Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method for debubbling an ink. The method comprises the steps of: providing an ink having an entrained gas; providing a membrane contactor comprising a plurality of integrally asymmetric hollow fiber microporous membranes; a membrane defining within the contactor a lumen side and a shell side; providing a vacuum source; passing the gas entrained ink through the shell side of the contactor; applying the vacuum source to the lumen side of the contactor; and debubbling the gas entrained ink across the membrane.

Abstract: A compact multiple bed pressure swing adsorption apparatus to produce a high concentration of oxygen efficiently and at minimum noise levels by using inactive pressurized adsorber beds to purge adsorbed nitrogen.

Abstract: Ammonia is recovered from waste water containing NH3, at least one acid gas (CO2, H2S) and inert gases. Firstly, the waste water is passed through a pretreatment column and then, at least in part, into a total stripping column. The top product from the total stripping column is cooled in a condenser, and an aqueous NH3-containing condensate coming from the condenser is fed to an NH3 stripping column. The top product from the NH3 stripping column is brought into direct contact with circulating aqueous NH3-containing condensate in a wash column, and NH3 is recovered from the top product from the wash column. Some of the bottom product from the wash column is fed back into the NH3 stripping column. The temperature in the bottom region of the pretreatment column is set to from less than 30 to 200° C., a sub-stream of the waste water is introduced into the upper region of the pretreatment column, and a second sub-stream of the waste water is fed into the pretreatment column below the first sub-stream.

Abstract: A bagless vacuum cleaner system dustcup assembly and method for using said system with a vacuum cleaner apparatus to separate dirt from a mixture of dirt and air inducted into said vacuum cleaner apparatus. Said bagless vacuum cleaner system generally comprises a dustcup assembly, a handle assembly and a motor intake adaptor.

Abstract: A process for removing vapor phase contaminants from a gas stream includes the step of adding a raw carbonaceous starting material into a gas stream having an activation temperature sufficient to convert the raw carbonaceous starting material into an activated material in-situ. The raw carbonaceous starting material can be either a solid-phase, liquid phase or vapor-phase material. The activated material then adsorbs the vapor phase contaminants, and the activation material containing the vapor phase contaminants is removed from the gas stream using a particulate collection device. The process is particularly suited for the removal of vapor phase air toxics, such as mercury, from the flue gas of a combustion process. An apparatus for the removal of vapor phase contaminants from a gas stream is also described.

Abstract: A gas separator, a method for producing the gas separator, and a method for separating gases based on a property of inelasticity of the gases. The inventive gas separator is a permeable porous material for separating a mixture of gases by selectable pore size exclusion, comprising pores formed with at least one nanostructured compound. In other words, the inventive porous material can be used to separate a mixture of gases based upon the different working diameter of each of the gases. By selecting specific nanostructured compounds, the porous material can be tailored to contain pores of a predetermined size which allow gases having a working diameter smaller than the size of the pores to pass through the material while preventing the passage of gases having a working diameter greater than the size of the pores.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus for controlling the behavior of particulate matter such as mist and dust occurring in the manufacture of paper and board. A web (1) is passed to web treatment equipment (22, 23) wherein at least one treatment step is applied to the web (1) causing the emission of said particulate matter (24). In the vicinity of the emission point (21) of said particulate matter are placed at least two electrodes (25, 26) and at least one electrode, called a counter-electrode (26), is at a low potential. Further, at least one electrode (25) is at a potential higher than that of said counter-electrode (26), and the potential difference between said electrodes (25, 26) is made so high as to generate a corona discharge between said electrodes that causes an ion-blast wind toward the electrode (26) of the lower potential, said ion-blast wind being capable of transferring particular matter, which enters the gap between said electrodes, toward said electrode of lower potential.

Abstract: A drying agent box 10 which serves to remove moisture from air, especially for a compressed-air brake apparatus, and which comprises a housing 11 with at least one inlet 14 and at least one outlet 15, the housing 11 being formed by a container 12 and a flange 13. A drying agent body 18, which has a stable shape, is contained in the housing 11. Channels 22 may optionally be provided in the drying agent body for guiding the flow of air through the body. Different ways of installing the drying agent body 18 in the housing 11 also are described. Due to the stable shape of the drying agent body 18, the structure of the drying agent box is simplified because there is no need for components to hold a granular drying agent in place.

