Abstract: In a sputtering process of forming a transparent electrode film (13) on a color filter (14), the dielectric breakdown of a peripheral portion of the color pattern film (10) due to abnormal discharge is prevented. A metal mask (8) has a mask body (8b) provided with openings (8a) having a shape corresponding to that of the color pattern films (10) formed on a glass substrate (9) Stepped portions (8d) are formed by recessing brim portions (8c) of the openings (8a) facing the color filters (14). Gaps (11) are formed between the mask body (8b) and peripheral portions of the color pattern films (10) of the color filters (14). The mask body (8b) is provided on the stepped portions (8d) with conductive projections (12). The conductive projections (12) come into electrical contact with black shading strips (10b) formed in the peripheral portions of the color pattern films (10) of the color filters (14).

Abstract: To provide a plasma etching method that can suppress discharge of active gases that do not contribute to plasma etching into the atmosphere, a plasma etching apparatus 10 is composed of a vacuum chamber 12, a plasma processing section 14, a helium supply section 16, a PFC supply section 18, a switching device 20, and an exhaust opening 22. In the use of the apparatus 10, first, helium is introduced into the vacuum chamber 12 through the switching device 20. Then, while introducing the helium, helium is also discharged from the exhaust opening 22 to set the interior of the vacuum chamber 12 at a specified pressure. When the pressure within the vacuum chamber 12 is stabilized at the specified pressure, plasma is generated within the vacuum chamber 12, and at the same time, helium is switched to carbon tetrafluoride by the switching device 20. As a result, carbon tetrafluoride that does not contribute to the plasma etching is prevented from being discharged into the atmosphere.

Abstract: There is provided a microchip-based differential-type carbon dioxide gas sensor for detecting dissolved carbon dioxide levels. It functions with at least one working electrode composed of an unbuffered hydrogel membrane containing a certain amount of sodium bicarbonate and a pH-sensitive gas-permeable membrane; and a reference electrode composed of a buffered hydrogel membrane and a pH-sensitive gas-permeable membrane. The unbuffered hydrogel membrane contains carbonic anhydrase, which reduces the time period for the hydration of carbon dioxide, thereby allowing the quick measurement of the level of carbon dioxide. In addition to being significantly improved in stabilization, sensing, and recovering time periods, the differential-type carbon dioxide gas sensor can be fabricated in small sizes and quickly measure levels of carbon dioxide dissolved in sample solution.

Abstract: A gas sensor comprises a first pump cell 6 including first internal and external electrodes 10 and 11 so formed as to face from inside and outside a first flow passage 2, respectively, for pumping oxygen out from, and into, the first flow passage, and a second pump cell 8 including second internal and external electrodes 14 and 15 so formed as to face from inside and outside a second flow passage 4 communicating with the first flow passage through a diffusion resistance, wherein a measurement gas component undergoes reaction inside the second flow passage 4 and a current corresponding to the concentration of the measurement gas component flows between the electrodes 14 and 15 through the oxygen ion conductor. At least a part of the first internal electrode 10 contains a platinum group element and Cu.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a gas sensor, including a substrate electrode layer forming step, and a surface electrode layer forming step. The gas sensor includes first and second processing spaces, an oxygen concentration detection element, an oxygen pumping element, an oxidation catalyst and a combustible gas component concentration detection element.

Abstract: A gas sensor element is provided which is used in a gas sensor such as an oxygen sensor. The gas sensor element includes a solid electrolyte body, a target gas electrode provided on a surface of the solid electrolyte body so as to be exposed to a gas to be measured, and a reference gas electrode provided on a surface of the solid electrolyte body so as to be exposed to a reference gas. Each of the target gas electrode and the reference gas electrode is made up of a plurality of crystal grains defined by grain boundaries. The total length of the grain boundaries in each of the target gas electrode and the reference gas electrode is 1000 &mgr;m or more in a surface area of 1000 &mgr;m2. This ensures a sufficient degree of diffusion of the gasses in the target and reference gas electrodes, thereby providing a rapid response rate to the gas sensor element.

Abstract: Process for the production of a three-dimensional substrate provided with a protective and decorative laminar structure, in which a primer layer of a coating composition (I) which is electrically conductive in the stoved state is applied without spraying onto an electrically conductive substrate and stoved, whereupon a substrate not yet in the desired three-dimensional shape is shaped, whereupon a second coating layer of an electrophoretically depositable coating composition (II) is electrophoretically deposited and stoved and whereupon a plastic film is applied.

