Abstract: A measuring objective gas side electrode is provided on a surface of a solid electrolytic substrate. A reference electrode is provided on another surface of the solid electrolytic substrate. The measuring objective gas side electrode is exposed to a chamber. A gas introducing passage extends to connect the chamber to an external environment of the gas sensing element. A relationship S/Ld≦1.5 is established, where S represents a cross-sectional area of an inner open end of the gas introducing passage opening to the chamber, L represents a circumferential length of the inner open end, and d represents a thickness of the chamber in the vicinity of the inner open end of the gas introducing passage.

Abstract: A multilayered gas sensing element 2 is positioned in a cylindrical housing 10 via a cylindrical insulator 3. The multilayered gas sensing element 2 includes a narrow-width portion 21 and a wide-width portion 22. The wide-width portion 22 is in a fixed relationship with respect to the insulator 3. The narrow-width portion 21 is in a floating relationship with respect to the insulator 3. The narrow-width portion 21 has a gas sensing portion for detecting the concentration of a specific gas contained in a measuring objective gas.

Abstract: An electrophoresis separation apparatus using a hand-held electrophoresis detection device. The hand-held electrophoresis detection device includes a body and a cartridge disposed on the body in a detachable manner, and provided with at least one detecting column. The electrophoresis separation apparatus detect samples, and comprises a main portion and the hand-held electrophoresis detection device. The main portion controls the process of sample-detecting. The hand-held electrophoresis detection device is electrically coupled to the main portion in a separable manner. The detecting column is provided with a first end and a second end. The first end is provided with a first voltage, and the second end is provided with a second voltage. The sample is attached to the second end of the detecting column. The sample moves from the second end to the first end through the detecting column by a voltage differential between the first voltage and the second voltage.

Abstract: Capillary columns (102) pass through and are inserted in a rubber plate (14), held and fixed by elastic force of rubber, and two-dimensionally arranged on a sample injection side. It fixes the capillary columns (102) arranged on a plane in close contact by holding the same with a holder plate (6a) from below and with a rubber plate (16) from above on a detection side. In order to press the capillary columns (102) against the holder plate 6a and fix the same with the rubber plate (16), a holder plate (6b) fixing the rubber plate (16) to the holder plate (6a) on both sides of the arrangement of the capillary columns (102) is provided.

Abstract: There is disclosed a process and apparatus for carrying out plasma electrolytic oxidation of metals and alloys, forming ceramic coatings on surfaces thereof at a rate of 2-10 microns per minute. The process comprises the use of high-frequency current pulses of a certain form and having a given frequency range, combined with the generation of acoustic vibrations in a sonic frequency range in the electrolyte, the frequency ranges of the current pulses and the acoustic vibrations being overlapping. The process makes it possible to introduce ultra-disperse powders into the electrolyte, with the acoustic vibrations helping to form a stable hydrosol, and to create coatings with set properties. The process makes it possible to produce dense hard microcrystalline ceramic coatings of thickness up to 150 microns. The coatings are characterised by reduced specific thickness of an external porous layer (less than 14% of the total coating thickness) and low roughness of the oxidised surface, Ra 0.6-2.1 microns.

Abstract: A method for electroplating a strip of foam, the strip of foam having two opposite sides and an electrically conductive surface, comprises the steps of: continuously applying the strip of foam onto a moving cathode immersed in an electroplating bath so that the strip travels through the bath in contact with the moving cathode to electroplate metal on the strip of foam, a first side of the strip of foam facing a working surface of the moving cathode, and continuously removing the electroplated strip of foam from the moving cathode when metal has been plated to a desired thickness.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention may generally provide a method for plating a homogenous copper tin alloy onto a semiconductor substrate. The method generally includes providing a plating solution to a plating cell, wherein the plating solution contains an acid, a copper ion source, and a tin ion source, the copper ion source including up to about 98.5% of the metal ions and the tin ions including up to about 1.5% of the metal ions, providing a plating bias to a conductive layer formed on the semiconductor substrate while the conductive layer is in fluid contact with the plating solution, the plating bias being configured to overlap a plating potential range of both copper and tin, and simultaneously plating copper and tin ions onto the conductive layer from the plating solution to form a homogenous copper tin alloy layer on the conductive layer.