Abstract: The systems and methods described herein relate to lithographic printing processes which utilize ink jet techniques to prepare lithographic plates. Images, such as text and pictures, can be printed onto the lithographic plates using an ink formulation comprising a Werner complex of chromium to give rise to a durable image on the lithographic plate.

Abstract: An inkjet ink is provided that employs one or more water-soluble colorants or water-insoluble colorants, such as solvent dyes, disperse dyes, or pigments. The colorant, whether water-soluble or water-insoluble, is derivatized with one or more crown ethers to render the water-insoluble colorants soluble in water and in water-miscible organic solvents commonly employed in inkjet printing, particularly thermal inkjet printing, and to impart improved properties to the colorants, such as lightfastness, smearfastness, and waterfastness. The inkjet ink comprises a vehicle and at least one crown ether derivatized colorant. The resulting inkjet ink evidences improved print quality properties, compared to inkjet inks containing colorants that are not so derivatized.

Abstract: A pigmented aqueous ink jet ink composition is provided which comprises a sarcosinate compound of the formula: R—CO—NMe—CH2—COOM In which R is a ballasting group comprising at least ten carbon atoms and M is hydrogen, an alkali metal cation, an ammonium cation or a substituted ammonium cation. Preferably the ink is prepared by dispersing the pigment in the presence of the sarcosinate compound in water, together with optional co-solvents or other components, and then diluting this dispersion to form the ink.

Abstract: An improved non-dispersing set retarder additive for foamed cements, cement compositions containing the additive, and methods of cementing in a subterranean zone penetrated by a well bore are provided. The set retarder additive includes a blend of a sulfonated lignin, preferably a lignosulfonate, with an alkali lignin, preferably a kraft lignin, having an organic sulfur content of 0-3.5% by weight in a ratio of about 6:4 to 8:2. The methods are basically comprised of the steps of preparing a foamed cement composition comprised of hydraulic cement, a non-dispersing set retarder, sufficient water to form a slurry, sufficient gas to foam the slurry and a foaming and foam stabilizing surfactant present in an amount sufficient to facilitate the formation of the foam and stabilize the foamed cement composition.

Abstract: Method of processing Trinidad Lake Asphalt (TLA), including the steps of removing Trinidad Lake Asphalt from the earth and adding thereto at least one stabilizing material of a type which increases the melting point of the TLA to produce a stabilized product. The stabilizing material is preferably clay, carbonaceous material, silica and/or polymer. The stabilized product is then pulverized or otherwise broken down into discrete elements, such as pellets or powder. The discrete elements are then packaged into, for example, polyethylene bags and stored or transported for later use. The stabilizer prevents the discrete elements from coalescing during storage or transport. The bags of discrete TLA elements may be used to improve road building mixes by throwing the entire bag, including the bag itself, if desired, into a mixer with the other road building materials. A method is also disclosed for increasing the surface tension of the TLA in order to make the TLA more user friendly.

Abstract: A solution for forming a ferroelectric film characterized in that it contains at least one member selected from the group consisting of modified silicone oil and fluorinated surfactants, and a method for forming a ferroelectric film wherein said solution is used. A uniform film free from uneven coating (striation) is formed.

Abstract: The present invention discloses high solids slurries of anatase titanium dioxide pigment comprising greater than about 75% by weight of anatase TiO2 pigment dispersed in water. A process for producing the slurries of the present invention is disclosed which comprises the steps of a) dry milling the anatase titanium dioxide pigment, preferably by pressure rolling, and b) mixing the dry milled pigment with water in the presence of an acrylic acid dispersant.

Abstract: In an optical element which includes a single crystal having at least one flat light-transmitting end surface, the at least one light-transmitting end surface is inclined at at least 0.5 degrees relative to a plane perpendicular to one of an a-axis and a c-axis of the single crystal. In a process of producing such an optical element, a single crystal is cut out so that the single crystal has at least one surface which is inclined at at least 0.5 degrees relative to a plane perpendicular to one of an a-axis and a c-axis of the single crystal, and then the at least one surface is polished into at least one light-transmitting end surface.

