insulating layer). The negative electrodes are linearly arranged with prescribed intervals of distance therebetween on surfaces of the electrode plates respectively and are embedded in insulating resin materials being solidified. The insulating resin materials contain fillers that are selected from among prescribed materials of boron nitride, aluminum nitride, alumina and silica. In addition, connectors are arranged on other surfaces of the electrode plates in connection with the negative electrodes respectively.

Abstract: The invention provides methods and devices that enable the nesting of metal units. One method generally identifies a nesting location on the metal unit, and applies a force at the nesting location to create a nesting feature. In another embodiment, the invention is a nestable metal sheet. The nestable metal sheet is generally a metal sheet, such as a copper cathode, having a nesting feature.

Abstract: In an electrode system, particularly for electrochemical sensors, which comprises a working electrode, a counterelectrode and an electrolyte, the counterelectrode is constituted by a material containing an elementary carbon, whereby the long-term stability of the electrode system is considerably increased.

Abstract: Disclosed is a NOx sensor for measuring a NOx concentration comprising a main pumping cell and a detecting electrode, the main pumping cell including an electrode (an inner pumping electrode and an outer pumping electrode) having no decomposing/reducing ability for NOx or a low decomposing/reducing ability for NOx, to be used so that an oxygen concentration in a measurement gas is controlled to have a predetermined value at which NO is not substantially decomposable, and the detecting electrode having a certain decomposing/reducing ability for NOx or a high decomposing/reducing ability for NOx, to be used so that NOx is decomposed to measure the NOx concentration by measuring an amount of oxygen produced during this process, wherein a cermet electrode composed of a Pt—Rh alloy and a ceramic component is used as the detecting electrode.

Abstract: The invention provides a microfabricated device for sorting cells based on a desired characteristic, for example, reporter-labeled cells can be sorted by the presence or level of reporter on the cells. The device includes a chip having a substrate into which is microfabricated at least one analysis unit. Each analysis unit includes a main channel, having a sample inlet channel, typically at one end, and a detection region along a portion of its length. Adjacent and downstream from the detection region, the main channel has a discrimination region or branch point leading to at least two branch channels. The analysis unit may further include additional inlet channels, detection points, branch points, and branch channels as desired. A stream containing cells is passed through the detection region, such that on average one cell occupies the detection region at a given time.

Abstract: A product comprised of a three dimensional network of material is coated with a particulate support. The coating may be applied by an electrophoretic coating procedure to apply a particulate coating on the surface or into the interior portions of such three dimensional network of material. In one embodiment, the particles are a catalyst or a catalyst precursor or a catalyst support to thereby provide a catalyst structure in which catalyst may be supported as a coating in the interior and on the exterior of a three-dimensional network of material having a high void volume. Edge effects may be reduced by control or disruption of field lines during the coating. In addition, larger particles may be electrophoretically coated onto a product by the use of smaller particles which function as a “glue”.

Abstract: Bipolar membrane electrodialysis methods for salt splitting polyvalent metal salts, where the metal cation can form substantially insoluble precipitates in the presence of hydroxyl ions can now be used in recovering acid and base values from a salt streams without precipitates fouling cell operation and causing shutdown. The introduction of an acid to the chamber where metal hydroxides would form inhibits their development or neutralizes formed solids, allowing salt splitting to continue. Salt splitting methods of the invention performed with a three compartment bipolar electrodialysis cell are useful in producing concentrated and purified acid forms, such as 2-keto-L-gluconic acid, H(KLG), a key intermediate in the production of ascorbic acid.

Abstract: A waste treatment apparatus treats radioactive contaminated waste from a nuclear fuel material handling facility to decontaminate the radioactive contaminated waste by using an electrolytic molten salt, and reuses the electrolytic molten salt so that any effluents are not produced. Radioactive contaminated waste (10) from a nuclear fuel material handling facility is subjected to electrolysis by a molten salt electrolysis unit (20) to decontaminate the waste (10). The used salt (16) used for decontaminating the waste (10) is filtered to separate nuclear fuel materials (19) from the used salt (16). The filtered salt (18) is reused by the molten salt electrolysis unit (20). The salt adhering to the decontaminated waste (12) is recovered by an evaporating unit (59), and the recovered salt (15) is reused by the molten salt electrolysis unit (20).

