Abstract: A method for depositing a metal on a substrate is provided. The metal is deposited by sequentially applying a electrodeposition pulse followed by an electrodissolution pulse to the substrate. After each electrodissolution pulse an before the next electrodeposition pulse there is provided at least one time interval of zero electrical voltage or current, also known as an “off-time”, between the pulses. The first two electrodeposition pulses should preferably have the same time durations. Thereafter, the time durations of subsequent electrodeposition pulses are gradually decreased to provide a void-free and seam-free deposition of metal in high aspect ratio features.

Abstract: A novel method of electrochemical treatment such as electroplating, etc. and an electrochemical reaction apparatus thereof which is high in reactability and able to be electrochemically reacted efficiently, which is small or zero in amount of generation of liquid waste such as electrolytic solution and cleaning liquid and therefore, amicable to the environment, and in which it is no more required to clean the electrode, etc. with cleaning liquid after reaction. Electrochemical reaction is executed in a reaction vessel (6) containing matter (5) which is in a supercritical or subcritical state and an electrolytic solution (1), and after reaction, the supercritical or subcritical matter (5) is shifted into a state of the matter (5) before being shifted into a critical state.

Abstract: A continuous use chemical oxygen iodine laser requires a continuous supply of basic hydrogen peroxide and chlorine to produce singlet delta oxygen for the laser. Regeneration of the spent basic hydrogen peroxide and chlorine with the input of oxygen and electricity can be generated on site or be obtained from a power grid. The regeneration of the spent basic hydrogen peroxide and chlorine makes continuous use of a chemical oxygen iodine laser possible without the constant resupply of basic hydrogen peroxide from an outside source.

Abstract: Improved methods and devices for the synthesis of hydrogen peroxide employing redox catalysts in a gas diffusion electrode or membrane electrode assembly in a semi-chemical/electrochemical system for the production of high purity, stable, usually acidic, aqueous solutions of peroxide at high conversion efficiencies without requiring organic solvents.

Abstract: A method of producing a higher purity metal comprising the step of electrolyzing a coarse metal material by a primary electrolysis to obtain a primary electrodeposited metal, the step of electrolyzing the material with the primary electrodeposited metal obtained in the primary electrolysis step used as an anode to obtain a higher purity electrolyte for secondary electrolysis, and the step of further performing secondary electrolysis by employing higher purity electrolytic solution than said electrolytic solution with said primary electrodeposited metal as an anode, whereby providing an electro-refining method that effectively uses electrodes and an electrolyte produced in a plurality of electro-refining steps, reuses the flow of an electrolyte in the system, reduces organic matter-caused oxygen content, and can effectively produce a high purity metal.

Abstract: There is disclosed a method for cooper electrowinning and a modified lead electrode for use in such method. The modified electrode is suitable for use as an oxygen anode in low current density, oxygen-evolving applications.

Abstract: A process for selective removal of a nickel alloy brazing composition from a nickel-base alloy component includes the steps of providing a brazed assembly including nickel-base alloy components joined by nickel alloy brazing composition; immersing the assembly in an electrolyte; and applying a potential across the electrolyte at a magnitude wherein the nickel-base alloy components are electrochemically passive and the nickel alloy brazing composition dissolves whereby the brazing composition is removed from the components.

Abstract: The invention relates to a chemical reactor having an electrochemical cell containing a three-layer structure for the decomposition and removal of a substance treated by a chemical reaction.

Abstract: A method of removing a biological contaminant from a mixture containing a biomolecule and the biological contaminant, the method comprising: (a) placing the biomolecule and contaminant mixture in a first solvent stream, the first solvent stream being separated from a second solvent stream by an electrophoretic membrane; (b) selecting a buffer for the first solvent stream having a required pH; (c) applying an electric potential between the two solvent streams causing movement of the biomolecule through the membrane into the second solvent stream while the biological contaminant is substantially retained in the first sample stream, or if entering the membrane, being substantially prevented from entering the second solvent stream; (d) optionally, periodically stopping and reversing the electric potential to cause movement of any biological contaminants having entered the membrane to move back into the first solvent stream, wherein substantially not causing any biomolecules that have entered the second solvent st

