Abstract: A start-up element for an automatic transmission, comprising a start-up clutch arranged within a cover, which is flanged to a pump for the operating fluid, whereby a front pump support and gear seal are integrated in the cover.

Abstract: A friction clutch includes an iron inner clutch plate and two iron outer clutch plates. Each clutch plate has a sliding surface that friction-engages with the other clutch plates. A diamond-like carbon film containing silicon, which functions as a solid lubricant, is formed on the sliding surface of each outer clutch plate through a conventional method such as plasma chemical vapor deposition. The diamond-like carbon film contains 1 wt % to 80 wt % of silicon. A coupling device includes a pilot clutch mechanism that has the friction clutch and an electromagnetic actuator. As a result, the friction clutch has an improved resistance to wear, and the coupling device is durable.

Abstract: A coin fraud detection sensing system is provided that includes a coin chute and one or more sensing devices coupled to the coin chute. The one or more sensing devices are operative to detect a coin or other object in the coin chute and transmit a signal to a processor that determines the travel speed of the coin through the coin chute, the travel direction of the coin through the coin chute or the sequence of signals received from the sensing devices. Based upon the travel speed, direction and/or sequence, the processor is programmed to detect whether the coin is being fraudulently controlled by a withdrawal device, such as a string.

Abstract: A method of classifying an item of currency using a currency tester comprises sensing variable characteristics of a currency item and deriving a data vector (X) using values of the sensed characteristics, and transforming the data vector so that the variables represented by at least first and second sets of components (Y1, Y2) of the transformed vector are substantially independent, so that the mahalanobis distance of X is substantially equivalent to the sum of the mahalanobis distances of the components (Y1, Y2), and calculating a mahalanobis distance in at least two parts using said first and second sets of components.

Abstract: A dispensing system including a coin hopper for dispensing coins, a printer which prints a value on a ticket, a memory unit for storing a winning amount from a gaming machine, a judgment unit which outputs a dispensing amount to the coin hopper or printer based on the winning amount stored in the memory unit and a threshold value, a controlling unit which selectively asserts a command to either the coin hopper or the printer, a character information converting unit which converts information from a dispensing command into character information for printing on the printer, and a coin hopper driver for operating the coin hopper based on the dispensing amount from the judgment unit.

Abstract: An apparatus for continuously transferring substrates such as tablets from a rotary, double-sided tablet press to a second location is provided. The apparatus comprises a flexible conveying means on which transfer units adapted to receive the substrates are mounted. The flexible conveying means travels along a path that is coincident with those portions of the tablet press where tablets are ejected.

Abstract: A device for towing a train of carriages of a sorting machine includes a pair of wheels driven by respective motors, which wheels engage a blade arranged below the carriages. Each towing wheel is movable toward and away from the blade relative to its respective motor, whereby the inertia of the member that has to be moved in response to a misalignment of the blade is low.

Abstract: A switch mechanism, and a multidirectional operation switch and multidirectional operation unit employing this switch mechanism. The switch mechanism has a flexible contact, multiple fixed contacts, and multiple common contacts. Multiple fixed contacts are disposed facing the flexible contact, and include multiple first common contacts and multiple second common contacts for common electrical coupling, and multiple independent contacts which are electrically independent. These fixed contacts are aligned in a group of the first common contact, independent contact, second common contact, and independent contact. This group is disposed repeatedly in the clockwise or counterclockwise sequence. The flexible contact touches the first or second common contacts and one independent contact adjacent to the common contact for electrically coupling the common contact and independent contact.

Abstract: A key top, a key top lighting device and an electronic apparatus with improved operability for use in the dark is provided wherein the key top can be illuminated at a low power consumption rate and without disturbing the people nearby. Specifically, a transparent fluorescent ink that emits fluorescent light upon being irradiated by black light having a wavelength within a range of 300 nm to 450 nm is printed on the key top, and a black light lamp irradiates the black light on this key top, so that the operability of the key top can be improved when used in the dark.

Abstract: A circuit breaker for opening and closing a main-circuit includes main-circuit contacts; an opening-and-closing mechanism having a switching lever for opening and closing the main-circuit contacts, a main spring for urging the switching lever, and a toggle-link mechanism attached to the switching lever; and an operational handle. The operational handle includes a locker handle rotatably supported on a handle pin and connected to the toggle link of the switching mechanism, and a pushbutton linked to the handle. When the pushbutton is pushed, the handle portion rotates to allow the switching lever to close the main-circuit contacts.

