Abstract: A multiple stage automatic, low-to-no back pressure, high capacity, continuously renewable, separation and filtration system for the contaminated liquids which are discharged into the environment including means to add air to the contaminated liquids as they moved into a vertical elongated hydrostatic chamber wherein the action of gravitational forces and added air separates the contaminants from uncontaminated liquids, with a detachable bottom container for collecting and holding heavier contaminants and a large capacity upper chamber for collecting and holding lighter contaminants with a drain valve for the subsequent environmentally safe disposal of these lighter contaminants liquids, where the out flow of this vertical elongated chamber passes through a generally smaller filter canister composed of a hydrophobic, contaminant attracting filtering material which captures the remaining trace solid and liquid contaminants suspended in the out flow of the hydrostatic chamber.

Abstract: A treatment system for use in a water delivery system for eradicating bacteria such as the Leionella bacteria. The treatment system includes an ultraviolet light source for killing bacteria entering the water delivery system, a electrochemical precipitation unit and a blending valve in communication with water discharged from the precipitation unit and a source of hot water.

Abstract: The invention provides a runoff water purification system for removing pollutants accumulating on the road surfaces, reducing the workload of the sewage water treatment plants and preventing environmental water pollution. The system 1 is installed under the ground of the side of the road 2. Runoff water runs into the system 1 through a curb inlet 120, being purified and discharged to a sewage pipe 56. The system comprise a concrete box 11, in which a wall 10 separates the box into a maintenance tank 7 and a treatment tank 9, both of which are connected each other at their lower ends. Runoff water flows into the maintenance tank 7 and to the treatment tank 9, through the connecting conduit where pollutants are removed, and discharged to the sewage pipe.

Abstract: A screen filter device or strainer for separating liquid from solids having a disposable filter media which is easily detached and affixed to a filter support to provide for ease of replacement.

Abstract: A housing configuration for a liquid filter in which the housing is cup-shaped and is produced by a molding technique. The housing lid or lid is secured to the housing (10) by a course of threads (28) which can be produced without forming any undercuts. This is achieved inside an area (30) around the mold parting plane (29) by providing recesses (31) on the course of threads in the horizontal areas. As a result, the thread can be produced directly on the housing by the initial molding technique without any post-molding processing measures, so that manufacturing costs are reduced.

Abstract: Device for filtering fluid substances, used for a meat materials injecting machine which comprises a coarse filter (1) provided with means (2) for retaining and withdrawing from a fluid the largest particles, and at least a first and a second fine filters (3a) for retaining the smallest particles remaining in the said fluid prefiltered by the coarse filter. The said fine filters (3a) are mounted in respective supporting means (10a), independent from each other, fastened on selecting means (9a). Each of the said supporting means (10a) can independently adopt a working position in which the said selecting means (9a) allow that the fluid passes through related fine filter (3a) and a cleaning position in which the said selecting means (9a) block the passage of the fluid through related fine filter (3a), which can be dismounted for its cleaning.

Abstract: An oil separator includes a casing 1 and a rotor 2, said rotor being arranged rotatably within said casing and having a flow chamber 3 through which oil-laden air 4 can pass, with porous material being arranged in the flow chamber 3. At least one unit of porous material is arranged in the flow chamber 3 which includes outer layers of a porous metal 6 and an interlaid layer 7 comprising fibre material.

Abstract: A fluid filter comprising a housing defining a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet, a filter element defining an upstream surface communicating with the fluid inlet and a downstream cylindrical surface communicating with the fluid outlet, the filter element comprising a stack of filter disks defining a hollow volume interiorly thereof and a longitudinal axis, and backflushing means for removing filtered out sediment from the filter element comprising an axially displaceable backflushing nozzle assembly disposed within the hollow volume comprising a rotating head coupled to the fluid inlet and having fluid outlet means, arranged to provide a generally radially directed pressurized jet and rotational motion of the rotating head.

Abstract: A filter canister including a frame; a sheet of flexible fabric material that allows the flow of water therethrough, the sheet of flexible fabric material being connected to the frame in a manner defining an internal zone whereby substantially all fluid entering the internal zone from an opposite side of the sheet of flexible fabric material passes therethrough; and a conduit having a first end located externally of the frame and a second end located within the internal zone defined by the sheet of flexible fabric material; wherein, upon connection of the first end of the conduit to a fluid intake system, fluid is drawn through the sheet of flexible fabric material into the internal zone, thereby filtering the fluid, and filtered fluid is drawn through the second end of the conduit for delivery into the fluid intake system. A system and method for filtering fluid intake water are disclosed.

