Abstract: A method of coating a catalyst layer on a metallic substrate includes preparing a metal oxide and binder slurry to coat onto a metal surface and forming a catalytic layer over the slurry coated surface. The slurry may be made from a binder containing, for example, fully dissolved alumina in the presence of excess nitric acid. The binder may then be mixed with a metal oxide mixture to form the metal oxide-binder slurry. The metal oxide mixture may contain aluminum oxide or partially hydrated aluminum oxide. The metal oxide-binder slurry can be used to coat the surfaces of a variety of metals such as aluminum, titanium, nickel, cobalt, chromium, iron, copper, etc., or their alloys that include brass, as well as stainless steel with or without Al as a component.

Abstract: A method for forming a sol-gel on a metal surface to provide an interface for promoting adhesion between the metal surface and an organic resin involves application of at least one metal alkoxide compound having at least one labile sulfur atom, and at least one metal alkoxide compound having at least one reactive moiety which is capable of bonding with an organic resin. The metal alkoxide compound having at least one labile sulfur atom is capable of bonding to various metal surfaces, including surfaces of noble metals, such as gold, by a sulfur-metal linkage with the metal surface. The metal alkoxide compound having at least one labile sulfur atom reacts with the metal alkoxide compound having at least one reactive moiety which is capable of bonding with the organic resin to form a sol-gel which bonds to the surface of the metal, and which includes reactive moieties which are capable of bonding with an organic resin.

Abstract: The present invention provides an aqueous agent for treating metal surfaces capable of degreasing and forming a zinc phosphate coat simultaneously. The present metal surface treating agent includes an aqueous solution that includes water and a water-soluble organic solvent where the amount of water is larger than the amount of the water-soluble organic solvent; phosphate ions; nitrate ions; and zinc ions.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a high-strength hot-rolled steel sheet superior in stretch-flanging properties and fatigue properties which comprises (in mass %) 0.01-0.10% C, less than 2% Si (including 0%), 0.5-2% Mn, less than 0.08% P (including 0%), less than 0.01% S (including 0%), less than 0.01% N (including 0%), 0.01-0.1% Al, and at least one of 0.1-0.5% Ti and less than 0.8% Nb (including 0%), with the granular bainitic structure accounting for more than 80% (by area) in its sectional metallographic structure. Disclosed also herein is a process for producing said steel sheet.

Abstract: Rolling structure steel, comprising: 0.90-100% by wt. C; 0.95-1.05% by wt Si; 0.25-0.45% by wt Mn; 0.015% by wt. S max.; 0.025% by wt. P max.; 1.30-1.50% by wt. Cr, and 0.17-0.20% by wt. Mo. Preferably this steel is produced by austenising at 860+20° C., quenched in oil and tempered at 240+20° C. In this way steel is obtained having a high rolling contact fatigue strength and dimensional stability at elevated temperature operating conditions.

Abstract: A high-strength, high-toughness seamless steel pipe used for a line pipe contains 0.03 to 0.06% of C, 0.05 to 0.15% of Si, 1.6 to 2.0% of Mn, 0.010 to 0.10% of Al, 0.3 to 0.7% of Ni, 0.10 to 0.40% of Mo, 0.01 to 0.06% of V, 0.003 to 0.03% of Nb, 0.003 to 0.020% of Ti, and 0.0010 to 0.0100% of N, the relationships Mo+5V≧0.4% and 2Nb−V≦0% being satisfied, and the balance being Fe and incidental impurities. Consequently, it is possible to provide the high-strength, high-toughness seamless steel pipe used for a line pipe in which grade X80 strength and toughness are stably ensured, and the target strength can be easily attained regardless of the size.

Abstract: A process for treating nitinol so that desired mechanical properties are achieved. In one embodiment, the process comprises the steps of exposing the nitinol to a primary annealing temperature within the range of approximately 475° C. to 525° C. for a first time period, and thereafter exposing the nitinol to a secondary annealing temperature within the range of approximately 550° C. to 800° C. for a second time period. The invention also includes nitinol articles made by the process of the invention.