Abstract: Electrodeionization apparatus and method. The electrodeionization apparatus includes an ion-depleting compartment in which alternating layers of an electroactive media are positioned. One of the alternating layers is doped to provide a more balanced current distribution through the apparatus. The method involves providing reducing the difference in conductivity between the alternating layers positioned in the ion-depleting compartment by adding a dopant material to one of the layers.

Abstract: A multilayer engine bearing (10) includes a steel backing (12) having a liner (14) of bearing metal of either copper-lead or aluminum alloys formed on the backing (12). A multilayer overplate (24, 124) is formed on the base lining member (16) and includes at least a first layer (28, 128) electrodeposited from a bath at a first current density to a desired thickness, and at least one additional layer (26, 126) electrodeposited from the same bath but at a different current density and to a desired thickness to yield a composite lamellar overplate structure having layers with differing deposit characteristics, such as hard and soft layers, generated from the same bath at different current densities.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for electrochemically depositing a metal into a high aspect ratio structure on a substrate are provided. In one aspect, a method is provided for processing a substrate including positioning a substrate having a first conductive material disposed thereon in a processing chamber containing an electrochemical bath, depositing a second conductive material on the first conductive material as the conductive material is contacted with the electrochemical bath by applying a plating bias to the substrate while immersing the substrate into the electrochemical bath, and depositing a third conductive material in situ on the second conductive material by an electrochemical deposition technique to fill the feature. The bias may include a charge density between about 20 mA*sec/cm2 and about 160 mA*sec/cm2. The electrochemical deposition technique may include a pulse modulation technique.

Abstract: The present invention provides plating solutions, particularly copper plating solutions, designed to provide uniform coatings on substrates and to provide substantially defect free filling of small features formed on substrates with none or low supporting electrolyte, i.e., which include no acid, low acid, no base, or no conducting salts, and/or high metal ion, e.g., copper, concentration. Defect free filling of features is enhanced by a plating solution containing blends of polyethers (“carrier”) and organic divalent sulfur compounds (“accelerator”), wherein the concentration of the carrier ranges from about 0.1 ppm to about 2500 ppm of the plating solution, and the concentration of the accelerator ranges from about 0.05 ppm to about 1000 ppm of the plating solution. The plating solution is further improved by adding an organic nitrogen compound at a concentration from about 0.01 ppm to about 1000 ppm to improve the filling of vias on a resistive substrate.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus that plates/deposits a conductive material on a semiconductor substrate and then polishes the same substrate. This is achieved by providing multiple chambers in a single apparatus, where one chamber can be used for plating/depositing the conductive material and another chamber can be used for polishing the semiconductor substrate. The plating/depositing process can be performed using brush plating or electro chemical mechanical deposition and the polishing process can be performed using electropolishing or chemical mechanical polishing. The present invention further provides a method and apparatus for intermittently applying the conductive material to the semiconductor substrate and also intermittently polishing the substrate when such conductive material is not being applied to the substrate.

Abstract: Disclosed is a process of treating the surface of copper foil without using harmful elements such as arsenic, selenium and tellurium unlike in the prior art. It is possible to, in an easy way, obtain a uniform rough condition and low rougheness and produce a high adhesive strength to such resin base materials as polymide resin which is weak in adhesive strength. The process comprises a roughening treatment involving a cathodic electrolysis of at least one side of copper foil near or above the limiting current density in an electrolytic bath containing titanium ions and tungsten ions and prepared by adding sulfuric acid and copper sulfate so as to have copper protrusions deposited and then coating the depositions with copper or a copper alloy in a cathodic electrolysis, followed by giving to the surface of the above-mentioned copper or the copper alloy at least one of the following rust-proofing treatments—chromate treatment, organic rust-proofing treatment and silane coupling agent treatment.

Abstract: The present invention provides an electrodeposition apparatus for continuously forming a film of an oxide on a substrate by electrodeposition, wherein an electrodeposition tank for retaining an electrodeposition bath is formed of a metal and the inside of the electrodeposition tank is kept electrically floating. This can form a uniform oxide film without irregularities on the substrate.

