Abstract: A fluid filter includes a filter housing and a filter module. The filter module includes a filter medium and a fusible seal. The fusible seal is bonded to a portion of the filter medium and cooperates with the housing to prevent fluid from bypassing the filter medium.

Abstract: The present invention provides filters comprising supports (55) that are relatively flat. They may have knife seals (54, 56) or convention edge seals and porous fibrous media (58) is positioned there between and methods of manufacturing filters. The media may also be relatively flat providing for a self supporting non-lenticular filtration structure.

Abstract: A non-contaminating paint strainer is comprised of a conical receptacle having a conical tapering side wall. The side wall has an inner surface and an outer surface. The conical receptacle defines a lower filtration portion having an aperture provided with reinforcing ribs formed integral with the side wall and extending into the aperture. A filtration mesh screen is secured to the outer surface of the tapering side wall adjacent the aperture and to an outer surface of the reinforcing ribs by glue applied solely to the outer surface of the side wall and outer surface of the reinforcing rib, whereby paint being filtered by the conical receptacle will be in contact solely with the inner surface, free of the glue. Any ink printing is provided on the outer surface of the conical side wall above the mesh screen.

Abstract: A microporous asymmetrical membrane formed of one or more layers wherein the “tight” side of the membrane has an “opened” face or otherwise highly-porous reticulated surface is described. The microporous asymmetrical membrane has high throughput and high flux, even when used for filtering viscous materials, such as serum or plasma. The membrane's surface can be formed by ablation or solvation, or in a two or more layered structure, through an appropriate selection of casting dopes.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for aerobic treatment of waste, such as animal or human waste. The method includes the continual introduction of microalgae. The high amounts of oxygen produced by the microalgae satisfies the biochemical oxygen demand in the treatment process and also allows oxidation of undesirable contaminants. Delivery of the microalgae at a desired rate is achieved by incorporation of a series of electrical and mechanical devices housed within a greenhouse type structure which optimizes growth conditions for the microalgae, and also allows the system to be automated.

Abstract: One of the major problems with the diagnosis and treatment of neurological diseases is the inability of clinicians to determine the onset of disease. The present invention describes methods and kits whereby the onset of neuropathology is detected by changes in the normal levels of neurosteroids, and particularly DHEA and its metabolic precursors, in the brain and serum.

Abstract: Environmentally friendly solvents used to dissolve or remove residues and/or substances from substrates wherein the residue and/or substance is contacted with a Generally Recognized As Safe solvent to dissolve the residue and/or substance in the solvent followed by the extraction of the residue and/or substance from the solvent such as by contact wiht carbon dioxide.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for purifying effluent wastewater utilizing electrophoretic cross-flow filtration and electrode ionization. The method first comprises filtering the water in a cross-flow direction with a filter membrane (120) in the presence of an electric field that is operative to drive suspended particles away from a surface of the filter membrane (120). The permeate (134) containing dissolved solids is next passed through a mixture (188) of at least one cation-exchange resin and at least one anion-exchange resin disposed between a cation-selective membrane (184) and an anion-selective membrane (181) in the presence of an electric field. The electric field drives cations in the permeate through the cation-selective membrane (184), and drives anions in the permeate through the anion-selective membrane (181), thereby to form deionized water (192). The apparatus includes cell modules adapted to be used in plate-and-frame or radial flow configurations.

Abstract: The invention relates to an equipment for fractionating a solution by a sequential SMB process, which equipment comprises a feed column and one or several other columns, which include a chromatographic separation resin bed. The equipment of the invention is characterized in that the feed column consists of or comprises a compartment where the resin bed is shallower than that of one or more of the other columns of the equipment. The invention also relates to a method for fractionating a solution into two or more fractions with the equipment of the invention.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a microbiological interception enhanced filter medium, preferably having an adsorbent prefilter located upstream from the filter medium. Preferably, the prefilter is adapted to remove natural organic matter in an influent prior to the influent contacting the microbiological interception enhanced filter medium, thereby preventing loss of charge on the filter medium. The microbiological interception enhanced filter medium is most preferably comprised of fibrillated cellulose fibers, in particular, lyocell fibers. At least a portion of the surface of the at least some of the fibers have formed thereon a microbiological interception enhancing agent comprising a cationic metal complex. A filter medium of the present invention provides greater than about 4 log viral interception, and greater than about 6 log bacterial interception.

