Abstract: The present invention may include a cleanser having a liposome and greater than about 40 weight percent of a solvent. The liposome may be loaded with the solvent more than about 7 days after the manufacture of the liposome. The solvent may be an isoprenoid or ester solvent. Furthermore, the solvent may be d-limonene or a dibasic ester. In addition, the liposome may be selected from the group consisting of large unilamellar vesicles, multilamellar vesicles, paucilamellar vesicles, and small unilamellar vesicles. Desirably, the liposome is a paucilamellar vesicle. Desirably, the cleanser may have a solvent weight percent greater than about 60. More desirably, the cleanser may have a weight percent of solvent greater than about 80. Moreover, the solvent is about a 1:1 weight ratio of d-limonene and dibasic ester.

Abstract: An aqueous composition for sealing anodically oxidized aluminum surfaces is described. The composition contains at least one surfactant, a magnesium salt, and a cobalt(II) salt. This composition demonstrates enhanced sealant properties. A method for sealing anodically oxidized aluminum surfaces is also described. In this method, the aluminum is contacted with a composition containing at least one surfactant, a magnesium salt and a cobalt(II) salt.

Abstract: A ferromagnetic powder containing iron as the principal component and containing more than 5 to 50 at. % Co, 0.1 to 30 at. % Al, 0.1 to 10 at. % of a rare earth element inclusive of Y, 0.05% by weight or less of an element belonging to Group 1a of the Periodic Table, and 0.1% by weight or less (inclusive of 0% by weight) of an element belonging to Group 2a of the Periodic Table, the powder comprising flat acicular particles having a mean major axis length of 0.01 to 0.40 &mgr;m and a crystallite diameter as determined by X-ray diffraction (Dx) of 50 to 250 angstrom, provided that the cross section diameter in the minor axis direction cut perpendicular to the major axis has a larger width and a smaller width, and that this cross section ratio in the minor axis direction, which is a larger width to smaller width ratio, uniformly yields a value of greater than 1, preferably 1.5 or higher, and the powder yielding a &sgr;s/Dx ratio of 0.

Abstract: A R—Fe—B base permanent magnet material is composed of a R—Fe—B magnet alloy which contains 87.5-97.5 vol % of a Fe14R2B1 primary phase and 0.1-3 vol % of a rare earth oxide or a rare earth and transition metal oxide. The alloy contains as a major component in its metal structure a compound selected from among zirconium-boron compounds, niobium-boron compounds and hafnium-boron compounds. The compound has an average grain size of at most 5 &mgr;m and is uniformly distributed within the alloy such that the maximum interval between neighboring grains of the compound is at most 50 &mgr;m. Rare-earth permanent magnet materials of this composition and structure have excellent magnetic properties.

Abstract: A composition for steel used for tires or solid wheels of rail vehicles, which composition provides improved properties, in terms of wear, crack susceptibility, ability to withstand thermal loads, homogenous microstructural properties and suitability for high dynamic loads, as compared to standard steels used for tires or solid wheels of rail vehicles. The steel is a modification of AISI S2 steel previously only used for antifriction bearings. The elements of the composition and their presence by percentage of total mass of the steel and ratios of the presence of various elements are disclosed.

Abstract: The accessory of the present invention comprises 1% to 9% by weight of germanium, 2% to 20% of indium in terms of weight ratio with respect to germanium, and the rest constituted by silver. It can provide an accessory realizing a metallic luster similar to the brightness of platinum and the health-enhancing and curing effect caused by the far-infrared effect at the same time.

Abstract: A process of producing a high toughness iron-based amorphous alloy strip, using a single roll liquid quenching method, the strip having a thickness of more than 55 &mgr;m up to 100 &mgr;m and a width of 20 mm or more and having a fracture strain &egr;f satisfying the relationship &egr;f>0.1 where &egr;f=t/(D-t), t=thickness of the strip, and D=bent diameter upon fracture, &egr;f being determined by bending the strip with a free cooling surface thereof facing outward, the process comprising the steps of: ejecting a molten metal alloy through a nozzle; applying the ejected molten metal alloy to a surface of a rotating roll; allowing the applied molten metal alloy to be quenched by the roll surface to form an amorphous strip of the metal alloy, the strip being quenched at a cooling rate, determined at a free surface thereof, of 103° C./sec or more in a temperature range of from 500° C. to 200° C.; and continuously coiling the quenched strip at a temperature of 200° C.