Abstract: A method for depositing an electrically conducting film on an electrode and the film resulting from that method. An electrically conducting film according to the present invention is deposited by immersing the electrode in a solution of a precursor polymer in a predetermined solvent. The precursor polymer includes a plurality of electrochemical polymerizable monomers. Each monomer has first and second polymer-forming active sites that can be joined by electrochemical polymerization and third and fourth polymer-forming active sites that can be joined chemically in solution. The precursor polymer is constructed from the monomers joined by the third and fourth polymer-forming active sites. The precursor polymer is soluble in the solvent whereas a polymer formed by electrochemical polymerization of the first and second polymer-forming active sites is insoluble in the solvent.

Abstract: A metal is provided on a polymeric component and the component is subjected to a removal process such as plasma or liquid etching in the presence of an electric field. The etchant selectively attacks the polymer at the boundary between the metal and the polymer, thereby forming gaps alongside the metal. A cover metal may be plated onto the metal in the gaps. The cover metal protects the principal metal during subsequent etching procedures.

Abstract: A measuring probe for potentiometric measurements has a housing (2) of an electrically insulating material surrounding an enclosed space (4). Inside the space (4) are a primary reference element (6), a secondary reference element (8), an electrolyte (10), and an ion-permeable, micro-porous, high-viscosity polymer substance which, in combination with the electrolyte (10), forms a filler mass (16). The housing (2) has at least one opening (12) to the outside, through which the electrolyte (10) can be brought into contact with a sample solution on which a measurement is to be performed. The secondary reference element (8) is arranged so that the boundary (52) of an electrolyte-deficient region (54) advancing over time from the opening (12) towards the primary reference element (6) arrives at the secondary reference element (8) before reaching the primary reference element (6).

Abstract: A multi-packaging device comprises a plastic sheet having a generally uniform thickness and alternating and discrete strips of different materials extending side-by-side and parallel with respect to an array of apertures, wherein each strip of the alternating and discrete strips of plastic sheet includes at least one distinct physical property that differs from each adjacent strip. Such distinct physical properties may include different moduli, different coefficient of frictions, different colors and/or different recycled material contents.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of reducing the cost of impregnated wipes, by including coupons for other companies' products or services within the packaging of said wipes. Also, a method is provided to track the sales, distribution and redemption of said wipes and coupons, and to electronically provide such information to retailers and advertisers over the internet. The present invention also provides an improved wipe package.

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 protective element may be inserted either beneath or above (or both) the disc-shaped media so as to protect the media surface or retain the disc-shaped media within the first chamber. The first member may be removably attached to the second member about the second opening so as to close said second opening.

Abstract: A lockable media storage box and lock and key combination includes a box having a base and a lid hingedly connected to the base and movable between opened and closed positions. A lock is attached to the box that prevents the box from being opened until the lock is removed with a key or until the lock is destroyed.

Abstract: A solvating component for a solvated mesophase pitch. The solvated component includes a mixture of aromatic hydrocarbons having boiling points in the atmospheric equivalent boiling point range of about 285° to about 460° C. (about 550° F.-932° F.). At least 80% of the carbon atoms of the hydrocarbons are aromatic as characterized by carbon 13 NMR. The aromatic hydrocarbons are selected from a group consisting of aromatic compounds having 2 to 5 aromatic rings, substituted aromatic compounds having 2 to 5 aromatic rings wherein said substituents are alkyl groups having 1 to 3 carbons, hydroaromatic compounds having 2 to 5 rings, substituted aromatic compounds having 2 to 5 rings wherein said substituents are alkyl groups having 1 to 3 carbons, and mixtures thereof.

Abstract: A method, and a reactor, for hydroprocessing a hydrocarbon feed stream through multistage moving catalyst beds contained within a single onstream reactor vessel, with separate catalyst addition and withdrawal systems for each of the multistages of moving catalyst beds. The reactor contains two or more different and distinct moving catalyst beds for any hydroprocessing application. The method includes serially passing, without leaving the reactor vessel, at least a partially treated hydrocarbon stream from one hydroconversion reaction zone containing a moving catalyst bed with a first set of catalytic characteristics to another hydroconversion reaction zone containing a moving catalyst bed with a second set of catalytic characteristics that differ in catalytic abilities from the first set of catalytic characteristics.