Abstract: A membrane 30 and a method 12 for making the membrane 30comprising the steps of selectively placing a first material 14 upon a substrate 16, depositing a certain material 26 upon a first material 14, and heating the materials 14, 16, 26, thereby forming a membrane 30.

Abstract: An alloy comprising tantalum and silicon is described. The tantalum is the predominant metal present. The alloy also has a uniformity of tensile strength when formed into a wire, such that the maximum population standard deviation of tensile strength for the wire is about 3 KSI for an unannealed wire at finish diameter and about 2 KSI for an annealed wire at finish diameter. Also described is a process of making a Ta—Si alloy which includes reducing a silicon-containing solid and a tantalum-containing solid into a liquid state and mixing the liquids to form a liquid blend and forming a solid alloy from the liquid blend. Another process of making a Ta—Si alloy is described which involves blending powders containing tantalum or an oxide thereof with powders containing silicon or a silicon-containing compound to form a blend and then reducing the blend to a liquid state and forming a solid alloy from the liquid state.

Abstract: An apparatus and methods of manufacturing seamless gaskets using expanded intercalated graphite worms, in which an annular die cavity has a central column with a charge inlet in a perimeter wall. Expanded intercalated graphite worms communicate from a source through the charge inlet in the annular die cavity for depositing a charge of expanded intercalated graphite worms within the die cavity. An upper pusher is movable from a first position distally spaced from an open end of the die cavity to a second position within the die cavity for compressing a first charge of expanded intercalated graphite worms. A lower pusher is movable from a first position to a second position during the compressing of the first charge of expanded intercalated graphite worms in the die. The upper pusher causes the lower pusher to move to the second position, so that a second charge of expanded intercalated graphite worms is received in substantially the same volume as the first charge.

Abstract: An absorbent composite sheet mainly consisting of a fibrous substrate web, a super absorbent polymer, and a bonding component bonding both of them with each other, wherein (a) the fibrous substrate web is a non-bonded web with a few of the constituent fibers bonded with each other, (b) a liquid mixture system is used of a medium mainly consisting of the super absorbent polymer and the bonding component, (c) a composite web is formed by adding the liquid mixture system to the fibrous substrate web, and (d) a liquid component is separated from the composite web so that fixing of the super absorbent polymer to the fibrous substrate web and bonding of the webs of the fibrous substrate web with one another are carried out at the same time. Methods of manufacturing such absorbent composite sheets are also provided.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for effecting ultrasonic bonds in sequentially advancing workpiece segments, in a nip defined by a rotary ultrasonic horn and rotary anvil roll. The ultrasonic bonding apparatus comprises support structure comprising anvil support apparatus and horn support apparatus. A closed loop control apparatus is connected to one or both of the anvil support apparatus and horn support apparatus. The closed loop control apparatus comprises a programmable logic controller, a load cell, and an adjustor. Information output from the load cell triggers the closed loop control apparatus through the programmable logic computer and the adjustor to move one or both of the anvil support apparatus and horn support apparatus toward or away from the other in dynamic response to the information output from the load cell, thereby regulating pressure in the nip with ongoing real-time adjustments to distance between the anvil support apparatus and the horn support apparatus.

Abstract: In a method of interconnecting two elements (10, 11) of plastic material by welding or gluing together surfaces of the elements a channel (12) is formed in one of said elements, which is divided by partitions (16) into individual spaces distributed longitudinally of the channel. The partitions and the side walls (14, 15) of the channel along the edge surfaces (17, 18, 19, 20) thereof are connected with the other element (11) by welding or gluing together said edge surfaces.

Abstract: A tape and wallboard compound dispenser is a handheld unit that has a separate compound channel and tape channel, both of which terminate slightly rearward of a blade located on the forward end of the unit. The unit has a housing with a compartment for containing a roll of tape. A flexible strap is mounted to the side of the housing to provide a loop for insertion of a hand of a user to carry the dispenser. In a manual mode, a single lever controls flow of compound from a pump to the compound channel as well as severing the tape at the end of the stroke. The lever has an off position that shuts off flow of compound to the compound channel. It has an on position that allows flow of compound to the compound channel. It has a cutting position that actuates a cutting mechanism to cut the tape and simultaneously to shut off flow of compound to the compound channel.