Abstract: A hemocathartic column and apparatus, in which a column containing an adsorber capable of adsorbing and removing impurity components in blood, and in which the blood of an organism is extracorporeally circulated through the column, to be purified, and further in which if the pressure of blood at 120 minutes after start of blood circulation is P120 and the pressure of blood at 5 minutes after start of blood circulation is P5, then a relation of (P120/P5)≦1.3 is satisfied.

Abstract: Compositions including pellets of alum, a smectite mineral material and optionally sodium or calcium carbonate that can be delivered to a phosphate impoundment located at the bottom of a body of water at the bottom. The pellets of alum, smectite mineral material and optionally sodium or calcium carbonate are dropped through the body of water so that the alum is released when the pellet reaches the bottom of the impoundment thereby treating the phosphates.

Abstract: Compositions including alum, a smectite material and optionally one or more of a buffer and an algaecide coating or additives for the clarification of bodies of water by removal of dissolved solids, dissolved organic materials and other anions such as fluoride and chloride as well as the removal of total phosphorus from such bodies of water. The compositions are designed to be delivered to concentrated or impounded phosphorus located at the bottom of various bodies of water and may be produced in various physical forms.

Abstract: The present invention is process for irrigation of a golf course, which involves monitoring reclaimed water, and treating it when necessary to avoid harmful effects to plantlife. The reclaimed water is tested with a plurality of monitors to obtain results for water quality characteristics, including: pH; residual chlorine; and, sodium. These results are inputted to a computerized data handling system for data collection, storage and analysis for comparison to predetermined acceptable ranges for water quality characteristic, and to show any deviation from said acceptable ranges. Either alarms are set off or treatment occurs or both, when deviations are observed. Treatment includes a dechlorination system to correct active chlorine, and, optionally, an oxidation system. There is also a reverse osmosis step for reduction of salts, such as sodium. Other important monitors may be included for one or more of the following: hardness; turbidity; alkalinity; conductivity and nitrates.

Abstract: A water cooler/water purification station that is portable, and small in size that is capable of cooling and purifying about 8 to 15 liters of water per hour between 3 to 10° C. The water cooler/water purification station is equipped with an ultraviolet lamp which serves to kill bacteria in stagnant water.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for filtering a slurry utilizing a displacement filtering principle. The filter apparatus desirably includes an inner filter and an outer filter. Both the inner and outer filters are preferably substantially annular in shape and positioned concentrically with respect to each other. A particulate collection volume is at least partially defined between the inner and outer filter. The method includes directing a flow of slurry into the particulate collection volume under sufficient pressure to force fluid within the particulate collection volume through one of the inner and outer filters and any particulate matter blocking a filtering surface of the inner and outer filters.

Abstract: A slide includes a fixed portion comprising a rack-mounting ear capable of being attached to a rack and a first connecting ear and a telescoping portion slidably engaged with the fixed portion and comprising a second connecting ear capable of being joined with the first connecting ear. The telescoping portion is capable of being attached to a component enclosure. A method includes attaching a fixed portion of a slide to a rack, attaching a telescoping portion of the slide to a component enclosure, and slidably engaging the telescoping portion with the fixed portion. The method further includes moving the telescoping portion relative to the fixed portion in a first direction to retract the component enclosure into the rack and joining a connecting ear of the telescoping portion and a connecting ear of the fixed portion.

Abstract: A device for storing a plurality of CDs has a housing which is directed horizontally along its longitudinal axis and stand elements at its two end sides. To accommodate a respective CD, a plurality of compartment elements are disposed side by side, perpendicular to the longitudinal axis and mounted on the housing such that they can be swung out about an axis extending parallel to the longitudinal axis from a storage position inside the housing to a removal position outside the housing. Swinging the compartment elements in to the storage position produces a compact, space-saving storage device. When a compartment element is swung out to remove a CD, the CD which is held therein can easily be grasped by the user.