Abstract: An electrolytic method is disclosed by which occlusion of hydrogen or sticking of atoms or molecules in plating and so forth is not disturbed by electronic magnetic force produced by main electric current and ion current flowing from the positive electrode to the negative electrode through electrolyte. An electric circuit separate from a positive electrode and a negative electrode is provided between the positive electrode and the negative electrode, and electric current of a direction opposite to that of main electric current and ion current flowing in the electrolyte from the positive electrode to the negative electrode is supplied to the electric circuit to produce an opposite magnetic field which cancels a magnetic field produced by the main electric current and the ion current flowing in the electrolyte.

Abstract: A substrate plating apparatus forms an interconnection layer on an interconnection region composed of a fine groove and/or a fine hole defined in a substrate. The substrate plating apparatus includes a plating unit for forming a plated layer on a surface of the substrate including the interconnection region, a chemical mechanical polishing unit for chemically mechanically polishing the substrate to remove the plated layer from the surface of the substrate leaving a portion of the plated layer in the interconnection region, a cleaning unit for cleaning the substrate after the plated layer is formed or the substrate is chemically mechanically polished, a drying unit for drying the substrate after the substrate is cleaned, and a substrate transfer unit for transferring the substrate to and from each of the first plating unit, the first chemical mechanical polishing unit, the cleaning unit, and the drying unit.

Abstract: The invention concerns a bipolar electrode with a semiconductor coating and a cathode, as well as a procedure for the electrolytic dissociation of water, especially for the recovery of hydrogen. The body material of the cathode and/or the anode in this procedure is preferably comprised of titanium or platinum coated titanium, whereby, on the anode an additional semiconductor coating is applied, said coating being preferentially titanium dioxide (TiO2), which is dosed with iron (Fe). The advantage of the bipolar electrode is that an increased volume of hydrogen per time unit can be recovered and further, with these bipolar electrodes a simple procedure at ambient surroundings and conditions is achieved without expensive equipment for hydrogen production. In addition the anode of the invented bipolar electrodes can also be radiated with UV-radiation for the purpose of an increase in efficiency.

Abstract: Barrel-shaped anodes and cathodes are alternately arranged in layers in a concentric manner with space between the electrodes. Anodes are ferrite poles with a long hole along the center axis or a pipe, and the hole is filled with a metal with a low melting point heated to the temperature at which it has some fluidity.

Abstract: A bipolar electrolytic cell can include, as a manifold, a spiral manifold assembly. This spiral manifold assembly will comprise a first outer assembly member, a second outer assembly member and a center assembly member. The overall structure can provide reduced loss of metal or gas and minimal loss of electrical current during an electrolytic process.

Abstract: An electrolytic copper foil is electrodeposited onto the cathodic drum surface of a rotating cathode drum by feeding an electrolytic solution between the cathode drum and an anode facing each other and applying direct current between them, while the initial formation of the crystal nuclei of the electrolytic copper foil is performed by providing an auxiliary anode, an electrolytic solution receiver and a flashboard above the anode and applying an electric current between the cathode drum and the auxiliary anode and feeding an electrolytic solution separately onto the cathodic drum surface from an electrolytic solution feeder placed near the auxiliary anode and discharging it through the gap between the cathodic drum surface and the edge of the electrolytic solution receiver, keeping an electrolytic solution holdup between the cathodic drum surface and the auxiliary anode by the electrolytic solution receiver and the flashboard.

