Abstract: A method for entraining and mixing gas with liquids within a conduit or drop structure, comprising the channeling of one or more liquid flows into spiral flows of predetermined radius (radii), reducing the predetermined radius (radii) to increase the centrifugal forces acting upon the spiral flow(s) as the spiral flow(s) enter the conduit, and allowing gas access to the conduit to mix with and entrain within the spiral flow within the conduit or drop structure. The method can facilitate the mixing of gas with one or more fluid flows and/or reduce the release of gas emissions from the fluid(s) into the surrounding environment.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for dividing a fluid into desired proportions by means of a filtering device. The method comprises the steps of: (a) providing a filtration device, the filtration device comprising a filter; (b) adding a fluid to the filtration device, the fluid containing material dissolved or suspended therein; (c) placing the filtration device to which fluid has been added in a pressure vessel, the pressure vessel capable of withstanding a specified level of pressure relative to ambient pressure; (d) sealing the filtration device to form a trapped volume downstream of the filter; (e) increasing the pressure in the pressure vessel upstream of the filter; (f) allowing a period of time to elapse to allow the pressure downstream of the filter in the trapped volume to be substantially equal to the pressure upstream of the filter; (g) unsealing the filtration device; and (h) venting the pressure vessel.

Abstract: The invention discloses a method of forming via-holes in multilayer circuit boards. The process includes forming covering substances in predetermined spots in a multilayer circuit board and thereafter applying an insulating layer upon the circuit board. The predetermined spots are then uncovered and the covering substances are removed to form via-holes.

Abstract: Optical cross-connect systems involve the general concept of a two dimensional array of MEMS tilt mirrors being used to direct light coming from a first optical fiber to a second optical fiber. Each MEMS tilt mirror in the two dimensional array can tilt about two non-colinear axes and is suspended by a plurality of suspension arms attached to a substrate.

Abstract: Optical cross-connect systems involve the general concept of a two dimensional array of MEMS tilt mirrors being used to direct light coming from a first optical fiber to a second optical fiber. Each MEMS tilt mirror in the two dimensional array can tilt about two non-colinear axes and is suspended by a plurality of suspension arms attached to a silicon on insulator substrate.

Abstract: Process for the formation of at least one concave relief (124, 145) in a substrate comprising forming at least one embossment of material subject to creep (100) on the substrate (120), —heating of the material subject to creep to a temperature sufficiently high to cause creep of the said material, and—etching of the substrate and the crept material to form relief in the substrate. According to the invention, the crept material is solidified in a state in which it has a concave relief.

Abstract: This invention relates to compositions that include at least one fluoroether and at least one hydrofluorocarbon. Included in this invention are compositions of a cyclic or acyclic hydrofluoroether of the formula CaFbH2a+2−bOc wherein a=2 or 3 and 3≦b≦8 and c=1 or 2 and a hydrofluorocarbon of the formula CnFmH2n+2−m wherein 1≦n≦4 and 1≦m≦8. Such compositions may be used as refrigerants, cleaning agents, expansion agents for polyolefins and polyurethanes, aerosol propellants, heat transfer media, gaseous dielectrics, fire extinguishing agents, power cycle working fluids, polymerization media, particulate removal fluids, carrier fluids, buffing abrasive agents, and displacement drying agents.

Abstract: Copper or a copper alloy is removed by chemical-mechanical planarization (CMP) in a slurry of an oxidizer, an oxidation inhibitor, and an additive that appreciably regulates copper complexing with the oxidation inhibitor.

Abstract: A nitrate ester plasticized energetic composition in which the binder is made of, prior to curing, lower alkylene glycol prepolymer blocks end-capped with ethylene glycol monomers and/or oligomers. The end-capped prepolymer blocks are preferably difunctional or trifunctional. The lower alkylene glycol are preferably propylene glycol, butylene glycol, and/or copolymers thereof. The difunctional end-capped alkylene glycol prepolymer blocks are cured with a diisocyanate or polyisocyanate. In the case of a trifunctional (or higher functional) end-capped alkylene glycol prepolymer block, preferably a diisocyanate is used to effect crosslinking.

