Abstract: Embodiments of the invention generally provide a method and plating solution for reducing the degradation of additives in electroplating solutions. The method generally includes adding an anti-oxidant to the electroplating solution in an amount effective to reduce the degradation of additives in the plating solution. The plating solution generally includes copper ions, at least one organic plating additive, and at least one anti-oxidant in an amount sufficient to reduce the degradation of the organic plating additives in the plating solution.

Abstract: A method for the electrochemical production of ferrate salts in an aqueous electrolyte solution comprising one or more hydroxide components. Dramatically increased yields of ferrate salts are obtained from using a mixture of sodium hydroxide and potassium hydroxide. Preferably, both sodium hydroxide and potassium hydroxide are present in concentrations greater than 5 molar, most preferably at least 10 molar, i.e., 10 M NaOH and 10 M KOH. The anode is preferably a sacrificial anode made out of an iron-containing material to supply the iron necessary for the ferrate production reaction.

Abstract: The object of the invention is to provide a method and apparatus for treating membrane-containing material with electrical fields, in vitro, and with an added treating substance. With the method, a plurality of electrodes are arrayed around the material to be treated and are connected to outputs of an electrode selection apparatus. Inputs of the electrode selection apparatus are connected to outputs of a pulse sequence generator. A treating substance is added to the membrane-containing material. Electrical pulses are applied to the electrode selection apparatus and are routed through the electrode selection apparatus in a predetermined, computer-controlled sequence to selected electrodes in the array of electrodes, whereby the membrane-containing material is treated with the added treating substance and with electrical fields. The routing of applied pulses through the electrode selection apparatus to selected electrodes can be done in an enormous number of ways.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel method and apparatus for the amperometric determination of an analyte, and in particular, to an apparatus for amperometric analysis utilizing a novel disposable electroanalytical cell for the quantitative determination of biologically important compounds from body fluids.

Abstract: A biosensor, a measuring instrument for biosensor, and a method of quantifying a substrate contained in specimen liquid to reduce a measurement error by the biosensor; a biosensor, comprising at least a pair of electrodes formed on an insulation substrate; a measuring instrument, comprising a supporting part for detachably supporting the biosensor, a plurality of connection terminals electrically connected to the electrodes, and a drive power supply for applying a voltage to the electrodes through the connection terminals; wherein the biosensor is inserted into the measuring instrument, either one of the electrodes of the biosensor is connected to first and second connection terminals fined to the measuring instrument only when the biosensor is inserted into the support part of the measuring instrument in a specified direction and has an electrode structure to allow the first connection terminal to conduct with the second connection terminal when a voltage is applied by the drive power supply.

Abstract: An electrochemical sensor and method for using such a sensor to monitor signals generated by biological cells. The sensor comprises a first well for receiving a culture medium including biological cells, the first well including a working electrode a portion of which is exposed to any liquid introduced into the well. The exposed surface is capable of supporting a layer of biological cells. An adjacent second well receives an in situ reference electrode or can receive an inserted electrode, the two wells being separated by a wall. The wall is arranged such that, if the first well is filled with an electrochemically conductive culture medium to a first level sufficient to immerse the working electrode, and the second well is filled with an electrochemically conductive culture medium to a second level, electrochemical continuity is established between the liquids within the wells.

Abstract: A method for determining a urea concentration in an aqueous solution containing urea, includes: hydrolyzing the urea in the aqueous solution, measuring an electric conductivity &khgr; of the aqueous solution, and determining the urea concentration in the aqueous solution from the electric conductivity &khgr; using a correlation between the urea concentration and an electric conductivity.

Abstract: An ammonium selective ionophore for use in ion selective electrodes.

Abstract: The invention concerns security support for display article, in particular wrist-watches, designed to be integrated in a display unit (30) and comprising a sensor (7) fixed on the base (10) and connected by a conductor wire (12) to a connector (12) linked to an alarm central station. Said support consists of a globally cylindrical block (2) whereof the side surface is truncated along a chord (3) to form a plane (4) whereon is fixedly mounted a mechanical locking member (5) adapted to co-operate removably with corresponding parts (6) of the sensor (7) fixed at the base (9) of the watch (10), such that the latter thus equipped with the sensor (7), can be mechanically locked on the cylindrical block (2) by the locking member (5) and can be locked on that same block by winding of its own bracelet (13) and by closure of its clasp (14).