Abstract: An apparatus for coating a web of indeterminate length has a coating element comprising a liquid deflector member for diverting liquid away from a coating surface. The liquid deflector member is arranged beneath a blade member that removes excess coating liquid from the coating surface. Excess coating liquid follows a path away from the coating surface and down the liquid deflector member thereby avoiding contamination of the coating surface.

Abstract: A tape dispensing apparatus comprising a frame, a feeding mechanism, and a wetting system. The frame has a storage area for storing tape therein. The frame also has an exit area through which tape is dispensed. The feeding mechanism is connected to the frame. The feeding mechanism feeds the tape from the storage area to the exit area. The wetting system is connected to the frame for wetting a side of the tape, and activating a moisture activated adhesive on the side of the tape. The wetting system comprises a wetting head mounted to the frame. The wetting head has a moisture releasing portion. The wetting head wets the moisture activated adhesive on the side of the tape without contact between the side of the tape and the moisture releasing portion of the wetting head.

Abstract: A workpiece 1 is supported on a conveyor 2 through a carrier 3. A supporting portion of the workpiece 1 is vertically and horizontally rotatable to change its position to a floor conveyor position, an overhead conveyor position, and a side conveyor position. The workpiece 1 is first moved to enter a spray booth 30 in the floor conveyor position ({circle around (1)}) and then vertically rotated to the overhead conveyor position where the bottom portion thereof faces upward. An under-side coating is performed on the lower portion of a car body by a spray apparatus 31 for which the nozzle position is situated lower ({circle around (2)}). The workpiece 1 is then horizontally rotated to the side conveyor position where the left-hand side of the car body faces upward and an L-side coating is performed on the left-hand side of the car body by the same spray apparatus 31 as above ({circle around (3)}).

Abstract: An apparatus including: (a) a vessel for a solution having a bottom end and an open top end, and defining a vertical axis perpendicular to the bottom end; (b) an insert device having a bottom surface and a top surface and nested within the vessel, wherein the insert device defines a passageway dimensioned for a substrate which is parallel to the vertical axis and extending through the insert device, and wherein the insert device also defines at least one bypass channel extending through the insert to allow solution within the vessel to flow to the top surface of the insert device; and (c) an overflow container positioned adjacent the vessel to catch solution runoff from the top surface of the insert device.

Abstract: An apparatus for processing a microelectronic workpiece in a micro-environment is set forth. The apparatus includes a first chamber member having an interior chamber wall and a second chamber member having an interior chamber wall. The first and second chamber members are adapted for relative movement between a loading position in which the first and second chamber members are distal one another and a processing position in which the first and second chamber members are proximate one another to define a processing chamber. At least one workpiece support assembly is disposed between the first and second chamber members for supporting the microelectronic workpiece.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses are provided that remove a scrubber brush from contact with a wafer surface prior to slowing down the scrubber brush's rotational rate. The scrubbing method may include rotating a scrubber brush at a non-reduced rate, while the scrubber brush is in contact with the wafer and removing the scrubber brush from contact with the wafer while rotating the scrubber brush at the non-reduced rate. The scrubbing apparatus has a controller programmed to perform the scrubbing method.

Abstract: A cleaning device for the anus including a cylindrical portion comprised of a flexible material. The cylindrical portion has an open upper end, a closed lower end, and a cylindrical side wall therebetween. The closed lower end is concave defining a central alignment point.

Abstract: A method of cleaning a component or a unit of an image forming apparatus which has been contaminated by a toner used for image forming includes the steps of blasting a target surface of the component or unit which has been contaminated by the toner with dry ice, and supplying a detergent to the target surface when the target surface is blasted with dry ice. In addition, a type or concentration of the detergent is adjusted in accordance with a type of the toner used for image forming.

