Abstract: Disclosed is a composite film, a method of producing a lead frame with the composite film attached, and a method of bonding a semiconductor chip to this lead frame having the composite film attached. The composite film includes a base film and an adhesive layer on one or both sides of the base film. The composite film has a thickness of T (&mgr;m), the base film has an edge tearing strength of R (kg/20 mm), the adhesive layer has a total thickness of A, and the base film has a thickness of B, T being related to R by a numerical formula R>0.6T-8 when T≦60, or by a numerical formula R≧28 when T>60, and A/B being 0.5 to 1.4.

Abstract: The present object concerns an innovative glueing process for cartridge paper boxes, with an application of adhesive, of the “hot-melt” type, on the lapel of the outer tab, for three-tabbed cartridge boxes, featuring a process of heating and melting over the sites of application of the adhesive, by the use of air-pistols, heated plates and other means, drying naturally at room temperature, receiving a slight compression. The sealing of the package is achieved by the use of a “window” on the main part of the package, with the application of inscriptions by an ink-jet system, or others, over the cartridge and the adhesive, fusing and spreading over the package when heated.

Abstract: The present invention is a device for insertion into a human or animal body, in a preferred embodiment a perfusion guidewire capable of delivering perfusion fluids to a vascular site while at the same time exhibiting handling characteristics associated with existing non-perfusion guidewires. Preferred embodiments include a perfusion guidewire which closely matches the dimensions and physical characteristics of standard guidewires. Preferred embodiments also permit high pressure perfusion of oxygen-supersaturated solutions, and include a diffuser segment which divides the flow and reduces fluid velocity, thereby providing an atraumatic, non-cavitating, bubble-free delivery to the patient. The invention also encompasses the attachment of a core wire within a tubular housing to provide superior characteristics to such guidewires, balloon catheters and similar devices.

Abstract: The method comprises positioning two components adjacent each other so as to define a space between them, bridging edges of the space with webs and filling the space with flowable material such as adhesive. A fabric is preferably arranged in the space and is impregnated by the flowable material as it is drawn into the space.

Abstract: A plasma processing system and method wherein a power source produces a magnetic field and an electric field, and a window disposed between the power source and an interior of a plasma chamber couples the magnetic field into the plasma chamber thereby to couple power inductively into the chamber and based thereon produce a plasma in the plasma chamber. The window can be shaped and dimensioned to control an amount of power capacitively coupled to the plasma chamber by means of the electric field so that the amount of capacitively coupled power is selected in a range from zero to a predetermined amount. Also, a tuned antenna strap having r.f. power applied thereto to produce a standing wave therein can be arranged adjacent the window to couple magnetic field from a current maximum formed in the strap to the interior of the chamber.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for producing semiconductor devices are disclosed. A processing chamber includes an interior component having a stepped region including a plurality of raised sections and recessed sections divided by steps. With this apparatus, it is possible to prevent a film of deposited material formed on the stepped region from peeling, thereby decreasing the number of particles in the chamber and increasing the operation rate.

Abstract: The present invention provides an etching system having a plurality of etching chambers (16, 18, 20) disposed about a transfer chamber (14), wherein the etching chambers are adapted to be selectively mounted at different positions with respect to the transfer chamber.

Abstract: A plasma processing apparatus has a substrate holder, arranged in a vessel which can be reduced in pressure, for placing a substrate to be processed there on, a process gas fed into the reaction vessel, and a cathode electrode for supplying a high-frequency wave power from a high-frequency wave power source to an interior of the reaction vessel through a matching circuit, and is characterized in that at least a part of the reaction vessel is constituted by a dielectric member, and the cathode electrode is arranged outside the reaction vessel, so that a plasma distribution in the reaction vessel is made uniform and a uniform plasma process for a substrate to be processed is made possible. The plasma process includes CVD, sputtering, etching or ashing.

Abstract: In a vacuum processing apparatus for a semiconductor wafer, two intermediate dielectric plates 4A and 4B are provided on an upper surface of a cooling portion 31 provided with a coolant passageway 32, with an o-ring 35 therebetween, and a dielectric plate 5 is provided on the top thereof. Electrodes 41 and 51 are embedded in surface portions of each of these dielectric plates 4A, 4B, and 5, and heaters 42 and 52 are embedded in interior portions thereof. The intermediate dielectric plates 4A and 4B are linked together by electrostatic force, as are the intermediate dielectric plate 4B and the dielectric plate 5. Thus any gaps in a vacuum environment that are formed between adjacent components in these linkage regions are either eliminated or reduced.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for transferring a substrate between a first environment having a first pressure and a second environment having a vacuum pressure is provided. In one embodiment, the apparatus comprises a chamber body having a first port disposed in a first wall and a second port disposed in a second wall that seals the chamber from the first and second environments. A cooling plate, a first substrate holder and a second substrate holder are disposed within the chamber body. The cooling plate is disposed at the bottom of the chamber body. The first port and the second port area sequentially opened and the pressure within the load lock regulated to allow substrate to pass through the load lock. A window is disposed in the top of the chamber body that allows a metrology device to view the chamber volume.