Abstract: A small magnet assembly is scanned in a retrograde planetary or epicyclic path about the back of a target being plasma sputtered including an orbital rotation about the center axis of the target and a planetary rotation about another axis rotating about the target center axis. The magnet assembly passes through the target center, thus allowing full target coverage. A properly chosen ratio of the two rotations about respective axes produces a much slower magnet velocity near the target periphery than at the target center. A geared planetary mechanism includes a rotating drive plate, a fixed center gear, and an idler and a follower gear rotatably supported in the drive plane supporting a cantilevered magnet assembly on the side of the drive plate facing the target. A belted planetary mechanism includes a fixed center capstan, a follower pulley supporting the magnet assembly, and a belt wrapped around them.

Abstract: A small unbalanced magnet assembly is scanned in a retrograde planetary or epicyclic path about the back of a target being plasma sputtered including an orbital rotation about the center axis of the target and a planetary rotation about another axis rotating about the target center axis. The magnet assembly may pass through the target center, thus allowing full target coverage. A geared planetary mechanism may include a rotating drive plate, a fixed center gear, and an idler and a follower gear rotatably supported in the drive plate supporting a cantilevered magnet assembly on the side of the drive plate facing the target. The erosion profile may be controlled by varying the rotation rate through the rotation cycle or by modulating the target power. A second planetary stage may be added or non-circular gears be used. Auxiliary electromagnetic coils may create a focusing magnetic field.

Abstract: A cavity forming formed in an encapsulation structure under a vacuum in a vacuum chamber is sealed with a capping layer. A stiff protective layer under tensile stress is deposited on the capping layer prior to venting the vacuum chamber to atmospheric pressure. The capping layer is preferably aluminum or an aluminum alloy, and the protective layer is preferably &dgr;-TiN having a suitable high Young's modulus.

Abstract: A reactor for electroplating a workpiece includes a vessel having a ring contact arranged to support a workpiece in a horizontal orientation. In an embodiment of the invention, an electrode is arranged below the ring contact, and a pressing member is arranged above the ring contact to press a workpiece into electrical engagement with the ring contact. The vessel may be adapted to contain an electroplating fluid between a top of the ring contact and the electrode. In one embodiment, a movable intermediate workpiece support assembly is carried by the vessel, the support assembly being actuatable to lower a workpiece carried thereby to deliver the workpiece to be supported accurately and precisely on the ring contact.

Abstract: In a target for cathode discharging arc ion plating containing Al and Cr as an essential ingredient according to the invention, the thickness of the Al and Cr compound layer formed between Cr particles and Al contained in a target is 30 &mgr;m or less. Alternatively, the total for the peak intensities of Al—Cr compound observed between diffraction angles between 10 to 80° by X-ray diffractiometry according to &thgr;=2&thgr; method is 10% or less relative to the total for the peak intensities of Al, Cr and the Al—Cr compound. Further, the relative density of the target is 92% or more. The target is capable of forming hard films of high quality while preventing not uniform movement of arc spots and suppressing formation of macro particles.

Abstract: A disposable electrochemical sensor for the detection of an analyte such as glucose in a liquid sample is provided. The sensor has a working electrode and a reference electrode disposed within a sample-receiving cavity, and a reagent layer disposed within the sample-receiving cavity and over the working electrode. The reagent layer contains at least an enzyme for producing an electrochemical signal in the presence of the analyte. The sample-receiving cavity has a volume of less than 1.5 &mgr;l, and the sensor provides a stable reading of the amount of analyte in a period of 10 seconds or less. Where appropriate for the generation of electrochemical signal, for example in the case of glucose detection, the reagent layer also contains a mediator. The sensor is used in combination with a meter for detection of the analyte in a liquid sample.

Abstract: Disclosed is an electrochemical sensor comprising a work electrode and a reference electrode, said sensor adapted to measure the characteristics of a liquid under test, based on the relative electric potential difference and electric current between the work electrode and the reference electrode both immersed in the liquid under test, said work electrode comprising a substrate that reacts to the liquid under test for generating an electric potential according to the concentration of the liquid under test, and said reference electrode comprising a substrate that reacts to the liquid under test for generating a fixed electric potential. According to the present invention, at least one of the work electrode and the reference electrode comprises said substrate coated with a function film for serving to generate the electric potential through the intervention of the film between said substrate and the liquid under test.