Abstract: A display box for a consumer article is presented that includes a base, a support member and a cover. The base has at least one platform that includes an outer surface, a bottom surface, and a flange extending from the at least one platform. The base further includes an opening in the bottom surface defined by edges of the flange. The support member is adapted for supporting the consumer article and has a pedestal that is selectively mountable on and decoupleable from the flange. The cover has a top wall and four side walls that define an inner surface. The cover is selectively coupled to and decoupled from the base and can be positioned in a first position, in which the outer surface of the base and the inner surface of the four side walls cooperate to seal the display box and to prevent an unauthorized decoupling of the cover (i.e. opening of the display box). Preferably, mechanical assistance is required to separate the cover and the base.

Abstract: A packaging device is provided for packaging at least one disc-shaped item such as, for example, a recording media disc such as a CD, a CD-ROM or a DVD. The packaging device includes an opening at one end thereof, and it has at least one internal upper chamber and at least one internal lower chamber for respectively receiving the disc-shaped item and the other materials. These chambers are divided by a support element that is adapted to positively retain the disc-shaped item within the upper chamber. A lid is further provided for closing the opening at the end of the packaging device. A method is further provided for packaging such disc-shaped item and other material within the packaging device.

Abstract: An elongated packaging device is provided for packaging at least one disc-shaped item such as, for example, a recording media disc such as a CD, a CD-ROM or a DVD, together with other materials relating to such disc or otherwise in a stacked relationship. The packaging device comprises a first member having a first chamber and a first opening providing access thereto, said first chamber including means to receive and retain a disc-shaped media, and a second member for the storage of materials other than the disc-shaped media, said second member including a second chamber and a second opening providing access thereto. A method is further provided for packaging such disc-shaped item and other material within the packaging device.

Abstract: This invention relates to a holder for paper cone-type coffee filters used with drip-type coffee makers.

Abstract: A reusable lid for a food storage container including a device for removably attaching the lid to the container and a resettable date indicating device for indicating a critical date of the contents of the container.

Abstract: A semiconductor wafer carrier has an enclosure with a door frame defining an opening for insertion and removal of wafers, a door for closing and sealing said opening, and separately formed door guides for controlling the interface between said door and the enclosure. In a preferred embodiment, the door guides each comprise a first body and a second body connected to each other by a web. Each body includes a door contacting portion and a door frame contacting portion. The door frame contacting portion has a sloped segment configured to a slidingly, progressively, and cooperatively engage the door frame to properly position the door within the door frame during closure with minimal particle generation by such contact. In this preferred embodiment, the guide is configured to be attached onto a corner edge of a door.

Abstract: An embossed carrier tape used for carrying electronic devices, includes a plurality of pockets (device holes) in which the electronic devices are held one by one. Each of the pockets (device holes) includes a plurality of inner side surfaces which are separated by ridge lines. Each of the pockets (device holes) is shaped so that corners of the electronic device are not in contact with the ridge lines thereof.

Abstract: An embossed carrier tape includes a plurality of device pockets (device holes) in which electronic devices are held one by one; and support portions each of which is formed at a surrounding area of each of the device pockets. The support portions are of step-shaped on which the electronic devices are put and supported.

Abstract: A combination of a container and an elongate member in which a side panel of the container is provided with a plurality of lines of weakness. The plurality of lines of weakness can be bent into braces or a brace and a pocket. The combination of the brace and pocket can support and hold the elongate member relative to the container. The elongate member can easily be removed from the container with one hand.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and dual reactor system for hydrotreating a wide cut cat naphtha stream comprising heavy cat naphtha (HCN) and intermediate cat naphtha (ICN). Accordingly, a HCN fraction is hydrotreated under non-selective hydrotreating conditions and an ICN fraction is hydrotreated under selective hydrotreating conditions. The hydrotreated HCN and ICN effluents may be conducted to heat exchangers to pre-heat the ICN feed, obviating the need for a furnace.

Abstract: A process for upgrading a feedstream, said process comprising: (a) solvent deasphalting, under solvent deasphalting conditions, said feedstream to obtain a first product stream comprising deasphalted oil and a second product stream comprising asphalt product; (b) slurry hydroprocessing said asphalt product in a slurry hydroprocessing unit under slurry hydroprocessing conditions to obtain a hydroprocessed product; and (c) separating an upgraded oil from the hydroprocessed product and unconverted asphaltene bottoms.