Abstract: There is provided a method of making absorbent sheet including the steps of: (a) an aqueous cellulosic furnish on a foraminous support; (b) at least partially dewatering the furnish to form a nascent web; (c) applying the nascent web to a rotating cylinder and drying the web to a consistency of from about 30 to about 90 percent solids; (d) creping the web at the consistency of from about 30 to about 90 percent while maintaining a narrow creping shelf effective width; and (e) drying the creped web to form an absorbent sheet, wherein the absorbent sheet exhibits a Void Volume of at least about 3.5 gms/gm. The process is advantageously applied to absorbent sheet having a thickness of from about 0.003 inches to about 0.010 inches while utilizing a creping blade having a creping surface with a ledge width of from about 0.005 inches to about 0.025 inches.

Abstract: The present invention is an ultra soft, multi-ply tissue made from non-premium furnish using wet press technology.

Abstract: The present invention is to provide a base material for a laminate having a high strength, reduced thickness, and light weight. In the present invention, a base material is prepared by incorporating a thermosetting resin binder into a non-woven fabric of para-aramid fibers prepared by a wet type paper making, and then heating a plurality of the resultant non-woven fabric sheets under pressure. The non-woven fabric sheet comprises 95 to 70 mass % of the para-aramid fibers and 5 to 30 mass % of the thermosetting resin binder.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of improving the release of paper webs from the surface of press rolls or other paper making or converting equipment by applying to such a surface non-aqueous, non-curing hydrocarbon polymer compositions. The non-curing hydrocarbon polymers have the formula (CH3)3C—[—C(R1)(R2)—C(R3)(R4)—]n—C(R5)═C(CH3)2 (I) wherein R1 through R5 are hydrogen or —CH3, with at least one of R1 through R4 being —CH3, and n is such that the number average molecular weight of such hydrocarbon polymers is from 50 to 3000. They may be hydrogenated. Preferred non-curing hydrocarbon polymers are polybutenes of the formula (CH3)3C—[—CH2—C(CH3)2—]n—CH═C(CH3)2 (II). Preferred compositions comprise at least one such hydrocarbon polymer component having a number average molecular weight from 400 to 700 and a second such component having a number average molecular weight of 100 to 400.

Abstract: An apparatus (62) and method for supporting a web (22) of paper being transferred through a region (40) from the surface (26) of one moving component (24) of a papermachine (20) to the surface (30) of a subsequent moving component (28) of the papermachine utilizes an air-permeable sheet (70) and a blowbox (86) or Coanda air knives (38) supported adjacent the air-permeable sheet. The sheet is supportable in a stationary condition across so as to span at least a portion of the papermachine region through which the moving web of paper is transferred and adjacent one side (72) of the web, and the blowbox or Coanda air knives are used to move air away from the side (72) of the air-permeable sheet opposite the web so that as the web is moved through the papermachine region, the web is biased by atmospheric air pressure into contact with the air-permeable sheet and moves in sliding engagement therealong.

Abstract: A control method and apparatus for regulating the rate of vapor flow in the two adjacent sections of a dividing wall fractional distillation column are presented. The liquid level on a tray at the top of each section is used to control the rate of vapor flow through the tray. The liquid level is controlled by measuring the pressure differential across the tray in each section and varying the flow of liquid to this tray in response to the differential.

Abstract: In a method of frame plating, an electrode film for plating is formed on a base layer of a plating layer to be formed. Next, a resist layer is formed on the electrode layer. The resist layer is exposed to beams for exposure through the use of a mask. Next, the resist layer exposed is developed and the portion exposed is removed to form a resist frame, such that the angle &thgr; between an inner wall of the resist frame and the bottom surface thereof exceeds 90 degrees. Next, heat treatment is performed on the resist frame, such that the angle &thgr; becomes 90 degrees or smaller. Next, plating is performed with the electrode film as the seed layer through the use of the resist frame having gone through the heat treatment. The plating layer is thereby formed.