Abstract: An under the counter water treatment system. Water from an outside supply source, such as a municipal water line, is provided to user's home. A prefilter to remove sediment, organic compounds, and certain pollutants is first provided. After the prefilter, the water enters a reverse osmosis system which includes an osmotic membrane. The reverse osmosis membrane filters out impurities and very small particles to provide highly purified water. The outflow of the reverse osmosis filter is stored in a water tank. Water is removed from the tank by releasing an appropriate valve when the user wishes to drink the water. When the water exits the tank, it passes through a mineral supplement which adds minerals to the water beneficial to human or animal consumption. It then passes through an electrolytic cell having a plurality of plates.

Abstract: This invention is related to a metal hydride storage canister, comprising a storage canister body, a wafer baffle stacked on the body for containing metal hydride of a pre-determined amount, and a tubing having a porous surface for securing the wafer baffle in the body and for guiding hydrogen discharged from the metal hydride to an outlet of the body. This invention further discloses the manufacture of the storage canister.

Abstract: A multi-purpose miniature golf bag is disclosed, in which the golf bag is attachable and detachable to and from a pocket of a golf player, and in which various golf articles can be accommodated such as a towel, a marker, a tee, a pencil, a scorecard and the like. The multi-purpose miniature golf bag includes the following parts. That is, an accommodating part accommodates various golf articles such as scorecard, marker, pencil, tees and the like. A Velcro tape part consists of two tapes, one of the tapes with numerous loops being attached on an upper edge of the accommodating part, and another with numerous hooks being attached on an upper edge of a towel. A foldable insertion part is foldably attached on the accommodating part so as to be inserted into a rear pocket of a golf player.

Abstract: This product comprises a micro-porous sponge for single use, impregnated with an antiseptic solution (2) and is housed in an impermeable container (3) of a flexible material. The container (3) is made up from a thermo-formed base (31) that has a concave shape (31 a) and by a flexible lid (32) fixed onto the base (31) forming a seal closure to the container (3). The antiseptic solution (2) can be made from iodized povidone, sodium hydroxide, anhydrous monosodium phosphate, nonilphenol 9-10 etoxylate and distilled water, or an alcohol type antiseptic can be used.

Abstract: Multipack for a group of cigarette packs (10) which are arranged in two rows and are enclosed by a multipack blank (11) made of thin cardboard. The multipack blank (11) is designed and folded such that a top side (12) is free and it is possible to see the cigarette packs (10) positioned there. The pack unit is enclosed by an outer wrapper (22) made of transparent or see-through film with a tear-open strip (23).

Abstract: A flavored covering for an oral medical instrument. The covering may be constructed of multiple layers of impervious material joined together, or a single piece of molded impervious material. The covering is flavored with a thin coating of a flavoring agent or a candied flavoring, or the flavoring is impregnated into the cover material. The flavoring encourages the cooperation of a child during the use of an oral medical instrument.

Abstract: This invention provides an apparatus for point of sale generated access to remote files. The method relates to a transaction between a merchant, content provider transaction manager and a customer. A point of sale generated activated identification number allows the customer to remotely download a specific file from a content provider. A package adapted for holding a data encoded card and a disk or cartridge is disclosed. The card generally defines a plane and includes a means to encode data. In the preferred embodiment the package has first and second panels, retaining means for securing the card substantially between the first and second panels, wherein a data encoded stripe is not exposed and means for exposing the data encoded strip, while the card is secured between the panels.

Abstract: An apparatus for releasably holding a media storage disk that may include a front and base cover connected in a hinged relationship. A base panel of the base cover may include a centrally located hub disposed on a pair of support arms that may be moved between a relaxed position and a flexed position. The hub may include a plurality of retaining lips that will retain a disk when placed on the hub. A release button may also be provided that cooperatively engages the hub to move the hub between a relaxed position and a flexed position. The release button may cooperatively engage a pair of cam followers situated on the hub so that when the release button is depressed the hub moves between the relaxed position and the flexed position. With a disk held on the hub, when the release button is depressed the hub moves to its flexed position, which retracts the retaining lips within the inside diameter of the center hole of the disk so that the disk may be removed from the hub.