Abstract: A method for rinsing the backside of a semiconductor wafer includes the operations of forming a wafer transport truck into a nozzle, and spraying a liquid from the nozzle onto the backside of the wafer. The nozzle may be disposed in a brush station, e.g., before an exit from a first brush box or before an exit from a second brush box.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus for cleaning a workpiece with a cleaning medium that is maintained at a single fluid phase. The apparatus includes means for providing the cleaning medium; a pressurizable cleaning vessel for receiving the cleaning medium and the workpiece; and means for maintaining a single fluid phase of the cleaning medium in the cleaning vessel. The present invention further provides a process for cleaning the workpiece with cleaning medium under conditions such that the workpiece is exposed to a single fluid phase of the cleaning medium. The present invention further includes a process for a storage media that includes instructions for controlling a processor for the process of the present invention. The storage media includes means for controlling the processor to control contacting conditions of the workpiece and the cleaning medium such that the workpiece is exposed to a single fluid phase of the cleaning medium.

Abstract: A substrate processing method of the present invention prevents the reattachment of particles to substrates, such as semiconductor wafers, when processing and cleaning the substrates by immersing the substrates held in a vertical attitude in a processing liquid and a cleaning liquid. After processing the substrates in the processing liquid, they are drawn out from the processing liquid. Then, lower parts of the processed substrates are immersed in the cleaning liquid and temporarily kept stationary in the cleaning liquid. Alternatively, the cleaning liquid is sprayed onto the lower parts of the processed substrates. After a predetermined time, the substrates are immersed entirely in the cleaning liquid.

Abstract: A method for removing photoresist or other organic material from a substrate such as a semiconductor wafer is provided. The method includes partially immersing the substrate in a solvent (e.g., deionized water) in a reaction chamber, injecting an oxidizing gas (e.g., ozone) into the reaction chamber, and rotating or otherwise moving the substrate through the solvent to coat a thin film of solvent over the organic component on the substrate surface and expose the solvent-coated substrate to the ozone gas to remove the organic material from the surface.

Abstract: An acid solution is continuously supplied to a central portion of a surface of a substrate while the substrate is rotating, and an oxidizing agent solution is continuously or intermittently supplied to a periphery of the substrate. In addition, an oxidizing agent solution and an acid solution are simultaneously or alternately supplied to a reverse side of the substrate.

Abstract: The object of the present invention is to provide a low iron loss and low noise grain-oriented electrical steel sheet for securing both low core loss and low noise of a transformer at the same time. The present invention relates to a grain-oriented electrical steel sheet containing Si: 1.0-4.0 wt % produced by controlling, with regard to &egr;O, which is defined as a 0-p value when a grain-oriented electrical steel sheet is magnetized up to a saturated magnetic flux density, and &egr;17, which is defined as the value obtained by subtracting a 0-p value at the magnetization magnetic flux density of 1.7 T from a 0-p value at a saturated magnetic flux density, &egr;OC and &egr;17L, which are absolute values deviated by forming a tension film and a forsterite film, and &egr;OL and &egr;17L, which are absolute values deviated by irradiating laser after the film formation, in adequate ranges respectively, and further controlling &lgr;17, which is a 0-p value at the magnetization magnetic flux density of 1.

Abstract: A conversion coating that does not substantially diminish the luster of a metal surface on which it is coated nor impair adhesion to the surface of lacquers and printing inks commonly used on beverage containers may be provided by contacting the metal surface with an aqueous liquid composition comprising water and at least the following components: (A) a component of one or more dissolved transition metal compounds that contain zirconium and may also include titanium, provided that zirconium constitutes more than 30% of the moles of the total moles or zirconium and titanium; (B) a component of at least one dissolved compound that contains inorganically bonded fluorine and is not part of component (A); and (C) a component of dissolved organic polymer molecules.

Abstract: An appropriate ferromagnetic substance, whose magnetization arises mainly from samarium, is selected, and the composition of this ferromagnetic samarium substance is, according to necessity, modified by an atomic substitution or addition; whereby the two parts of the magnetization originating from the orbital magnetic moment and the spin one compensate with each other and the resultant total magnetization becomes close to zero. An external magnetic field is applied to this ferromagnetic samarium substance at a temperature, where it has a finite magnetization, so as to align the electron spin polarization therein over a macroscopic range, and, subsequently, the temperature is set to be the magnetization-compensation temperature and the applied field is reduced to be nearly zero; whereby this ferromagnetic samarium substance can have a specific property.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a magnetic powder which can provide a magnet having a high magnetic flux density and excellent magnetizability and reliability especially excellent heat resisting property (heat stability). The magnetic powder is composed of an alloy composition represented by Rx(Fe1−yCoy)100-x-z-wBzAlw (where R is at least one kind of rare-earth element, x is 8.1-9.4 at %, y is 0-0.30, z is 4.6-6.8 at %, and w is 0.02-1.

