Abstract: First, a sputtering process is performed in a chamber using a target containing a plurality of elements to form at a sputtering surface of the target an erosion area different from that formed under a predetermined deposition condition for depositing a desired sputtered film. Next, the sputtered film is deposited on a surface of a sample under the predetermined deposition condition.

Abstract: Described are preferred multilayer, thin-film electrodes (11) that have improved resistance to flaking or cracking under conditions of operation. Also described are electrolytic cells (17) incorporating such electrodes (11), and methods for selecting electrode materials to facilitate reaction rates, energy production, and/or to shift the average mass number of transmuted products to lighter or heavier values. Preferred electrodes (11) have a plurality of thin-film conductive layers (14) supported on generally concave surfaces (13).

Abstract: A magnetic control oscillation-scanning sputter includes a sputtering target, a base and an elongated magnet. The sputtering target has a surface with a target located thereon corresponding to the base. The target being sputtered is deposited on the base. The elongated magnet is located on the rear side of the sputtering target and moved reciprocately to control the deposition of the target. The elongated magnet has two ends each which is coupled with a magnetic erasing means for reducing excessive magnetic field intensity at the two ends to avoid affecting the sputter quality.

Abstract: A method and apparatus used for the application of plating/coating in a cathodic arc process to improve coating uniformity, deposition rates, quality, cost, packaging, arc triggering, target wear and other improvements is described in the patent. The process improvements utilize a cathode with external current switching to two or more electrical cathode contacts, employment of magnets on the backside of the cathode, a non-mechanical arc initiation trigger, patterned target surfaces, adjustable cathode insulation, current modulation, and new packaging schemes.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method for producing a gas sensor, comprising disposing a reference electrode on a side of an electrolyte, disposing a measuring electrode on a side of the electrolyte opposite the reference electrode, disposing a first protective coating on a side of the measuring electrode opposite the electrolyte, treating the sensor with an aqueous salt solution comprising chloride and carbonate salts comprising elements selected from the group consisting of Group IA and IIA elements of the Periodic Table to form a treated sensor comprising the chloride and the carbonate salt mixture, drying the treated sensor, and disposing a second protective coating on a side of the first protective coating opposite the measuring electrode.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for determining concentration of brightener and leveler contained in an aqueous acid metal electroplating solution, which minimizes the interference between the effects of the brightener and the effects of the leveler, by firstly determining the concentration of the brightener at a first set of measurement conditions, and secondly determining the concentration of the leveler at a second set of measurement conditions, provided that the first set of measurement conditions differ from the second set of measurement conditions on either (1) the rotation speed of a rotating disc electrode used for measuring plating potential of said aqueous acid metal electroplating solution, or (2) the electroplating duration at which the plating potential of said aqueous acid metal electroplating solution is measured, that the rotation speed of the first set of measurement conditions is lower than the rotation speed of the second set of measurement conditions, and that the electroplating

Abstract: Methods and systems that employ hybrid fluid flow profiles for optimized movement of materials through channel networks. These systems employ hybrid pressure-based and electrokinetic based flow systems for moving materials through interconnected channel networks while maintaining interconnection among the various channel segments. In particular, the invention is generally directed to channel networks where flow in a first channel segment is driven by pressure flow with its consequent parabolic flow profile, while flow in an interconnected channel segment is dominated by electrokinetic flow with its consequent plug flow profile. The invention also provides channel networks wherein fluid flow in channel segments is driven by both pressure and electric field and the multiple species contained in a fluid plug are separated by altering the applied pressure and electric fields in the various channel segments of the channel networks.

Abstract: An electrophoretic composition in the form of a dispersion containing a dispersion medium, and electrophretic particles dispersed in the dispersion medium and having a color selected from white and non-white colors. The dispersion medium includes a non-polar solvent, a sulfonic acid compound soluble at least partly in said non-polar solvent, and a polymeric material soluble in said non-polar solvent.