Abstract: A high-strength and high-conductivity copper alloy is disclosed which contains essentially of: (a) from 0.5 to 2.5 wt % of Ni; (b) from 0.5 to 2.5 wt % of Co; (c) from 0.5 to 0.8 wt % of Si; (d) from 0.05 to 0.15 wt % of either Mg or P or both; and (e) the balance of Cu. The amounts of Co, Ni, and Si satisfy the following equations: 2%≦(Ni+Co)≦4%, and 0.8≦(Ni/4+Co/6)/Si≦1.2. The new copper alloy exhibits substantially improved electrical conductivity, greater than 65% IACA, than the commercially available C7025 copper alloy, while maintaining a satisfactory tensile strength (greater than 600 MPa), and, thus, can be most advantageously used for preparing leadframes for use in high pin-number (greater than 100 pins) IC application.

Abstract: A heat treatment method of steel is capable of enhancing wear resistance, mechanical properties and dimensional stability of the steel due to the reduction of the retained austenite amount to substantially zero. In the method, an article of the steel is subjected to a quenching and then subzero treatment including cooling it at a cooling rate of 1 to 10° C./min. to a cooling temperature and holding the cooling temperature for a predetermined period of time.

Abstract: An elastomer film laminated cushion includes an elastomer having the physical properties of flexibility and compressibilities in the range of flexibilities and compressibilities of stable elastomer block polymer gels. A film is provided for encapsulating the elastomer with the film having physical properties of flexibility to enable uninhibited flexure compression of the elastomer by a user. A compatibilizing layer is provided for laminating the film to an exterior of the elastomer. The compatibilizing layer also has physical properties of flexibility to enable uninhibited flexure and compression of the elastomer by the user.

Abstract: A vacuum insulating glass (IG) unit. In certain embodiments, the internal cavity is evacuated (i.e., pumped out) via a pump-out aperture. A cover with one or more sealing element(s) may be provided over the pump-out aperture so that during the pump-out process air flows out of the internal cavity and through space(s) between adjacent sealing elements or sealing element portions. Following evacuation or pumping out, the sealing element(s) is/are heated and the sealing member may be pressed downwardly toward the substrate. This causes the heat-softened sealing element(s) to expand horizontally and merge with one another so as to form a hermetic seal around the pump-out aperture and between the sealing member and the substrate.

Abstract: A tire sealant system in accordance with the present invention includes a tire sealant powder, a water-soluble bag which hermetically encloses the powder and a predetermined volume of water corresponding to the amount of enclosed powder. The powder comprises a plurality of heavy metal inorganic salts, a plurality of crystalline silicate clays and a plurality of mica particles. The water-soluble bag is made a polyvinyl alcohol (PVOH) polymer. For deployment in the repair of a puncture in a tire, a tire bead is separated from the wheel rim. This establishes a gap between the bead and the rim, and the water-soluble bag (and enclosed sealant powder) is inserted through the gap and placed in the tire well. Next, the predetermined volume of water is poured through the gap into the tire well. The bead is remounted to the rim, and the tire is inflated. The bag dissolves in the water, and the powder contacts the bag to form an aqueous suspension.

Abstract: An apparatus for manufacture of a tire, the apparatus including a drum with shoulder having a generally cylindrical main receiving surface to receive the products to be assembled, the main receiving surface being radially retractable. The drum has a shoulder axially to the side edges of said main receiving surface. The drum is mounted on a shaft. At least one associated axially movable side crown is mounted coaxially with the drum. The drum has a lateral protuberance coaxially juxtaposed to at least one of its shoulders. The side crown is axially slidable at least partly under the lateral protuberance, the lateral protuberance forming a quasi-cylindrical support surface whose outside diameter is smaller than the diameter of the main receiving surface. The side crown has a substantially cylindrical outer surface capable of passing axially outside of the lateral protuberance.

Abstract: A method and machine for forming and bonding informational items together be provided with a first folding unit that forms a plurality of first folded articles from a plurality of sheets of paper having printed information thereon, the first folding unit having a plurality of cylindrical folding rollers and forming each of the first folded articles by making a plurality of folds in one of the sheets of paper, a second folding unit that forms a plurality of informational items from the first folded articles received from the first folding unit, and a bonding unit operatively coupled to automatically receive informational items folded by the second folding unit that causes a plurality of the informational items to be bonded together into stacks of informational items.