Abstract: The Cu precipitation strengthened steel of the invention comprises, on the mass percent basis, C: 0.02-0.10%, Mn: 0.3-2.5%, Cu: 0.50-2.0%, Ni: 0.3-4.0% and Ti: 0.004-0.03% and further comprises Si: 0.01-0.4% and/or Al: 0.001-0.1%, with the contents of incidental impurities being P: not more than 0.025%, S: not more than 0.01%, N: not more than 0.006% and Se: not more than 0.005%, with the value of Pcm defined by the formula (1) given below being not more than 0.28. The steel material made of this Cu precipitation strengthened steel has good and stable CTOD toughness and is suited for use as a steel material for the construction of large industrial machines, ships, marine structures, line pipes, tanks, bridges and like welded structures.

Abstract: To provide a high-strength steel having a desired strength (800 N/mm2 or higher) for screws and bolts of a large diameter (M8 or larger) that also have a tapping ability, and a high-strength screw made from such a steel. The steel comprises (by % mass) C: 0.05 to 0.20, Si: 0.20 or less (not including 0), Mn: 0.5 to 2.0, P: 0.015 or less, S: 0.015 or less, sol. Al: 0.020 to 0.080, N: 0.0060 or less, Cr: more than 0.80 to 2.0 and the balance being iron and unavoidable impurities.

Abstract: A method of laser shock peening a metallic part by firing a laser on a coated laser shock peening surface of the part which has been covered with an explosive coating containing at least one explosive ingredient. Two or more explosive ingredients having different shock sensitivities may be used and the laser beam is fired with sufficient power to explode at least some amount of each of the explosive ingredients.

Abstract: Method of producing strip comprising continuously casting plain carbon steel into a strip of no more than 5 mm thickness and coiling the strip. The strip is subsequently uncoiled and cold rolled then annealed to produce a stress relieved microstructure therein. The cold rolling produces a cold reduction sufficient to increase the tensile strength of the strip to at least 680 MPa but is such that the total elongation to break off the strip after the annealing is in the range 8% to 12%. The cold rolling may produce a cold reduction of the strip thickness in the range 40% to 80%. The continuously cast strip may be optionally in-line hot rolled prior to coiling to produce an initial strip thickness in the range 40% to 60%.

Abstract: A smoke generating composition including at least one smoke generating material and an effective amount of a polymerized monosaccharide or disaccharide as a binder. The polymerized monosaccharide or disaccharide serves the dual purpose of being both a binder and a fuel to provide a more efficient and safer smoke generating composition.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of making pourable, plastic-bound explosive charges or rocket propellants, to which a metal powder having essentially spherically shaped grains is added. To avoid an increase in the viscosity of the explosive charge or the rocket propellant through polar groups attached to the surface of the metal powder, it is suggested according to the invention that the polar groups of the metal powder be saturated with SiR3 groups (Si=silane; R=organic residue) before the metal powder is added to the explosive mixture. As a result, the polar groups can no longer react with the isocyanates of the explosive charge or the rocket propellant and the specific surface of the respective metal powder, as well as the viscosity of the charges, is reduced.

Abstract: Actuators for handling furniture parts to be coated are provided. For this purpose, a feeder device is provided which has a plurality of lifting bolts arranged in a grid-like manner and which can travel vertically in a simplified manner thereby that all lifting bolts of a row can be locked by common locking means and that all lifting bolts of a line can be acted upon by common actuating means.

Abstract: A positionally based label application system includes a plurality of sensors which detect the pitch between the products to be labeled as well as the location of those products. A supply web bearing labels is caused to pass over a peel tip which feeds the labels into a nip point. This allows the labels to be precisely matched with products traveling at a very high rate of speed. The positional system determines a desired ratio of movement between the supply web and the product being conveyed, this ratio being based upon the detected pitch. In this manner, the supply web is allowed to move continuously, but at a slower speed than the products being conveyed, but still precisely matches labels to products.