Abstract: Devices, systems and methods for filling and processing microfluidic devices are disclosed. A device of the system comprising a priming block is disclosed, that functions to drive fluid into a plurality of separation networks in a microfluidic device, using air pressure or electromotive force. The priming block may be incorporated into a microfluidic device preparation system additionally comprising a platform for positionally holding the microfluidic device and a sample array and fluid dispensing modules that are movable in any direction relative to the platform of the microfluidic device. The preparation system may be further incorporated into a greater system that performs processing functions either preceding or following the preparation system, including sample array preparation, and processing and analysis of the samples contained in the prepared microfluidic devices. Methods for operation of the various components of the disclosed systems are also provided.

Abstract: A low-dispersion methodology for designing microfabricated conduction channels for on-chip electrokinetic-based systems is presented. The technique relies on trigonometric relations that apply for ideal electrokinetic flows, allowing faceted channels to be designed on chips using common drafting software and a hand calculator. Flows are rotated and stretched along the abrupt interface between adjacent regions with differing permeability. Regions bounded by interfaces form flow “prisms” that can be combined with other designed prisms to obtain a wide range of turning angles and expansion ratios while minimizing dispersion. Designs are demonstrated using two-dimensional numerical solutions of the Laplace equation.

Abstract: Methods and compositions for modifying the surface of a polymeric substrate are provided. In the subject methods, at least a portion of the surface of the polymeric substrate is contacted with a biofouling resistant surfactant composition. At least a portion of the surfactant molecules of the composition are end modified with a non-reactive, charged end group that is charge stable over a pH range of about 2 to 12. The subject methods and compositions find particular use with electrophoretic devices, such as capillary electrophoretic devices.

Abstract: The present invention provides method of adjusting a thickness profile of a top metal layer of a workpiece using a processing solution. A thickness profile control member is included that has at least first and second regions that will allow for processing at respective first and second rates that are different from each other. When processing the workpiece, the processing system establishes relative lateral movement between the workpiece and the thickness profile control member so that a certain portion of the workpiece is disposed in locations that correspond to the first and second regions at different points in time during the processing. In a preferred aspect, the lateral movement is controlled as a result of data obtained from sensors relating to the thickness of a removed or deposited layer.

Abstract: A method of producing chlorine dioxide gas in an enclosed space including the steps of electrochemically generating chlorine dioxide gas in an electrochemical cell and transporting the chlorine dioxide gas to the enclosed space.

Abstract: An anode as a workpiece, and a cathode opposed to the anode with a predetermined spacing are placed in ultrapure water. A catalytic material promoting dissociation of the ultrapure water and having water permeability is disposed between the workpiece and the cathode. A flow of the ultrapure water is formed inside the catalytic material, with a voltage being applied between the workpiece and the cathode, to decompose water molecules in the ultrapure water into hydrogen ions and hydroxide ions, and supply the resulting hydroxide ions to a surface of the workpiece, thereby performing removal processing of or oxide film formation on the workpiece through a chemical dissolution reaction or an oxidation reaction mediated by the hydroxide ions. Thus, clean processing can be performed by use of hydroxide ions in ultrapure water, with no impurities left behind on the processed surface of the workpiece.

Abstract: A prefabricated ground mat with cathodic protection adapted to protect persons from induced electrical potentials in a pipe or other electrical conductor buried below a ground-level surface, adapted to protect test stands, valve sites, metering stations, pig launchers and receivers, access portals, or other exposed, above-ground equipment which are electrically connected to the buried conductor, from such electrical potentials, and adapted to protect the buried conductor from oxidation due to the ground grid. Multiple mats may be buried between the underground conductor and the ground-level surface and electrically connected to either the underground conductor, the above-grade buried conductor, or both. The mats are made of materials such that the galvanic cell formed by the electrical union of the underground conductor with the mat cause the mat to be consumed.

Abstract: One embodiment of a method of operating an electrochemical cell system comprises: flowing supply water to an anode electrode of an electrolysis cell, applying a first current density to the electrolysis cell, electrolyzing the supply water at the anode electrode wherein hydrogen ions and a first portion water migrate to a cathode electrode of the electrolysis cell, collecting the first portion of water in a chamber in fluid communication with the cathode electrode, monitoring a first portion water level in the chamber, when the first portion water level attains a first selected level, decreasing the supply water flow to the anode electrode a sufficient amount to draw the first portion water from the chamber to the anode electrode, and electrolyzing the first portion water.