Abstract: A method of applying curved leg elastics to absorbent garments involves stretching and wrapping an elastic ribbon about a curved side of a puck. A portion of the elastic ribbon is simultaneously folded onto a top surface of the puck. The puck is attached to a rotating device that rotates the puck into alignment with a substrate. The substrate is then bonded to the portion of the elastic ribbon in its stretched position on the puck, thereby forming a finished seam. The resulting absorbent garments have gasket-like leg openings with improved comfort and aesthetic appeal.

Abstract: A method for reducing the working temperature of a tire tread for vehicles utilizing a tire tread comprising a first portion and a second portion. The first portion comprising 100 parts by weight of an elastomeric material, 40-120 parts by weight of a filler, comprising from 50 to 100% by weight of carbon black and from 0 to 50% of silica, and 3-40 parts by weight of at least a conventional additive. The second portion comprising 100 parts by weight of an elastomeric material, 40-120 parts by weight of a filler, comprising from 30 to 100% by weight of silica and from 0 to 70% of carbon black, and 3-40 parts by weight of at least a conventional additive. However, the silica content in the second portion is at least 20% higher than in the first portion. Tires wherein the area of the first portion exceeds 37.1% of the total area of the tire tread are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method for splicing hose comprises applying a non-toxic anti-bonding agent (117) to an inside surface (102) of a first end (104) of a first hose segment (101). The first end (104) of the first hose segment (104) is then inserted into a second end (101) of a second hose segment (107) so that the first hose segment end (104) is completely circumscribed by the second hose segment end (110). This creates an overlapping portion (113) of the two hose segment ends (104) and (110). A structural integrity material (120) is applied to the overlapping portion (113) proximate the first end (104), and then the first hose segment end (104) and the second hose segment end (110) are then fused together to create a hose splice (100).

Abstract: With a transfer member, such as a toner sheet, provided with at least two layers including an intermediate layer having a function of preventing transfer of a substance and a thermally fusible ink layer on the supporting member side, and an image receiving member, such as image receiving sheet, used, a solution for improving the transfer sensitivity is jetted onto either of them according to the image so as to form a transfer image on the image receiving member surface.

Abstract: This invention is to prevent a substrate from dropping when it is transferred/received to/from a separating apparatus. The support surfaces of substrate holding portions (22, 23) are made horizontal, and a substrate (21) to be separated is mounted on one substrate holding portion (22) in a horizontal state (2A). The substrate holding portions (22, 23) are pivoted about rotary shafts (26, 27), respectively, to make the support surfaces of the substrate holding portions (22, 23) vertical so that the substrate (21) is sandwiched by the substrate holding portions (22, 23) (2B). The substrate holding portions (22, 23) are rotated about rotary shafts (24, 25), respectively, and simultaneously, high-pressure, high-speed water is ejected from an ejection nozzle (28) to separate the substrate (21) into two substrates (21a, 21c). The substrate holding portions (22, 23) are pivoted about the rotary shafts (26, 27), respectively, to make the support surfaces horizontal (2C).

Abstract: This invention relates to the extrusion coating of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) onto paperboard. Such structures of this type, generally, provide an enhanced film adhesion of the PET onto the paperboard, while reducing the coat weights of the PET.

Abstract: A fastening component of a separable fastener is molded out of two separate flows of resin joined under pressure in a nip as the fastening elements are molded in cavities of a cavity roller. The joined flows of resin travel about the cavity roller while being cooled, and are then passed about a stripping roller to pull the formed fastener strip from the cavity roller.