Abstract: A plasticizer-free ion detective sensor for detecting a target ion in a sample is provided. The sensor comprises a copolymer of methacrylate monomers with pendant alkyl groups of different length, and an ionophore for detecting the target ion. The copolymer matrix of the present invention may be in a form of membrane or particles. The sensors of the present invention may be Carrier-based ion-selective electrodes (ISEs) or optodes such as thin film ion-specific optodes or particle-based optodes. The ionophore may be a target ionophore selective for a target ion H+, Li+, Na+, K+, Ca2+, or Mg2+. The ion detective sensor of the present invention may further include an ion exchanger such as halogenated carboranes. Also provided is an ion detective sensor comprising halogenated carboranes as ion exchangers. Particularly, trimethylammonium-2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12 undecabromocarborane (TMAUBC) is used as ion exchangers.

Abstract: A gas sensor includes a sensor element which contains a solid electrolyte, and has a cylindrical shape that is closed at one end and is opened at the other end; and a ceramic heater which is formed into a rod shape, and is inserted and disposed in the sensor element. A peripheral edge of a lower end of the ceramic heater contacts an inner face of a bottom portion of the sensor element. The peripheral edge of the lower end of the ceramic heater has a shape that fits the inner face of the bottom portion of the sensor element at a portion of contact between the sensor element and the ceramic heater.

Abstract: A sulfur-detecting sensor for detecting a sulfurous component contained in a substantially oxygen-free gas stream, the sensor comprising a solid electrolyte substrate through which oxygen ions can move, and electrodes for detecting a difference in potential induced by a electrochemical reaction of oxygen ion moving through the solid electrolyte substrate with a component constituting the gas stream, which electrodes for detecting a difference in potential include a detecting electrode formed on one side of the solid electrolyte substrate and brought into contact with the gas stream, and a reference electrode formed on the other side of the solid electrolyte substrate and brought into contact with an oxygen-containing fluid, the detecting electrode being formed from a transition metal having an enthalpy of formation of sulfide of not smaller than −250 kJ/mol at 25° C., or an oxide thereof.

Abstract: The present invention provides an on-chip packed reactor bed design that allows for an effective exchange of packing materials such as beads at a miniaturized level. The present invention extends the function of microfluidic analysis systems to new applications including on-chip solid phase extraction (SPE) and on-chip capillary electrochromatography (CEC). The design can be further extended to include integrated packed bed immuno- or enzyme reactors.

Abstract: The invention provides uncharged water-soluble silica-adsorbing polymers for suppressing electroendoosmotic flow and to reduce analyte-wall interactions in capillary electrophoresis. In one aspect of the invention, one or more of such polymers are employed as components of a separation medium for the separation of biomolecules, such as polynucleotides, polysaccharides, proteins, and the like, by capillary electrophoresis. Generally, such polymers are characterized by (i) water solubility over the temperature range between about 20° C. to about 50° C., (ii) concentration in a separation medium in the range between about 0.001% to about 10% (weight/volume), (iii) molecular weight in the range of about 5×103 to about 1×106 daltons, and (iv) absence of charged groups in an aqueous medium having pH in the range of about 6 to about 9.

Abstract: A method of creating an electrophoresis gel having a gel electrophoresis identifier includes providing a surface including a gel electrophoresis identifier marker; providing an electrophoresis gel on the surface having the gel electrophoresis identifier marker; and forming a gel electrophoresis identifier on the electrophoresis gel with the gel electrophoresis identifier marker of the surface. The gel electrophoresis identifier is used to identify and orient the gel.

Abstract: A method for recovering a desired virus type from a mixture of unwanted compounds places a mixture in a first sample chamber of an electrophoresis apparatus that contains a separation membrane located between the first sample chamber and a second sample chamber. Applying an electric potential across the first and second sample chambers separates at least a portion of one virus type on one side of the separation membrane while unwanted compounds are located on the other side of the separation membrane. Either the desired virus type or the unwanted molecules move through the separation membrane. The potential is applied until the required amount of desired virus type is located on one side of the separation membrane. Approximately 50% or more of the desired virus type that is located on one side of the separation membrane remains viable or substantially unchanged after recovery.