Abstract: A plurality of thermoplastic tubular segments having substantially equal lengths are arranged in horizontal side-by-side relationship with the respective ends of the tubular segments aligned in a generally common plane. Small portions of the respective ends of the tubes are cut by a thermal cutting device which simultaneously fuses the ends of the tubes to produce a consolidated unitary structure having a thickness defined by the distance between the fused ends of the tubular segments. The consolidated unitary structure is then rotated to a horizontal position, with the tubular segments vertically oriented, and cut along at least one horizontal plane to produce fused cores having a thickness defined by the vertical position of a horizontally disposed thermal cutting device.

Abstract: A dispenser and method for attaching abrasive sheets to a backup pad. The dispenser conveniently centers on the backup pad an abrasive sheet that is larger than the backup pad. In a preferred embodiment, the dispenser comprises: a holder configured to receive circular abrasive sheets, the holder including a bottom, a top, front portion and a rear portion, wherein the rear portion extends farther from the bottom than the front portion, and wherein the bottom of the holder defines at least a 180 degree arc of a first circle having a first radius; a slider guide extending along the rear of the holder; and a spacer mounted in the guide, wherein the spacer is movable along the guide from a first position within the front portion of the holder to a second position beyond the front portion of the holder, the spacer defining an arc of no more than 180 degrees of a second circle having a second radius smaller than the first radius.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a kit for producing condensation cross-linking silicon mixtures containing bi-functionally terminated diorganopolysiloxanes, acetoxysilane cross-linking agents, and optionally, filling materials, suitable additives, pigments, colorants, anti-oxidation pigments, anti-heat pigments, and light-protection pigments in addition to solvents and plasticizers. Said kit contains water and an accelerator in the form of a basic neutral iron or aluminum salt with a mineral acid, especially an aluminum alum of ammonia and/or alkaline metals, as an accelerating cross-linking agent.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an aqueous dispersion containing an isocyanate-reactive polymer and a polyisocyanate, wherein the polyisocyanate has a melting or softening point of >30° C. and is in the form of a finely divided powder having a mean particle diameter of less than 100 &mgr;m. The present invention also relates to an adhesive composition containing this dispersion and to a process for bonding substrates with this composition.

Abstract: A process of evaporating a viscous polymer solution is described. The process includes: (a) providing a viscous polymer solution including at least 30 wt. % of solvents and monomers; (b) introducing the viscous polymer solution into a heated helix (5), the heated helix having a vapor exit velocity of 200 to 300 m/s, (a film flow including a two-phase mixture of polymer melt, and solvent vapors and monomer vapors being formed within the helix); (c) forwarding the film flow from helix (5) into a heated vapor separator (6); (d) expanding the two-phase mixture of polymer melt, and solvent vapors and monomer vapors of the film flow within vapor separator (6) at an absolute pressure of 10 mbar to 800 mbar, (a bottom product including a concentrated melt of the polymer is formed within the vapor separator); and (e) withdrawing the bottom product from vapor separator (6).

Abstract: Virgin fibers or de-inked recycled fibers modified by steam explosion in the presence of certain chemicals are able to form handsheets with higher bulk while substantially retaining strength and brightness.

Abstract: The strength properties of chemical cellulose pulp (particularly kraft pulp) are improved by substituting a cold impregnation soak for conventional impregnation procedures. After steaming, wood chips are soaked in an alkaline liquid at a temperature of about 80-110° C. (preferably 80-100° C., or 90-105° C.) for between one-half-72 hours (typically about 2-4 hours) at a pressure of about 0-15 bar (preferably about 1-5 bar), to dissolve at least about 8% of the wood (preferably about 10-20%) and at least about 15% of the lignin. The alkaline liquid used preferably contains sulfide (e.g. black liquor, green liquor, white liquor, or mixtures thereof), but almost any alkaline liquid having an alkali concentration of about 1.0 mole of NaOH/liter or less (typically about 0.75 m/l or less) is suitable. The wood chips are then raised to a cooking temperature of about 145-180° C. and cooked to produce the cellulose chemical pulp.