Abstract: A restraining system for hollow fibres is provided. The restraining system includes a plurality of longitudinally extending elements spaced from one another and supported by a number of discrete spacer elements, each spacer element extending generally transverse of said longitudinal elements, such that in combination with said longitudinal elements they define a cage-like structure.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an asymmetric porous polytetrafluoroethylene membrane comprising a dense skin layer and a continuously foamed porous layer, (1) the dense skin layer having a surface roughness Ra of 20 to 165 nm; (2) the dense skin layer having a contact angle for water of 120 to 135°; (3) the porous layer having a maximum pore diameter of 0.03 to 1.0 &mgr;m; and (4) the membrane having a total porosity of 20 to 70%. The asymmetric porous PTFE membrane has an ability to separate each liquid component from a liquid-liquid homogeneous mixture in addition to known properties such as water permeability resistance, gas permeability, sealing property and electric property, wherein change of these properties over time is small.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for treating an aqueous polyaluminium compound solution comprising feeding a feed solution containing at least one polyaluminium compound to an ultrafiltration unit, separating a retentate fraction having a higher aluminium content than the feed solution from a permeate fraction having a lower content of aluminium than the feed solution. The invention also relates to an aqueous polyaluminium compound solution obtainable by the method and the use thereof as a flocculant or antiperspirant and/or treating water.

Abstract: Ultrasound transceivers (20) are distributed up the side wall of a chromatography column (1) and enable tracking of the progress of a rising bed front (5) during packing. Comparison with a predetermined stored profile is used for feedback control of the packing pump P. Other uses of ultrasound monitoring of the column interior are disclosed.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for characterizing a polymer sample and in preferred embodiments, libraries of polymer samples, in a comprehensive, directly-coupled multi-dimensional liquid chromatography system are disclosed. The first and second dimensions are preferably high-performance liquid chromatography dimensions, such as for example, a first dimension adapted for determining composition (e.g. adapted for mobile-phase gradient elution chromatography, including reverse phase chromatography, adsorption chromatography and the like), and a second dimension adapted for determining molecular weight or particle size (e.g., adapted for size exclusion chromatography, including gel permeation chromatography).

Abstract: The present invention is an adsorber membrane and a device containing one or more such membranes. Both the membrane and the device have a Peclet number (Pe) of at least 100. The membrane and the device are designed for the removal of trace contaminants in protein containing streams such as exist in the biopharmaceutical industry. A preferred membrane has tight pore size distribution and high permeabilities that allow for high throughput separations. A device of the present invention can contain a flat sheet membrane such as a pleated filter, a tangential flow filter or a spiral wound filter. Preferably, the device is formed in a stacked disk arrangement where one or more layers of membrane are sealed to each of the two large surface of the disk. One such device is formed of a series of disks, each disk having eight layers of membranes sealed to each of the two large surfaces of the disk. These disks are placed within a sealed capsule having an inlet on one end and an outlet on the other.

Abstract: A media for removal of arsenic from an aqueous system comprising a mixture of: activated bauxite, aluminum trihydrate and a ferric compound selected from the group consisting of ferric hydroxide, ferric oxyhydroxide, ferric hydroxyoxide and mixtures thereof. The mixture is preferably calcined and is thereafter formed into a powder, granules or extruded particles. Preferably, the mixture prior to calcination also contains a natural or synthetic filler which has the capability of modifing the porosity of the mixture. Removal of arsenic from the aqueous system is readily accomplished by contacting the aqueous system with the media until the arsenic is substantially removed from the aqueous system. If arsenic is present in the aqueous system in the +3 valence state, the aqueous system is preferably oxidized to convert the arsenic to the +5 valence state prior to contact of the aqueous system with the media.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for selectively binding specific metal ions, such as Ca2+ and Cd2+, contained in a source solution are disclosed and described. This is accomplished by the use of a composition comprised of an EGTA ligand covalently bonded to a membrane support. The composition formula of the present invention is M-B-L where M is a membrane having a hydrophilic, partially hydrophilic or a composite membrane with a hydrophilic surface, B is a covalent linkage, and L is an EGTA ligand. The separation is accomplished by passing a source solution containing the ions to be separated through a device containing the membrane-ligand composition, causing the selected ions to be complexed to the EGTA ligands and subsequently removing the selected ions from the device by passing an aqueous receiving solution through the device and quantitatively stripping the selected ions from the EGTA ligand.