Abstract: A sialon type phosphor in the form of a powder comprising at least 40 wt % of &agr;-sialon represented by the formula (Cax,My)(Si,Al)12(O,N)16 (where M is at least one metal selected from the group consisting of Eu, Tb, Yb and Er, 0.05<(x+y)<0.3, 0.02<x<0.27 and 0.03<y<0.3) and having a structure such that Ca sites of Ca-&agr;-sialon are partially substituted by other metal M, at most 40 wt % of &bgr;-sialon, and at most 30 wt % of unreacted silicon nitride.

Abstract: Compounds of intrinsically conductive polymers, in particular polyanilines, with metals, their preparation and uses of these compounds are described.

Abstract: In insulator including alumina as a main component, a Na component in the insulator is set in the range of 0.07 to 0.5 wt % as Na2O. While the Na component content is as high as to have conventionally been regarded to be beyond the common sense, with this range of the Na component content, insulation resistance, mechanical strength and the like at high temperature are unexpectedly not reduced and an insulator with performances comparable to those of an insulator from conventional low soda alumina lower in Na component content than the above described range can be obtained. As a result, medium soda alumina and regular soda alumina that are much lower in cost than conventionally used low soda alumina can be used instead of the low soda alumina, so that dramatic reduction in production costs of insulator 2 for a spark plug 100 and in addition, of the spark plug 100 using the insulator 2 are realized.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to processes for preparing extruded foam products and more particularly to a process for producing such products wherein surface defects are minimized. There has been a movement to replace conventional halo-carbon blowing agents in favor of purportedly more environmentally safe halo-carbon free blowing agents such as carbon dioxide, nitrogen, argon, water, air, nitrogen, and helium. However, these halo-carbon free blowing agents, in particular carbon dioxide, have higher foaming rates and higher volatility leading to greater surface defects in the extruded foam. The present invention employs polyethylene wax to reduce or eliminate the occurrence of surface defects where halo-carbon free blowing agents are employed in an extruded foam manufacture process.

Abstract: A method for producing an improved coextruded polymeric film is disclosed. First, a base layer containing a polymeric matrix and at least one additional layer on at least one side of the base layer are coextruded. If the coextruded polymeric film is to be opaque, the base layer also contains at least one cavitating agent. Next, the coextruded multi-layer film is cooled. Finally, the coextruded multi-layer film is oriented in at least the machine direction (MD). At least the base layer of the coextruded polymeric film contains a fluoropolymer. The inclusion of the fluoropolymer in at least the base layer of the coextruded polymeric film provides a more even distribution of polymer flow through a die, which in turns leads to improved film gauge uniformity.

Abstract: There is provided a process for producing a resin molded article, which includes the steps of: (1) molding a thermoplastic resin to obtain a resin molded articles; and (2) flame-treating the surface of the resin molded article to obtain a flame-treated resin molded article; wherein the process does not comprise after the step (2) any further step of printing, adhesive-coating or painting the flame-treated surface of the flame-treated resin molded article obtained in the step (2).

Abstract: A condrapable hydrophobic nonwoven web of continuous fibers includes a hydrophobic nonwoven web of continuous fibers, and a fiber surface-modifying agent on the web to form therewith a condrapable hydrophobic web. The agent is essentially an amino-modified polydimethylsiloxane. The condrapable hydrophobic web is characterized by a substantial hydrophobicity, as measured by a strike-through of over 180 seconds and by a substantial increase in condrapability, as measured by a Handle-O-Meter decrease of at least 15% average for MD and CD.

Abstract: Stable, heat-set, helically crimped fibers are economically produced with in-line fabric deposition and heat setting and are uncompacted to retain their loft.

Abstract: A method of preparing wood and plastic to produce a composite material.