Abstract: In a method for making a shoe, an insole blank having a peripheral portion is prepared. An outsole which has an adhesive applied to the top thereof is positioned in a mold assembly including at least two opposite side mold parts that have forming patterns for forming the peripheral portion of the insole blank. The insole blank is placed in the mold assembly adjacent to the top of the outsole while the insole blank is being softened by heat to a plastic state. The insole blank is pressed against and is bonded to the outsole, and the peripheral portion of the insole blank is pressed and patterned via the side mold parts. The bonding of the insole blank and the outsole and the patterning of the peripheral portion of the insole blank are carried out simultaneously by closing the mold assembly.

Abstract: Prelaminate pressure-sensitive adhesive (PSA) constructions comprise, a first substrate, a coating or release material on a surface of the first substrate, a PSA layer disposed on the coating of release material, and a detackified layer (DL) disposed on a surface of the PSA layer to form a continuous film covering the PSA layer. In first and second embodiments of the construction the DL is activatable to form a tacky layer on top of the PSA layer for lamination with a second substrate. In a third embodiment, the DL includes constituents that when activated migrate into the PSA layer to expose the PSA layer tacky surface for lamination with a second substrate. The prelaminate PSA constructions are completely nonblocking to a minimum 24 hour blocking temperature of about 50° C. at pressure of about 40 kilopascals, thereby allowing such prelaminate PSA construction to be collected, stored, and or transported before being laminated without adhesive interference occurring between continuous layers.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method for the lamination of fluoropolymers to the surfaces of metals, and especially to copper, gold, and platinum, and to printed circuit board (PCB) substrate at temperatures substantially below the sintering temperatures or melting temperatures of the fluoropolymers. More specifically, the invention is directed to a method for surface modification of fluoropolymers by thermal graft copolymerization with concurrent lamination of metals in the presence of a functional monomer and an adhesive such as an epoxy resin. The process can be carried out under atmospheric conditions and in the complete absence of an added polymerization initiator. The laminated fluoropolymer-metal or fluoropolymer-PCB substrate interfaces exhibit T-peel strengths of no less than 8 N/cm. This invention can also be applied to substantially improve the adhesion between PCB substrates and metals.

Abstract: An article made up of (1) a composite having a polyurethane matrix including fibrous or particulate reinforcement, the polyurethane matrix being formed in situ about the reinforcement by reaction of polyurethane forming components at a temperature below the melting point of the reinforcement and (2) a polymeric film bound to at least one surface of the composite, the film being bound to the composite by adhesion to the polyurethane matrix which emerges or is enhanced as the matrix is formed in situ.

Abstract: A connector having at least three parts is used to connect a fluid line to an opening of a component that is made of a thermoplastic material. The connector is produced by forming a first part of the connector from an essentially thermoplastic material. A second part and a third part of the connector are produced from an essentially thermoplastic material so that the second part and the third part are fused together. The first part and the second part are connected in a fluid-tight manner outside of a mold. The material of the third part is selected so that it is capable of forming a fusion connection with the thermoplastic material of the component. The connector can also have at least one part. This connector is produced by injection molding a first outer part, an inner layer and an intermediate layer.

Abstract: A semiconductor processing system comprises a first vacuum processing unit and a second vacuum processing unit connected thereto. The first and second vacuum processing units respectively comprise I/O transfer chambers. Casings of the transfer chambers are connected to each other, and a common transfer robot is arranged in the casings. The transfer robot is moved along horizontal guide rails and formed by connecting rails of the transfer chambers. A rail adjusting mechanism is provided to obtain linearity of the horizontal rails.

Abstract: The invention relates to papermaking processes wherein calcium carbonate is included in a pulp suspension. The dissolution of the calcium carbonate in the papermaking system is prevented or substantially retarded by the introduction of carbon dioxide to said pulp suspension in connection with subjecting said calcium carbonate in said papermaking system to pH conditions of about 8 or lower. The invention also provides processes for the production of paper or board in papermaking systems wherein solid calcium carbonate is present as a filler and/or pigment.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are provided to reduce the size of solid clumps of material and thereby permit reuse of the material. In particular, the apparatus and method allow for reuse of sediment accumulated in a storage area for paper pulping byproducts. The sediment is conveyed from the storage area to an tank. In the tank, the sediment is agitated to produce reduced-size clumps of the sediment. The reduced-size clumps are in a slurry that is capable of being burned at least one of a facility that produces paper pulp and a facility that produces paper products.