Abstract: An iron-containing crystalline aluminosilicate is provided which befits the incorporation as a component in a hydrocracking catalyst for hydrocarbon oil owing to the feature of exhibiting a highly satisfactory hydrocracking activity at no sacrifice of the yield of an middle distillate.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for reducing naphthenic acid content of crude oils and its fractions in the essential absence of oxygen and in the presence of an aqueous base selected from Group IA and IIA hydroxides and ammonium hydroxide and mixtures thereof, a phase transfer agent that is a quaternary onium salt in amounts of from 10−5 to 10−1 at a temperature and pressure effective to produce a treated petroleum feed having a decreased naphthenic acid content and an aqueous phase containing naphthenate salts, phase transfer agent and base.

Abstract: An automated banking machine (10) identifies and stores documents such as currency bills deposited by a user. The machine then selectively recovers documents from storage and dispenses them to other users. The machine includes a central transport (70) wherein documents deposited in a stack are unstacked, oriented and identified. Such documents are then routed to storage areas in recycling canisters (92, 94, 96, 98). When a user subsequently requests a dispense, documents stored in the storage areas are selectively picked therefrom and delivered to the user through an input/output area (50) of the machine. The control system (30) for the machine includes a terminal processor (548). Identification devices identify the type and character of a document, and distinguish genuine documents, such as genuine currency bills, from unidentifiable or suspect documents.

Abstract: An article classifying system includes a conveyor 9 for conveying mail pieces 1, a weighing conveyor 18, and a sorting conveyor 26. A length measuring unit 5 measures the length of the mail pieces while they are being conveyed by the conveyor 9. Also, the width and the thickness of the mail pieces are measured by a width measuring unit 4 and a thickness measuring unit 3. The weight of the mail pieces is measured by a weighing unit 6 while the mail pieces are being conveyed on the weighing conveyor 18. Then, a control unit classifies the mail pieces into categories according to their length, width, thickness and weight.

Abstract: An allocating mechanism of a weighing apparatus that temporarily stores objects and allocates the objects to a plurality of hoppers disposed below is provided to reduce the amount of objects that remain without being allocated. The allocating mechanism 21 is included in the weighing apparatus. The allocating mechanism 21 is a mechanism that temporarily stores objects, and allocates the objects to hoppers 24 and 25 disposed below. The allocating mechanism 21 includes a tubular member 61, a bottom plate 62, a driving motor, and a controller. The bottom plate 62 can, together with the tubular member 61, form a storage space S, in which the objects are stored. The driving motor rotates the tubular member 61 and the bottom plate 62. The controller controls the driving motor to rotate the tubular member 61 and the bottom plate 62, such that the objects are dropped in one of the hoppers 24 and 25.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a point-of-use water treatment system (WTS) unit (20) for filtering and treating contaminants in water. WTS unit (20) may include a first primary coil (74) located in a base unit (22) which inductively power a secondary treatment device such as a UV lamp assembly (24). A filter assembly (26) is used which has a filter block (90) and an inner sleeve (92) which extends inside filter block (90). Inner sleeve (92) defines a chamber in which the secondary treatment device (24) may be disposed. First and second valves and seals may be interposed between the filter assembly (26), secondary treatment device (24) and base unit (22) to allow the filter assembly (26) and secondary treatment device (24) to be independently replaceable. Secondary treatment device (24) may be a lamp assembly (24) which includes a condensing element (84) to condense mercury in a bulb in the arc path between filaments (444).

Abstract: The knock-down structure of the filter comprises a body with a cover and a filtering element with a bypass valve and an anti-drain valve, a filtering element of the bypass valve and a spring, arranged coaxially inside the body. The body is provided with an annular groove accommodating a split locking ring. On the external cylindrical surface of the cover at least one annular groove is provided in which a sealing gasket and a projection are disposed, said projection interacting with said split locking ring. The one-piece structure of the filter does not comprise a locking ring and projection, the body having a beading made at the end edge thereof and directed toward the interior of the body, the cover being made likewise with a sealing gasket, the external end surface of the cover interacting with the beading of the body.

Abstract: A feeder uses vortex flow to facilitate the dissolving of a chlorine-containing water treatment chemical. A feeder inlet receives water which is directed to a chamber by a conduit. A vortex flow in the chamber receives amounts of the chemical from a reservoir. Chlorine-containing water exits through an outlet.

Abstract: A sample solution is sent into a concentration column through a three-way joint and a three-way switching valve to trap and concentrate the sample components on the concentration column, followed by injecting the sample solution into an injector by operating a first dilution solvent pump. When a large volume of the sample solution is to be sent or when the sample solution has a high solvent strength, trapping and concentration on the concentration column may be facilitated by replacing the sample solvent with a second dilution solvent by allowing the second dilution solvent to flow into the three-way joint after setting the flow rate of the second dilution solvent from a second dilution solvent vessel to a prescribed flow rate using a second dilution solvent pump.