Abstract: An air bag door construction in which the air bag develops smoothly and securely, the skin can be easily produced. The skin is formed by a mold including an endless and annular wall provided on a molding surface to be inclined relative to the molding surface. A groove portion of the skin formed by the wall is cut at a bottom portion to separate the skin into a general portion and a door portion which are made flush with each other. When the surfaces of the general portion and the door portion are flush the gap between the general portion and the door portion can be narrowed, and gap on the surface is narrowed. When the skin is disposed in the mold for foam forming, the skin can position the general portion and the door portion in the desired position easily, and will not scatter a skin chip in the development of the air bag.

Abstract: A process for producing pellets comprising biologically active substances in which the biologically active substances are homogeneously dispersed in a matrix based on at least one thermoplastic polymer, which polymer has in aqueous medium a pH-dependent solubility, by homogeneous mixing of the starting materials in the melt and subsequent extrusion and shaping, which comprises the shaping being performed in a cooling medium in which the pellets are not soluble or dispersible.

Abstract: In a process for producing a profile by profile extrusion, a melt of a polyester composition is extruded through a die to form a profile. The processability of the polyester composition is improved by the addition of a branching agent, which provides increased melt strength and increased high shear thinning. The polyester composition has an inherent viscosity of at least 0.65 dl/g. The diacid component of the polyester composition has from 100 to 98.0 mole percent of residues of a primary acid selected from terephthalic acid, naphthalenedicarboxylic acid, isophthalic acid and mixtures thereof. The glycol component of the polyester composition has from 100 to 98.0 mole percent of residues of a primary glycol selected from ethylene glycol, 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol, diethylene glycol, neopentyl glycol, and mixtures thereof. The polyester composition has from 0.05 to 2.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing an insert having a plurality of tabs thereon in a cast molding operation is disclosed herein. The method commences with mixing a polyurethane prepolymer with a curing agent to form a polyurethane. The mixture is then poured into a mold cavity having a plurality of peripheral cavities. The mold is then subjected to pressure and heat for a predetermined time to cure the mixture thereby forming the polyurethane insert.

Abstract: A connector housing and a manufacturing method thereof are provided, which connector housing includes: an outside wall having an upper and lower walls and sidewalls; horizontal partition and vertical partition which form terminal accommodating chambers 9 inside the outside wall; and a thin sidewall portion 6 formed on each of the sidewalls and being thinner than a remaining portion of the corresponding sidewall, wherein a short shot preventing rib 8 is longitudinally formed on the thin sidewall portion integrally therewith in a generally vertical center thereof. The short shot preventing rib 8 projects outside over the remaining portion 7 continuing from the thin sidewall portion 6. The short shot preventing rib 8 is arranged in a line with the horizontal partition 15. The short shot preventing rib 8 is formed thicker than the horizontal partition 15.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for curing large radial pneumatic tires using a plurality of like molds each having top and bottom mold sections provided with radially movable groove-defining tread segments which are automatically extended into a tire to be cured when the molds are positioned within an autoclave and which are automatically retracted when the molds are withdrawn from the autoclave to free the cured tire from its respective mold.

Abstract: Process and a device for producing metal powders from molten metal. The process includes directing at least three successive gas beams at a molten metal stream inside an atomization chamber, the at least three gas beams being oriented in different directions. The device includes a metallurgical vessel for holding molten metal provided with a nozzle element for discharging a molten metal stream into an atomization chamber as well as at least three gas nozzle elements for providing at least three gas beams of different orientation and directed at different points of the molten metal stream inside the atomization chamber.