Abstract: A copper anode is described for use in electroplating semiconductor interconnects, where said anode has a preferred grain size or crystallographic orientation and a preferred chemical composition. The microstructure of the anode may be of two types (1) grains smaller than 100 microns in any dimension or (2) large columnar grains aligned perpendicularly to the anode corroding surface. Copper cathodes of not less than 99.99 weight percent of copper are alloyed to achieve an anode with a phosphor content of 0.045 to 0.060 weight percent.

Abstract: A redox bipolar cell fabric washing system and method is disclosed that provides for washing fabrics without the use of any added detergents, fabric softeners, or bleaches, or other chemical al additives. The system includes a conventional fabric washing machine with a redox bipolar cell that through a circulation pump continuously treats the wash water by using mixed oxidants or charged wash water to remove contaminants from the fabric. The redox cell includes a housing, a plurality of cathode plates, a plurality of membranes, and a plurality of anodes proximately positioned in an alternate manner with a plurality of flow channels in the housing. The cell produces charged wash water by an electrochemical reaction utilizing electrically charged anodes and cathodes with semi permeable membranes, wherein the oxidation reduction potential of the charged wash water is continuously controlled with a sensor to determine when the fabrics are clean.

Abstract: In the present invention, the test reference electrode used for voltammetric analysis of a plating bath is calibrated relative to the zero-current point between metal plating and stripping at a rotating platinum disk electrode in the plating bath supporting electrolyte. This calibration is readily performed during the normal course of cyclic voltammetric stripping (CVS) or cyclic pulse voltammetric stripping (CPVS) plating bath analysis the need for additional instrumentation or removal of the test reference electrode from the analysis equipment. Automatic calibration of the reference electrode enabled by the present invention, saves labor, time and expense, and minimizes errors in the plating bath analysis.

Abstract: A compact disc holder is made in one piece by integrated forming for holding and clipping a compact disc and providing a storage structure. The invention has a plate type holder body. One side of the holder body has a clip flange. Another side of the holder body opposite to the clip flange has a cantilever arm. The cantilever arm has a latch flap. The latch flap and the clip flange form a clipping zone. When the cantilever arm is still in a normal condition it may be moved horizontally relative to the holder body to expand the clipping zone to facilitate mounting or removing of the compact disc.

Abstract: An inflatable curtain package that is made of an inflatable curtain wrapped around by a thin film is disclosed. The inflatable curtain has a number of mounting tabs that allows the inflatable curtain to be attached to a vehicle. The orientation of the thin film allows mounting tabs to extend out of a seam in thin film. The inflatable curtain package may be constructed by aligning a first edge of the thin film to a position near a location wherein the mounting tabs attach to the inflatable curtain. Next, the mounting tabs are positioned over the first edge of the thin film. Then a second edge of the thin film is positioned to overlap the first edge and the attachment location. The two overlapping edges cause the thin film to wrap around the inflatable curtain.

Abstract: The present invention involves a molded plastic housing with an integral plastic hinge that opens to receive a wet paint roller cover and roller handle assembly. The present invention provides a hole to allow the paint roller handle shaft to protrude out of the housing. The present invention provides a relatively airtight housing by means of molded overlapping ridges.

Abstract: A sterilizable package is formed of a first sheet connected to a second sheet. The first sheet forms a first side of the package and a portion of the second side of the package. The second sheet is connected to the first sheet to define an interior chamber of the package. The second sheet forms a portion of the second side of the package. The second sheet has a first edge. A plurality of slots are disposed along the first edge at predetermined spaced apart locations. The first sheet is folded over along a fold line, thereby forming a folded portion. The folded portion is connected to the second sheet. The folded portion forms a portion of the second side of the package. The fold line forms a first edge of the package. The first edge of the second sheet is in the interior of the package between the first side and the folded portion of the first sheet.

