Abstract: This invention pertains to adsorption by an adsorbent of an adsorbate and to regeneration of the loaded adsorbent. The adsorption includes contacting an adsorbent selected from arylene-bridged polysilsesquioxanes and derivatives thereof with an adsorbate selected from aromatics and heterocyclics, particularly monocyclic heterocyclics containing carbon and nitrogen atoms in a 6-member non-aromatic ring, for a period of time sufficient to adsorb all or part of the adsorbate by the adsorbent. Regeneration of the loaded adsorbent includes removing all or part of adsorbate from the adsorbent by means of an alcohol wash or by thermal desorption of the adsorbent containing adsorbate.

Abstract: A process for dewatering and reducing pathogens in liquid waste sludge having a liquid component and a sludge solids component. Alkaline material is added to the liquid waste sludge. Flocculent may then be mixed with the liquid waste sludge. The liquid waste sludge is then fed into a screw press having a screw. The screw simultaneously heats and dewaters the liquid waste sludge for a sufficient period of time and at a predetermined temperature for the sludge solids component from the screw press to be pasteurized. An apparatus is also provided for carrying out the process for dewatering and reducing pathogens in liquid waste sludge.

Abstract: A method for purifying a flow of water, by eliminating any Legionella bacteria present therein using (a) an ozone generator, (b) an ozone injector for injecting ozone into the flow of water, (c) a mixing chamber for mixing the ozone with the flow of water; (d) an outlet for the flow of water, and (e) an electronic controller for the operation thereof: wherein the mixing chamber is of an inner geometry such as to create turbulence in the flow of water therein.

Abstract: Various methods and apparatus for maximizing the efficiency of hydrate-based desalination or other water purification in open-water or partially open-water installations are disclosed. In one embodiment, water is accessed from depth where the ambient temperature is as cold as possible, which depth is other than the maximum depth of the hydrate fractionation column used in the process. The accessed water preferably is brought to reduced pressures so that gases other than hydrate-forming gases that are dissolved in the water to be treated are exsolved. Using pre-pressurized sources of hydrate-forming substances, including deep-sea natural gas deposits or supplies of liquified natural gas being transported by sea, are also disclosed. A multiple column, detachable column fractionation installation is disclosed, as is a hybrid installation having an underwater hydrate formation portion and a land-based dissociation and heat-exchange section.

Abstract: A fluid treatment system is disclosed that includes a control unit that controls the overall operation of the fluid treatment system. A ballast circuit is coupled with an electromagnetic radiation emitting assembly. In the preferred fluid treatment system, the ballast circuit is inductively coupled with the electromagnetic radiation assembly. The inductively coupled ballast circuit inductively energizes an electromagnetic radiation emitting device that is located in the electromagnetic radiation emitting assembly in response to a predetermined electric signal from the control unit. In addition, the fluid treatment system includes a radio frequency identification system that is used to monitor various functional and operational aspects of the electromagnetic radiation emitting assembly and a filter assembly used in the fluid treatment system.

Abstract: A method of handling grey water and optionally at least a portion of the black water for disposal from vehicles such as boats, recreational vehicles or rural dwellings such as cottages, camps and the like, not having direct access to sewer systems, involves the treatment of such waste water with ozone. A batch system is used whereby a predetermined quantity of water to be treated is captured in a treatment tank. A circulating pump withdraws water from the tank and pushes the water along a treatment conduit, the conduit containing an ozone/water mixer and returns the water to the treatment tank. The treatment conduit has a discharge valve that is maintained in a closed position for a selected period of time. Ozone is fed to the ozone/water mixer from an ozone generator which is advantageously fitted with an air pump to pressurize the feed gas.

Abstract: A method of fabricating a refractive silicon microlens by using micro-machining technology. The method of fabricating a refractive silicon microlens according to the present invention comprises the steps of forming a boron-doped region on a silicon substrate, and selectively removing regions of the substrate except for the boron-doped region to form a lens comprised of only the boron-doped region. With the method of the present invention, it is possible to fabricate a two-dimensional infrared silicon microlens array. By using such a two-dimensional infrared silicon microlens array in an infrared sensor, the detectivity of the infrared sensor can be increased by 3.4 times, which is the refraction index of silicon. In addition, the two-dimensional infrared silicon microlens array of the present invention can be used with commercial infrared telecommunication devices.