Abstract: Methods for bleaching chemical pulps are disclosed including a final bleaching sequence of bleaching with chlorine dioxide, treating with a chelating agent, in which the bleaching and treating steps are carried out in sequence without an intermediate washing step, washing the bleached pulp, and bleaching with hydrogen peroxide.

Abstract: A board machine and method for making a multilayer cardboard web, in which a first layer of the web having a printable surface is formed in a first forming unit and carried on an extended forming wire thereof through a couching unit where the first layer is couched with one or more additional layers, the multilayer web then being carried on the extended wire to a pick-up point. An upper press felt of a double-felted press picks up the web at the pick-up point such that the printable surface faces downward and contacts the lower press felt through the nip of the press. The lower felt is smoother than the upper felt, and the lower felt contacts the lower press roll for a minimum sector angle beyond an exit of the nip to ensure that the web follows the lower felt.

Abstract: The present invention herein relates to an asphalt-grade carbon fiber paper comprised primarily of asphalt-grade carbon fibers and paper base material, and its process, where the paper base material may be made of cellulose fibers or synthetic fibers and resin, while the asphalt-grade carbon fiber: paper base material=10˜50:50˜90% (by weight). The asphalt-grade carbon fibers, with their conductive, antistatic and shielding actions, are incorporated into the paper base material and give it conductive and statics elimination effect. Furthermore, the paper may be processed into products with electrical and thermal conductivity or for packaging. The aforesaid asphalt-grade carbon fiber paper features excellent conductivity, high thermal conversion ratio, long service life and low cost. Its process is also extremely simple and easy to operate.

Abstract: Provided by the present invention is a process for making wet-layed metal fiber nonwoven sheet. The process comprises dispersing a mixture of metal fibers, wood pulp and a fibrillated material into an aqueous dispensing fluid. The amount of metal fibers dispersed generally ranges from 60 to 80 weight percent, based on the weight of solids, with the amount of wood pulp ranging from 15 to 30 weight percent and the amount of fibrillated material ranging from about 5 to 10 weight percent. The dispersed mixture in the aqueous dispensing fluid is then applied to a screen, with the aqueous dispensing fluid being removed to thereby form a metal fiber sheet.

Abstract: This invention pertains to the use of compounds containing amide or imide type functional groups to increase the rate of nitroxide mediated oxidation of alcohols, particularly primary and secondary alcohols. While suitable for oxidation of alcohol groups on a variety of substrates, it is particularly useful to oxidize cellulose, cellulose pulp or cellulose fiber such that it is commercially compatible with the traditional paper making process. Such co-catalysts may be used to increase the absolute amount of aldehyde groups on cellulose, cellulose pulp or cellulose fiber, thereby further increasing the inherent wet strength, temporary wet strength, and dry strength of paper made with such cellulose, cellulose pulp or cellulose fiber.

Abstract: An improvement is disclosed over conventional internal sizing of stock furnish for papermaking, wherein alum is added to the thick paper stock and the long retention time permits complete reaction with the fibers. The invention process permits successfully adding novel aluminum rosinate size composition unconventionally in thin stock furnish, where retention times are on the order of less that 1 minute. The highly charged aluminum rosinate size is able to be quickly adsorbed onto the fiber surfaces to permit surprisingly efficient sizing in thin stock. The quick sizing avoids concern with rising pH over time (in conventional thick stock application) and increases sizing efficiency.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a stabilized calcium carbonate filler, a process for stabilizing calcium carbonate, the use of the stabilized filler in a paper making system, and an improved paper making process wherein calcium carbonate is used as a filler. Specifically, the invention relates to a process wherein the rate of dissolution of calcium carbonate filler is retarded as compared to the rate found in conventional paper making processes. The rate of dissolution is retarded by addition of carbon dioxide to a slurry containing the calcium carbonate filler.