Abstract: A water purification treatment apparatus with a large pore size filter membrane unit according to the present invention is arranged in which the filter membrane unit has a pore size ranging from 0.8 &mgr;m to 3.0 &mgr;m in the diameter and the filtered water is passed through the filter membrane unit by means of a difference in the water level between a pre-filtered raw water reservoir and the filter membrane unit for removal of pathogenic organisms.

Abstract: A Porous ceramic filter and its method of production are disclosed. The ceramic filter has at least one porous layer (or skin) made of a binder formed of a cured ceramic powder and a preceramic or pyrolyzed ceramic precursor optionally containing a source of zirconia. In some embodiments, the binder is formed of the zirconia source only. The presence of the zirconia gives a skin with good mechanical strength and corrosion resistance to both acidic and basic solutions.

Abstract: An improved seal and method of making is disclosed for sealing a filter element to a filter mounting. The improved seal comprises a bonding pad formed from a sintered matrix of randomly oriented metallic fiber. The bonding pad is disposed between the filter element and the filter mounting A mechanical fastener coacts between the filter element and the filter mounting for compressing the bonding pad to provide a seal between the filter element and the filter mounting. The bonding pad may be heated to create a frangible seal.

Abstract: A sludge digester comprises a mixing tank providing an integral ceiling, interior wall surface and a floor surface. A vertical beam supports a mixing device engaged for movement along the vertical beam. A plurality of sparger jets protrudes from the wall surface for delivering an oxygen gas flow directly into the interior of the sludge. A second plurality of sparger jets terminates at the mixing tank floor surface for delivering oxygen gas into the mixing tank and a plurality of bubbling diffusers protrudes upwardly from the floor surface for delivering further oxygen gas flow into the mixing tank.

Abstract: A method and system for extraction of chemicals from an groundwater remediation aqueous effluent are provided. The extraction method utilizes a critical fluid for separation and recovery of chemicals employed in remediating groundwater contaminated with hazardous organic substances, and is particularly suited for separation and recovery of organic contaminants and process chemicals used in surfactant-based remediation technologies. The extraction method separates and recovers high-value chemicals from the remediation effluent and minimizes the volume of generated hazardous waste. The recovered chemicals can be recycled to the remediation process or stored for later use.

Abstract: A porous hollow fiber membrane having a particle cutoff within the range of 1 to 10 &mgr;m and a pure water permeate flow equal to or higher than 30,000 L/m2/hr/100 kPa.

Abstract: The present invention includes a method of analyzing one or more molecular components in a mixture of components. In the method, a mixture of molecular components, i.e., an analyte mixture, is separated on a capillary liquid chromatography column. The component-containing eluate from the column is deposited as a series of discrete, defined-volume microdrops, along a region of an adsorbent collection layer. During the chromatographic separation, the column eluate may also be monitored to detect the presence of separated components in the equate. The one or more components deposited in the collection layer are then analyzed by selected analytical techniques. In related aspect, the invention includes a method of collecting one or more molecular components derived from a mixture of components, a blotter apparatus useful in the above method, and a system for analyzing one or more molecular components in a mixture of components.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process and a device for separating at least one component of a mixture in a simulated moving bed, in which each of the chromatographic columns that contains an absorbent has a ratio of L (length) to D (diameter) of between 0.01 and 0.34.

Abstract: A process for modifying a medium is disclosed that includes treating a medium having a metal ion sorption capacity with a solution that includes: A) an agent capable of forming a complex with metal ions; and B) ions selected from the group consisting of sodium ions, potassium ions, magnesium ions, and combinations thereof, to create a medium having an increased capacity to sorb metal ions relative to the untreated medium.

Abstract: A composition useful for nitrate removal, and treatment of water, selected from mining, agriculture industries, military operations, or others water stream, or industrial waters, livestock wastewater and a livestock water stream or from other sources, which comprises a sufficient amount of organic modified clay, a highly crosslinked carbohydrate polymer with branched-chain structure and having present sulfide or disulfide group, or alloy or blend with triazine-trithione sodium salt, high swelling sodium bentonite or calcium bentonite, and activated carbon, without pH adjustment, and/or presents of electropositive metals inorganic acid or alkaline compounds.