Abstract: The invention includes chemical vapor deposition and physical vapor deposition methods of forming high k ABO3 comprising dielectric layers on a substrate, where “A” is selected from the group consisting of Group IIA and Group IVB elements and mixtures thereof, and where “B” is selected from the group consisting of Group IVA metal elements and mixtures thereof. In one implementation, a plurality of precursors comprising A, B and O are fed to a chemical vapor deposition chamber having a substrate positioned therein under conditions effective to deposit a high k ABO3 comprising dielectric layer over the substrate. During the feeding, pressure within the chamber is varied effective to produce different concentrations of A at different elevations in the deposited layer and where higher comparative pressure produces greater concentration of B in the deposited layer.

Abstract: A substrate such as a semiconductor wafer is plated to fill a metal such as copper (Cu) or the like in interconnection grooves defined in the substrate. An apparatus for plating such a substrate has a plating chamber for holding a plating solution, the plating chamber housing an anode that is immersible in the plating solution held by the plating chamber. A plating solution ejector pipe produces an upward jet of plating solution from a plating solution supplied to the plating chamber from an external source, and a substrate holder removably holds a substrate and positions the substrate such that a surface to be plated of the substrate is held in contact with the jet of plating solution. The plating chamber has a plating solution outlet defined in a bottom thereof for discharging a portion of the supplied plating solution via through-holes defined in the anode and/or around the anode out of the plating chamber.

Abstract: A gas sensor including a housing containing at least a sensing electrode, a counter electrode, a test electrode, and electrolyte means in contact with such electrodes. The housing permits gas from the environment to flow to the sensing electrode. The gas sensor is operable either in a normal mode of operation in which potentials are applied to the electrodes for detecting when a gas to be sensed is present at the sensing electrode, or in a test mode of operation in which potentials are applied to the electrodes so that the test electrode generates a gas which flows to the sensing electrode to enable an indication whether the sensor is operating correctly.

Abstract: A circuit configuration for generating a virtual ground includes a micro-controller, an analog circuit and a read-only memory. A pulse-width modulated signal, which is output by the micro-controller, is converted, by using the analog circuit, into the virtual ground as a common reference potential of an exhaust probe which operates according to the principle of the galvanic oxygen concentration cell with a solid electrolyte. The actual value of the virtual ground is read into the micro-controller through the use of an A/D converter and is compared with a predefined setpoint value. The potential value of the virtual ground is then controlled on the basis of the difference value. An exhaust probe configuration is also provided.

Abstract: A packaging arrangement is disclosed for protecting an electrophoresis gel from damage during shipment and storage. The package arrangement includes first and second sheets that are sealed about their respective edges to form an enclosed cavity. The cavity is at least partially evacuated of air. An electrophoresis gel is located within the cavity. A support sheet may be disposed between the electrophoresis gel and the package to facilitate removal of the gel and to further stiffen the package. In one embodiment of the invention, a plurality of electrophoresis gels are disposed within the cavity. Each gel is preferably separated from adjacent gels by a spacer. In another embodiment of the invention, the gel is disposed within a tray which, in turn, is located within the cavity.

Abstract: An electrophoresis apparatus for the simultaneous electrophoretic separation of a plurality of component mixtures using a disposable tray having a plurality of parallel troughs shaped to retain an elongate strip of isoelectric focusing medium and sufficient liquid to immerse the elongate strip. A frame is provided to retain the tray in a horizontal position using a pair of rotatably mounted support members moving between an open and closed position. Support members are also connected to a plurality of electrodes aligned with each of the troughs so that the electrodes are positioned clear of the troughs in the open position and positioned in the troughs when in the closed position.

Abstract: An input port geometry, with injector-concentrator electrodes, for planar microchannel array for electrophoresis. This input port geometry enables efficient extraction and injection of the DNA sample from a single input port. The geometry, which utilizes injector-concentrator electrodes, allows simultaneous concentration, in different channels, of the sample into a longitudinally narrow strip just before releasing it for a run with enhanced injection spatial resolution, and time resolution. Optional multiple electrodes, at a different bias than the concentrator electrodes, may be used to discriminate against sample impurity ions. Electrode passivation can be utilized to prevent electrolysis. An additional electrode in or on the input hole can better define the initial loading. The injector-concentrator electrodes are positioned so that they cross the drift channel in a narrow strip at the bond plane between the top and bottom plates of the instrument and are located close to the inlet hole.