Abstract: A wrap-around neck through the top carrier with a handle that can retracted into the interior of the carrier for stacking one carrier on top of another and which can be easily extended for carrying. The retractabilty and extension of the handle is facilitated by having a flexing panel attached to the handle panel by a fold line which in turn is attached to the top panel by fold line with a fold line between the handle panel and the flexing panel being approximately midway between the apertures in the top panel and the hand aperture in the handle panel. There also a fold line adjacent the apertures for the bottles.

Abstract: A storage device for writing or drawing implements includes a holder adapted to receive writing or drawing implements. A paper roll is wrapped around the holder. A guide is positioned adjacent to the paper roll and against which the paper can bear. A base is attached to the holder. Rotation of the base effects rotation of the holder and dispensation of paper from the roll past the guide. A sharpener is located in the base of the device.

Abstract: A marketing device in the form of a container, which may be, for example, a bottle, contains a novelty item. The novelty item may be removed from the container by disengaging an engagement mechanism. The container containing a novelty item may be grouped with one or more like-shaped containers and marketed as a grouping such as, for example, a six-pack or case.

Abstract: The invention relates to a multiple compartment container for sterile medical solutions, particularly solutions for peritoneal dialysis containing a carbohydrate stabilisation compound, a carbohydrate medical solution containing said carbohydrate stabilisation compound and a method for the preparation thereof.

Abstract: A weapon container and lock assembly for mounting in a vehicle, for example, an aircraft, that may be subject to a positive accelerated gravity environment. The weapon container has a container body defining an interior cavity therein and a top lid that is selectively moved between an open position and a closed position with respect to the container body by a container opening assembly. A lock assembly is provided for movement between a first, locked, position and a second, unlocked, position upon application of an accelerated gravity condition of a predetermined level. In use, the lock assembly prevents movement of the container opening assembly when the lock assembly is in the first position and allows movement of the container opening assembly when the lock assembly is in the second position.

Abstract: A durable, secure small storage device that protects small vehicles from the elements and theft, as well as provides a platform upon which sponsors can advertise. Sponsors can include any entity that seeks to advertise or convey a specialized message such as corporations, universities, non-profit organizations, individuals, or governmental entities. The storage device includes a frame having a cross rod component and an upwardly extending rod component for laterally supporting a vehicle. A rigid shell is pivotally connected to the frame at the cross rod component and provides shelter and protection for the vehicle stored inside. The invention further includes an advertising means for displaying advertisements of sponsors. In another aspect, the invention comprises a method of providing site owners with such small vehicle storage devices at little or no cost using funds received from advertisers in return for advertising space in conjunction with the devices.

Abstract: A packaging or display device for a product that secures a separate object when the product is used. The device is a backing card that includes an object portion that visually simulates the separate object secured by the product in use. The object portion and the backing card are formed of a single piece of material. The object portion is formed to cooperate with the product in a way that visually simulates the cooperation of the product with the object when the product is in use and that secures the product to the backing card.

Abstract: A razor blade holder can attach to structure at a site in order to provide blade storage and accessibility. The holder has a receptacle sized to hold at least one razor blade and to keep exposed and accessible an upper edge thereof. The receptacle has a back panel adapted to be attached to the structure.

Abstract: An artificial tree duffle for the purpose of efficiently handling and protecting artificial trees during times of non-display or non-use; in which the artificial tree is kept in a cloth or textile type duffle, sack, bag, or housing of verbiage with the same meaning. This duffle has a single opening on one end, and shall have two or more circumferentially attached braided textile type tightening straps, while also having an additional non-tightening braided textile type strap attached in a longitudinal direction from the enclosed bottom end of the duffle to the open top end. In addition, the open end of the duffle is to have a hem type closing cord guide that houses the closing cord which when tightened may be secured to an optional (VELCRO) or anchor patch.

Abstract: A structure for supporting a plurality of objects having cylindrical characteristics. The structure includes a first side and a second side, the first side having at least two rib structures spaced apart from one another by valleys. The rib structures are formed as an alternating series of arches and depressions. The depressions define the retaining position for the objects. The arches include lands with cavities that enhance the structural characteristics of the ribs. The second side includes three or more spaced rib sections that are formed as an alternating series of peaks and depressions. The depressions of the second side correspond to the depressions of the first side. The rib sections of the second side correspond to the valleys of the first side. The arches of the first side are relatively higher than the equivalents in the prior art in order to provide greater surface area contact with the cylindrical objects to be retained.