Abstract: A top layer comprises a flexible support and a plurality of hard elements anchored in a binder over the flexible support, and a method of forming the same is provided. In one embodiment, certain ones of the hard elements have a contact surface adapted to contact the conductive surface, with the binder being disposed below the contact surface of each of the certain ones of the hard elements. In another embodiment, the top layer comprises a flexible support, a plurality of hard elements are anchored in a binder over the flexible support such that certain ones of the hard elements have a top surface and the binder is disposed below the top surface of each of the certain ones of the hard elements, and a hard material coating is disposed over the plurality of hard elements and the binder, thereby creating a contact surface of the hard material coating at locations corresponding to the top surface of the certain ones of the hard elements.

Abstract: A method for producing an array of oriented nanofibers that involves forming a solution that includes at least one electroactive species. An electrode substrate is brought into contact with the solution. A current density is applied to the electrode substrate that includes at least a first step of applying a first substantially constant current density for a first time period and a second step of applying a second substantially constant current density for a second time period. The first and second time periods are of sufficient duration to electrically deposit on the electrode substrate an array of oriented nanofibers produced from the electroactive species. Also disclosed are films that include arrays or networks of oriented nanofibers and a method for amperometrically detecting or measuring at least one analyte in a sample.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for regulating fluid flows, such as flows of electrochemical processing fluids for processing microelectronic workpieces. The apparatus includes a valve body having an entrance port, an exit port, and a flow passage between the entrance and exit ports through which a first fluid flows. The valve body further includes a pressure chamber coupleable to a second fluid source and at least partially isolated from the flow passage. A regulator, movably disposed in the flow passage to change a flow area of the flow passage, has a first surface with a first projected area and a second surface with a second, larger, projected area, both of which are operatively coupled to the first fluid. A third surface of the regulator is operatively coupled to the second fluid. The regulator can adjust its position to maintain a constant or nearly constant first fluid flow rate as the fluid pressure at the entrance port changes.

Abstract: An electrochemical machining apparatus and method for machining a workpiece. The apparatus provides a pulse of electric power, which is conducted from the workpiece, to an electrolyte flowing through a gap, and then to an electrode. Material is eroded from the workpiece when the pulse of electric power is applied, thus machining the workpiece. The apparatus includes a power supply to supply the electric power and a switching portion for producing the pulse by switching the electric power ON and OFF. The switching portion is capable of producing a pulse of electric power with a pulse duration of about 2 microseconds and a current of at least about 2800 amperes.

Abstract: An electrolytic machining method includes electrolytically machining a workpiece that is positioned opposite to an electrode tool while filling an electrolytic solution between the workpiece and the electrode tool and applying a current across the workpiece and the electrode tool. The electrolytic machining is performed by having at least a part of opposing sections of the workpiece and the electrode tool immersed in the electrolytic solution reserved in a machining and storing section, while the machining surface of the workpiece is positioned at a depth of about 5 mm to about 35 mm from the surface of the electrolytic solution reserved in the machining and storing section, and by supplying the electrolytic solution to be filled in a gap at the opposing sections between the workpiece and the electrode tool.

Abstract: Substantially uniform deposition of conductive material on a surface of a substrate, which substrate includes a semiconductor wafer, from an electrolyte containing the conductive material can be provided by way of a particular device which includes first and second conductive elements. The first conductive element can have multiple electrical contacts, of identical or different configurations, or may be in the form of a conductive pad, and can contact or otherwise electrically interconnect with the substrate surface over substantially all of the substrate surface. Upon application of a potential between the first and second conductive elements while the electrolyte makes physical contact with the substrate surface and the second conductive element, the conductive material is deposited on the substrate surface. It is possible to reverse the polarity of the voltage applied between the anode and the cathode so that electro-etching of deposited conductive material can be performed.

Abstract: According to this invention, an active portion in nano-size substance is destroyed selectively by applying an electric potential to the nano-size substance having a network structure of carbon at an outer shell thereof in electrolytic solution. For example, an electric potential of 1.20 to 1.60 V (RHE) is applied to carbon nanotube in electrolytic solution so as to oxidize the active portion in the carbon nanotubes selectively and remove the ends of them. Consequently, an open end is created in the carbon nanotube.

Abstract: The present invention relates to electrochemical cells including a connector which mates with a connection device to provide electrical connection to meter circuitry.

Abstract: A comb case fabricated or made from a plastic sheet material formed into an envelope type enclosure having one wall transparent and a closure flap extending from the rear top wall down into closing relationship with the envelope without obstructing the viewing panel and including Velcro fastening means therefor.