Abstract: A creping blade for creping a cellulosic web from a rotatable cylinder in a creping process includes first and second side faces. The first side face is at least substantially opposite to the second side file. The blade also includes an upper surface adjacent to the first and second side faces. A plurality of notches is provided along the upper surface. Each of the notches has a bottom portion and an open end defined by at least a portion of the upper surface. The notches are configured to increase the caliper of the cellulosic web when the creping blade crepes the cellulosic web from an outer surface of the rotatable cylinder. Creped paper and improved methods of manufacturing paper are also provided.

Abstract: An apparatus and process for imprinting a web. A yankee drum and pressure roll are juxtaposed to form a nip. An imprinting member, such as through air drying belt or other patterning belt is interposed in the nip. A felt is also interposed in the nip, contacting the backside of the imprinting member. The imprinting member carries a paper web. The paper web is imprinted in the nip and simultaneously transferred to the yankee drying drum. The nip may be formed with a vacuum roll juxtaposed with the felt. The vacuum roll may remove from the felt and hence the web.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method for preventing (meth)acrylic acid from polymerizing during the course of distillation. The method provides for refining (meth)acrylic acid by a procedure including the steps of feeding a mixed gas obtained by catalytic gas phase oxidation of propylene and/or acrolein with a molecular oxygen-containing gas or a mixed gas obtained by catalytic gas phase oxidation of at least one compound of isobutylene, t-butyl alcohol, or methacrolein with a molecular oxygen-containing gas, to a (meth)acrylic acid collection column, collecting a (meth)acrylic acid-containing solution from the mixed gas, and feeding the (meth)acrylic acid-containing solution to a distillation column while maintaining the total concentration of aldehydes of 2-4 carbon atoms and acetone in the solution at a level of not more than 2000 ppm based on the amount of (meth)acrylic acid.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process of separation of mixtures containing HFC-365mfc/HF azeotropic compositions by two distillations at different pressures, as well as to a process of synthesis of HFC-365mfc which integrates this process of separation and a recycling of certain fractions towards the hydrofluorination step.

Abstract: A magnetron sputtering source and a method of use thereof on which the sputtering source has at least two toroidal magnetron electron taps each defining a maximum of a magnetic field strength component in a radial direction along a surface of the sputtering source. Thereby, from each one of a ring zone on a first smaller radius R1F and a second larger radius R2F, a plane of the workpiece in a holder facing the sputtering source has a corresponding distance d1 and d2. A value d assumes all possible values of d1 and d2. In particular, 0.8≦(R2F−R1F)/d≦3.0 and preferably 1.0≦(R2F−R1F)/d≦2.2 The arrangement defines a sputtering geometry with the process space with a defined dual concentric narrow plasma discharge with correspondingly defined concentrated plasma inclusion.

Abstract: A process for the production of a low emissivity coating on a glass substrate comprising, in sequence, depositing a reflective metal layer, and reactively sputtering a metal oxide layer over the metal layer in the presence of an oxygen scavenger. The oxygen scavenger is preferably a hydrocarbon, in particular methane. The metal oxide layer may comprise tin oxide, zinc oxide, tungsten oxide and other metal oxides are also likely to be suitable.

Abstract: Methods for etching a trench into a dielectric layer are provided. One exemplary method controls an ion-to-neutral flux ratio during etching so as to achieve a neutral limited regime in an ion assisted etch mechanism where the neutral limited regime causes bottom rounding. The method includes modulating physical sputtering causing microtrenching to offset the bottom rounding so as to produce a substantially flat bottom trench profile. Some notable advantages of the discussed methods of etching a trench into a dielectric layer includes the ability to eliminate the intermediate etch stop layer. Elimination of the etch stop layer will decrease fabrication cost and process time. Additionally, the elimination of the intermediate stop layer will improve device performance.