Abstract: There is provided a reduced-pressure distillation system, which is relatively simple in construction, easy in operation without depending only on driving of a vacuum pump, and therefore can be manufactured and operated at low costs. The system includes an impure water tank, a separating tank, a drainage tank, and a collecting tank. The impure water tank, the drainage tank, and the collecting tank each has an outside pressure communicating chamber, which makes contact with outside pressure, and a cell, which communicates with the outside pressure communicating chamber corresponding thereto and is sealed with respect to the outside pressure during operation of the system. The separating tank is sealed with respect to outside pressure and has an evaporator provided therein. Impure water is fed from the cell of the impure water tank to the evaporator, by using an effective head between levels of the impure water in the impure water tank and priming supplied to the drainage tank.

Abstract: A method of synthesizing 5,5′-diformyl-2,2′-difuran and derivatives thereof, including the steps of subjecting a reaction mixture of furfural or a derivative thereof to photochemical irradiation with a halogenated furfural in the presence of an acid scavenger and then harvesting the produced 5,5′-diformyl-2,2′-difuran and derivatives.

Abstract: A reagent comprising a compound of formula (I): Rf—M(X)(Z)n—Y—R, wherein R is a hydrocarbon radical advantageously having at most 10 carbon atoms and being selected from alkyls and aryls; Rf is a radical of formula II: R1—(C&Xgr;2)m—CF2—, where R1 is a fluorine or chlorine atom or a carbon radical, m is 0 or a integer from 0-12, and each &Xgr;, which may be the same or different, is a chlorine or preferably fluorine atom, with the proviso that when m is 0, R1 is electroattractive, preferably a fluorine atom; n is 0 or 1; M is a non-metal selected from carbon and chalcogens with an atomic number than oxygen; and each of X, Y and Z, which are the same or different, is a chalcogen; as well as a generator, for consecutive or simultaneous addition. The reagent is useful for organic synthesis.

Abstract: A coil for inductively coupling RF energy to a plasma in a substrate processing chamber has adjacent spaced and overlapping ends to improve uniformity of processing of the substrate.

Abstract: A method for producing a layer of a metal oxide with optical losses of 15 dB/cm, at most, for light with a wavelength of 633 nm, includes depositing the layer using magnetic field enhanced reactive DC-sputtering, from a metallic target.

Abstract: Physical vapor deposition processes provide optical materials with controlled and uniform refractive index that meet the requirements for active and passive planar optical devices. All processes use radio frequency (RF) sputtering with a wide area target, larger in area than the substrate on which material is deposited, and uniform plasma conditions which provide uniform target erosion. In addition, a second RF frequency can be applied to the sputtering target and RF power can be applied to the substrate producing substrate bias. Multiple approaches for controlling refractive index are provided. The present RF sputtering methods for material deposition and refractive index control are combined with processes commonly used in semiconductor fabrication to produce planar optical devices such surface ridge devices, buried ridge devices and buried trench devices. A method for forming composite wide area targets from multiple tiles is also provided.

Abstract: A sputtering apparatus is provided with a plurality of ringlike targets arranged on a concentric basis in upper part of a process chamber. A pedestal for holding a semiconductor substrate is placed inside the process chamber and a dc power supply is connected to the targets and to the pedestal. Further, the process chamber is connected to a vacuum pump for evacuating the inside thereof and a gas supply for introducing a process gas for generation of plasma, normally argon gas, into the inside of the process chamber. Sputtering yields of the targets can be adjusted by separately controlling potentials of the respective targets. This permits the apparatus to improve uniformity of deposition.

Abstract: A substrate support having heat transfer enhancing topography. Generally, the substrate support includes a first side that supports the substrate and a second side. A ring and a plurality of substrate support pads project from the first side. The ring is disposed proximate the perimeter of the substrate support. A fluid passage is disposed through the substrate support and is coupled to a well disposed in the first side. A plurality of gas flow channels are disposed in the first side and orientated radially outward from the well to a perimeter channel disposed radially inward and adjacent to the ring.

Abstract: The vacuum arc evaporation apparatus removes coarse particles from plasma containing cathode materials generated from a cathode 7 provided to a evaporation source 6 by a vacuum arc discharge, and is provided with a porous member 10 on the inside wall of a plasma duct equipped with means for forming deflection magnetic field having a magnetic coil 8 outside thereof so as to guide the plasma in the vicinity of a substrate 11 accommodated in the film forming chamber 1.