Abstract: A business card retainer system for storing business cards within a convenient location upon an individual that allows for efficient distribution of the cards. The business card retainer system includes a container, a bias member within the container and a clip member attached to a rear portion of the container for securing to an individual. The bias member extends from a rear wall of the container thereby forcing cards within the container forwardly against a front wall of the container.

Abstract: A dual cigarette carton has overall dimensions compatible with commercially available tax-stamping machinery as well as structural features that enable subsequent separation of the dual carton into two five-pack cartons. The dual cigarette carton comprises first and second cartons each having relatively long front and back walls, an interconnecting bottom wall and narrow end walls. First and second cover flaps are connected to the front wall of the first and second cartons along upper edges thereof. The first and second cover flaps overlie one another when the cartons are positioned in back-to-back relationship. A perforated fold line extends between each cover flap and the front wall to which it is connected, and each perforated fold line includes an unperforated portion at one end thereof for strengthening connection between the cover flaps and the front walls as the cartons with cigarette packs therein pass through the tax-stamping machinery.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a storage cradle system for compact discs comprising a series of storage cradles rotatably mounted in parallel in a housing. Each cradle consists of a base having outwardly angled vertically upstanding side walls, a rear wall and a vertical upstanding front wall. One of said side walls is higher than the other to act as a guide when inserting the disc into the slot formed between the two side walls. Indented tabs are provided on each of said side walls to keep the disc centered when fully inserted into the cradle.

Abstract: A CD case (1) has a drawer (4) which may be pulled out by a handle (9) for access to a CD. The drawer (4) can be easily inserted during production, and multiple drawers can be stacked in stable manner. A front wall (7) engages in a groove (26) in a drawer (4) stacked on top of it to provide stability. A CD is retained in a seat (13) by a retainer (14) having opposed gripping retainer elements (20). A CD is released by a user pressing a button (17), causing arm branches (21) to pull together because of configuration of a resilient anchorage (16).

Abstract: A protective carrying case for a computer includes a top portion and a bottom portion for supporting the computer. The top portion is configured to close over the computer and mate with the bottom portion to form a complete enclosure around the computer, with padding to protect the computer. The bottom portion advantageously provides a low peripheral profile, allowing access to peripheral ports disposed on the sides of the computer while the computer is disposed thereon. The case may also include enlarged cushioned corners for providing additional protection to the comers of the computer, and an openable back portion, configured to selectively expose the computer's external connector ports, to allow connection of the computer to external components while the computer remains substantially enclosed within the case.

Abstract: A case for storing a plurality of commercial paint brushes comprised of a hinged lid and tray. Paintbrushes are suspended in the air through the cooperation of the handle pin, which secures a single brush's lower handle by its display hole, and a forward serrated bridge of aligned recesses which support the brush at the upper handle. The brush is locked in place by the closing of the lid when syncline divots in a lid mounted press form alternating seals and apertures with the recesses of the lower bridge. Brushes are kept vertically oriented through rubber protrusions forward of the apertures. The brush is prevented from slipping off the pin anchoring the handle by a bumper which cannot be cleared by the handle when a brush is in the horizontal locked position. Dividers keep the brushes segregated and the bristles protected.

Abstract: A box for transporting items such as cut plants includes a retention member that is easily, quickly and safely inserted into one or more retention slits formed in a first side and a second side of the box, and that retains the plants within the box and prevents the one or more plants from crushing their flowers against an end or side of the box. The retention member includes a contact portion that presses one or more stems of the plants against a bottom side of the box when ends of the retention member are inserted into the appropriate retention slits. The retention member is retained in the box by the plant stems that force the ends against a top portion of the retention slits. A blank that includes a plurality of sections connected to each other can be easily formed into the box. To receive and retain the retention member once formed, the blanks includes a first and second section that includes an arrangement of retention slits.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to medical specimen bags. In one aspect of the present disclosure, a specimen bag is provided and includes a front panel having an upper terminal edge, an intermediate panel having an upper terminal edge which extends beyond the upper terminal edge of the front panel, the front panel and the intermediate panel sharing a common lower terminal edge, the front panel and the intermediate panel defining a first chamber, and a rear panel having an upper terminal edge and a lower terminal edge, the upper terminal edge of the rear panel extending beyond the upper terminal edge of the front panel and the lower terminal edge of the rear panel terminating before the lower terminal edge of the front and intermediate panels, the rear panel and the intermediate panel defining a second chamber.