Abstract: Three fundamental and three derived aspects of the present invention are disclosed. The three fundamental aspects each disclose a process sequence that may be integrated in a full process. The first aspect, designated as “latent masking”, defines a mask in a persistent material like silicon oxide that is held abeyant after definition while intervening processing operations are performed. The latent oxide pattern is then used to mask an etch. The second aspect, designated as “simultaneous multi-level etching (SMILE)”, provides a process sequence wherein a first pattern may be given an advanced start relative to a second pattern in etching into an underlying material, such that the first pattern may be etched deeper, shallower, or to the same depth as the second pattern. The third aspect, designated as “delayed LOCOS”, provides a means of defining a contact hole pattern at one stage of a process, then using the defined pattern at a later stage to open the contact holes.

Abstract: Methods for fabricating a highly effective, micron-scale micro heat barrier structure and process for manufacturing a micro heat barrier based on semiconductor and/or MEMS fabrication techniques. The micro heat barrier has an array of non-metallic, freestanding microsupports with a height less than 100 microns, attached to a substrate. An infrared reflective membrane (e.g., 1 micron gold) can be supported by the array of microsupports to provide radiation shielding. The micro heat barrier can be evacuated to eliminate gas phase heat conduction and convection. Semi-isotropic, reactive ion plasma etching can be used to create a microspike having a cusp-like shape with a sharp, pointed tip (<0.1 micron), to minimize the tip's contact area. A heat source can be placed directly on the microspikes. The micro heat barrier can have an apparent thermal conductivity in the range of 10−6 to 10−7 W/m-K. Multiple layers of reflective membranes can be used to increase thermal resistance.

Abstract: An apparatus for plasma treating workpieces in vacuum comprises a stack of plasma chambers (20). Handling of workpieces to and from the plasma chambers of the stack is performed in parallelism by one handling device and through lateral handling openings of the plasma chambers. The handling device is rotatable around an axis parallel to the handling openings of the plasma chambers and comprises transport means simultaneously movable radially with respect to the axis of rotation towards and from the handling openings.

Abstract: The present invention provides a wiring integrated flexure including a stainless-steel substrate for supporting a magnetic head slider thereon, a wiring conductor formed on the stainless-steel substrate, posts made of a flexible resin and interposed between the stainless-steel substrate and the wiring conductor for electrically isolating the wiring conductor from the stainless-steel substrate, and the posts disposed along the lengthwise direction of the wiring conductor with spacing from each other. A method of manufacturing the wiring integrated flexure is also provided.

Abstract: A thermal cutoff member and compositions used to manufacture such members are described herein as including at least two organic compounds which, when sufficiently combined, give rise to a component which has a lower melt transition temperature than the initial organic compounds prior to combining the same. The thermal cutoff member is generally utilized in a thermal cutoff construction having an electrical switching unit that changes its operating condition when the member therein melts by being heated to a certain temperature for the particular material that forms the member being utilized.

Abstract: A magnetically responsive foam has a three-dimensional cellular structure comprising the reaction product of a liquid phase foam system to which has been added a magnetic fluid and a blowing agent.

Abstract: Disclosed are azeotrope-like compositions comprising 1,1,1,3,3-pentafluoropropane and at least one C3 or C4 hydrocarbon, and optionally water, said compositions are environmentally desirable for use as refrigerants, aerosol propellants, metered dose inhalers, blowing agents for polymer foam, heat transfer media, and gaseous dielectrics.

Abstract: The increase of temperature in heat sensitive devices during heat generating conditions is prevented through the absorption of heat, by providing Carbonate Salts in an amount sufficient to effect the required heat absorption. Where the heat generating conditions are generated by a heat generator, separate and distinct from the heat sensitive device, the Carbonate Salt is supported in a position between the heat sensitive device and the heat generator. Where the heat sensitive device is itself the heat generator, the Carbonate Salt is contacted to the heat sensitive device either directly or indirectly.