Abstract: Enantiomeric resolution is realized by combining an electrochemical method with ligand exchange (LE) in a novel electrochemical method named chiral ligand exchange potentiometry. Chiral selector ligands preferentially recognize certain enantiomers and undergo ligand exchange with the enantiomeric labile coordination complexes to form diastereoisomeric complexes. These complexes can form in solution and be recognized by an unmodified electrode, or they can be immobilized on the surface of a modified electrode (chiral sensor) incorporated with the chiral selector ligand by polysiloxane monolayer immobilization (PMI). Considerable stereoselectivity occurs in the formation of these diastereoisomeric complexes, and their net charges (Nernst factors) are different, thus enabling enantiomers to be distinguished by potentiometric electrodes without any pre-separation processes.

Abstract: A retail display case for glasses is a shoebox-like device. The box has openings in the top where glasses can be inserted for display. The openings are located at the rear of the box, to display the glasses at the front of the box. Extra pairs of glasses are stored inside the box itself. In addition, the openings snugly fit the glasses, so that the display cannot be easily removed by unauthorized persons, but can be removed for fitting to a customer or sale. In use, only a single pair of glasses is displayed on the box, and the displayed pair of glasses does not interfere with opening of the box to retrieve extra pair of glasses. The glasses retained inside the box are kept secure from unauthorized persons. The box is made from flexible plastic and the corners of the box are beveled to provide a more refined “hexagonal-type” appearance.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a storage device that can accommodate medicinal dosages. In a preferred embodiment, the storage device comprises two body portions having a cavity formed therein. The cavity is of a size such that the cavity may accommodate the medicinal dosages with a minimal amount of movement. The storage device is opened by applying a snapping force along the axis of a hinge that couples. The medicinal dosages are extracted from the storage device by tilting the opened storage device such that the cavity is facing downward.

Abstract: A collapsible, flat-folding gift container is disclosed. In various embodiments, the gift container includes a center basket that is reconfigurable to hold items of various shapes, sizes and number. The gift container may also include attachable side compartments. The gift container is also provided with a pre-formed, perforated handle and a pre-formed, perforated balloon receptacle for attaching balloons, cards or other decorative items to the gift container.

Abstract: A flexible sheet barrier dispensing apparatus for protecting the bottom surface of equipment carriers, particularly carriers of medical equipment, from surface contaminants including a housing, a dispensing opening, and a releasably removable end cap to allow rolls of barrier material to be placed within the apparatus. The barrier material feeds outward through a dispensing opening, and features means for tearing or cutting the barrier material. The dispensing apparatus includes flexible attachments to an adjustable retainage system that holds the dispenser to an equipment carrying bag, and is optionally provided with a retainer centering device to hold the dispenser substantially parallel to the bottom surface of the equipment bag. In an alternate embodiment, the dispenser includes bosses to support the ends of the roll of barrier material within the dispenser. In another alternate embodiment, the dispenser includes a receiving housing to continuously accept rolled, used, barrier material.

Abstract: A presentation device or greeting card combined with a particular selection of gift item is described in which a pre-selected gift item is frictionally held in a cutout in a thick, planar portion of the device.

Abstract: A storage device includes a generally enclosed body including inner and outer areas. The inner area includes axially adjustable shelves for dividing the inner area into adjustable compartments, and the outer area includes a plurality of pockets disposed along a periphery of the body for facilitating storage of shoes within the pockets. A release mechanism provides and prevents access to the inner area when in respective opened and closed configurations. A connection mechanism is disposed adjacent a top of the body and affixable to a complementary connector to allow the storage device to be hung and thereby permit axial extension of the body when in a hung configuration and otherwise permit collapse of the body. In other configurations, instead of adjustable shelves, the storage device may include an independently rotatable inner body including a plurality of pockets, or individual shoe storage bodies mounted on rails.

Abstract: A golf bag is disclosed having a removable and replaceable outer layer enabling a worn outer layer to be replaced and also permitting the owner of the golf bag to use interchangeable outer layers having different designs and indicia thereon thereby permitting a single golf bag to have a variety of appearances.