Abstract: The present invention refers to a disk rack, of the type composed of an equally spaced parallel series of vertical support elements made of thin coated wire, characterised in that each support element is basically composed of two lateral ascending sections joined on top by a shaped crosspiece with downward central portion suitable for housing the knob of pot lids.

Abstract: A tool retaining device includes a base for supporting tool members, a frame having two side arms pivotally secured to the base which is rotatable relative to the frame between an inward storing position and an outward working position. A knob is slidably secured to the frame and has a latch for latching the base to the frame. The arms may be adjustably secured to the base for receiving tool members of different lengths. The base has one or more stops for limiting the rotating of the base relative to the frame.

Abstract: An apparatus having a base, an extendable bagging pole having a foot pedal, coupled to a front edge of the base and an adjustable hanging rack coupled to the back edge of the base. The bagging pole has a bagging pole upper tube with a C-shaped clip disposed thereon and a bagging pole lower cylinder. The hanging rack has a hanging rack upper tube and a hanging rack lower cylinder, with a crossbar disposed on the hanging rack upper tube. The bagging pole is extendable to first operative position and retractable to a second operative position. After bagging the clothing item and depressing the foot pedal to retract the bagging pole from the first operative position to the second operative position, the clothing item may then be hung on crossbar of the hanging rack.

Abstract: A rack comprises an article-holding piece and a support structure for supporting the article-holding piece on a wall surface. The support structure comprises a suction cup by which the support structure is fastened at the inner end onto the wall surface. The support structure further comprises a support rod, a rotary ring, and a fastening block. The support rod is provided with an axial through hole in which a threaded rod of the suction cup is received. The rotary ring is rotatably engaged with the outer end of the support rod to facilitate the locating of the article-holding piece on the support rod. The fastening block is rotatably engaged with the threaded rod of the suction cup for adjusting the suction force of the suction cup.

Abstract: A C-clamp type bracket is attached to a back end of the horizontal portion of a garage door track. A clothesline is attached to a bottom end of an arm extending downwardly from the C-clamp type bracket and to the top of a vertical portion of the garage door track. Bolts through loops in the ends of the clothesline secure the clothesline to a hole in the arm and the vertical portion of the garage door track or a bracket attaching the vertical portion to the garage door frame. The garage door track clothesline device may be suspended temporarily or permanently from the garage door track.

Abstract: An arch frame for supporting a light string includes two arch-shaped support bars. Each support inclues a number of T-shaped elements having aligned first and second branches and a perpendicular third branch. Adjacent T-shaped elements are connected together by connection beams having opposite ends respectively and releasably coupled to the first and second branches of the T-shaped elements. A cross stick has opposite ends respectively and releasably connected to the third branches of opposite T-shaped elements of the two arch-shaped bars to fix the support bars together. Each T-shaped element further includes a peg extending in a direction substantially opposite to the third branch for engaging the wires of the light string so as to support the light string on the arch frame.

Abstract: A self-erecting tower crane for use on a construction site is supported at a top end of a tower that includes tower sections assembled in an end-to-end relationship relative to one another along a tower axis. The tower crane includes a boom assembly for selectively raising tower sections above ground. A boom support structure has an upper portion that rotatably supports the boom assembly relative to the tower axis, and a lower portion that is configured and sized for mounting on and releasably securing to the tower top end. A self-raising sleeve mounts on the tower for axial movement therealong, and selectively and releasably supports the boom support structure on the tower. The sleeve and the boom support structure include a side opening that is configured and sized for allowing a tower section to be assembled to the tower top end for the self-erection of the tower crane.

Abstract: Telescopic arm comprising a first base section (2), a second intermediate section (3) inserted in said base section, and a third terminal section (4) inserted in the intermediate section. An extension cylinder (6) is operatively associated between the first and the second section (2), (3) to actuate the second section (3) between a retracted position in which it is inserted in the first section (2), and an extended section in which it projects from the first section (2).

Abstract: A multi-layer electronic circuit board design 10 having selectively formed apertures or cavities 26 which have improved solder-wetting characteristics.