Abstract: An apparatus for holding a media storage disk that may include a front and base cover connected in a hinged relationship. A base panel of the base cover may include a centrally located hub formed of a high-pressure elastic material capable of elastic deformation when the center hole of the disk is urged over the hub. The hub may have a diameter that is sufficient to create a friction engagement between the circumference of the hub and the inside diameter of the center hole. At least one stem may be provided that extends from the inside of a spine connecting the front and base covers such that the stem will extend just above or abut a portion of the disk's peripheral edge when the apparatus is closed to hold the disk in place. A plate extending from the inside of the front cover may be provided such that a portion of the plate will extend just above or abut a portion of the disk's peripheral edge when the apparatus is closed to hold the disk in place.

Abstract: This invention relates to a sleeve for holding one or more digital video discs with a first dimension in a first pocket and the accompanying graphics having a second dimension in a second opposing pocket. The digital video disc is supported in the first pocket by one or more stop seals which elevate the digital video disc to a more accessible position for removal.

Abstract: A base of a golf bag comprises a flat surface; an inclined surface larger than the flat surface; a cut-out member in the inclined surface; and a slip-resistant means integrally or releasably formed on the inclined surface and comprising two portions separated by the cut-out member, each portion comprising a plurality of inclined surface regions and a plurality of grooves each for separating two of the adjacent inclined surface regions. In an upright state of the golf bag, the flat surface is rested on ground, while in a use state the golf bag is partly supported on ground by the slip-resistant means.

Abstract: An elongate base has rows of closely spaced serrations along its sides to receive a multitude of wrench socket holders. The holders include a pair of clips for snug engagement with the sides of the elongate base. A projection on a clip of the holder seats intermediate pair of adjacent serrations. The socket holders may flex to engage the base in a lateral snap in place manner.

Abstract: In a welding wire container, an inner cylinder is inserted inside a bottomed outer cylinder, a pedestal is disposed at a bottom of the inner cylinder, and a bag formed by a resin film is disposed between the outer and inner cylinders. A welding wire is received around an axis of the inner cylinder while being dropped in a coiled state. An upper end portion of the resin film bag is closed to seal the welding wire together with the inner cylinder within the bag. When the container is lifted by grasping holder portions, the weight of the welding wire is borne by means of a belt, whereby the container can be transported easily. Further, the welding wire container has a cap which has been subjected to machining for opening the cap. With this welding wire container, the recovery cost is low or it is possible to eliminate the need of recovery, and the entry of water and moisture from the outside can be prevented, thus permitting a long-term storage of the welding wire.

Abstract: A primary packaging for laminar objects is disclosed, comprising an upper (3) and a lower strip (2). The fusion of the strips (2, 3) encloses an inner region, suitable for accepting a laminar object and comprises, in the outer areas of said strips, regions where both packaging strips are not joined to each other and where said strips are not congruently arranged one on the other.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a packaging container which includes a main body formed from a covering material, where this main body being adapted to enclose an area. The packaging container also includes a plurality of support beams and is characterized in that the support beams are located within or adjacent to the side walls of the container. Preferably such support beams may be located substantially in the center of the side walls of the container to resist compressive forces applied to the top or upper sections of the container.

Abstract: In packaging for shipping material (26), a universal pack (10) for accommodating materials (26) of different sizes, includes a precut form (12) conformed to form a box (32) with more than one discontinuous side (14), a discontinuous bottom (16), one continuous side (18) and a continuous top (20). More than one extension (22) is connected to discontinuous bottom (16) and connectors (24) are attached to the more than one extension (22). Material (26) is inserted into box (32) and extensions (22) are secured around material (26) so that material (26) is secured against movement both side to side and front to back.

Abstract: A bag for storing products such as powdered or granular detergent, pet food, coffee, cereal etc., has a line of weakness for easy opening. The bag also has a means for re-closing after initial opening by the user.

Abstract: The capsule container system (CCS) invention relates to a small, single-use, disposable container having various configurations, which can durably be carried in a pocket and containing solutions or substance with easy opening capability to allow the user to dispense the substance. This invention replaces current small plastic bottles that are currently carried in pockets or purses containing various substances.