Abstract: A process for the application of a metal film on a polymer surface of a subject, to which, after nucleation with a catalytically active platinum metal and/or a platinum metal compound, a coating metal is precipitated autocatalytically from an aqueous solution without any external current supply, before at least another layer is applied, preferably electrolytically under external current supply, to this preliminary coating. To achieve favorable construction features, it is suggested that centers of a Lewis acid or Lewis base are enriched first on the polymer surface to be coated by a vacuum plasma treatment via a plasma gas adapted to the polymer used, before the polymer surface is nucleated under vacuum with the platinum metal and/or the platinum metal compound by another plasma gas containing an evaporated platinum metal and/or a platinum metal compound for nucleophilic and/or electrophilic reaction on the Lewis acids and/or Lewis bases.

Abstract: A process for regeneration of electrolytes, in particular Na2SO4, from waste pickles created during picking of stainless steel, in particular stainless steel strips. The electrolytes are regenerated by adding NaxHySzOv in an acid solution whereby Cr6+ is reduced to Cr3+. Variables x, y, z and v having the following values: x=0 to 2, y=0 to 2, z=1 to 6, v=2 to 6.

Abstract: A main anode and a pilot anode are mounted on a coating film of a metal structure, a cathode is mounted on a metal based material of the metal structure, a predetermined voltage is applied from the pilot anode to the metal structure, a magnitude of corrosion protection current of the metal structure is read from a current value of the pilot anode varying with variation of corrosion environment of the metal structure, the application voltage of the main anode is increased or decreased in accordance with the current value, whereby providing a cathodic protection method and apparatus for a metal structure capable of expanding protectable area by a single anode to a maximum without causing over-corrosion protection.

Abstract: An apparatus for measuring hydrogen content and partial hydrogen pressure in gas streams and a method of modeling the sensor based on the characteristics of the sensor. The apparatus includes a housing with micro-fuel cell sensor disposed therein. The sensor includes a sensing element having first and second gas diffusing electrodes spaced from one another with an acidic electrolyte disposed between the electrodes. A first gas permeable membrane separates the first electrode from an external gas stream. A second gas permeable membrane separates the second electrode from atmospheric air. Electrochemical charging of the first electrode occurs when hydrogen from a gas stream diffuses through the first membrane to react with the first electrode, while the potential of the second electrode remains unchanged. The potential difference between the first and second electrodes measured as current is identified to represent the sensor output.

Abstract: Discloses novel biodegradable high performance hydrocarbon base oils useful as lubricants in engine oil and industrial compositions, and process for their manufacture. A waxy, or paraffinic feed, particularly a Fischer-Tropsch wax, is reacted over a dual function catalyst to produce hydroisomerization and hydrocracking reactions, at 700° F.+ conversion levels ranging from about 20 to 50 wt. %, preferably about 25-40 wt. %, sufficient to produce a crude fraction, e.g., a C5-1050° F.+ crude fraction, containing 700° F.+ isoparaffins having from about 6.0 to about 7.5 methyl branches per 100 carbon atoms in the molecule. The methyl paraffins containing crude fraction is topped via atmospheric distillation to produce a bottoms fraction having an initial boiling point between about 650° F. and 750° F. which is then solvent dewaxed, and the dewaxed oil is then fractionated under high vacuum to produce biodegradable high performance hydrocarbon base oils.

Abstract: A biofiltering system for treating wastewater effluent (e.g. from a septic tank) through a bed of peat 16 overlying an effluent absorption area 12 and into the earth beneath 14. The bed of peat has a predetermined biofiltering capacity. A fluid flow regulator 18 upstream from the peat is adapted to allow the effluent to flow at a rate greater than the peat bed biofiltering capacity. However, a distribution system arranged over the peat is configured such that wastewater received from the fluid flow regulator flows through the peat bed at a rate no greater than the peat bed biofiltering capacity. The distribution system 20 includes a plurality of spaced-apart, elongated distribution conduits 72 having discharge orifices 74 spaced longitudinally therealong. The biofiltering system allows large quantities of wastewater to be efficiently treated irrespective of the flow rate thereof.