Abstract: This invention relates to a high-strength, austenitic, stainless steel, and to a method of its production. A method of producing a high-strength, austenitic, stainless steel characterised by air-melting a feedstock of super austenitic stainless steel, introducing nitrogen at 1520° C. to 1540° C. by way of electrolytic manganese containing 6 wt % nitrogen, then low carbon ferro-chrome, adding boron when the other two alloys have been fully absorbed into the molten bath, allowing the bath to cool, casting the metal at 1480° C. to 1495° C., and subsequently subjecting the castings or metal to a solution heat-treatment at 1400° C. to 1160° C. A further aspect of the invention is a high-strength, austenitic stainless steel characterised by the following chemical composition by wt %: Carbon 0.005 to 0.030 Silicon 0.03 to 1.00 Manganese 3.50 to 9.00 Phosphorous less than 0.025 Sulphur less than 0.01 Chromium 23.

Abstract: Titanium-based alloy contains, % by mass: aluminum 2.2 to 3.8; vanadium 4.5 to 5.9; moloybdenum 4.5 to 5.9; chromium 2.0 to 3.6; iron 0.2 to 0.8; zirconium 0.0l to 0.08; carbon 0.01 to 0.25; oxygen 0.03 to 0.25; titanium being the balance. The alloy possesses high ability to volume deformation in cold state (is easily rolled into rods), does not have tendency to form high-melting inclusions and is efficiently enforced with thermal treatment with obtaining of high level of strength and plasticity characteristics.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a two-part or multi-part concentrate system for preparing an activated solution which can be diluted with water to a use-dilution solution having improved anti-corrosive properties at room temperature. The concentrate system contains a first component containing at least one oxidizing agent, preferably hydrogen peroxide and a second component containing at least formic acid in a concentration of about 25 wt %. At least one corrosion inhibitor and at least one surfactant are also included in the concentrate system. When mixed and diluted, the resulting solution is excellent in its sterilization and anti-corrosive properties.

Abstract: The present invention relates to photometric analysis apparatus of the type which uses disk-shaped rotors, in which the rotors are loaded automatically. In particular, the present invention relates to photometric analysis apparatus of the type which uses disk-shaped rotors, characterized in that it has a device for loading the rotors (3) onto analysis apparatus (5) automatically, the device comprising a hopper (2) for supplying the rotors, the hopper (2) comprising asymmetric notches for locating the rotors (3) positively in the hopper.

Abstract: This invention provides methods and apparatus for performing microanalytic and microsynthetic analyses and procedures. Specifically, the invention provides a microsystem platform for use with a micromanipulation device to manipulate the platform by rotation, thereby utilizing the centripetal force resulting from rotation of the platform to motivate fluid movement through microchannels embedded in the microplatform. The microsystem platforms of the invention are also provided having microfluidics components, resistive heating elements, temperature sensing elements, mixing structures, capillary and sacrificial valves, and methods for using these microsystems platforms for performing biological, enzymatic, immunological and chemical assays.

Abstract: A microfluidic component having a microfluidic channel is bonded to an electronics component having a circuit for processing signals related to the microfluidic component. In an embodiment, the electronics component is a prefabricated integrated circuit chip that includes signal processing and/or process control functionality. The bonding of the microfluidic component to the electronics component provides a modular architecture in which different combinations of microfluidic components and electronics components can be used to create customized processing and analysis tools.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for the detection of a fluorescent dye in a sample, comprising a radiation source with the aid of which light for exciting the fluorescent dye to be detected can be transmitted into the sample applied to a carrier, and a detecting device for detecting fluorescent light which has been emitted by the fluorescent dye to be detected. The present invention is characterized by a hollow space having an internal high-reflectance surface, a first aperture directed towards the sample, and a second aperture located opposite the detecting device.

Abstract: Apparatus or systems which employ luminescence-quenching to produce a signal indicative of oxygen concentration.

Abstract: A forensic evidence container includes a first flexible panel, the first flexible panel including a material having a moisture vapor transmission rate of at least 10 gm/24 hours-100 square inches; a second flexible panel, the second flexible panel including a material having a moisture vapor transmission rate of equal to or less than 5 gm/24 hours-100 square inches; an opening capable of providing access to the interior of the forensic evidence container; an adhesive, applied to the first panel or second panel, having a free surface so arranged as to seal the opening on superposition of the first panel and the second panel; and a tamper evident device arranged on the first or second panel. A peelable flexible third panel, including a material having a moisture vapor transmission rate of equal to or less than 5 gm/24 hours-100 square inches, can optionally be peelably adhered to the first flexible panel.