Abstract: The present invention provides a simpler, readily-prepared, and non corrosive deicing composition with very low environmental impact, especially for airport runways, highways and roads, which comprises a solid mixture of a) from 97.30 to 97.70% by weight alkali metal salt of formic acid and b) from 2.30 to 2.70% by weight an alkali metal silicate as the corrosion inhibitor. This effective deicer which is employed in solid form (powder, granules and the like), ensures the compliance with AMS1431 B at the same time it is environmentally friendly with its low BOD and COD.

Abstract: The invention relates to a gas for removing deposits by a gas-solid reaction. This gas includes a hypofluorite that is defined as being a compound having at least one OF group in the molecule. Various deposits can be removed by the gas, and the gas can easily be made unharmful on the global environment after the removal of the deposits, due to the use of a hypofluorite. The gas may be a cleaning gas for cleaning, for example, the inside of an apparatus for producing semiconductor devices. This cleaning gas comprises 1-100 volume % of the hypofluorite. Alternatively, the gas of the invention may be an etching gas for removing an unwanted portion of a film deposited on a substrate. The unwanted portion can be removed by this etching gas as precisely as originally designed, due to the use of a hypofluorite. The invention further relates to a method for removing a deposit by the gas.

Abstract: A composition and method for treating oversprayed paints in paint spray booths is provided. The composition includes an aqueous solution of a compound such as chitosan, and a complex metal salt, such as aluminum chlorohydrate, capable of flocculating the oversprayed paint, and optionally, bentonite clay. The composition is useful for detackifying and flocculating oversprayed paint, and is particularly useful as a liquid concentrate for the addition to wash systems in paint spray booths for water-based and solvent-based paints. The composition is also useful in decreasing the time for phase separation of the organic phase and the aqueous phase in solvent-based removal processes.

Abstract: The invention relates to azeotropic and azeotrope-like mixtures of 1,1,1,3,3-pentafluorobutane (HFC-365) and hydrogen fluoride and a process for separating the azeotrope-like mixtures. The compositions of the invention are useful as an intermediate in the production of HFC-365. The latter is useful as a nontoxic, zero ozone depleting fluorocarbon useful as a solvent, blowing agent, refrigerant, cleaning agent and aerosol to propellant.

Abstract: The present invention provides a varactor diode for frequency multipliers at submillimeter wave frequencies and above. Functionally the new diode replaces the conventional heterostructure barrier varactor diode. Two important features of the antimony-based quantum well heterostructure barrier varactor are; first: an aluminum antimnide/aluminum-arsenic-antimnide heterostructure barrier and second: a bandgap-engineered, triangular quantum well cathode and anode.

Abstract: A cellulose-based fire retardant composition is made by (1) adding cellulose to water, thereby forming a solution; (2) adding liquid ammonia to the solution; and (3) subsequently adding solid diammonium phosphate to the solution, thereby forming a viscous cellulose-based fire retardant liquid.

Abstract: Phenylacetylene compounds are disclosed which are expected to exhibit high refractive index anisotropy, easy to mix with other liquid crystal compounds, has advantageous stability against light, and may be used as a material for producing various films and the like. The compounds are represented by the formula (1): wherein A1 to A12: H, F, etc.; B1, B2: H, CH3; p, q, r, s , t: 0 or 1, provided that when q=0, at least one of A2 and A4 to A10 stands for a C1 to C10 alkyl or alkoxy group optionally substituted with at least one F; m, n: an integer of 0 to 14, provided that when s=1, n is not 0, and when t=1, m is not 0; W: —CH2CH2—, —C≡C—.

Abstract: A MIM-liquid crystal display comprising a MIM diode array, a pair of parallel substrates and a nematic liquid crystalline medium disposed between the pair of substrates, characterized in that the nematic liquid crystalline medium is based on a) a component A comprising one or more compounds of the formula I b) a component B comprising one or more compounds of the formula II in which R1, R2, R3, Z1, Z2, Z3, Z4, Q, X, L1, L2, m and n have the meaning given herein.

Abstract: A phosphor material of the chemical composition formula (Sr1−x−y, Mgx, Cay)TiO3:Pr,Al, where the value of x+y is in the range 0.001 to 0.05. Another phosphor material has the chemical composition formula SrTiO3:Pr,Al, in which the surfaces of phosphor particles are diffused with a diffusing agent containing at least one of Be, Mg, Ca, Sr, and Ba. Still another phosphor material has the chemical composition formula SrTiO3:Pr,Al, where Sr/Ti molar ratio is 0.88 to 0.99.