Abstract: In a method of forming a holographic grating, a photoresist layer is formed on an optical substrate, and a resist pattern is formed in the photoresist layer to have grooves depth deeper than a predetermined depth of diffraction grating grooves to be formed. Then, the photoresist layer with the resist pattern is etched by an ion beam generated by a mixed gas containing a fluorine based gas and oxygen until the resist pattern is substantially completely disappears. Thus, the diffraction grating grooves having the predetermined depth are directly engraved on the optical glass plate.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention provides a system that facilitates construction of electromagnetic, optical, chemical, and mechanical systems using chemical endpoint detection. The system operates by receiving a system description that specifies multiple components, including a first component and a second component. The system fabricates the first component and the second component using selected construction materials. The system also creates a first interconnection structure on the first component and a second interconnection structure on the second component. These interconnection structures can be created using a sacrificial layer and chemical endpoint detection. Next, the system brings the first component and the second component together by connecting the first interconnection structure and the second interconnection structure. These interconnection structures align the first component to the second component so that accurate alignment can be achieved.

Abstract: A laser processing method capable of performing fine and highly accurate processing by low energy is obtained.

Abstract: The present invention provides a surface treatment method for magnesium alloys that can form a uniform, fine, and dense conversion coating on a magnesium alloy surface on which mold release agent, an oxide layer, and an alloying component (e.g., aluminum and zinc) segregation layer are potentially present, and also provides magnesium alloy member whose surface has been treated by the aforesaid surface treatment method. The surface treatment method of the present invention comprises a degreasing process to degrease the surface of the magnesium alloy, a chemically etching process to chemically etch the alloy, and a conversion treatment process to form a conversion coating. The chemical etching forms a magnesium phosphate coating having a coating weight of 10 to 2,000 mg/m2, measured as phosphorus, by bringing the surface of the magnesium alloy into contact with an aqueous solution containing a phosphoric acid-type compound.

Abstract: An integrated semiconductor substrate bevel cleaning system that enables transfer of substrates through the bevel cleaner either with or without substrate processing within the bevel cleaner. The invention provides an integrated bevel cleaning apparatus comprising a transfer position, a rinsing position and an etching position.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of forming a circuit pattern on an integrally bonded member, the method not requiring a correction step of a laminate film or a resist film which has been necessary at the time of wet treatment of the integrally bonded member. After a circuit pattern forming metal plate 13 is bonded on a part of a ceramic substrate 12 so as to expose an outer peripheral edge portion of the ceramic substrate 12 in an integrally bonded member 10, the integrally bonded member 10 is set on a treating apparatus 30 while being covered with a masking member 20 having a window portion 22 from which the circuit pattern forming metal plate 13 of the integrally bonded member 10 is exposed.

Abstract: In a hydraulic pressure actuating apparatus for a circuit breaker, contacts of the circuit breaker has a moving contact 2 and a stationary contact 1 for turning on/off current. A shaft, at an end portion of which is attached the moving contact, and at the other end of which is attached a piston 5, is received within a cylinder 4. A directional control valve 13 exchanges oil pressure for actuating the piston. For changing over the directional control valve, pilot valves 50 and 60 are provided. Each pilot valve has a pair of valve bodies 53 and 55 or 63 and 65, each opposing to each other, and springs 54 and 64. One of the valve bodies is able to stroke up to contact with the valve body of the other valve body, therefore giving no ill influences upon actuating time, even if drawback occurs in the pilot valves in the hydraulic pressure actuating apparatus for the circuit breaker.

Abstract: A film-coated wire is wound around a terminal at least one turn and pressed by an upper electrode of a resistance welding machine. A current is passed through the upper electrode when the wire is pressed, and heat is produced. The heat melts a film on the wire. The current is passed between the upper electrode and the lower electrode via the wire and the terminal to connect the wire with the terminal by resistance welding. A contact area between the wire and the terminal is increased by winding the wire around the terminal. Therefore, the wire is less likely to shift its position when a force is applied by the upper electrode. This increases reliability of the connection. Moreover, the terminal is reduced in size because it is not required to be formed in a U-shape.