Abstract: A plating barrel includes a rotatable barrel of which the exterior shape is approximately a hexagonal column, cathode-lead connections which penetrate through end surfaces of the barrel generally along a rotational axis of the barrel, cathodes placed inside the barrel and which are connected to the ends of the cathode-lead connections, and attachments which are attached to the cathode-lead connections or the barrel in a manner such that the central axes of the attachments are approximately the same as the rotational axis of the barrel, the vertices of the attachments point toward the center of the barrel, and peripheral portions of the bases of the attachments at the opposite ends relative to the vertices are close to the inside end surfaces of the barrel so that objects do not pass through the gaps.

Abstract: A method of producing aluminum in an electrolytic cell containing alumina dissolved in an electrolyte, the method comprising the steps of providing a molten salt electrolyte at a temperature of less than 900° C. having alumina dissolved therein in an electrolytic cell having a liner for containing the electrolyte, the liner having a bottom and walls extending upwardly from said bottom. A plurality of non-consumable anodes and cathodes are disposed in a vertical direction in the electrolyte, the cathodes having a plate configuration and the anodes having a flat configuration to compliment the cathodes. The anodes contain apertures therethrough to permit flow of electrolyte through the apertures to provide alumina-enriched electrolyte between the anodes and the cathodes. Electrical current is passed through the anodes and through the electrolyte to the cathodes, depositing aluminum at the cathodes and producing gas at the anodes.

Abstract: A method is provided for retrofitting conventional aluminum smelting cells with inert anode assemblies which replace the consumable carbon anodes of the cell. The inert anode assemblies are pre-heated prior to introduction into the operating cell. Insulation may be installed for reducing heat loss during operation of the retrofit cells.

Abstract: An apparatus electrochemically removes fine metal particles from an oil in water emulsion. The apparatus has a container for accommodating the emulsion. A supply port supplies the emulsion to the container. A plurality of cathode plates and anode plates are located in the container to face each other. The water in the emulsion is electrolyzed when a predetermined direct voltage is applied between the plates. The fine metal particles float with hydrogen generated by the electrolysis. Al(OH)3 attaches to H2 bubbles. A discharge port is located in a lower part of the container for discharging the emulsion from which the fine metal particles, sludge, oil and greese have been removed.

Abstract: Electrochemical test strip cards that can be singulated to produce electrochemical test strips are provided. The electrochemical test cards are made up of two or more electrochemical test strip precursors, where each precursor is characterized by the presence of a dry reagent housing reaction chamber bounded by opposing electrodes. In gaseous communication with each reaction chamber of the card is an integrated desiccant. Also provided are methods of using the subject electrochemical test strips cards, as well as kits that include the same. The subject test strips and cards find use in the detection/concentration determination of a number of different analytes, including glucose.

Abstract: An electrochemical sensor (A, A′) is specific for the detection of peroxyacetic acid in a solution which also contains hydrogen peroxide. A potential is applied between a reference electrode (120, 120′) and a working electrode (118, 118′). A read voltage (FIG. 7) is selectively pulsed across a counter electrode (122, 122′) and the working electrode. The current flowing between the working electrode and the counter electrode is dependent on the peroxyacetic acid concentration in the solution (FIG. 6). By careful selection of the read voltage, the contribution of hydrogen peroxide to the current flow is virtually negligible. The sensor effectively measures peroxyacetic acid concentrations in the range generally employed in sterilization and disinfection baths (100-3000 ppm.).

Abstract: A process for the catalytic cracking in a fluidized bed where the feed stock is fully and previously vaporized before made to contact the cracking catalyst which has its origin in the regenerator. The pre-vaporization of the feed dispenses with the heat exchange with the catalyst in order to vaporize the feed. Thus, coke deposits on the catalyst surface are reduced, the yield of the gasoline unit is improved and the unit may operate under very low contact times (<0.5 seconds). Modes for adjusting the heat balance of the unit as a function of the increase in the feed temperature without harm to the catalyst circulation are also presented.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for maintaining heat balance in a fluidized bed catalytic cracking unit. More specifically, the invention relates to a combustion control method capable of maintaining or restoring heat balance by conducting, under appropriate conditions, fuel and an oxygen-containing gas to a transfer line. The transfer line conducts effluent including spent catalyst and combustion products to the unit's catalyst regeneration zone.

Abstract: While a substantially water-free hydrocarbon feed is being charged to a catalytic reformer reactor, an organic chloride is contacted with the reformer catalyst in an amount and for a time period that are effective to restore at least a portion of the activity of the reformer catalyst.