Abstract: A catalytic partial oxidation process for the preparation of hydrogen and carbon monoxide from an organic feedstock, which process comprises contacting the organic feedstock and an oxygen-containing gas, in amounts giving an oxygen-to-carbon ratio of from 0.3 to 0.8, with a catalyst at a gas hourly space velocity in the range of from 100,000 to 10,000,000 Nl/kg/h, in which process the organic feedstock used is a feedstock containing hydrocarbons and/or oxygenates, which feedstock is liquid under conditions of standard temperature and pressure and has an average carbon number of at least 6.

Abstract: An irreversible temperature indicating paint comprises 25 wt % to 50 wt % cobalt silicate, 0 wt % to 20 wt % alumino silicate, 0.5 wt % to 5 wt % toluidine red, 25 wt % to 40 wt % acrylic resin and 10 wt % to 20 wt % silicone resin excluding solvent. The solvent comprises a mixture of 80% 1-methoxy-2-propanol and 20% dipropylene glycol monomethyl ether. The irreversible temperature indicating paint has at least five colour changes in the temperature range 1050° C. to 1350° C. A particular irreversible temperature indicating paint comprises 33.8 wt % cobalt silicate, 16.9 wt % alumino silicate, 2 wt % toluidine red, 30.8 wt % acrylic resin and 16.5 wt % silicone resin excluding solvent. The irreversible temperature indicating paint is used to determine the temperatures to which various parts of turbine blades, turbine vanes or other components are subjected in operation of the gas turbine engine.

Abstract: A laminated ceramic electronic component, for example, monolithic ceramic capacitor, in which the delamination does not occur during baking and having superior thermal shock and moisture load resistance characteristics is provided. A conductive paste, used with advantage to form an internal electrode of the laminated ceramic electronic component, and a laminated ceramic electronic component using the conductive paste is provided. The conductive paste is composed of a conductive powder which is primarily Ni, an organic vehicle, a compound A containing at least one of Mg and Ca and which is an organic acid metal salt, oxide powder, metal organic complex salt and/or an alkoxide, and a compound B, having a hydrolyzable reactive group containing at least one of Ti and Zr, which adheres to the surface of the conductive powder.

Abstract: Electrolyte compositions for use in cells and batteries that include a crosslinked solid ionically conductive polymer having urethane groups, urea groups, thiocarbamate groups, or combinations thereof, particles, and a salt. Certain electrolyte compositions include a liquid thereby forming a gel electrolyte composition.

Abstract: The invention provides dielectric compositions and methods of forming the same. The dielectric compositions may be used to form dielectric layers in electronic devices such as multilayer ceramic capacitors (MLCCs) and, in particular, MLCCs which include base metal electrodes. The dielectric compositions include a barium titanate-based material and several dopants. The type and concentration of each dopant is selected to provide the dielectric composition with desirable electrical properties including a stable capacitance over a temperature range, a low dissipation factor, and a high capacitance. Preferably, MLCCs including dielectric layers formed with the composition satisfy X7R and/or X5R requirements.

Abstract: An improved optical film having a continuous/disperse phase morphology and a method for making the same is provided. At least one of the continuous and disperse phases comprises a blend of homopolymers which are inter-reacted, as by transesterification. The resulting films exhibit a higher degree of birefringence for a given level of strain than analogous films in which the blend is replaced by a random copolymer.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of metal organic compounds in a process for providing a moulded plastic article comprising the step of polymerization casting of a curable composition comprising one or more polymerizable molecules or compounds or compositions in the presence of a mould release agent, which in turn comprises a metal organic compound, complexes and/or salts thereof. Such use leads to less surface defects of the moulded article and lower mould damage.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing light guide by filling a polymer tube with a monomeric mixture then pressurising and heating the full length of the polymer tube to initiate and maintain polymerisation in the tube. An apparatus for performing the method is also described in which the polymer tube is placed in a reaction vessel and a temperature controlled fluid is circulated to regulate the temperature in the vessel.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for making and coating a plastic lens. Oxygen barrier containing photoinitiator is used to cure incompletely cured lens portions. Radiation pulses are used to control lens curing rate. Lens is postcured while in a mold cavity using a conductive heat source. Air may be directed toward the mold cavity to help remove heat from the lens. An in-mold scratch resistant coating may be formed from two separate material which both contain a photoinitiator.