Abstract: A container for dispensing individual plastic wrap covers and a method of assembling such a container are disclosed. The container may be generally parallelopiped in shape and may include a hinged lid initially secured to the container along a score line. The lid may be torn along the score line and pivoted at the hinge to allow the user to access a smaller opening provided within the container. The smaller opening may be provided within a fifth flap provided integrally with the remainder of the template used to form the container. The opening may be sufficiently large to allow for the plastic wrap covers to be removed, but may be sufficiently small so as to prevent or substantially limit the removal of more than one plastic wrap cover at a time.

Abstract: An end cap support system for a roll of material on a core which is in a crate or carton for shipping and storage. Two end cap supports each have an opening therein in which the protruding ends of the core are received. The end cap supports are formed from first and second portions made of laminated layers of corrugated board between which is sandwiched a rigid center portion.

Abstract: An end cap support for the protruding end of a jumbo roll of paper or other materials (weighing between 2,000 and 4,000 pounds) includes at least one corrugated paper panel bonded to at least one lightweight rigid panel, preferably comprising luaun wood that resists moisture absorption. A very substantial weight reduction is obtained consonant with excellent stacking strength for the end cap support. The luaun panel does not fold over or warp, and all of the materials are biodegradable and hence environmentally friendly.

Abstract: This disclosure describes an electric light strand mounting device for simplifying the installation and removal of light strands from, for example, a holiday tree. The device consists of a light strand receiver and an associated base that rests on a floor or horizontal surface. Indents are provided on the receiver for preventing downward slippage of mounted strands. The receiver is rotatable around a vertical axis; and simultaneously, the base is moveable in any horizontal direction. Both movements are provided in one version, by a unitary base-receiver structure resting on base castors. In another version the receiver is rotatable with respect to a slidable base; but receiver and base are permanently attached to one another. In a third, version, a slidable base and its receiver are mutually rotatable, but are readily detachable from each other by a simple lifting motion. In all versions light strands are installed by feeding one strand at a time onto the receiver as it is rotated.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a quadrate carrier advertising assembly that has a cradle for supporting an advertising piece, promotional item or premium. The advertising quadrate assembly is provided as an intermediate vehicle that is intended to be complimentary to consumer products intended for sale. The quadrate carrier of the present invention permits the premium to be visible.

Abstract: A deposit or safekeeping box in the shape of a book useful for storing mementos such as note cards or slips of paper, photographs, autographs, cards, tickets, stamps, coins and other collectible items. The box has a flat rectangular case support structure and an internal clam shell box structure. The box has sufficient lateral stability to stand upright when placed on a piece of furniture such as a desk or bookshelf where it is readily accessible.

Abstract: A storage container has a floor and two pairs of opposed walls extending upwardly from the floor. Included is a bail member having bail ends mountable to one of the pairs of walls, and movable among nest and stack positions. Also included are mounting portions on one of the pairs of walls for receiving the bail ends. Mounting portions include an opening defining a plurality of pivot axes about which the bail member pivots, each axis oriented at substantially similar heights above the floor. When bail ends are positioned at one pivot axis, bail member is movable between the nested and a first stack positions. When bail ends are positioned at an other pivot axis, bail member is oriented in the second stack position. To move the bail member between first and second pivot axes, the bail member is raised upwardly within the opening and moved around an interference portion.

Abstract: An insulated holder for a bottle is made of a bodily flexible foam material having a lower sleeve for receiving the bottom of the bottle. A lid is attached to the lower sleeve and is movable from a position covering the open top of the lower sleeve to a vertical position. An upper sleeve is attached to the lid and tapers upwardly to conform to the shape of an upper end of a bottle. The upper and lower sleeves accordingly receive most of the bottle thereby insulating it. When the bottle is discarded, the upper sleeve may be folded into the lower sleeve. A zipper cooperates between the lid and the lower sleeve to enclose the upper sleeve and provide a convenient package for transportation and display.

Abstract: A chip tray includes a raised storage area formed integrally on a base. Multiple rectangular chip compartments and multiple notches are defined in the raised storage area. Each notch in each corner of the chip compartment communicates with the compartment. When rectangular chips are placed in the chip compartments, each corner of the chips is positioned in the corresponding notch. Therefore the corners of the chip are positioned in the notches to prevent damage to the corners of the chips from ramming into the chip tray.