Abstract: A flat mail sleeve packaging system which is adapted to stack product in a constrained homogenous mass. The system includes a first constraining wall and a second constraining wall. The second constraining wall is positioned with respect to the first constraining wall at a substantially perpendicular angle thereto. The first and second constraining walls are adapted for having the product placed therebetween with bound edges of the product all facing in a same direction without collapsing. A third constraining wall may also be provided forming a “U” shape with the first and second constraining walls.

Abstract: A package assembly including a housing that has an attachable portion and a manually removable portion. Also included is a length of attachment strip material having opposite major surfaces defined by stretch release adhesive extending between its opposite ends. The length of attachment strip material has a first part adhered along the outer surface of the attachable portion of the housing, and a second part extending from one end of the first part; and that second part of the length of attachment strip material is disposed to restrict adhesion between it and a planar surface to which the first part of the length of attachment strip material is adhered to support the housing along that surface.

Abstract: A hairpiece securing device has a sheath having a front and rear wall in between which a hairpiece is received. The hairpiece in inserted through an opening in the sheath. At least one receiving hole extends through the sheath. A securing means prevents the hairpiece from falling to the bottom of the sheath and an optional closing means can close the opening in the sheath. A method of securing hairpieces involves inserting a hairpiece into an opening in a sheath. The sheath has a front wall and a rear wall, and the hairpiece is received in between these two walls. At least one receiving hole extends through the sheath and a securing means in inserted through the at least one receiving hole and through the hairpiece.

Abstract: A package for the display and housing of a device that changes appearance upon a change in viewing angle includes a shaped bottom. When urged from a static position, the package and the device move on the shaped bottom permitting an observer to view the changing appearance until the movement gradually dampens out.

Abstract: A shipping system for packing and transporting products, such as case ready food items, in which the products require a certain amount of separation between layers. The shipping system comprises a shipping unit, formed by at least one substantially open-topped tray, preferably two or more, that are stacked atop one another, with a cover placed atop the uppermost tray, and held together by banding or strapping. Preferably, the tray(s) and cover are fabricated from corrugated paperboard material.

Abstract: A dispenser for storing and dispensing small objects and a method of dispensing small objects with the dispenser. The dispenser has a housing, defining an interior volume and a dispensing aperture, providing access to the interior volume, a dispensing aperture closure, having a closed position for securing objects within the interior volume and a dispensing position for dispensing objects from within the interior volume. The dispenser also includes a fulcrum within the interior volume of the housing, positioned such that, when pressure is applied to a button portion of the closure, a flap portion of the closure contacts the fulcrum.

Abstract: A surgical kit is provided for a “push” percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) procedure. The kit includes offset planar surfaces and at least one article recess defined in the planar surfaces. The recesses are adapted to hold at least one article used in performing a “push” PEG procedure.

Abstract: A surgical kit is provided for a “pull” percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) procedure. The kit includes offset planar surfaces and at least one article recess defined in the planar surfaces. The recesses are adapted to hold at least one article used in performing a “pull” PEG procedure.

Abstract: A surgical kit, for example a percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy kit, includes a tray having a plurality of recesses formed therein for receiving surgical implements. A substantially rigid accessory item container is received in a container recess defined in the tray. The container is removable from the tray and includes a base member and a lid. A securing device may be configured between the base member and the lid so that the container is reclosable.

Abstract: A surgical kit, for example a percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy kit, includes a tray having a plurality of recesses formed therein for receiving surgical implements. A substantially rigid accessory item container is received in a container recess defined in the tray. The container is removable from the tray and includes a base member and a lid. A securing device may be configured between the base member and the lid so that the container is reclosable.

Abstract: A cushion package structure conforming to environmental protection recycling regulations utilizes corrugated paper and elastic cushion materials (EPE) to replace conventional polylone. The corrugated paper and EPE are latched and coupled together without using hot adhesive. Thus EPE and corrugated paper may be reclaimed and recycled separately to achieve environmental protection purposes.