Abstract: A method is provided for forming items from ecoceramic-based silicon-carbide. A wood preform is machined to a general shape having over- or undersized dimensions. The preform is pyrolyzed to transform the wood of the preform to a porous, carbonaceous material that retains the general shape of the preform. The preform is then machined to final, net-shape dimensions and immersed in liquid silicon or silicon alloy that penetrates and infuses the preform. The infused preform is held at a temperature sufficient to cause the transformation of the material in the preform to silicon carbide, completing formation of the item. Also provided is a method of forming ecoceramic-based tooling and composite components using the tooling.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of making a board product with fiber scrap materials, including the steps of adding a binder powder to the fiber scrap materials, processing the scrap fiber into pieces and mixing the fiber scrap materials with the binder powder, distributing the fiber and binder combination across the width of a forming conveyor, and melting the combination to fix the fiber with the binder.

Abstract: An efficient and cost-effective method of designing and manufacturing a plastic blow molded container having highly artistic sculptural relief. Computer software is utilized to graphically design a container skin shape, create 2-D artwork designs, add 3-D relief to the artwork designs, and apply the artwork to the container skin to develop a desired container. The graphics data of the desired container is utilized to make blow molds which, in turn, are utilized to blow containers. A preferred container is disclosed which has a dome with an intricate fruit basket design.

Abstract: A stationary die is held on the front surface of a stationary platen and a movable die is held on the front surface of a movable platen. A plurality of monitoring sections are set in advance within a moving range of the movable platen and an upper limit of forward thrust of the movable platen is set for each of the monitoring sections. When the forward thrust of the movable platen reaches the upper limit set in one of the monitoring sections during a die closing operation, it is determined that abnormality occurs to stop the movable platen from moving forward. If a die closing mechanism is of a toggle link type, the forward thrust of the movable platen is calculated based on the thrust of a crosshead which drives a toggle link mechanism, the moving speed of the crosshead, and the moving speed of the movable platen.

Abstract: An adjustable core pin, and method of use thereof, for molding vials for use in levels, including an elongate rod with a barrel-shaped distal section having a crest at its cross section with the greatest diameter and a rod retainer with a cavity which receives the rod such that the distal end of the rod projects from a rod retainer distal opening, the rod being adjustable in relation to the rod retainer so that the crest can be adjustably placed at a preferred position in a molding cavity for vial molding.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a flexible graphite sheet having increased isotropic properties. More particularly, the present invention relates to a flexible graphite sheet formed from particles of expanded natural graphite formed from graphite flake sized no more than about 30% by weight +80 mesh prior to expansion. The resulting sheet of flexible graphite exhibits improved conductive and fluid sealing properties.

Abstract: 3-D biodegradable porous, polymer (natural or synthetic) scaffolds with well-controlled, interconnected pores, and method for forming the porous materials. Hydrophilic and/or hydrophobic porogen materials were fabricated into 3-D negative replicas of the desired macroporous architectures. Biodegradable polymers (PLLA and PLGA) were dissolved in a solvent and cast onto the negative replica. After dissolving/leaching out the porogen materials, a porous polymer scaffold was formed. The skeletal structure of PLLA foams consisted of small platelets or nano-fibers, while PLGA foams had homogeneous skeletal structure. To improve the cell seeding, distribution, mass transport, and new tissue organization and vascularization, 3-D macroporous architectures are built in the nano-fibrous matrices. The method tailors polymer scaffolds for a variety of potential tissue engineering applications due to the well-controlled architecture, inter-pore connectivity, and mechanical properties.

Abstract: A method of making a porous biodegradable polymer is disclosed, which comprises (a) placing a biodegradable polymer and a solvent in a chamber; (b) adding a supercritical fluid to the chamber and maintaining the chamber at a predetermined temperature for a sufficient period of time to allow the supercritical fluid to dissolve into the biodegradable polymer with the help of the solvent; and (c) venting the supercritical fluid and the solvent by reducing the pressure in the chamber, thereby obtaining a porous biodegradable polymer.