Abstract: The invention concerns an installation for measuring the concentration in dense granular material in a flow comprising a liquid, a dense granular material and suspended fine particles. The invention is characterised in that it comprises: at least a member for separating the dense granular material from the liquid and the suspended fine particles, at least a device for measuring (12, 12a, 13) at least a parameter representing the amount of separated dense granular material for a specific time interval T. Such an installation may be integrated in a ballasted-floc water treatment system.

Abstract: A process is provided to reduce phosphorus concentrations in aqueous streams comprising phosphorus. The process comprises (a) adjusting pH, (b) adding a particular metal ion, and (c) adding organic polymers. Optionally anionic inorganic colloids can be added.

Abstract: A method for the refreshment and reuse of loaded developers used in lithographic printing is disclosed. A polyoxyalkylene derivative is added to a silicate-containing loaded developer. Insoluble material is separated and the alkalinity level of the resulting essentially colorless liquid adjusted to produce a refreshed developer. The refreshed developer may be used to develop additional exposed imageable elements.

Abstract: Ultraviolet radiation is used to disinfect water (5) in a flow tube, where the flow tube (10) acts a fluid filled light guide for the ultraviolet radiation and the ultraviolet radiation propagates through the flow tube via total internal reflection.

Abstract: A process for treating acidic and metallic waste water, particularly the rinsing water and/or used acids from pickling plants. The process includes the step of adding an alkaline solution or gas to bind the free acids in the waste water, followed by separation of the waste water into a first partial stream with high metal content and a second partial stream with low metal content. To achieve a more economical embodiment, particularly in terms of favorable energy consumption, and also reduce the nitrate load as much as possible, the free acids are bonded by adding ammonia solution or gas, and the first partial stream with the high metal content is fed to a regeneration plant to undergo pyrohydrolytic treatment, preferably by spray roasting. The second stream can be recycled to a rinse station.

Abstract: A dishwasher rack includes foldable tines adapted to be retained in one or more positions between an upright position and a lowered position. The lower ends of the tines in each set are fixed relative to one another, while the upper ends of the tines can be spaced progressively farther apart from one another as the tines are folded from the upright position to the lowered position. Therefore, a dinner plate or other tall object supported by the tines will be tilted progressively farther from a vertical plane as the tines are folded toward the lowered position.

Abstract: Provided is a toothbrush holder having a body with spoon-shaped cavities. The cavities optionally are lined with rubber material to conform to the shape of a toothbrush. Rubber grommets are utilized to hold the toothbrush in the cavity. A mounting plate attaches to a wall or other surface and the body removably attaches to the mounting plate. In an alternate embodiment, the grommets are replaced with rubber coated stainless steel rods. The cavity partially covers the toothbrush, allows easy access to light and air, can be easily used with one hand, and mounts closely to the wall.

Abstract: A profile-section support system, in particular, for industrial-fair and exhibition construction, has hollow profile-section supports (10) of polygonal cross section, which on at least one of their outer sides (14, 15, 16, 17), along the edges with ribs (18, 19, 20, 21), which between them enclosed grooves (22) with peripheral undercuts for anchoring fast-action connecting elements (43, 44, 63) for connecting further profile-section supports (10) or other parts, and which in the corner regions in the interior are provided with inner corner grooves (23). Spreading apart of the ribs (18, 19, 20, 21) with deformation of the hollow profile-section side (14, 15, 16, 17) enclosed between them is thereby possible. On outer sides (14, 16, 17) adjoining one another of the hollow profile-section supports (10), ribs are disposed. Two ribs (18, 19, 20, 21) on the edge, between the adjacent outer sides (14, 16, 17) of the hollow profile-section support (10), between them enclose an outer corner groove (24).