Abstract: A tooling set-up to accurately interchange a wide variety of fixtures to be used in a high precision manufacturing process. With the use of an adapter with standard mounting holes custom or standard fixtures could be linked to the machine tool with extreme accuracy in alignment. With the three surface contact achieved by a single clamping pressure, extreme repeatability is built into the design. This system would enable a manufacturing facility to create a more continuous work flow through their Electrical Discharge Machine Department.

Abstract: A vise with the precision to match the quality expected of a Wire Electrical Discharge Machine. With the quality of the vise you can locate parts with extreme repeatability from part to part enabling to produce parts with exact duplication. With the range of the opening you are able to hold a variety of sizes of parts and with the low compact profile you are less likely to run into interference with the machine while in the cutting operation. Due to the exposure of water in the cutting operation on the Wire Electrical Discharge Machine the vise is made from stainless steel and for wear resistance the stainless steel of a heat treatable grade.

Abstract: A positionable welding torch for a welding system is featured. The torch comprises a torch head, a handle, and a flexible portion coupled to the torch head and the handle. The flexible portion is adapted to enable the torch head to be positioned relative to the handle. The flexible portion has a first end, a second end, and a rigid restraining member adapted to cooperate with the first and second ends to limit the relative displacement of the first and second ends. The restraining member may comprise a restraining portion adapted to abut one of the first and second end portions. The restraining member also may comprise a biasing portion adapted to bias the restraining portion into engagement with one of the first and second end portions. A method for assembling a welding torch having a restraining member also is featured.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a nut positioning pin disposed on a lower electrode for the projection welding of a nut. The present invention increases cooling and positioning accuracy, prevents entrance of sputtering particles, and increases the detecting accuracy. The present invention comprises an electrode holder (2) of a double-tube structure having a cooling water passage, a guide ring (13) for guiding a coupling rod (7) for vertical movement, an air passage (m) for preventing the entrance of sputtering particles, a coupling block (28) and a magnetic shield, which comprises a magnetic member for preventing a magnetic detecting element from being affected by an external magnetic field. The present invention accurately guides cooling water and the coupling rod in the electrode holder and prevents sputtering particles from entering the electrode holder, and prevents a detector from being adversely influenced by an external magnetic field for increased detecting accuracy.

Abstract: A device to place an incision into matter with a harmonious plasma cloud. A radiofrequency generator system produces pulsed or continuous electromagnetic waveform which is transmitted by an active transmitter incising electrode tip. This generated electromagnetic wave is utilized to initiate a plasma cloud with processes such as thermal ionization and a photoelectric effect which then trigger an Avalanche Effect for charged atomic particles at the surface of the active transmitter incising electrode tip. This electromagnetic wave is impedance matched, frequency matched, power matched and tuned to the plasma cloud in order to sustain and control a harmonious plasma cloud with reduced atomic particle turbulence and chaos. This harmonious plasma cloud forms a coating over the surface of the active transmitter electrode tip as well as acts to reduce the energy needed from the power amplifier of our plasma cutting device.

Abstract: A torch for powder plasma buildup welding capable of readily attaining welding in conformity to any size of a pipe material to be subjected to welding, any configuration thereof and the like. A torch head is replaceably connected to a torch body. The torch body is provided with a gap formation spacer member which is abutted against an inner peripheral surface of the pipe material to keep a distance between an opening of a convergent nozzle of the torch head and the inner peripheral surface of the pipe material substantially constant during buildup welding. Also, the torch body is provided with a deflection restraint spacer member which is abutted against the inner peripheral surface of the pipe material to prevent deflection of the torch body in the pipe material during buildup welding.

Abstract: A plasma arc torch is provided that comprises a set of torch consumable components secured to a torch head, wherein a supply of cooling fluid flows coaxially through the torch to cool torch components and a supply of plasma gas and secondary gas flows through the torch to generate and stabilize a plasma stream for operations such as cutting workpieces. The torch consumable components, in part, comprise an electrode and a tip that include a variety of configurations for improved cooling, electrical contact, and attachment to adjacent torch components. Further, a consumables cartridge is provided for ease of use and replacement of the torch consumable components. Additionally, methods of operating the plasma arc torch at relatively high current levels are also provided by the present invention.