Abstract: A process for the catalytic cracking in a fluidized bed where the feed stock is fully and previously vaporized before made to contact the cracking catalyst which has its origin in the regenerator. The pre-vaporization of the feed dispenses with the heat exchange with the catalyst in order to vaporize the feed. Thus, coke deposits on the catalyst surface are reduced, the yield of the gasoline unit is improved and the unit may operate under very low contact times (<0.5 seconds). Modes for adjusting the heat balance of the unit as a function of the increase in the feed temperature without harm to the catalyst circulation are also presented.

Abstract: When a printed board is soldered by a dipping method, a great deal of dross is generated on a jet solder tank. The dross is a mixture of melted solder and oxide. A worker takes out the dross from the jet solder tank, and throws it away. Thus, a large amount of the solder is consumed. The present invention relates to a separating device for separating oxide and solder from dross. A container (21) is provided with a heater (22). A cover (24) is set over the container (21) to be freely attachable or detachable, and further a non-oxidizing gas supplying opening (28) is made in the cover (24) or the container (21). A stirring spatula (25) for stirring the surface of a melted solder (23) put into the container (21) is set near the surface of the melted solder (23).

Abstract: A filter cartridge for a gravity-fed water treatment device having a porous particulate filter disposed therein. The porous particulate filter has an open upper end, a closed lower end, and sidewalls therebetween. Water is treated as it flows through the sidewalls of the filter. The cartridge also contains granular media disposed within the porous particulate filter.

Abstract: A dialysate preparing apparatus in which concentration of dialysate can be finely adjusted is provided. The dialysate preparing apparatus comprises a chamber 2, the inside of which is divided into four compartments 21, 22, 23, 24 by movable partitions 25, 26, 27; a dissolving solution supply line 1 for supplying dissolving solution to the first compartment 21; a solution tank 5; dialysate preparing lines 31, 32 connecting the solution tank 5 with the first compartment 21 and with the second compartment 22, respectively; a transporting pump 4 provided in the dialysate preparing line 32; a concentration meter N; a powder supply means 7; and dialysate lines 61, 62 connecting the second compartment 22 and the fourth compartment 24 with a dialyzer D, respectively; a circulating line 81; and a waste liquid discharge line 9.

Abstract: A fluid filtering device has a housing with a mounting mechanism disposed at the forward end and on the top surface of the housing. A fluid inlet is defined through the housing top surface, and at least one fluid outlet is defined through the housing bottom surface. A valve member is disposed within the housing between the fluid inlet and the fluid outlet. At least one filter is disposed longitudinally within a portion of the housing rearward of the mounting mechanism. The filter is in fluid communication with the fluid inlet and a fluid outlet and may be removable from the rear of the housing. An actuator extends from the forward end of the housing and is connected with the valve member through the housing. The actuator moves the valve member between a filtered and unfiltered position. In the filtered position, fluid is directed from the fluid inlet and through the rear portion of the housing containing the filter.

Abstract: There are disclosed a bioreactor carrier comprising a (A) water swellable thermoplastic resin, preferably water swellable thermoplastic polyurethane resin and a (B) specific inorganic filler which is added thereto at the time of producing and/or molding said resin, characterized in that the specific gravity of the carrier on swelling in water is controlled within the range of 1.02 to 1.35; a process for producing the bioreactor carrier; and a process for denitrifying treatment of organic waste water which comprises nitrifying and denitrifying nitrogen components in the organic waste water with microbes by the use of the above bioreactor carrier. The bioreactor carrier has high physical strength, can be readily produced and uniformly fluidized in a reactor, and enables microbial and enzymatic reactions to be effectively performed.