Abstract: Systems and methods consistent with the present invention authenticate resource requests in a computer system having a resource controller and a bus. Such systems and methods may monitor the bus for resource requests made to the resource controller, intercept at least one resource request made to the resource controller, determine if the intercepted resource request is authentic, and allow the intercepted resource request to be fulfilled by the resource controller if the resource request is authentic, and otherwise, allow the request to time out.

Abstract: This invention provides an artificial nipple 210a. The artificial nipple comprises: a nipple portion 212a having a first curved surface, whose tip is provided with an opening portion 216a; a nipple body portion 211a formed on the nipple portion 212a, having a second curved surface, wherein the second curved surface of the nipple body portion 211a is continuously extended from the first curved surface of the nipple portion 212a, and wherein the second curved surface of the nipple body portion 211a is significantly expanded as a part of the second curved surface goes away from the nipple portion 212a; and a base portion 214a formed on the nipple body portion, wherein the base portion 214a is capable of being attached to a container to house a drink. According to the present invention, the nipple body portion 211a has a maximum outer diameter of 30 mm or more.

Abstract: Problems caused by a nonuniform processing profile are avoided by altering the area to be processed so as to compensate for the processing profile. More specifically, with regard to etching, problems caused by a nonuniform etch profile can be avoided by altering the mask employed in specifying the etch area so as to compensate for the etch profile. Nonuniform parameters of interest of structures which result from a nonuniform etch profile during the etching of a mask in which all the structures were identical can be avoided for by altering the mask employed in specifying the etch area so as to compensate for the etch profile. The mask is changed in a manner that is inversely proportional to the etch profile for each particular structure characteristic that determines the parameter of interest for which uniformity is desired.

Abstract: In accordance with the objectives of the invention a new method is provided for improving adhesion strength that is deposited over the surface of a layer of copper. Conventional etch stop layers of for instance dichlorosilane (SiCl2H2) or SiOC have poor adhesion with an underlying layer of copper due to poor molecular binding between the interfacing layers. The surface of the deposited layer of copper can be provided with a special enhanced interface layer by using a method provided by the invention. That is pre-heat of the copper layer followed by a pre-cleaning treatment with ammonia (NH3) and N2, followed by forming an adhesive enhanced layer over the copper layer by treatment with N2 or O2 or N2 with alkyl-silane or alkyl silane.

Abstract: A system detects the clearing of a dielectric at a plurality of contact sites by measuring the surface voltage of the dielectric and comparing the surface voltage to a reference voltage set to a value that relates to the cleared contact sites. Another system detects the clearing of a dielectric at a plurality of contact sites on a substrate by measuring the rate of change of a substrate current during an etch process and ending the etch process when the rate of change is approximately zero. Another system detects the clearing of a dielectric at a contact site by measuring a substrate current during an etch process and ends the etch process when the measured substrate current exceeds a predetermined value.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method and apparatus for the etching of a thin film upon a photomask. The etching is carried out in a reactor via an inductively coupled pulsed plasma. Pulsing of the plasma is achieved by regulating the time period (or duty cycle) in which the plasma is generated. It has been found that by decreasing the duty cycle, high etch selectively can be achieved and feature sizes can be faithfully maintained.

Abstract: A method for controlling the voltage distribution of the standing wave impressed upon the coil of an inductively coupled plasma generator includes the steps of impressing a radio frequency voltage across the coil to establish a standing wave thereacross. A voltage profile is selected for the standing wave so as to control the location and amount of capacitive coupling. A circuit parameter is controlled to achieve the selected voltage profile. Proper selection of the voltage profile enhances process capabilities, decreases the time between cleans, minimizes component wear, and minimizes cleaning time. An apparatus for carrying out the disclosed method is also disclosed.

Abstract: This hybrid circuit breaker has at least two seriesconnected arcing chambers, which are operated by a common drive via a transmission (29) connected upstream from it.

Abstract: The invention relates to an electric circuit breaker that includes at least one mobile contact. The contact is connected to operating means that includes an electric motor (6). Movement converting means (16, 17) are provided for converting rotary movement of the motor (6) to translatory movement for linear movment of the mobile contact. The object is to provide an improved movement conversion means. According to the invention, the movement conversion means includes a first body, such as a screw (17), and a second body, such as a nut (16). The threads of the screw (17) and the nut (16) co-act in engagement with each other. The invention also relates to an electric plant that is equipped with such a circuit breaker, to the use of the breaker for breaking electric current, and to a method of breaking electric current with the aid of the inventive circuit breaker.