Abstract: A portable jig for facilitating the transport and storage a liquid crystal syringe includes a supporting die including at least one inspection hole, at least one receiving hole for receiving at least one liquid crystal syringe at an upper portion thereof and having a flange for fixing an upper end portion of the liquid crystal syringe, and an airtight lower face.

Abstract: A sample container, having a lid and a base, is configured to secure at least one card to an inner or out surface of the container. At least one of the lid and the base forms an inner volume for holding a sample item.

Abstract: The present invention refers to a CD self-mailer with a Pop-up holder (20) able to contain a CD, in both an envelope and informative brochure layout. The self-mailer consists of a single sheet of card stock or other planar material folded into three panels (10), whereby the first panel (60) possesses wings (90) on either side of it, as well as an over-flap (100) at its end (110) which is inserted into a aperture (120) on the back of the second panel (70) of the Self-mailer. This serves the purpose of sealing the mailer and containing the CD in an envelope like device. Upon opening the mailer, a rectangular cardboard attachment (20), placed between the second (70) and third (80) panels of the mailer, and containing a slit (140) along its center, pops up and allows the CD to be displayed in a vertical fashion. The said rectangular cardboard attachment sits diagonally between the second (70) and third (80) panels of the mailer.

Abstract: A process wherein all of the unsaturates within a cracked naphtha stream are substantially hydrogenated to alkanes and the olefin depleted stream is then subjected to hydrodesulfurization to achieve the desired sulfur levels without the formation of recombinant mercaptans.

Abstract: A process for concurrently fractionating and hydrotreating of a full range naphtha stream. The full boiling range naphtha stream, for example which is derived from fluid catalytic cracking, is first subjected to simultaneous hydrogenation of the thiophene contained therein and thioetherification and fractionation to remove the mercaptans the light fraction and then to simultaneous hydrodesulfurization and splitting of the bottoms into an intermediate boiling range naphtha and a heavy boiling range naphtha. The three boiling range naphthas are treated separately according to the amount of sulfur in each cut and the end use of each fraction.

Abstract: A process for the treatment of light naphtha hydrocarbon streams is disclosed wherein the mercaptans contained therein are reacted with diolefins simultaneous with fractionation into a light stream and a heavy stream. The heavy stream is then simultaneously treated at high temperatures and low pressures and fractionated. The naphtha is then stripped of the hydrogen sulfide in a final stripper.

Abstract: Discloses apparatus for sorting board lumber at a sawmill. The lumber sorter has a sort conveyor with equidistantly spaced hooks pivotably attached around the length of the conveyor. The hooks have an arcuate support arm and pivot to receive and to release lumber onto and off of the sort conveyor. The support surface of the hook is arranged to increase in distance from the pivot point when the hook is deflected to release the board lumber that it carries, facilitating lumber release with minimal consequential movement or rotation of the lumber caused by the release deflection of the hook.

Abstract: A solid and liquid separation device, comprising: a housing, the housing having an inlet, a solid outlet and a liquid outlet, the liquid outlet located in a lower portion of the housing; a screen located within the housing, the screen positioned above the liquid outlet at an inclined angle, wherein a lower end of the screen is directly below the inlet; a conveying assembly, mounted in the housing located above the screen, and including two rotation shafts co-operating with two drive members, a plurality of connecting rods mounted between the two drive chains, each drive chain comprising at least one longitudinally flexible link, each connecting rod including a scraper, the scraper capable of contacting the screen for driving solids toward an upper end of the screen; and, a squeeze assembly, including a cylinder for supporting solids falling from the upper end of the screen, the cylinder provided with a threaded rod that is configured to be driven to rotate by a power member, the threaded rod capable of output

Abstract: Presteralized manifolds are provided which are designed for sterile packaging and single-use approaches. Disposable tubing and flexible-wall containers are assembled via aseptic connectors. These manifolds interact with at least one remotely controlled pinch valve which engages only the outside surface of the manifold tubing. Such manifold and pinch valve systems can be used in conjuntion with a peristaltic type of pump, which, together with the remotely operated pinch valve, can be operated by a controller which provides automated and accurate delivery of biotechnology fluid in an aseptic environment while avoiding or reducing cleaning and quality assurance procedures.