Abstract: A variable resonance descaling decalcifier device for the treatment of hard, very hard and low hardness water is provided. The device works effectively and efficiently for line frequencies in the range between 30 hertz and 400 hertz. The device includes a resonator portion and a transformer portion. The resonator portion includes four coils (L1, L2-1, L2-2, L3) which surround a pipe (T) which carries the water to be treated. The transformer portion also includes four coils (P1, P2, S1, S2), wherein the two primary windings (P1, P2) are wound in opposite directions to one another and are connected to subtract their potential differential and the two secondary windings (S1, S2) are wound in the same manner but in opposition to the phase of the primary windings. In this way, enhanced tuning with the resonator portion of the decalcifier is achieved. The decalcifier successfully maintains minerals in solution for water undergoing a heat cycle and also inhibits the growth of algae and bacteria in water.

Abstract: A monodirectional or bi-directional distributor plate for crossflow cassette-type filtration appliances is provided which comprises three parts and is used in the ultrafiltration or microfiltration of liquids. The three-part distributor plate assembly comprises a middle plate member, an upper plate member and a lower plate member, which when combined has a front and rear surface, a first and second side wall and a first and second edge wall. The front and rear surfaces of the distributor plate assembly are provided with feed, residue and filtrate orifices arranged to communicate with feed, residue and filtrate orifices of a plurality of filter cassettes. Due to the manner of flow to and/or from associated filter cassettes by way of the three-part distributor plate assembly, equal pressure can be achieved at all orifices to ensure equal flow over a filter membrane surface increasing filtration performance.

Abstract: A modular fluid transport system is provided for transporting fluids in a dialysis clinic from a fluid source to the dialysis machines. The system includes modular ductwork and modular fluid conduits. The connecting stations may include quick detachable interface manifolds which allow dialysis machines to be easily changed out. The components of the fluid transport system may be heat sterilized. The components of the system may be prefabricated off site and then quickly assembled in the dialysis clinic. Flexibility in the arrangement of equipment within the clinic is provided for.

Abstract: A fuel filter cartridge assembly employs a two piece housing to house a replaceable filter unit. The filter cartridge assembly incorporates a key system to ensure compatibility of a replacement filter unit for a given cartridge assembly. Keys formed on the filter unit cooperate with keyways formed in the housing to ensure that only filter units having key structures may be used. Each key may have a different angular position, angular dimension and radial projection. By varying the dimensions of the keys and/or the positions and/or the number of keys, a composite compatibility matrix comprising an infinite number of configuration sets are available to differentiate between filter units having differing flow capacities, filter media, disposal options or other characteristics.

Abstract: Liquid filter arrangement with interchangeable filter element and including a pot-like filter housing in which the filter element is disassemblably inserted between a liquid inlet to the chamber and an outlet situated below, in the lower section of the filter housing, for filtered liquid from the chamber. In the liquid chamber is arranged a central tube about which is arranged the filter element which is provided at the bottom with an annular end piece sealingly surrounding the central tube, and is provided upwards with an end disc by which the filter element is fastened to a lid fastened sealingly in the upper section of the filter housing. When the filter element is in its fitted position, the end piece blocks the inlet to a draining duct in the central tube, which duct leads to a draining outlet from the chamber.

Abstract: A method for recovering supercritical extractant, such as supercritical CO2, from a mixture containing the supercritical extractant and a solute is disclosed, which includes contacting the mixture with a molecular sieve membrane at a temperature and a pressure in a critical region of the extractant and near a critical point of the extractant so that a permeate rich in the extractant and a retentate having a enriched concentration of the solute in the extractant are generated. The molecular sieve membrane has a pore size significantly larger than a size of the extractant provided that the pore size is less than and close to sizes of clusters formed of the solute and the extractant at the temperature and the pressure.

Abstract: Urea is readily isolated and recovered from natural products. Urea can be brought into the permeate side by treating a urea-containing fraction extracted from natural products or sewage containing urea, with a nanofiltration (NF) membrane or reverse osmotic (RO) membrane. A milk-derived composition containing urea at a level of more than 0.2% of the total solids can be obtained by treating natural products such as milk or milk materials with an NF membrane or RO membrane to bring a fraction containing urea into the permeate side.