Abstract: A sample injector valve capable of introducing multiple samples of material into multiple liquid or gas streams is provided. Such a valve is particularly useful for injecting multiple samples under pressure into a combinatorial chemistry system with moving streams of fluid, such as a parallel pressure reactor or a rapid flow analysis system using multi-channel or parallel chromatography and related techniques. The valve is further capable of functioning on a small scale with automatic sampling equipment.

Abstract: A solar-power battery air freshener includes a housing (100) with an oscillating fan (61) for emitting a fragrance to the surrounding environment. A solar-power battery (20) utilizes energy derived from natural sunlight or light emitted from a regular light fixture in order to provide power to an oscillating device wherein a fan (61) is connected. The oscillating device includes a circuit (44), a coil (45), and magnets (46) connected to vertical iron plates (41, 42). A bracket (60) is attached to the iron plate (41) in such a manner that a fan (61) can be attached to the bracket. A fragrance container (81) is located directly below the fan (61). The oscillating movement of the fan (61) disperses the fragrance emitted from the fragrance container (81) out of the housing through air vents (105) and into the room or vehicle being freshened.

Abstract: The device for removing pollution from the exhaust gases of an internal combustion engine includes an exhaust box (12) containing, in series, a catalytic purification unit (18) and a particle filter (20). The exhaust box (12) includes means (36; 60) providing access to the upstream face of the particle filter (20). Application to removing pollution from automobile vehicle diesel engines in particular.

Abstract: A personal electro-kinetic electrostatic air conditioner includes a self-contained ion generator that provides electro-kinetically moved air with ions and safe amounts of ozone, and includes a water retaining element to increase humidity of the output air flow. The ion generator includes a high voltage pulse generator whose output pulses are coupled between first and second electrode arrays. Preferably the first electrode array includes first and second pointed electrodes, and the second electrode array includes annular-like electrodes having a central opening coaxial with the associated pointed electrode. The surface of the annular-like electrodes is smooth and continuous through the opening and into a collar region through which the air flows. A water retaining member is disposed surrounding the output airflow to increase humidity of the output air, which is substantially cleansed of particulate matter, and contains safe amounts of ozone.

Abstract: A system for triggering an oxygen scavenging film includes the means for emitting UV-C light, means associated with said light defining a film path, means for feeding an oxygen scavenging film into the system to trigger the oxygen scavenging film, means for feeding the triggered film to packaging means. The film may comprise an oxidizable organic compound and a transition metal catalyst.

Abstract: A reformer includes an evaporation portion for evaporating a raw material, a reforming portion for producing a reformed gas whose principal element is hydrogen from the raw materials, a CO reduction portion for reducing CO involved in the reformed gas, a circulating conduit portion having a storage tank for storing the raw material, a feeding device for feeding the raw material under pressure, a cooling device for cooling the CO reduction portion and a supply device for supplying the raw material to the evaporation portion. The supply device includes a conduit branched from the circulating conduit portion connected to the evaporation portion and a flow control device provided in the conduit.