Abstract: An actuator designed for use with a welding gun of the type having a first electrode movable in a straight line toward and away from a second electrode supported by a welding arm. The actuator includes a housing with a first and second end. A bushing with a generally square opening defined therethrough is supported in the first end of the housing. An actuator rod extends through the square opening in the bushing and has a first end inside the housing and a second end disposed external to the housing. The actuator rod has an external surface with a generally square cross section such that the external surface engages the square opening to prevent rotary motion of the rod with respect to the housing. A drive mechanism is disposed in the housing and is operable to move the rod with respect to the housing. The drive mechanism may be a pneumatic actuator or a rotary screw drive.

Abstract: In an optical system in which a shaping aperture is illuminated by an illuminating optical system composed of an asymmetric lens system and in which an aperture image obtained is projected by a projecting optical system so as to be contracted, if a plane perpendicular to an optical axis is called an XY plane, a crossover between the optical axis and an X or Y track of an electron beam emitted by an electron gun is located above the shaping aperture, while a crossover between the optical axis and the Y or X track of the beam is located below the shaping aperture. The illuminating optical system is regulated so that these vertical positions are at an equal distance from the shaping aperture and so that the projecting magnification of the beam from the electron gun is the same at both crossovers.

Abstract: An inductively coupled plasma source may be constructed with a reactor including a gas inlet, a gas outlet, and a tube structure containing an electrically conductive layer with a open loop. The tube structure is disposed between two electrically non-conductive layers that form a continuous loop providing a discharge path. An A.C. power source supplies A.C. voltage to the conductive layer while a D.C. power source supplies a direct current voltage to the conductive layer. An inductor is electrically connected between the conductive layer and the D.C. power source and a capacitor is electrically connected between the conductive layer and the A.C. power source. The conductive layer is biased by the D.C. voltage applied by the D.C. voltage. Induction of a magnetic field is generated by the flow of current of conductive layer to which the A.C.

Abstract: There is provided a susceptor with a built-in electrode that has excellent corrosion resistance and plasma resistance, and that has excellent durability to the stress of heat cycles, and a manufacturing method for a susceptor with a built-in electrode that enables the susceptor to be manufactured economically. The susceptor with a built-in electrode comprises: a susceptor substrate formed from an aluminum oxide based sintered body; an internal electrode built into the susceptor substrate; and a power supply terminal that is provided so as to make contact with this internal electrode, wherein the internal electrode is formed from an aluminum oxide and molybdenum carbide based composite sintered body containing 30 to 95 volume % of molybdenum carbide and 5 to 75 volume % of aluminum oxide.

Abstract: Two silicon workpieces (20, 22) welded together into one member without the formation of cracks along the weld. It may be formed by a first method in which current (34, 36) is passed through one or both of the workpieces to heat them to between 600 and 900° C. Then an electric, laser, or plasma welder (38, 40) passes along the seam (24) between the workpieces to weld them together. In a second forming method, current (34) is passed through a plate (60), preferably formed of silicon, which either supports the workpieces or is brought into contact with at least one of them, whereby the workpieces are preheated prior to the welding operation.

Abstract: A quick disconnect for use in a plasma arc torch is provided wherein a plurality of connections disposed therein are configured such that the connections break in a specific order when the quick disconnect is disengaged. Preferably, the quick disconnect comprises a plurality of signal pin connections, a pilot return connection, a fluid connection, and a main power connection. Accordingly, the signal pin connections break before the pilot return connection, the fluid connection, and the main power connection. Further, the pilot return connection breaks before the fluid connection and the main power connection, and the fluid connection breaks before the main power connection as the quick disconnect is disengaged. As a result, a safer quick disconnect in which both gas and electric power are conducted is provided by the present invention.

Abstract: Continuous wave laser apparatus with enhanced processing efficiency is provided as well as a method of manufacturing a semiconductor device using the laser apparatus. The laser apparatus has: a laser oscillator; a unit for rotating a process object; a unit for moving the center of the rotation along a straight line; and an optical system for processing laser light that is outputted from the laser oscillator to irradiate with the laser light a certain region within the moving range of the process object. The laser apparatus is characterized in that the certain region is on a line extended from the straight line and that the position at which the certain region overlaps the process object is moved by rotating the process object while moving the center of the rotation along the straight line.