Abstract: The invention relates to a blank that comprises a lid portion of a box; a folding portion which can be erected to form an internal support (S) to house vials, ampoules, miniature bottles or similar articles endowed with a body, a neck and a head, that comprises at least one first section (7) endowed with a first plurality of holes (F7) and at least one second section (9) endowed with a second plurality of holes (F9), one of the two sections being provided with holes that have such dimensions as to retain said articles in correspondence of their necks and presenting around said retaining holes (F9) means for temporarily and reversibly increasing the dimensions of the said holes; at least one folding portion engaging with said internal support (S) for maintain it erect and square. The invention also relates to the boxes obtained from this blank and a procedure for packaging vials, ampoules, miniature bottles or similar articles in such boxes.

Abstract: A panel (1) for receiving cassettes (2) and/or specimen slides (3) for histological or cytological preparations is embodied in rectangular fashion with two longitudinal sides (4), a first narrow side (5) and a second narrow side (6), and comprises a base (7) as support for the specimen slides (3) and/or cassettes (2). Peripheral side walls (8) are provided on both longitudinal sides (4) and on the first narrow side (5).

Abstract: A tissue paper box with double draw outlets provides two segregated compartments with equal capacity in the existing space of the rectangular tissue paper box, two tear-up oval areas to form each a sealing tag and thus a draw outlet when the sealing tag is torn away being provided on the top of the box disposed each in relation to a deck of tissue paper in the box; two slots being provided in the center of the top of the box respectively for the sealing tags to penetrate through and enter into the box to hold the decks of tissue paper in position for increasing the number of draws and the economic use of the tissue paper.

Abstract: An article holder for holding an article including a main body configured to receive the article, and at least one deformable article receiving member disposed on a bottom plate of the main body. The deformable article receiving member is configured to deform so as to change a receiving height of the article inserted in the main body.

Abstract: An improved shock absorbing insulated shipping container including an external corrugated cardboard box, receiving an insulated body having a cavity for holding a one or more breakable glass bottles, which bottles may contain high value liquid product being shipped, such as medicine or wine, and also receiving an especially configured and constructed, shock-absorbing filling structure or partition system for separating the glass bottles from one another, and from one or more receptacle cavities for holding phase change coolant or temperature control material in a predetermined relationship to the glass bottles. The container also includes an insulating and cushioning cover adapted to engage into a top opening of the insulated body after the bottles and coolant are received in the cavity thereof. The insulated body is preferably formed from injection molded polyurethane, wrapped in a plastic film.

Abstract: A product display package for retaining product is provided with a display card having a reinforced hanger hole that is resistant to tear. The display card includes a main body including a front surface, a rear surface and an upper edge. The display card has a closed loop hanger hole formed in the main body that is adapted to receive a hanger to hang the display card for display. A container having a housing defining a compartment to house product is supported by the display card. The display card has a tape reinforcement layer adhered to the main body in a region adjacent to the hanger hole to enhance the strength of the display card between the hanger hole and the upper edge of the main body of the display card.

Abstract: A support pillow kit comprises a pillow comprising a pillow body having a medial region and two opposing arms, and a base member comprising a bottom and two spaced apart walls extending from the bottom. The pillow rests on the bottom and is held between the two walls, and a transparent cover covers the pillow and the base member.

Abstract: Process for desulfurization of a cut containing hydrocarbons comprising sulfur compounds and olefinic compounds comprising at least the following successive steps: a first desulfurization in the presence of hydrogen and a hydrodesulfurization catalyst under conditions leading to a desulfurization rate of said cut strictly higher than 90%; separation of most of the hydrogen sulfide from the effluents resulting from the first desulfurization; a second desulfurization of the effluents, with the hydrogen sulfide removed, resulting from the separation step, in the presence of hydrogen and a hydrodesulfurization catalyst, and under conditions leading to a desulfurization rate of said effluents less than that of the first desulfurization.

Abstract: Naphtha is selectively hydrodesulfurized in the presence of a sulfided, treated catalyst comprising at least a Group VIB metal catalytic component, to produce sulfur-reduced naphtha with reduced olefin loss due to saturation. The catalyst is treated with hydrogen, a selectively deactivating agent which deactivates its hydrogenation activity, and a protective agent which preserves its hydrodesulfurization activity during the treatment.