Abstract: The present invention includes a packaged coated workpiece. The packaged coated workpiece has: (1) a workpiece coated with a resist film sensitive to optical radiation, particulates or chemical contaminants; (2) an inner barrier sealed to enclose the coated workpiece and optionally a first getter agent, to produce a sealed first enclosure; and (3) an outer barrier sealed to enclose the sealed first enclosure and optionally a second getter agent, provided that the packaged coated workpiece has at least one getter agent, to produce a packaged coated workpiece suitable for storage for a period of at least one week without substantial loss of sensitvity, resolution or performance. The present invention also includes a process for preparing a packaged coated workpiece and a method of increasing the storage time of a coated workpiece to at least one week without substantial loss of sensitivity, resolution or performance.

Abstract: There are provided a dust generation preventing structure of a wafer storage case and a process for preventing dust generation thereof, wherein dust generation is effectively prevented by blocking or suppressing free movement of particles constantly generated from a surface of a wafer storage case of a synthetic resin with a coating layer of a surfactant, and a wafer storing method using the wafer storage case. The wafer storage case of synthetic resin housing wafers, wherein a surface of the wafer storage case is coated with a coating layer of a coating agent to prevent dust generation from the surface.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are presented herein for uniformly sealing and peeling a cover tape to/from a carrier tape. The carrier tapes of the present invention include surface transitions that minimizes/eliminates surface irregularities and distortions such that the cover tapes can be uniformly sealed and peeled from the carrier tapes. The surface transitions act as physical barriers to prevent propagation of surface irregularities and distortions from the thermoformed pocket area into the heat bonding zones. The surface transitions also act as stiffening members to keep the heat bonding zones as flat as possible during subsequent handling of the carrier tape. The surface transitions may be in the form of continuous or intermittent ribs, step portions, or single or double sided grooves. Depressed portions in between the pockets can also be used to minimize the presence of surface distortions on the bonding zones.

Abstract: A display package and display packaging technique implemented by forming a shadow box in which an item to be displayed and items to be hidden that are associated with the item to be displayed are packaged. The shadow box is formed having four side portions and a bottom portion. A flap integral with a portion of the shadow box is disposed between the four side portions to form a hidden compartment between the flap and the bottom portion within which the associated items are hidden and a display compartment above the flap within which the item to be displayed is displayed by disposing the item on the flap. The shadow box and flap are formed of a single piece of sheet material. A transparent protective material wrap is provided to cover the shadow box entirely when assembled so as to provide protection and enclose the display compartment.

Abstract: A method and device for conveying folded sheet elements, whereby a sheet element, folded to have at least two superimposed portions connected along a fold, is fed along a given path by a movable gripping head, which engages and retains by suction a first of the two portions of the sheet element, and simultaneously deforms the fold to retain the second portion in contact with the first as the sheet element is conveyed.

Abstract: Transportation fuels are provided that have reduced toxics, VOC and NOx emissions, as well as, reduced sulfur content. The transportation fuels provided meet emissions reduction requirements determined by using the EPA Complex Model and for reduced sulfur. Reduction in sulfur content allows the use of components with high concentrations of olefins, while still reducing toxics, hydrocarbon (VOCs) and NOx emissions to acceptable levels.

Abstract: The invention concerns a process for producing middle distillates from an effluent produced by a Fischer-Tropsch unit, comprising optional fractionation to obtain at least one heavy fraction with an initial boiling point in the range 120-200° C., said heavy fraction or said effluent optionally being hydrotreated, then bringing it into contact with a first amorphous hydrocracking/hydroisomerization catalyst that contains at least one noble group VIII metal, the effluent obtained is distilled, then the residual fraction boiling above the middle distillates and/or a portion of the middle distillates is brought into contact with a second amorphous hydrocracking/hydroisomerization catalyst containing at least one noble group VIII metal. The invention also concerns a unit.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and system for the continuous preparation of gasoline, kerosene, and diesel oil from waste plastics. The method comprises the steps of: subjecting a melt of the waste plastics to a first catalytic reaction in which the waste plastic melt is in contact with a nickel or nickel alloy catalyst to be dehydrogenated while being decomposed; subjecting the dehydrogenated and decomposed waste plastic melt to a fluid catalytic cracking, as a second catalytic reaction to produce a gasoline-based fraction at a high fraction; fractionating the cracked material into a gasoline-based fraction, a kerosene fraction, and a diesel oil fraction; and reforming the gasoline-based fraction to produce a high octane number gasoline. The present invention can apply to a small scale facility, not to apply to a large scale facility.