Abstract: An ultrasonic welder 10 for providing improved surface finish on weldable material, including an anvil 22 and a fabric element 30 positioned between the anvil 22 and the weldable material 24 thereby protecting the surface finish on the weldable material 24.

Abstract: In order to improve a screen element for motor vehicles, in particular, wind blocker or sun protection, comprising a frame and a piece of flat material held by the frame and extending over an area enclosed by the frame, in such a manner that this is simple to produce and has as permanent a connection as possible between the piece of flat material and the frame it is suggested that the piece of flat material be fixed permanently on the frame in that at least one frame part element consisting of plastic material is connected to an additional part by way of a connecting area of the plastic material heated up by means of a sonotrode, softened and hardened.

Abstract: Bonded screens such as vehicle windscreens (1) bonded to a supporting frame (5) by homogeneous bonding material (6) are released by firstly arranging energy delivery means (9) adjacent the screen and subsequently transmitting energy from the delivery means through the screen thereby to effect release of the screen (1) from the frame (5) by either causing degradation of some of the homogeneous bonding material and/or cleavage or degradation of the screen material. The energy delivered may, for example, be ultrasonic or laser radiation, and is preferably arranged to be concentrated at a predetermined localized region to enhance the release mechanism.

Abstract: A vacuum insulating glass (IG) unit and method of manufacturing the same. A peripheral or edge seal of a vacuum IG unit is formed utilizing microwave energy in order to enable tempered glass sheets of the IG unit to retain a significant portion of their original temper strength. In certain exemplary embodiments, the edge seal may be formed of solder glass. In certain embodiments, edge seal material may be deposited on one or both substrates prior to a thermal tempering process so that during tempering the edge seal material is permitted to diffuse into (i.e., bond to) the glass substrate(s) before it is fully tempered. This is advantageous because diffusion of certain edge seal material (e.g., solder glass or glass frit edge seal material) into tempered glass is more difficult to achieve than diffusion of the same into annealed non-tempered glass).

Abstract: A device for the substantially vertical suspension of tire carcasses which includes a plurality of supports arranged about a lifting axis (XX′), which supports bear on the inside of a tire carcass, the supports being mobile radially relative to the lifting axis, the device further including a system having at least one spring which exerts a radial expansion force on the supports, this expansion being limited by a stop. The invention also relates to a process for building a tire in using this device.

Abstract: There is disclosed a method for simulating the appearance of an article having surface texture comprising the step of applying a textured skin having a surface texture to a prototype to produce a textured prototype, thereby to simulate the appearance of the article having surface texture.

Abstract: A method of applying a decorative color to a thermoplastic strip suited for use to produce slats for blinds is characterized by the use of a heat sensitive printing paper of the type normally used to color the fabric material from which valances are generally made. By using that type of color transferring medium to color the thermoplastic slats it becomes possible, for instance, to manufacture blind slats having the same color as the fabric valance to be hung decoratively from the window for which the blind is to be installed. There is also disclosed a blind structure for attenuating the flapping noise produced when the slats enter in contact with each other.

Abstract: A process of fabricating an inflatable item includes providing first and second three-dimensional molds, and placing first and second flexible polymer sheets over respective ones of the first and second molds. The polymer sheets are heated until the sheets conformally coat the respective molds. The heated polymer sheets are cooled such that the sheets retain the three-dimensional shapes of the respective molds. Peripheral edges of the first polymer sheet and the second polymer sheet are welded to each other to form a sealed flexible shell having an interior space that can be filled with fluid to inflate the shell such that the shell forms a three-dimensional shape. The sheets may be welded by placing the cooled polymer sheets on respective plates of a welding machine, and moving the plates toward each other until the peripheral edges of the cooled polymer sheets touch each other.

Abstract: An absorbent article including one or more graphics thereon and a method for making the same are provided according to the present invention, wherein the reference markers used to cut the graphics are not included on the final absorbent article. Further, a variety pack of absorbent articles and method for making the same are provided, wherein each absorbent article in the pack includes a graphic thereon which differs from the graphics on the other absorbent articles in the pack.