Abstract: Copper is preferentially extracted from iron in an aqueous feedstock solution containing dissolved copper and iron values by contacting the feedstock solution with a water-immiscible organic solution comprised of a hydrocarbon solvent and a compound of the formula I wherein R5 is a C1-22 linear or branched alkyl group, a C2-22 linear or branched alkenyl group, a C6 aryl group, a C7-22 aralkyl group, a halogen, OH or —OR6 wherein R6 is a C1-22 linear or branched alkyl group, a C2-22 linear or branched alkenyl group, a C6 aryl group, a C7-22 aralkyl group; R1 is hydrogen, or a C1-22 linear or branched alkyl or alkenyl group, a C6 aryl group or a C7-22 aralkyl group; R2-R4 is hydrogen, halogen, a linear or branched C6-12 alkyl group, —OR6 wherein R6 is a C1-22 linear or branched alkyl group, a C2-22 linear or branched alkenyl group, a C6 aryl group, or a C7-22 aralkyl group to form an aqueous phase comprised of iron and an organic phase comprised of the hydrocarbon solvent and a cop

Abstract: The present invention provides a silicon wafer sliced from a silicon single crystal ingot grown by the Czochralski method under such conditions that V-rich region should become dominant, wherein count number of particles having a size of 0.1 &mgr;m or more is 1 count/cm2 or less when particles are counted by using a particle counter and a method for producing a silicon single crystal. Thus, there is provided a production technique that can improve productivity and reduce cost for high quality silicon wafers of excellent device characteristics by further reducing density and size of defects such as COP.

Abstract: This invention relates to bioactive sol-gel derived silica fibers, methods for their preparation, an implantable device comprising the fibers and the use of the device for tissue guiding or bone repair.

Abstract: A method of purifying silicon, comprising feeding a sparging gas into a liquid melt [10] containing molten silicon and at least one impurity, in which the sparging gas is used to react with or move one or more impurity contained within the silicon. The products of such reaction or movement may be removed, e.g., by liquid-gas extraction, by liquid-liquid extraction or by liquid-solid extraction.

Abstract: Three-phase chemical hydrogenation reactions involving the processing of gas-liquid reactant feed streams over “mini-structured” solid catalyst beds formed e.g., of channeled honeycomb monoliths incorporating solid catalysts achieve reaction efficiencies suitable for effective integral reactor operation by utilizing low superficial liquid linear velocities and high feedstream gas:liquid ratios; single-pass conversion efficiencies in excess of 50%, typically 80-100%, are achieved.

Abstract: An in-extrudate reaction mixture to be effectively crystallized is effectively crystallized to produce zeolitic or non-zeolitic molecular sieves. The reaction mixture is heated within a slowly rotating, double-walled reactor vessel wherein a heated medium is conducted within a space formed between the double walls of the vessel. Thus, the reaction mixture is contacted by a uniformly heated wall while being gently tumbled at low speed. The tumbling action serves to uniformly distribute the heat within the reaction mixture without subjecting the mixture to such shearing that could damage shaped particles. A relatively high quantity of reaction mixture can be handled in that way to maximize the production volumes and reduce production costs.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a new crystalline zeolite SSZ-53 prepared by using phenylcycloalkylmethyl ammonium cations as structure directing agents.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for preparing zeolites using quaternary ammonium cations having the following formula as structure directing agents: wherein: X is —H, methyl, —F, —Cl, —F and —Cl, or methoxy; R1 and R2 are each methyl or ethyl; R1 and R2 together are —(CH2)x— where x is 2, 3, 4, or 5; or R1 and R2 together are methylated or dimethylated —(CH2)y— where y is 3, 4, or 5; and R3, R4 and R5 are each methyl or ethyl, or one of R3, R4 or R5 is methyl and the other two together are —(CH2)z— where z is 4, 5, 6 or 7;.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel radioligands and test methods using those radioligands in screening compounds.

Abstract: The libido of adult human female patients is increased by the bolus delivery of a testosterone which is preferably dihydrotestosterone. The formulation is preferably aerosolized and inhaled into a patient's lungs where particles of testosterone deposits on lung tissue and then enter the patient's circulatory system. The patient's testosterone level is quickly enhanced well above baseline levels for a short period and subsides to baseline levels with normal metabolism thereby providing desired short term effects on enhanced libido without undesirable effects of long term enhanced testosterone levels. Additional formulations are provided including formulations for aerosolized delivery of sildenafil citrate which are delivered to male or female patients.