Abstract: A wafer container having a container portion with an open front for receiving and removal of wafers includes a door with a cushion system that utilizes a unique wafer restraint system and structural features to provide maximum protection for the wafers and preventing rotation of said wafers. A feature of the door is that the front of the door covers have a pair of latch cavities on the outwardly facing side of the door. The latch cavities for receiving two latch mechanisms with latch members that extend out the upper and lower peripheral edge of the door. The latch mechanisms are covered by a pair of door panels that utilize hooks that attach to the peripheral edge of the door and further attach with posts near the vertical midsection. The latch cover at the peripheral side edge and at the vertical midsection of the door provides stiffness and resistance to bending of the door.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a cracking catalyst comprising layered clays and a process for cracking hydrocarbon oils using said catalyst. Said catalyst is prepared by the process comprising the following steps: mixing and slurrying an expandable clay, a modifier component, pseudo-boehmite and water for 0.1-10 h to obtain a slurry, aging the slurry at 50-85° C. for 0.1-10 h, then drying and forming the slurry to obtain a formed material, water washing and aging the solid, and finally drying and calcining the solid, and said modifier being one or more selected from the group consisting of hydroxyl polymers of silicon, aluminum, zirconium or titanium, and substances comprising one or more of said hydroxyl polymers.

Abstract: A process for upgrading a residua feedstock using a short vapor contact time thermal process unit comprised of a horizontal moving bed of fluidized hot particles. The residua feedstock is preferably atomized so that the Sauter mean diameter of the residua feedstock entering the reactor is less than about 2500 &mgr;m. One or more horizontally disposed screws is preferably used to fluidize a bed of hot particles.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for conversion of hydrocarbons in the presence of at least one catalyst with controlled acidity, characterized in that the level of activity of said catalyst in isomerization of the cyclohexane is less than 0.10 and/or in that the ratio of toluene hydrogenation activity to the cyclohexane isomerization activity is greater than 10.

Abstract: An apparatus (1) for feeding a user machine (3) with particulate products, such as products for infusion like tea, chamomile and herbal teas in general, comprises a hopper (2) for dispensing the product and means (40; 7) for transferring the product from the hopper (2) to the user machine (3). The hopper (2) includes a feed body (4), with vertical walls (5), having an outlet opening (6) at its lower end. The transfer means (40) comprise a motor-driven, endless conveyor (7) facing the outlet opening (6). The apparatus also comprises adjustment means (50; 10, 11, 30) for adjusting the gap between the endless conveyor (7) and the outlet opening (6) according to the characteristics of the product feeding out the hopper (2).

Abstract: A separation apparatus and method for use in separating magnetic material from non-magnetic material that includes the use of a magnetic grid, e.g., a permanently magnetic grid, which defines a plurality of openings. The grid assists in preventing magnetic material from being transported to an overflow.

Abstract: Water dispenser, which comprises, in addition to a water container, a filter element contained within a filter housing having an inlet and a dispensing outlet, a source of pressure and first valve and first conduit means for feeding water from the container to the filter housing inlet; means for feeding gas to the filter inlet to create gas pressure at the inlet, consisting of a reservoir, and the control means comprise the third conduit and valve means for permitting or preventing the admission of water into the reservoir, second valve and conduit means for controlling the level of the water in the reservoir, a pressure gauge for monitoring the pressure at the filter inlet; and control means for controlling the gas feeding means to cause or stop the feeding.

Abstract: A waste water outlet unit, for a shower tray having a drain opening, comprises a base element which is locatable on the underside of the shower tray to cover the drain opening, and a clamp element which is locatable on the topside of the shower tray and which is engageable with the base element to clamp the base element to the underside of the shower tray. The clamp element has an aperture through which waste water from the shower tray can pass into the base element, and a filter element which is positionable over the aperture and which can be removed to enable access to the interior of the unit while maintaining the engagement between the base and clamp elements.

Abstract: A water treatment unit for treating water in a reservoir of a coffee maker or a container water treatment system. The water treatment unit has several particulate finely divided water treatment media therein and it includes a housing which has transverse dimensions which are substantially greater than its height to cause the water to flow through the housing and the media therein in a transverse direction. Such transverse flow results in a substantially reduced pressure drop across the media with an increased water flow rate which permits a substantial reduction in size or elimination of one of two water reservoirs.

Abstract: Solvent-resistant polybenzimidazole membranes, methods of making them and crosslinking them and composite membranes and hollow fiber membrane modules from them are disclosed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a filter module (1) comprising filters layers (4a, b) made of a filter medium, especially comprising filter layers made of filter strata. Said filter layers alternate with layers made of draining spacer elements 910, 10a, b, 20), the first and last layer of the filter module (1) consisting respectively of a draining spacer element (10a, b, 20). The draining spacer elements respectively and mutually comprise flow elements (12a, b) and sealing elements (11a, b) for the filtrate chamber and the non-filtrate chamber (40, 41). Means are provided for the mutual connection thereof The aim of the filter module (1) is to combine the advantages of known filter modules with improved sealing at the edges of the filter layers, and to make the filter module backwashable. The filter module (1) comprises draining spacer elements (10, 10a, b, 20) which are embodied in such a way that they enable the filter layers to be pressed in a sealing manner.