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 desulfurization of additional sulfur laden liquid.

Abstract: A water-tight fiberglass septic tank is strong enough to withstand live loads. The fiberglass septic tank is preferably designed with integral ribs to for structural strength. In one preferred embodiment, the tank is made in two unequal halves. The lower half comprises the major portion of the tank and includes a bottom, two endwalls and two sidewalls. The upper half comprises a cover. This arrangement allows the horizontal seam to be placed above the internal waterline, thereby protecting the seam from exposure to sewage. At least one of the endwalls includes a raised top portion that allows a pipe to be located near the top of the lower portion without passing through the seam between the upper and lower portions of the tank. The endwalls are also curved to allow for angled inlet and outlet pipe connections. The ribs are preferably internal and hollow. The lower portion of the tank is also preferably flat bottomed. A provision has been made for a self-locating baffle if required.

Abstract: A liquid filter, especially including an oil filter cartridge (12) which is contained in a pot-shaped or cylindrical housing (10) with threaded cover (11), into which a cooler (13) is preferably installed. An outlet opening (37a) is contained in the oil cooler (13) which facilitates complete emptying of the cooler when the filter is changed. In this way, a complete replacement of the oil can be performed, so that the replaced oil is not contaminated from the outset by residues of the old oil. Thus, service intervals can be lengthened. To prevent a short circuit of the outlet opening (37a) during operation, the opening is closed by a valve stem (33) coupled to the threaded cover (11) and opened by unscrewing the cover.

Abstract: A portable hydration system comprising water disinfection, filtration and pump features. The system comprises an electrolytic oxidant generating cell which utilizes a salt to create oxidants for disinfecting liquids such as water.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and device for preventing the formation of deposits in a drainage system (100). The device (10) includes a container (12, 212), connected by a flexible cord (20) to a stopper (22). An antimicrobial composition (24) is placed in the container and the container is inserted into a drain opening (102). The container moves to the bottom of the trap (106) of the drainage system. The container is preferably located at least partially beneath the water or drainage fluid (110) in the bottom of the trap. The cord and stopper prevent the container from moving beyond the trap. The cord and stopper allow for removal of the container from the drainage system, once the composition has been fully dispensed.

Abstract: A chromatography column has valve and method for filling it with a slurry of media, the valve utilizing a piston to compact the slurry in the column. The piston moves through a cavity in communication with both a slurry inlet and slurry ports which are in communication with the interior of the chromatography column. The piston assists in compacting the slurry within the column. The method of filling the column does not require disassembly of the column. The piston may also be utilized to change the valve position from a slurry fill position to a normal operation position or other position.

Abstract: An efficient and safe method and apparatus for collecting exhaust gasses in an open-air sample collection container in a supercritical fluid chromatography system is claimed. The invention uses a vacuum force to evacuate the gaseous phase and vapors separated from liquid mobile phase in a sample collection device. The invention is portable to use on a series of collection containers, such as test tubes or wells in a titration place. Embodiments are claimed for capture of gasses and vapors either internally or externally to a collection container. The invention removes the gasses from the collection container that are then safely vented to a waste collector, thereby creating a safer environment for the laboratory and properly removing and disposing potentially hazardous chemicals instead of venting these chemicals into the environment.

Abstract: A contaminant capture device that is adapted to be immersed in a circulating fluid contained in an enclosed reservoir space, where the enclosed reservoir includes a wall formed with an opening. The capture device includes an installation cap configured for removable installation into the opening in the reservoir enclosure. A non-magnetic, generally cylindrical capture element is included, which is joined to the installation cap and configured to have a substantially smooth finish about the exterior surface. The capture element is also formed with an interior recess. The capture device further includes a plurality of cylindrical permanent magnets formed with generally planar opposite ends, which are arranged in a stacked configuration, separated from each other by pole interfaces. Once stacked, the magnets are received within the interior recess of the capture element. In one variation of the invention, each magnet is arranged in the stack with the respective north poles confronting each other.

Abstract: A water filter includes an egg-shaped housing formed from a lower shell and an upper shell. The lower shell is divided into an intake chamber and an outflow chamber. A filter or membrane is placed between the upper and lower shells.