Abstract: At edges of laser light on an irradiation surface or in the vicinity thereof, the energy density is attenuated gradually due to aberration of a lens or the like. Since such regions (attenuation regions) do not have enough energy density for annealing of an irradiation object, uniform annealing of the irradiation object is not possible.

Abstract: A trimming method and a trimmer capable of ensuring trimming a protection film which protects a silicon wafer and making a cut end of the protection film obtained by trimming neat, are provided.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for welding is disclosed. The method includes sensing the status of a trigger between an on position and an off position. A system latch is set or released based on the trigger status and the latch status. The system latches on when the trigger is held for a predetermined time (and the latch was previously off). The latch is released when the trigger is pulled and released when the latch was previously on. When the latch is off, pulling the trigger turns the system on, and releasing the trigger before the predetermined time turns the system off. The latch may also be released when welding current drops below a threshold. The time might not start until after welding current is flowing. A welding wire feed speed control potentiometer on a torch is also disclosed. The range of the torch potentiometer is from a minimum to a value dependent on the control panel welding wire feed speed. A run-in wire feed speed control is also disclosed.

Abstract: An optical component package, having an insulative buffer placed against the component, enclosing a first insulative cavity against a temperature-sensitive portion of the component. An outer package provides additional insulation for the component. The buffer may be formed of a soft insulative material, and pressed against the component by an inner surface of the outer package. For the PLC embodiments disclosed, the buffer is planar and includes a frame projecting from its perimeter toward the component to form the cavity. A heater may be positioned proximate the optical component to control its temperature, in which case a second buffer may be placed against the heater, enclosing a second insulative cavity against the heater, aligned with the temperature-sensitive portion of the component. The buffers and insulative cavities of the present invention provide important insulation for optical areas requiring precise temperature control for proper operation.

Abstract: A modeling device intended for applying wax to the crown region of a tooth which is to be modeled is designed for the purpose of improving its characteristics in use such as its handling during modeling work, when inserting new wax cartridges etc. as an elongated, writing device-like base body, which comprises at one end a modeling tip (6) and inside accommodates a forward feed drive for a wax cartridge and a heating device which is used to render the wax to be processed into a liquid state at the end (5) facing the modeling tip (6), so that as the forward feed drive is actuated liquid wax can be discharged from the outlet (9). For the purpose of supplying electric energy a cable (2) is attached to the front side end (5) and in fact to the concave side of the curved modeling tip (6). The connection of the cable (2) prevents neither the manner in which the device is guided when moving nor the view of the actual working area.

Abstract: An automated soldering system with an intelligent power supply that can automatically configure the power output to interchangeable soldering cartridges, where the soldering cartridges include readable information to allow the power supply to properly power the cartridge to achieve a desired, entered operating temperature. The system includes a cartridge with an identifier that contains information particular to that cartridge, a reader able to read that information, and an indicator positioned on a connector into which the cartridge is inserted.

Abstract: A thermal processing system according to the present invention heats a to-be-processed object while rotating the to-be-processed object by a placement part, and performs thermal processing on the to-be-processed object by supplying a predetermined gas into a processing chamber.

Abstract: An apparatus for heat treatment of a wafer is disclosed. The apparatus includes a heating chamber having a heat source. A cooling chamber is positioned adjacent to the heating chamber and includes a cooling source. A wafer holder is configured to move between the cooling chamber and the heating chamber through a passageway and one or more shutters defines the size of the passageway. The one or more shutters are movable between an open position where the wafer holder can pass through the passageway and an obstructing position which defines a passageway which is smaller than the passageway defined when the shutter is in the open position.

Abstract: The purpose of the present invention is to provide a hot plate unit capable of carrying out temperature-rising and temperature-falling sufficiently quickly even if the diameter of a substrate becomes wide and with which apparatus can be downsized. The present invention provides a hot plate unit comprising a supporting case and a substrate equipped with a temperature adjustment means; said substrate being fitted to the supporting case, wherein the thickness of the supporting case is 50 mm or less.