Abstract: Improved heavy oil conversion processes are disclosed in which the heavy oil feed is first thermally cracked using visbreaking or hydrovisbreaking technology to produce a product that is lower in molecular weight and boiling point than the feed. The product is then deasphalted using an alkane solvent at a solvent to feed volume ratio of less than 2 wherein separation of solvent and deasphalted oil from the asphaltenes is achieved through the use of a two-stage membrane separation system in which the second stage is a centrifugal membrane.

Abstract: A method of upgrading hydrocarbon mixtures without the need of additives, catalysts or heating using ultrasonic cavitation. Ultrasonic energy is provided at a rate sufficient to induce cavitation in the hydrocarbon mixture. The high temperatures and high pressures resulting from cavitation cause cracking of a portion of the hydrocarbons in the mixture thereby creating lighter hydrocarbons in the diesel range or lighter for recovery via more traditional separation technologies, such as distillation. The resulting upgraded petroleum product exhibits lower distillation curves and decreased pollution causing components. Further, a wide variety of feedstocks can be treated according to the method of this invention.

Abstract: A catalytic hydrodealkylation/reforming process which comprises contacting a heavy hydrocarbon feedstream under catalytic hydrodealkylation/reforming conditions with a composition comprising borosilicate molecular sieves.

Abstract: This invention relates to reducing the amount of thiols (mercaptans) in petroleum streams, specifically, mercaptans above the five carbon molecular weight range.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method of desulfurization of a sulfur laden hydrocarbon liquids that comprises contacting the liquid with a sponge nickel metal alloy, removing the sulfur free liquid, regeneration of the alloy by contact with an aqueous solution of an oxidant and reusing the alloy for further desufurization of additional sulfur laden liquid.

Abstract: Waste management has been primarily based on collection of waste and placing most of it in a landfill or in an incinerator. Waste to resource eliminates a need for large landfills or incinerators by integrating collection of waste with separation and reuse of waste. Present invention eliminates a need for disposing readily usable materials into landfills or incinerators by separating and preparing as needed the usable materials for direct reuse such as environmental enhancements in coastal zone including active and passive coastal barrier systems such as artificial reefs. The coastal barriers systems are constructed along a selected depth that will enhance the hydrodynamics for more desirable self-maintained coastal biological and physical process. A portion of waste is processed and utilized together with other resource waste.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a device for separating acceptable objects from unacceptable objects. The device includes a moving inclined conveyor having an upper edge and an opposingly located lower edge. Also provided are a plurality of collection cells, with each cell defined by a first wiper and an opposingly located second wiper. The cells are located along the conveyor. At least one feed is also associated with each of the cells, and the at least one feed is positioned to deposit objects on the conveyor at an upper edge near the first wiper. An acceptable object collector is associated with each of the cells. The acceptable object collector is positioned to retrieve objects which have moved downwardly along the conveyor from the feed. The second wiper is positioned to obstruct the movement of unacceptable objects which have moved along said conveyor and to urge unacceptable objects into at least one unacceptable object collector located on the lower edge of said conveyor.

Abstract: The invention provides a weight selecting apparatus capable of automatically performing calibration, and provides a weight selecting apparatus capable of certainly carrying objects to be inspected with a relatively simple mechanism and performing weight measurement of the objects. The objects, after being subjected to weight measurement by a first weighing unit 2, are sampled by a sampler 5, and those of the objects thus sampled are subjected to weight measurement by a second weighing unit 6. A calibration unit compares, for the same object, the measured result with that obtained by the first weighing unit 2 and discriminates whether or not a difference therebetween is within a specific error range, to perform calibration of the first weighing unit 2. Further, as a carrier 3 for carrying the objects to the weighing unit 2 one by one, there is used an intermittently rotatable carrying roller 32 having in its outer peripheral surface portion a plurality of carrying pockets 321.