Abstract: Wastewater from a chemical-mechanical polishing process (CMP) used in semiconductor chip fabrication has hitherto been, and is still being, discharged into the public sewage system after chemical neutralization and sedimentation. This has the drawback that water consumption is considerable. It is therefore an object of the invention to reduce the total amount of wastewater produced that has to be discharged. This is achieved by the wastewater to be treated being subjected to an ultra-filtration, and at least one of NF an RO. This allows the treated CMP wastewater to be reused within the plant. In particular, it can be recycled in order again to recover therefrom deionized water of a very high purity for operational purposes, e.g. for CMP.

Abstract: A process is described for sorbing hydrophobic liquids using a plurality of dried, washed fibers originating from a tropical plant material having naturally hydrophobic fibers. The dried, washed fibers have been washed sufficiently to extract a substantial portion of natural liquids therefrom, thereby improving their hydrophobic absorptive properties. The dried, washed fibers are applied in communication with a body containing the hydrophobic liquid whereupon they sorb the hydrophobic liquid from the body.

Abstract: Provided are methods for substantially removing organic substances from an aqueous solution, wherein the aqueous solution is contacted with a synthetic hydrated calcium silicate. Components that can be removed from aqueous solution include bacterial, plant, algal and fungal components. Exemplary components include endotoxins. The aqueous solution comprises, for example, water, a chemically buffered solution, a pharmaceutical solution, a solution comprising a nutritional supplement, a culture medium, or a growth medium. Other examples include pharmaceutical compendial water and non-compendial water. In one embodiment of the method, the pH of the aqueous solution is maintained at a selected pH to promote the separation, for example, about pH 5.5 to 9.5, or, e.g., about pH 5.5 to 7.5.

Abstract: A system comprising an ozone generator for generating ozone and a venturi for mixing the liquid to be ozonated with the generated ozone. The ozone generator is coupled to an orifice for supplying the generated ozone thereto. A pump is coupled to an outlet of the reservoir for pumping liquid to be ozonated from the reservoir to venturi. An outlet of the venturi is connected to a return inlet of the reservoir for supplying ozonated liquid back to the reservoir. A mixing chamber interconnects the outlet of the venturi to the return inlet of the reservoir, and the mixing chamber facilitates adequate mixing of the ozone supplied to the liquid to be ozonated and facilitates substantially complete dissolving of any remaining ozone bubbles and ozone pockets within the liquid to thereby result in substantially uniform mixture of ozonated liquid for supply back to the reservoir having an increased contact rate of ozone to liquid of about 80% to 90%.

Abstract: A system for separating solids from a fluid stream. The system includes a first separator device mounted to a container. The container includes a settling compartment and baffle plate module, with the initial settling compartment receiving the fluid from the first separator device. The fluid stream proceeds through the baffle plate module. The solids within the fluid stream will descend to the bottom of the container. A spiral blade is positioned at the bottom of the container, with the spiral blade adapted to convey solids to a first pump member. The speed of rotation of the spiral blade may be varied. The first pump member discharges the slurry to a second separator device. The second separator device will discharge the separated fluid stream into the baffle plate module. In one embodiment, the first separator device is a linear shaker and the second separator device is a cyclone separator and linear shaker mounted in tandem.

Abstract: A wet material treatment apparatus includes an inlet hopper for introducing the wet material into the apparatus. The hopper feeds the wet material into an injector auger that physically directs the wet material into a high velocity air stream produced by a blower thereby directing the flow of the wet material through the apparatus. The wet material moves from the injector auger into a cyclone that separates the wet material through specific gravity and desiccation into a substantially liquid and a substantially solid portion. The substantially liquid portion is discharged through a first outlet in the cyclone to a wet scrubber, while the substantially solid portion of the wet material is discharged through a second outlet. The apparatus can be mounted to a trailer for mobile transportation, and can include two cyclones operating in series.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of reducing or delaying the exfoliation of deposited films within a vapor deposition system. The method of preventing the delamination of thin films deposited of a vapor deposition chamber components includes the steps of depositing a series of thin films on a discontinuous surface. The internal stress of the deposited thin film laminates are relaxed by fragmenting the deposited thin film laminates into a plurality of discontinuous surfaces. Thus allowing the exfoliation process of the thin film laminates to be delayed.