Abstract: A fine filter screen assembly comprising a length of filter screen having a relatively fine filtering surface and terminating at opposite ends with opposed end shafts. Generally open connecting means interconnect the opposed end shafts to define a continuous loop structure. At least one removable filter grid having a substantially fine filtering surface is removably mounted between the opposed end shafts such that the continuous loop structure has a substantially continuous relatively fine filtering surface. Removal of the grid allows internal access to the screen assembly.

Abstract: The invention concerns an anti-microbial porous part based on a polymeric material grafted at the surface and in its volume with ammonium motifs with anti-microbial and/or bactericidal and/or fungicide activity, preferably benzalkonium. The invention is characterised in that it has a porosity sufficiently high to enable a liquid with compatible viscosity to pass through its structure and sufficiently low to trap contaminating germs within said structure.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing a hydrolytically stable polyamide membrane having an open-pored, microporous and sponge-like support-layer structure, using a process involving thermally induced liquid-liquid phase separation. A solution of an aliphatic polyamide in a solvent system, comprising preferably a solvent and a non-solvent for the polyamide, is extruded to form a shaped object. After leaving the die, the shaped object is cooled by means of a cooling medium until phase separation occurs and the polymer-rich phase solidifies to form the membrane structure. The solution of the polyamide in the solvent system contains an antioxidant agent as a stabiliser for the polyamide which, together with the solvent system, is selected in a way that the antioxidant agent is essentially insoluble in the solvent system at the phase separation temperature.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of producing nanostructures in membranes, in which method a membrane consisting of a polymer material is irradiated with charged particles, especially ions, to produce particle tracks. The particle tracks in the membrane are etched using an etching liquid and the etching operation is stopped using a stop liquid, in such a manner that asymmetrical structures are formed. Polyimide is used as the membrane material.

Abstract: The invention relates to a gravity separator for an effluent made up of a multi-phase fluid mixture comprising at least a heavy first phase and a supernatant second phase. According to the invention, said separator includes adjustment means for adjusting its geometrical separation characteristics.

Abstract: A process for treating water to remove concentrations of nutrients and pollutants using ozone prior or after the water is exposed to natural filtration by periphyton or other aquatic plants. A system employs a deep water tank containing water to be treated is injected at the bottom with concentrated ozonated water to expose the water to be treated to ozone. The treated water exits from the tope of the tank whereby it is flowed over aquatic plant system to remove the undesired matter, such as pesticides. The process can be repeated successively to further treat the water if desired.

Abstract: An apparatus using activated sludge for the removal of biological nutrients from a wastewater includes a bioreactor for containing a mixture of wastewater under treatment and activated sludge. The bioreactor is divided into a plurality of serially connected treatment zones and includes a wastewater inlet, a downstream aerobic zone and an upstream aerobic zone between the wastewater inlet and the downstream aerobic zone, the upstream and downstream aerobic zones being separated by an anoxic zone. A membrane filter is provided in the downstream aerobic zone so that it functions as an immersed membrane filter with a bioreactor containing an operative volume of wastewater and activated sludge. The immersed membrane filter filters treated water flowing from the bioreactor through a first outlet. An aerator is operative associated with the membrane filter for purging solids from the membrane filter.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for the continuous microbial remediation of organic wastes in sewers and other waste-laden environments utilizing in-situ microbial seeding. A bio-reactor containing inoculated carrier media is suspended within a sewer wet-well or other similar environment, and is at least partially immersed in the waste-laden fluid to be treated. Air and nutrients are continuously supplied to the bio-reactor via conduit from a remote, easily accessible location. Beneficial microbial populations are permitted to thrive and spread throughout the waste-laden environment, mineralizing organic wastes and eventually becoming dominant within the subject environment.

Abstract: A method of conditioning mixed liquor in a membrane biological reactor comprising adding to the mixed liquor an effective coagulating and flocculating amount of one or more water soluble cationic, amphoteric or zwitterionic polymers, or combination thereof and methods of reducing membrane fouling, enhancing membrane flux and reducing sludge production.