Abstract: A system and method for efficiently laundering multiple loads of household laundry at commercial facilities. By using the advantages of modules having at least one dirty laundry working surface and at least one clean laundry working surface disposed between at least one washing machine and at least one dryer reduces the inefficiencies associated with previous arrangements. A plurality of these modules allows for the sharing of a partial common perimeter to increase workspace efficiency. In a preferred embodiment, the inclusion of at least one common transport medium and/or identification system allows for further improvements.

Abstract: A rotatively oscillating separator comprising separating vessels 4 each having cone-shaped separating plate 5 disposed in the vessel, and drive means 6 for rotatively oscillating said separating vessels 4, mixed rice consisting of unhulled rice and unpolished rice being fed onto the separating plates in the separating vessels at a given location to separate the unhulled rice and the unpolished rice from each other, the unpolished rice being discharged through raised peripheral portions of the vessels, and the unhulled rice being discharged through the central bottoms of the separating vessels.

Abstract: A self-cleaning pre-filter system generally comprises a system inlet; a sediment filter having a filter inlet in selective fluid communication with the system inlet, a selectively openable drain port and a filter outlet, separated from the filter inlet and the drain port by a filter screen; a pressure accumulator having a first chamber in open fluid communication with the filter outlet and having a sealed second chamber containing a compressible medium, the first chamber and the second chamber being separated one from the other by a flexible diaphragm; and a system outlet in selective fluid communication with the filter outlet and the first chamber. A controller operates valves to periodically back flush the sediment filter utilizing energy stored in the pressure accumulator. Any detritus removed from the filter screen during the back flush process is immediately discharged from the system through the drain port.

Abstract: A T-handle for a filter includes an integral mechanical indicator. The T-handle indicator has a threaded portion that extends through a hole in the filter cover and retains the cover to a canister. The indicator includes a spring-biased button that provides a visual indication of whether the element needs to be replaced. The button is received in a body that is open to the pressure on the downstream side of the filter element. A pair of clips on the button engage the indicator body to retain the button in the inward (element change) position. The clips can be accessed when the T-handle indicator is removed from the filter to return the button to the outward (fresh element) position. The indicator button includes an axially-elongated slot extending radially through the button, and the body includes a corresponding pair of holes on opposite sides of the slot.

Abstract: A domestic water filtration system includes a first water treatment unit (7) with a replaceable ion exchange resin water softener cartridge (15) accommodated in a canister (19) and a second water treatment unit (8) with a replaceable filter cartridge (16) including an activated carbon block (16a) wrapped with a depth filter (22a) and a membrane filter (22b). A flow control device comprising a three way valve (2) has an inlet (12) for connection to the mains water supply and two outlets (13, 14) respectively connected to the inlets of the water treatment units (7, 8) so that rotation of the valve spindle (10) in one direction from an off position allows water to flow to the inlet (3) of the first treatment unit (7) and in the other direction from the off position allows water to flow to the inlet (5) of the second treatment unit (8).

Abstract: The present invention relates to a point-of-use water treatment system unit. The unit includes a filter housing assembly having a filter tank assembly and a closure which utilizes a handle and cammed reciprocating lock blades to secure the closure to the filter tank assembly. A UV tank assembly includes a planar baffle plate and a vaned baffle plate to induce plug flow about a UV lamp assembly. A UV lamp assembly is used which simultaneously electrically and sealingly mounts to a UV tank assembly and electrical cap assembly using a bayonet mount. A bi-planar manifold assembly is used to interconnect components of the WTS unit and to provide an envelope for accommodating a water pipe assembly. The bi-planar manifold assembly enhances the compactness of the design of the WTS unit. Also, a support plate is disclosed which provides support to subcomponents of the WTS unit while also dissipating heat from a UV tank assembly.

Abstract: A device for treating liquids. There are two shells made from polyurethane material wherein each shell contains a series of magnets disposed in these shells. When these shells are placed around piping, the magnets are spaced apart axially along the tubing so that there are three pairs of magnets that oppose each other. In this configuration the three pairs of magnets disposed inside the shells align either in a N-N configuration, a N-S configuration or a S-S configuration. The polyurethane material can be made semi-hard and fire resistant so that it can be applied to treat fuels in engines as well.