Abstract: There are disclosed a bioreactor carrier comprising a (A) water swellable thermoplastic resin, preferably water swellable thermoplastic polyurethane resin and a (B) compatible resin with the resin as the component (A), and as the case may be, a (C) inorganic filler, characterized in that the degree of volumetric swelling of said carrier is controlled within the range of 120 to 3000%, and that the specific gravity of said carrier on swelling in water is controlled within the range of 1.02 to 2.12; a process for producing the bioreactor carrier; and a process for denitrifying treatment of organic waste water which comprises nitrifying and denitrifying nitrogen components in the organic waste water with microbes by using the above bioreactor carrier. The bioreactor carrier has high physical strength, can be readily produced and uniformly fluidized in a reactor, and enables microbial and enzymatic reactions to be effectively performed.

Abstract: A partially soluble lanthanide compound and methods for use in removing phosphate from water. Preferably the compound is used in removing phosphate from water in swimming pools, spas, and similar structures. Alternatively, a combination of compounds having varying solubilities may be used to remove phosphate from water. Several water treatment techniques are disclosed, as well as a variety of different methods for delivery of the active ingredients. These delivery methods include use of a slurry of the active reagent in solution as well as a tablet, powder, or granulated structure. Additionally, the water treatment techniques may incorporate the use of a combination including both enzymatic compositions and compounds for phosphate removal.

Abstract: The present invention provides porous mineral oxide beads which have large pore volumes and enhanced stability. The beads are based on a tetravalent metal oxide, such as zirconia, titania or hafnia. These highly porous beads are produced from a mixture of tetravalent mineral oxides, mineral pore inducing agents which are oxides or salts of trivalent metals, and optional binders. The porous mineral beads can be filled with a polymer gel and used for adsorption and chromatography applications.

Abstract: According to the method of treating water in a cooling water system, adhesion of fouling is on-line monitored by a compact and inexpensive apparatus and a slime control treatment is intensified according to the result of on-line monitoring. The water treatment is intensified in response to the change of electric potential of a sensor monitoring microbial fouling 11 made of sensitized metallic material. When the electric potential of the sensor exceeds a threshold value, an agent is added through both chemical feeding pumps 15 and 17. When the electric potential lowers to the normal value, the agent is added only through the pump 15.

Abstract: Systems and methods for treating wastewater or source water are disclosed. Water is directed through a filter assembly having a filter medium and is irradiated by a radiation assembly. In preferred embodiments, the filter medium may be microporous or finer; the radiation assembly may be arranged to irradiate water upstream of the filter medium of the filter assembly; and/or the radiation assembly may be arranged to irradiate water upstream of the filter medium of the filter assembly.

Abstract: An effective and non-toxic oil spill dispersant combines a predominately oil-soluble surfactant with a predominately water-soluble surfactant and a co-solvent for coupling a mixture of the predominately oil-soluble surfactant and the oil spill, with the predominately water-soluble surfactant. Water is included in the combination to help advance the interaction between the predominately oil-soluble surfactant and the predominately water-soluble surfactant as well as the co-solvent. The water component also helps reduce the viscosity of the dispersant to allow it to be pumped under pressure.

Abstract: A system and method for removing solids from a fluid environment. The system includes a device for separating solids fluid using cyclonic flow. The device includes column for collecting solids to be separated from the fluid environment. The device also includes a plenum positioned circumferentially about a lower end of the column and an inlet in tangential communication with the plenum for generating a cyclonic flow pattern into the column. As the cyclonic flow is introduced into the column, the annulus directs the solids in suspension upwards and towards the center of the column. The velocity of the flow upward is sufficiently less than the settling velocity of the solids thereby allowing the solids to fall out of suspension. The ascending fluid substantially free of solids can be collected through an upper end of the column. The device further includes a draining assembly for collecting the settled solids and for removing the solids therethrough.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for treating fluids includes a vortex nozzle assembly having improved vortex nozzles. The overall system and system layout, which includes an elbow design, are improved as well as vortex system methods. The vortex nozzle assembly includes an access port and methods for measuring physical properties at the fluid flows. A frame assembly provides support for the vortex system.