Abstract: An apparatus for use in connection with removal of elements, especially exogenous antibodies, from blood or plasma flowing in an extracorporeal blood circulation system of a patient, where said apparatus comprises a container (1). This container is adapted to receive an adsorbent and comprises an inlet (15) and an outlet (16) which are adapted to be connected to an inlet conduit (19) and an outlet conduit (20), respectively, forming part of the blood circulation system. The container (1) comprises an inlet chamber (31), an adsorption chamber (32) adapted to receive the adsorbent, and an outlet chamber (33). These chambers are arranged in sequence when seen in the flow direction of the blood or the plasma through the container (1) and are separated by means of filter units (11, 12) allowing passage of the blood or the plasma. The inlet (15) and the outlet (16) are arranged adjacent one another in connection with a common movable valve means (21).

Abstract: A pressure vessel designed to hold a plurality of cylindrical cartridges in the form of cross-flow semipermeable membrane filtration elements having central permeate tubes that are interconnected to form a composite permeate passageway that extends axially of the pressure vessel. Several constructions are shown for compensating for assembly clearance and potential pressure vessel growth and uniquely biasing the column of cartridges towards the downstream end of the pressure vessel to prevent axial shuttling movement that could cause wear and deterioration of seals which would result in leakage and deterioration of product while providing for absorption of shock potentially promulgated from the downstream end should feed pressure be suddenly lost.

Abstract: The invention encompasses a system for the cross flow filtration of fluid media using membranes. The system has in a first embodiment two shafts, only one of which is hollow, with each shaft running through an axis of its given disc. The disc of each shaft is positioned offset with respect to one another to have a region of overlap therebetween. The region of overlap serves to enhance the efficient operation of the system by reducing the degree of settling of retentate on the disc of the hollow shaft, because of the wiping or cleaning effect achieved upon rotation of each shaft by a drive system. In another embodiment, both shafts are hollow.

Abstract: A pore plugging material, for pH dependent membrane diffusion, in which cyclic olefins having phosphazene-functional moieties provide predictable erosion properties when used to plug pores in separation barriers and other porous membranes. Specific properties of the polymers are dependent on several factors, including molecular weight and identity of side groups attached to the phosphazene moiety. However, as a class, phosphazene-functional cyclic olefins provide both predictable erodibility and uniformly benign hydrolysis products and are, therefore, uniquely suitable as pore plugging polymers for separation barriers and membranes of all kinds. The invention, therefore, embraces the provision of a pH-sensitive erodible pore plugging material for pores in separation barriers and membranes of all kinds.

Abstract: A material for introducing inorganic elements into water, the material including a carrier and a plurality of inorganic compounds that are sparingly soluble in water, wherein the carrier is an organic ion-exchanger having a porous structure in the air-dry state. The organic ion-exchanger reacts with the sparingly soluble compounds such that the sparingly soluble inorganic compounds are contained in pores of the organic ion-exchanger with a ratio of the ion-exchanger to the sparingly soluble inorganic compounds being 35-90:10-65 percent by weight.

Abstract: The present invention is waste treatment apparatus and process for diminishing the emission of malodorous off-gases during waste treatment. The apparatus typically includes a floatation panel formed from bonded foam particles that is adhered to a fabric layer. The present invention provides a reliable, cost-effective means by which to decrease the noxious odors generally associated with waste treatment.

Abstract: An apparatus to transfer gas to or from a liquid has a flexible and oxygen permeable but liquid water impermeable membrane, a flexible and gas permeable spacer, an inlet conduit, an outlet conduit and a non-rigid restraint system. When used for treating wastewater, an aerobic biofilm is cultured adjacent the planar elements, an anoxic biofilm is cultivated adjacent the aerobic biofilm and the wastewater is maintained in an anaerobic state. A first reactor for treating wastewater has an anaerobic section, a plurality of gas transfer membrane modules, and an aerobic section. A biofilm is cultivated on the surface of the gas transfer membranes in fluid communication with the anaerobic section. Biological reduction of COD, BOD, nitrogen and phosphorous are achieved. In a second reactor, phosphorous is also removed chemically in a precipitation branch.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for the treatment of septage, particularly grease trap waste, is disclosed. The inventive process will convert the septage into Biosolids (sludge) and water dischargeable to the environment. The treated septage achieves pathogen reduction, and reduced vector attraction. Treatment of septage by pasteurization causes the destruction of harmful pathogens. Pasteurization of septage having high water content provides for even temperature elevation and distribution of heat within the thermal mass of the septage allowing for consistent pathogen destruction. An alkaline compound is utilized to form a filter cake from the solids fraction of the pasteurized septage preventing vector attraction, while producing a beneficial bio-solid. The liquid fraction of the septage is treated by biological process allowing for its discharge into the environment.