Abstract: A method of exposing a composite organic/inorganic master to alkylchlorosilanes in the vapor phase. Chlorosilanes participate in facile reactions with hydroxyl groups existing on the surface of inorganic oxides (such as glass or the native oxides on silicon, aluminum, tin, etc.); or those in organics-containing phenolic or alcoholic groups, such as photoresists. The alkyl group on the silane can be chosen from a large selection of aliphatic or aromatic organic groups that have substituents with varying polarity and reactivity.

Abstract: A multi element moving vacuum chamber (MEMVC) for rotational casting includes a mold having a predefined shape and an axis of rotation, and a box containing casting material. The MEMVC further includes a first vacuum element mounted to an outer mold surface and a second vacuum element mounted to an outer box surface. The mold and the box are detachably engageable with each other to define an engaged configuration in which air present in an enclosed area defined by the outer mold surface and an inner surface of the first vacuum element, by an inner mold surface and an inner box surface, and by the outer box surface and an inner surface of the second vacuum element, is removed to create a vacuum. Alternatively, the mold and/or the box may be constructed with vacuum loading capability, thereby eliminating the need for the first and/or the second vacuum elements.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing flexible sheets of expanded graphite material from recycled materials, comprising providing source materials in the form of flexible sheets of expanded graphite; comminuting the source materials into particles; re-expanding the particles; and preparing a mat from the re-expanded particles. Also described herein is a process of manufacturing a graphite material comprising grinding a cured resin impregnated graphite material into particles; removing at least part of the resin from the particles; and expanding the resin removed particles.

Abstract: Methods of manufacturing cellulosic structures, e.g., for use in expandable-collapsible electrode assemblies for diagnostic and/or therepeutic electrophysiology devices, are disclosed. One such preferred method includes providing a mandrel having a head portion and a neck portion, the head portion having an outer circumference greater than the neck portion, dipping the mandrel into a cellulosic substance, curing the cellulosic substance, and separating the mandrel from the cured cellulosic substance.

Abstract: An epidural catheter with a soft tip is formed by extruding a two-layer tube where the inner layer is stiffer than the outer layer. The inner layer is then removed, such as by machining, from a short length at the tip, which is subsequently end-formed closed and a side opening cut into it.

Abstract: An integral single piece extruded LED light strip and an associated process for producing such an LED light strip. The light strip includes first and second bus elements spaced apart from one another by a predetermined distance. The light strip also includes at least one light emitting diode (LED) connected between the bus elements that is illuminated when the first bus element conducts electricity provided from a power source. An extruded plastic material completely encapsulates the first and second bus elements and the LED, thereby providing a barrier to protect the elements from damage and to make the light strip impervious to moisture.

Abstract: An integrally formed single piece light strip and light strip manufacturing system. The light strip also includes a substrate populated with a plurality of LED light circuits. A plurality of bus elements are spaced apart from one another at a predetermined distance and are in electrical communication with the plurality of light circuits. A plastic material is extruded around the plurality of light circuits and the substrate to completely encapsulates the bus elements and the plurality of light circuits to provide a protective housing. In one embodiment, an electrical connector is also integrally formed as part of the light strip to eliminate the need for separate connectors. The light strip is o manufactured in a cost efficient manner, and is impervious to moisture penetration, thereby allowing the strip to be used in a variety of applications and environments.

Abstract: Method for sealing a bared section (10) in the wall of a hollow body based on a thermoplastic and on reinforcing fibers, the hollow body being especially intended for conveying or containing a pressurized fluid. The surface and the contours of the section (10) are coated with a protective thermoplastic (30) which is heated while it is being deposited and is compatible with the said thermoplastic of the hollow body in order to achieve complete adhesion.

Abstract: A dispensing closure including a compression molded plastic closure having a base wall and a peripheral skirt having threads for engaging a container. An opening is formed in the base wall and a compression molded liner is molded in situ in the closure and includes a radial liner forming portion on the inner surface of the base wall of the closure. An integral nozzle is compression molded with the liner and extends axially through the opening in the base wall. One or more slits in the nozzle define a dispensing opening through which the contents of the container can be dispensed by squeezing the container. In another form, the dispensing closure is provided with a liner such that a syringe needle is used to penetrate an elastomeric wall for removal of the liquid contents of the package.