Abstract: A method for treating silicone emulsion waste includes the steps of adding base chemical materials to the silicone emulsion waste in an amount effective to cause separating of the silicone emulsion waste. The added chemicals separate the silicone emulsion waste into silicone oil and an emulsion-free water. The components can be separated, with the silicone oil laden liquid being sent to an incinerator and the emulsion-free water being sent to a wastewater treatment plant. The base chemicals can include sodium hydroxide, sodium carbonate, sodium chloride and/or combinations thereof. To enhance separating of the silicone emulsion waste, the silicone emulsion waste can be heated prior to the addition of the chemicals. Also, by recycling the treated water and adding the same to the silicone emulsion waste and base chemicals separation of the silicone emulsion waste can be enhanced.

Abstract: Red blood cell sensing systems and methods rely upon straightforward measurement geometries. the systems and methods comprise an incident light source, an optical sensor, and a blood collection tube. The systems and methods hold the blood collection tube a predetermined radial distance from the incident light source where a linear relationship exists between sensed reflected light measured by the optical sensor and red blood cell hematocrit in a range of at least 10 to 90. The systems and methods make possible accurate red blood sensing without use of special optical cuvettes, mirrors, or focusing lenses. The systems and methods also make possible the use of standard transparent plastic tubing, without reliance upon special optical cuvettes.

Abstract: The present invention teaches, that the removal of particles of any charge from liquid stream is possible by mechanisms other than sieving with good flow and low pressure drop. The use of a weakly charged or neutral surface on the one or more filters within a pre-selected pH range is used. Consequently, particles that are much smaller than the filter pore size are captured with high efficiency. The essentially neutral or weakly charged material filter surface in the filtration liquid may be formed through the proper selection of filter material or a surface modification of the base filters(s) to create the essentially neutral or weakly charged surface.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the techniques of treating a liquid material to be treated, which enables efficient fractional removal of toxic materials such as PCB in a liquid mixture. The treatment method of the invention comprises the step of permitting a liquid material containing materials having different solidifying points to be cooled at a temperature at which desired material(s) is solidified while others are not solidified and the step of separating the solidified material from other liquid materials whereby the desired material is separated, and therefore large facilities are not necessary and toxic materials can be reliably separated and removed.

Abstract: A device for separating whole blood into blood components having a collecting container for collecting whole blood, a primary container, and one or a plurality of satellite containers downstream from the primary container. The collecting container is connected to the primary container via a branch line containing a leucocyte filter. In addition, provision is made for a bypass line between the collecting container and the primary container for creating a fluid connection, circumventing the filter. The primary container is, furthermore, connected, via an additive line, to an additive container containing an additive agent for storing a blood component. For extracting leucocyte-free erythrocyte concentrate, the donor's whole blood, collected in the collecting container is first conveyed, via the bypass line into the primary container. The whole blood located in the primary container is then separated by centrifuging into an erythrocyte layer and a mixed layer of blood plasma and thrombocytes.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for continuous processing of intra- or postoperative blood loss for autotransfusion. According to the present invention, certain cells of the cell suspension to be processed, mainly the red blood cells, are concentrated by centrifuging in a separation unit and removed from the separation unit without being rinsed or washed in the separation unit. The concentrated cell fraction is diluted with a physiological solution, preferably a Ringer's solution, after being removed from the separation unit.

Abstract: A system and method for separating solids from a fluid environment is provided. The system includes a device having housing with a substantially cylindrical upper portion and a substantially conical lower portion. The device also includes a chamber at an intersection between the upper portion and the lower portion, and an inlet in communication with the chamber for generating a cyclonic flow pattern into the conical lower portion. As the cyclonic flow with a suspension of solids is introduced into the lower portion, the flow decreases in velocity. Thereafter, the flow rises within the conical lower portion at a velocity less than the settling velocity of the solids, generated by gravitational forces, thereby resulting the separation of the solids from the fluid. The ascending fluid substantially free of solids can be collected through an upper portion, while the settled solids can be collected towards an apex of the conical lower portion and subsequently removed.

Abstract: An illuminated, magnified CD display system which allows a user to quickly and conveniently locate a specific CD in a CD rack of the system. The rack includes a viewing assembly slidably mounted on guide rods. The viewing assembly includes a magnifying lens and at least one electric light to magnify and illuminate the printed matter on the CD cases. The magnifying lens may be pivotally mounted on the viewing assembly.