Abstract: A container for holding curved needles has side fixation hooks in pairs and a center fixation hook projected from a bottom plate to fix a needle by putting the needle between the hooks and in which the tip of the needle falls down securely to a fixed direction. In case of holding plural needles, plural side fixation hooks and center fixation hooks are molded to project continuously in a line from the bottom plate and so the backs of the hooks are united with one another.

Abstract: A container for goods having an axial dimension has a pair of supports spaced apart axially relative to the goods for supporting the goods. A reinforcement extends between the supports and is connected to each of the supports at at least four spaced-apart locations. The locations are selected so that a first imaginary planar surface connects a first two of the locations on one of the supports to a first two of the locations on the other of the supports, and a second imaginary planar surface connects a second two of the locations on one of the supports to a second two of the locations on the other of the supports. The two imaginary surfaces form a dihedral angle within the range of 10 to 60 degrees opening towards the top side of the container. Even if it has no top and bottom walls, the container is triangulated and quite rigid.

Abstract: There is provided a carton formed from a blank (10). The carton is a fully enclosed carton for containing a plurality of articles such as bottles or cans. The blank (10) provides a top (18), a base (12), end flaps (13, 19), a first side wall (14) and a second side wall (20). The second side wall (20) provides a strap handle (26) and a secondary side panel (30) which is connected to the second side wall (20) by Z-fold arrangements. In use the secondary side panels (30) lies beneath the strap handle, printed side up, but is not adhesively attached to the strap handle (26).

Abstract: A plate cassette for a platesetter comprises a tray that receives and stores stacks of plates. Side frame members are located on opposed sides of the tray. These side frame members have tracks that engage with wheels of another plate cassette and wheels that engage with tracks of still another plate cassette. In this way, cassettes may be stacked and stored, one on top of each other. The wheel engagement strategy, between cassettes, however, allows individual cassettes to be rolled out, enabling access to the plate stack in the selected cassette's tray. A suction leak groove is formed in a surface of the tray. This provides for a suction leakage path for a picker, when the picker must grab typically the last plate in the stack and the plate is not full-sized. The suction grabbers that do not directly grab the plate do not adhere to the tray, allowing the picker to separate the plate from the tray. A slip sheet removal groove is also provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to containers, and more specifically, to plastic containers. The containers described herein may be applied to any use, but they are particularly useful for storing paint.

Abstract: Provided herein is a protective device for use with a variety of objects. The protective device has two sections, each section attached to the other along a first edge. The protective device has a locking mechanism whereby each section is secured to the other in a closed position. The device may also have stoppers on the inner side of each section, the stoppers aligned such that the object is secured when the device is in the closed position.

Abstract: A child-resistant structure containing a package for containing at least one unit of a dangerous, solid or liquid consumer product containing a detergent composition, the package being made out of a mono-axially oriented film which is folded and closed by at least one longitudinal seal and two distal seals; wherein the package being characterized in that the film orientation is substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal seal; wherein the longitudinal seal is flat-folded onto the package surface is provided.

Abstract: Stowage systems having boxes with covers are addressed. Exemplary systems include mechanisms for biasing covers toward their closed positions and for blocking, or maintaining, covers in their open positions when necessary or desired. Such systems are particularly (although not exclusively) useful for cockpit storage of oxygen masks, where open covers might impede use of certain flight controls during aircraft operation but facilitate removal or reinsertion of the masks by a mechanic when the aircraft is not operating.

Abstract: A fitting for aligning wafer carriers as part of an automated manufacturing process may be referred to as a kinematic coupling. The kinematic coupling of the present invention may comprise a base plate of a first material and contact components of a second material. The contact components may be provided to the base plate as part of an overmolding operation and may be held in place by either chemical fastening or mechanical fastening.