Abstract: A cathodic protection system for corrosion protection of metallic structures in contact with aqueous solutions such as salt water and calcium chloride brine. The system employs anode chambers containing hydroxide anolytes segregated from the electrolyte containing chloride by an ion-exchange membrane. The anode and the structures to be protected are coupled to voltage and current sources impressing current at the immersed surfaces of metallic structures to maintain these surfaces close to an equipotential and covered with a bound layer of polarized hydroxide. The preferred embodiment is used in connection with stainless steel holding tanks and associated equipment used to circulate calcium chloride brine to freeze whole muscle turkeys. When the brine and the anolyte contact the membrane, a bi-ionic potential forms across the membrane that drives the counter-directed transport of ions through the membrane, thereby preventing the anodic production of Cl2.

Abstract: A cell for the electrowinning of aluminium comprises at least one non-carbon metal-based anode (10) having an electrically conductive metallic structure (12, 13, 15) which is suspended substantially parallel to a facing cathode (20, 21, 22). Such metallic structure (12, 13, 15) comprises a series of parallel horizontal anode members (15), each having an electrochemically active surface (16) on which during electrolysis oxygen is anodically evolved. The electrochemically active surfaces (16) are in a generally coplanar arrangement to form the active anode surface. The anode members are spaced apart from one another by inter-member gaps forming flow-through openings (17) for the circulation of electrolyte (30) driven by the escape of anodically-evolved oxygen. The electrolyte (30) may circulate upwardly and/or downwardly in the flow-through openings (17) and possibly around the anode structure (12, 13, 15).

Abstract: A mineral ionizing device (10) consisting of a container (20) filled with water and containing a solid-mineral, cylindrical first electrode (50), a second electrode (58) coaxially located within the first electrode (50), a vibration unit (100) which produces a vibration within the container (20), a set of protrusions (64) located on the surface of the second electrode (58) and a periodic current reversing unit (84) which applies a d-c current across the first and second electrodes (50,58). The combination of the vibration unit (100), the protrusions (64) and the current reversing unit (84) aids in releasing gaseous bubbles which form on the surface of the second electrode (58). The application of the d-c current causes the mineral in the first electrode (50) to release mineral ions into the water which results in the production of very clean mineral water.

Abstract: A conducting roller assembly for an electroplating apparatus includes two conducting rollers arranged one above another so as to clamp and move a plate-shaped workpiece therebetween. The rollers are disposed intimately over one of two conducting members, and under the other one of the members. Each of the members is connected to two opposite sides of the respective one of the rollers by means of two horizontal rows of equidistant conducting posts. Each of the posts has one end that is fixed to and that is in electrical connection with a respective one of the members, and another end that is biased to contact the respective one of the rollers so as to establish an electrical connection between the respective one of the members and the respective one of the rollers.

Abstract: A biosensor is provided that comprises a substrate, a reagent positioned on the substrate, and a cover including a first surface coupled to the substrate and a second surface. The first surface is carved so that it includes a flow channel therein. The flow channel extends over at least a portion of the reagent. In addition, the cover includes secondary channels extending on either side of the channel.

Abstract: An improved disposable test strip for use in amperometric measurement of analytes in complex liquid media, such as blood, which has three or more electrodes has been developed. This strip is designed so that different electrical potentials can be maintained between a common pseudo reference/counter electrode and each of the other electrodes upon the imposition of a common potential by an amperometric meter. This capability is imparted to the test strip by providing different circuit resistances for each of these other electrodes. The test strip can be utilized to measure a single analyte such as glucose with a background compensation via a “dummy” electrode or it can be used to measure the concentration of multiple analytes.

Abstract: A sensor determines the concentration of gas components in a gas mixture with at least one measuring electrode exposed to the gas mixture and a reference electrode and with a heating device for controlling the temperature of at least one measuring electrode and the reference electrode. A measurement signal taken off the at least one measuring electrode can be changed via a corrective value, which is dependent upon the heating power of the heating device necessary to reach a pregiven value of the heating resistance of at least one heating element of the heating device.