Abstract: A cooling system for a plasma arc torch is provided that comprises a coaxial fluid flow that improves cooling of components within the plasma arc torch and that provides a more compact torch design. The coaxial fluid flow, namely, the cooling fluid flow, is distributed circumferentially about the central longitudinal axis of the torch and is flowing in the same direction at any radial location from the central longitudinal axis. The cooling fluid flows distally towards the consumable components, then proximally towards the torch head, then distally again, and then proximally again for recirculation. Additionally, both the plasma gas flow and the secondary gas flow are also flowing coaxially in addition to the cooling fluid flow.

Abstract: A consumables cartridge for use in a plasma arc torch is provided that comprises a cartridge body and at least one other consumable component such as a tip or an electrode, for example. The consumables cartridge provides for ease of use and replacement of the torch consumable components by replacing the consumables cartridge when consumable components require replacement rather than replacing consumable components individually or one at a time. Further, methods of installing, removing, and replacing the consumables cartridge are also provided by the present invention.

Abstract: A method of welding two silicon workpieces (20, 22) together into one member without the formation of cracks along the weld. A first method passes current (34, 36) 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. A second method passing current (34) 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 novel and inventive hand held powder-fed laser fusion welding torch providing manual flexibility for laser welding with powder-fed material. The hand held laser includes a body, handle, and nozzle assembly. The nozzle may be shrouded by a cover that is slightly spaced apart from the nozzle. The gap between the two may provide space through which inert gas may flow. Laser light from a remote source shines through the nozzle's central aperture. The nozzle aperture may be circumscribed by powder channel outlets aligned upon a working focal point coincident with the laser beam to treat a workpiece. A proximity sensor may enable selective welding torch operation according to the presence of a workpiece.

Abstract: A diode-pumped, solid-state laser (52) of a laser system (50) provides ultraviolet Gaussian output (54) that is converted by a diffractive optical element (90) into shaped output (94) having a uniform irradiance profile. A high percentage of the shaped output (94) is focused through an aperture of a mask (98) to provide imaged to provide imaged shaped output (118). The laser system (50) facilitates a method for increasing the throughput of a via drilling process over that available with an analogous clipped Gaussian laser system. This method is particularly advantageous for drilling blind vias (20b) that have better edge, bottom, and taper qualities than those produced by a clipped Gaussian laser system. An alternative laser system (150) employs a pair of beam diverting galvanometer mirrors (152, 154) that directs the Gaussian output around a shaped imaging system (70) that includes a diffractive optical element (90) and a mask (98).

Abstract: A method of controlling the application of laser peening overlays on the surface of a workpiece to reduce the variability of shock waves generated therein, comprises applying an energy-absorbing overlay to a portion of the surface of a workpiece, measuring the thickness of the energy-absorbing overlay in at least one location on the energy-absorbing overlay, applying a transparent overlay material over the energy-absorbing overlay, measuring the thickness of the transparent overlay in at least one location on the transparent overlay, determining if the measured values for each overlay is within a specified range, and directing a pulse of coherent energy to the workpiece to create a shock wave therein when the measured values are within the specified range.

Abstract: A mid-plane baffle or plate having a fan mounted thereto to dissipate heat within a welding machine is provided. By centrally positioning a baffle and mounting a circulating fan thereto, cooling efficiency is improved thereby enabling more direct cooling of the internal components of the welding machine. The baffle also reduces the critical volume of the welding machine and allows the fan to operate more efficiently and pull an increased amount of cooler ambient air through the machine which creates a greater cooling effect during the cooling cycle of the machine. The baffle placement also improves welding start performance by operating as a barrier between the high frequency/high voltage components and the PC board (control electronics) of the welding machine. The baffle also improves flexibility of component placement within the welding machine.

Abstract: A small electric oven includes a base unit and a lid unit hinged to close over the base unit. A lower heat transmissive cooking platen is supported by the base unit and arranged such that any liquid on the platen drains in use towards one end of the platen. An upper heat transmissive cooking platen is supported inside the lid and fits over the lower cooking platen to define a heat transmissive cooking chamber that completely encloses a food item without direct contact with an upper portion of the food item. Electric heating elements are provided for each of the platens.