Abstract: A process for treating organic compounds includes providing a composition which includes a substantially mesoporous structure of silica containing at least 97% by volume of pores having a pore size ranging from about 15 Å to about 30 Å and having a micropore volume of at least about 0.01 cc/g, wherein the mesoporous structure has incorporated therewith at least about 0.02% by weight of at least one catalytically and/or chemically active heteroatom selected from the group consisting of Al, Ti, V, Cr, Zn, Fe, Sn, Mo, Ga, Ni, Co, In, Zr, Mn, Cu, Mg, Pd, Pt and W, and the catalyst has an X-ray diffraction pattern with one peak at 0.3° to about 3.5° at 2&thgr;.

Abstract: A process for decreasing the amount of sulfur in a petroleum stream.

Abstract: In a desulfurization process for the removal of organosulfur compounds from a hydrocarbon fluid stream such as cracked-gasoline or diesel fuel wherein a bifunctional sorbent system is employed, surface treatment of the bifunctional sorbent during the use of same for desulfurization results in an extension of the useful life of the bifunctional sorbent prior to the regeneration and reactivation of same for further use in the desulfiurization of the hydrocarbon fluid stream.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for forming a low-sulfur motor gasoline and the product made therefrom. In one embodiment, process involves separating a catalytically cracked naphtha into at least a light fraction boiling below about 165° F. and a heavy fraction boiling above about 165° F. The light fraction is treated to remove sulfur by a non-hydrotreating method, and the heavy fraction is hydrotreated to remove sulfur to a level of less than about 100 ppm.

Abstract: A method for determination for a given oil the relative stability of a water-in-oil emulsion that will be formed by that oil with water comprises measuring for the given oil the weight percent asphaltenes (A), total acid number (TAN), and ratio of the amount of naphthenic acids in the 450+ molecular weight to 450 molecular weight range (R); calculating an emulsion stability parameter, S=A+TAN*R; and determining whether the emulsion stability parameter, S, is greater than about 3; with a value above 3 being determinative of an emulsion more stable than one with a value less than 3.

Abstract: A process for the recovery of natural gas liquids (NGL) (ethane, ethylene, propane, propylene and heavier hydrocarbons) from liquefied natural gas (LNG) is disclosed. The LNG feed stream is split with at least one portion used as an external reflux, without prior treatment, to improve the separation and recovery of the natural gas liquids (NGL).

Abstract: A semiconductor inspection system transports devices in trays from an input stacker to a flipping mechanism along a first inspection path in a first direction and from the flipping mechanism to an output stacker along a second inspection path in a second direction that is a different direction than the first direction. The flipping mechanism moves the devices from the first inspection path to a flipping location, flips the devices at the flipping location, and moves the devices to the second inspection path. In this manner, the devices can be inspected by a plurality of stations on different inspection paths and in different directions. One of the stations is an integrated station that performs both mark inspection and sorting of defective devices. A semiconductor inspection method is also described.

Abstract: An automated machine is used to handle and manipulate individual pieces of particulate matter. The particulate matter is contained in a bin. The machine operates to pick single individual pieces of the particulate matter from the bin. The picked individual pieces are then conveyed for further handling. Pneumatic transport is primarily used for the conveying operation. One aspect of the handling involves individually weighing each piece of the picked particulate matters. Another aspect of the handling involves sorting the individual pieces of particulate matter into a plurality of receptacles. Yet another aspect of the handling involves both weighing and then sorting the individual pieces of particulate matter, wherein the sorting operation may be performed based upon the measured weight of each piece.

Abstract: A water softener employs a vessel, a distributor with a manifold body associated to said vessel and a valve control device. A control unit programs operation of the softener. An actuator unit has a cylinder divided into a first chamber and a second chamber. The actuator unit is adapted to move a spool to define different flow ways, for water. The first chamber communicates directly with a water inlet pipe, and the second chamber communicates with the inlet pipe through a valve and an outlet.

Abstract: A tidal-powered desalinization system is mounted on a barge that oscillates about fixed pier structures, generating a two-way pumping action. The two-way pumping action is changed to a single direction flow of seawater. The sea water is directed into an on-board desalinization system. Fresh water is produced and collected in reservoirs, without an intervening generation of electricity.