Abstract: A cart, preferably welded aluminum, supports both vertically and horizontally for rolling and transport a reverse osmosis and pressure pumping system. In the system preferably (i) two series-flow-connected pre-filters of, nominally, 5 micron sediment and KDF carbon types, that are preferably series-flow-connected with (ii) an optional anti-scaling device, both receive and pre-filter input water. Pressure of the pre-filtered input water is boosted to, nominally 150 p.s.i., in a first pump of nominal 3 g.p.m. flow capacity before being supplied to preferably 3 series-flow-connected RO membrane filters, each typically with a membrane of 2½″×40″ and a flow capacity of 1,300 gallons per day. Water purified to, preferably, less than 10 and nominally 7 ppm Total Dissolved Solids (TDS), is boosted in a second, 2 gpm, pump to, preferably, about 1000 p.s.i., with a nominal 1 gpm waste water going to drain and/or for recycling.

Abstract: The present invention relates to apparatus and methods for reducing water runoff pollution. A first instruction is configured to access street line data. A second instruction is configured to access political boundary data. A third instruction is configured to access traffic count information. A fourth instruction is configured to indicate potential locations to display water pollution related information based at least in part on the street line data, the political boundary data, and the traffic count data. Voluntary funding from a non-governmental entity for at least a portion of the water runoff pollution abatement program is provided to a local governmental body. Authorization is received from the local governmental body to display at least a first advertisement containing both pollution-related educational information and identification information corresponding to the non-governmental entity on at least a first property under local governmental body's control.

Abstract: A chromatographic chip is formed of a plate member, a plurality of grooves formed on the plate member, and silica gel having monolithic bimodal pore structure formed in at least one of the grooves. The monolithic bimodal pore structure includes through pores and mesopores smaller than those of the through pores.

Abstract: The invention is directed to an automatic backwash filter system that includes at least one influent port for introducing a fluid to the filter; a plurality of partitions forming a plurality of compartments for holding a filtering media for filtering the fluid; at least one porous plate for supporting the plurality of partitions; wherein each of the partitions is mounted atop a continuous portion of the porous plate; and at least one effluent port for draining the fluid away from the compartments. The filter may also include a filter media comprising one or more selected from the group consisting of sand, anthracite coal, and activated carbon.

Abstract: A screen assembly for a vibratory separator having, in one aspect, a frame with a plurality of openings therethrough, screening material on the frame over the openings, the frame having an end area at a material exit end of the frame, and end apparatus at the end area for facilitating material movement over the end area; in one aspect, non-smooth areas on top of the screen assembly to impede solids movement on such areas and/or to direct them off such areas; vibratory separators with such a screen assembly; and methods of their use.

Abstract: A device for cleaning melt filters which are intended for filtering melts, particularly plastic material melts in extruders, and which include at least one moveable sieve disc with one or more exchangeable sieve inserts, wherein at least one sieve insert is moveable into a flow of cleaning medium within the device in such a way that the sieve insert is located above or below an inlet opening of a cleaning duct. The sieve insert is arranged in the sieve disc at a distance from the surface of the sieve disc which faces the inlet opening.

Abstract: The filtration cartridge comprises a filtration element and a heat-resistant extension band having a first and a second longitudinal edge. The first edge of the extension band is attached along an edge of the filtration element. In a first embodiment, a metallic cast end member is formed by immersing the second edge of the extension band into molten metal. The molten metal is then allowed to solidify with the second edge of the extension band embedded therein. In a second embodiment, the extension band is squeezed on a porous inner core and an end plate is welded on the end of the inner core. Providing filtration cartridges with a metallic end member allows increasing their resistance to mechanical shocks and increasing their maximum operating temperatures.

Abstract: A wastewater treatment system includes a first lagoon having an inlet for receiving wastewater to be treated and a first vertical flow marsh cell having a bottom outlet. Water can be transported from the first lagoon to the first marsh cell. A second lagoon has an inlet for receiving water from the first marsh cell outlet and a second vertical flow marsh cell having a bottom outlet. Water can be transported from the second lagoon to the second marsh cell. At least a portion of the water exiting the second marsh cell outlet can be recycled to the first lagoon. The first and the second lagoon are adapted to function essentially aerobically and to contain plants having roots positioned to contact water flowing thereinto. The first and the second marsh cell are adapted to contain plants having roots positioned to contact water flowing thereinto.