Abstract: The invention defines a movable and horizontally foldable hanger-rack and method of using the same for transporting garments and other goods capable of being suspended from a hanger, between a manufacturer and a retail store. A hanger-rack includes a base structure having wheels, two-opposing side supports extending upwards from the base structure, and an upper support between the sides supports for supporting garments on hangers. The hanger-rack also includes a plurality of strings hanging from the upper supports that facilitate placement of hangers. In a horizontally collapsed position, the hanger-rack is less than ⅕ of its fully-extended size. A cargo system is defined including the moveable hanger-rack and a freight container for receiving the same.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a free-standing rack for hanging and supporting scuba diving or other wet equipment when not in use and particularly during cleaning, drying and storage thereof. The rack includes at least three support legs extending from a top point and a plurality of dive equipment holders attached to at least one of the supporting legs at points along its length. The rack of the present invention provides a free-standing and inherently stabile structure which can be easily collapsed for storage when not in use and quickly and easily expanded for use in a variety of locations. The rack is highly storable and portable in its collapsed state but is also movable in its expanded state, even with equipment supported thereon.

Abstract: A method for forming a patterned film on a substrate, the method including: providing a first flowable medium on the substrate and a second flowable medium on the first flowable medium the first and second flowable media having different dielectric properties and defining an interface there between; applying an electric field to the interface for a time sufficient to produce a structure in the first flowable medium along the interface; and hardening the structure in the first flowable medium to form the patterned film.

Abstract: Variable mode plasma system and method for processing a semiconductor wafer. The modulation of the plasma potential relative to the semiconductor wafer is varied for different process steps. A capacitive shield may be selectively grounded to vary the level of capacitive coupling and modulation of the plasma. Process pressures, gases and power level may also be modified for different process steps. Plasma properties may easily be tailored to specific layers and materials being processed on the surface of the wafer. Variable mode processes may be adapted for (i) removal of photoresist after high-dose ion implant, (ii) post metal etch polymer removal, (iii) via clean, and (iv) other plasma enhanced processes.

Abstract: A Multi-Electrode Welding System for performing high-precision welding and joining is disclosed. One embodiment of the invention comprises a sealed chamber (13) which is enclosed by a weld head frame (11), a removable lid (12) and a chamber base (14). A generally tubular workpiece (not shown) is placed in a pair of semi-annular inserts (16) and extends into the sealed chamber (13), which is filled with an inert gas. In one embodiment, a weld head rotor (18) revolves around the longitudinal axis defined by the workpiece, and controls the motion of an inside electrode (24A) and an outside electrode (24B), which are held by inside and outside electrode holders (20 & 22). Arc welding is performed by the electrodes (24A & 24B) as they revolve around the workpiece. Inside and outside welding may be performed simultaneously. The invention provides for precise control of the relative position of the electrodes, allowing one electrode to trail the other.

Abstract: A heating apparatus and method for pre-weld heat treating, welding and post-weld heat treating a superalloy article in a single enclosure while avoiding oxidation of the article. The enclosure is preferably equipped with a one-way valve that permits the escape of gases, but otherwise seals the enclosure to prevent the ingress of air during welding and heat treatment as a result of thermal gradients induced when the article is inductively heated. To provide access to the article and a device used to weld the article, the enclosure is equipped with gloves by which the welding device and the article can be manipulated while a nonreactive atmosphere is fully maintained within the enclosure and the article is inductively heating.

Abstract: This invention provides a plasma reactor for modifying gas by plasma, including a first planar electrode and a second planar electrode, the two electrodes facing opposite each other approximately in parallel; a dielectric body inserted between the first and the second electrodes; and a complex barrier discharge-generating means for providing a predetermined electric potential difference between the first and the second electrodes; wherein the first and the second electrodes are provided so as to apply complex plasma discharge to the gas to be treated fed between the electrodes, to thereby modify the gas. According to the invention, gas modification efficiency can be remarkably improved.