Abstract: In an open capillary column, a stationary phase is formed on the inner wall of a capillary tube. This stationary phase comprises a number of pores on the surface of the capillary tube, and each of pore has an expanded hollow in the stationary phase. A manufacturing method of an open capillary column comprises the steps of giving alkaline treatment to an inner wall of an open capillary tube, applying one of oligo silica, oligo zirconia and oligo titania on the inner wall, filling the open capillary tube with alkaline solution to form one of a silica layer, a zirconia layer and titania layer, discharging the alkaline solution and heat-treating the capillary tube to form a base of a stationary phase. The open capillary column of the present invention comprises a stationary phase having a very large surface area. It is useful for a separation analysis field such as liquid chromatography and electrochromatography.

Abstract: The present invention is a composite filter for use with recycling gray water. The filter is comprised of a housing containing a series of filters, a first depth filter, preferably made of cellulose fibers for removing particles and turbidity causing materials, a second depth filter, preferably made of cellulose and diatomaceous earth for removing additional particles and turbidity causing materials, an organics filter, preferably a carbon filter to remove organic material and an ion exchange material to remove dissolved ionic species such as salts, acids and the like.

Abstract: A filter unit for removing leukocytes from a leukocyte-containing suspension by passing the suspension through a filter unit. The filter unit may comprise a main filter for blocking the leukocytes and a post-filter for preventing leakage of the leukocytes having a higher median pore size than the main filter and placed downstream of the main-filter.

Abstract: A slurry recycling system for use in a chemical mechanical polishing (CMP) apparatus for polishing a workpiece by using a slurry containing an abrasive, a pH agent and a deionized water is provided. The slurry recycling system includes a slurry collection tank for storing the slurry used in the CMP apparatus as a recyclable slurry; an ultra filter for separating, from the recyclable slurry, a fluid ingredient containing the pH agent and the deionized water and the abrasive to allow the abrasive to be reintroduced into the slurry collection tank; and a reverse osmosis filter for separating, from the fluid ingredient, the pH agent and the deionized water to allow the pH agent to be reintroduced into the slurry collection tank and to allow the deionized water to be discharged out.

Abstract: A porous ion exchanger includes an open cell structure including interconnected macropores and mesopores whose average diameter is in a range of 1 to 1000 &mgr;m existing on walls of the macropores. Moreover, a total pore volume is in a range of 1 to 50 ml/g, ion exchange groups are uniformly distributed, and an ion exchange capacity is not less than 0.5 mg equivalent/g of dry porous ion exchanger. The porous ion exchanger can be used as an ion exchanger filled into a deionization module of an electrodeionization water purification device, solid acid catalyst, adsorbent, and filler for chromatography.

Abstract: A process and system for removing animal processing contaminants and fats, oils, and greases from large volume quantities of waste water. In the process, a waste water stream containing the contaminants is treated with a chemical oxidant, polymer compound and coagulant to create a particle having a diameter greater than 50 microns. Treated waste water is passed through a microfiltration membrane which physically separates the contaminant particle from the waste water. Commercially available microfiltration membranes having a pore size in the range of 0.5 micron to 10 microns may be used. The treated waste water flow rate through the microfiltration membranes can range from at least 200 gallons per square foot of membrane per day (“GFD”) to in excess of 750 GFD. Solids are removed from the membrane surface by periodically backflushing the microfiltration membranes and draining the filtration vessel within which the membranes are located.

Abstract: Process muds are de-watered by the addition of high clay alumina. The clay is mixed with plant sludges or muds so as to cause flocculation of the solid particles, and separating the water from the solid materials, as by filtration. Various polymers and/or alum process residues can be added as well. In addition to de-watering plant sludges, this method also reduces color, and reduces the total organic carbon as well as heavy metals, from the filtered water. This permits disposal of the water to public waterways with no additional treatment.

Abstract: A process for treating liquid septage and other biosolids having the steps of placing a known amount of liquid septage in a tank, mixing in a sufficient quantity of alkaline material to raise the pH to a desired level, storing the pH adjusted septage for a predetermined period of time, dewatering the septage, and pasteurizing the resultant dewatered solids cake. The process for treating liquid septage and biosolids disclosed by the current invention meets the Class A vector attractant reduction and pathogen reduction requirements mandated by the U.S. EPA. The end product of septage and other biosolids treated using the process disclosed by the current invention can be sold as fertilizer, and utilized without any additional permits.

Abstract: A method for increasing concentration a solution of ions in a solvent which includes the steps of reducing the temperature of the solution to a temperature slightly below the freezing temperature of the pure solvent, mechanically breaking up the frozen portion of the partially frozen solution so as to form a slush, separating the frozen portion from the ion enriched liquid filtrate.

Abstract: A groundwater treatment system, which includes subterranean inlet, treatment, and outlet portions. The inlet portion is configured to collect groundwater from an aquifer. The treatment portion includes a replaceable treatment media and is configured to receive the groundwater from the inlet portion and expose the groundwater to the treatment media. The outlet portion is configured to receive groundwater from the treatment portion and expel the groundwater to the aquifer.

Abstract: An apparatus for the recovery of a halogen or pseudohalogens from a halide compound in solution; wherein the apparatus includes;

Abstract: The invention concerns a method for oxidising organic matter contained in an aqueous effluent and an installation for implementing said method. Said method comprises the following steps: injecting into a tubular body said aqueous effluent; bringing said aqueous effluent to a pressure P1, corresponding to the critical pressure of said aqueous effluent; bringing said aqueous effluent to a temperature T1; and injecting into said tubular body at n points spaced apart from one another, n fractions of at least an oxidising composition, so that a portion of the thermal energy produced by the oxidation reaction increases the temperature of the reaction mixture from said temperature T1 to temperature T2>T1 according to an increasing curve, whereby said organic matter is oxidised, said reaction mixture continuously developing from a sub-critical liquid state to the supercritical domain.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of inhibiting the growth of killing algae, bacteria, yeast and/or fungi in a recirculating water system which comprises adding to the water a polymeric biguanide and an adjuvant of the Formula (1) or a salt thereof; wherein: R1 is an optionally substituted C8 to C12 or C18 to C22 alkyl group; and R2 and R3 each independently is H or optionally substituted C1-4-alkyl.

Abstract: The invention relates to homo- and copolymers that contain less than 400 particles with >200 &mgr;m per m2 surface, to thermoplastic molding compounds that contain said homo- and/or copolymers and to the use of the homo- and/or copolymers and of the molding compounds for producing molded bodies. The invention further relates to the molded bodies themselves and to a method for producing the homo- and/or copolymers.

Abstract: The invention relates to a screening/sieving device for waste waters. The device according to the invention is mainly suitable for a plant in a channel. It serves to separate particles whose size exceeds a few millimetres, from the waste water. The device according to the invention consists of a frame, inside which bars are stretched at some distance from each other. Cleaning is carried out by a “comb” which slides between the bars and which deposits the waste onto a second comb located outside the frame.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for removing sediment from a waterway includes a collector housing dimensioned for receipt in the waterway having an opening that receives water and sediment therethrough. A sediment removal passage in the housing selectively communicates with the opening and a valve is interposed between the opening and removal passage to control the communication. In a preferred embodiment, the valve is a flap or check valve that is normally open and, once sediment has been pumped down, moves to a closed position. This allows the suction force to be applied to the remaining portions of the collector having sediment. Preferably, the hoppers are replaceable inserts made of a durable, wear-resistant material.

Abstract: A rack includes a flexible planar backboard to which pairs of flexible resilient loops are fixed in rows. The lower ends in each pair are spaced apart by a distance which is less than the transverse dimension of the article to be supported, while the upper ends are spaced apart at a distance which is greater than the transverse dimension. The backboard is preferably formed of sheet plastic less than 1.0 mm thick so that it can be rolled up. The loops may be formed of plastic tubing having end faces received against the backboard and retained by unformed rivets received through holes in the backboard. The loops can be formed integrally with the backboard by stamping out straps which remain attached at a proximal ends, and fixing the distal ends into apertures.