Abstract: Provided are a method for forming a foamed polypropylene resin sheet in which draw down and waving are not caused in heating the foamed sheet and in which inferior appearance such as partial thickness and wrinkles is not produced on the product, and a foamed formed article having an excellent shape obtained from the same. The method comprises a heating step for heating and softening the foamed polypropylene resin sheet and a forming step for bringing the heated foamed polypropylene resin sheet into contact with a forming mold to form it into a prescribed shape, wherein the foamed polypropylene resin sheet has an expansion ratio of 1.1 to 6 times, an open cell rate of 70% or less and a sheet thickness of 0.5 to 5 mm; and the foamed polypropylene resin sheet described above is heated in the heating step in the state that it is supported on a tabular sheet support.

Abstract: The invention relates to compression injection plastic molding using a repository space, for the temporary storage of the molding material melt to prevent structural faults and reduce workpiece costs. The molten molding material is first fed into the repository space, whose volume corresponds to the volume of the mold cavity. When the injection process starts, the bottom of the piston aligns with the edge of the repository space and with the wall of the mold cavity so that a small amount of molding material melt reaches the mold cavity directly. The piston then slides into the cylinder. The repository space, which continuously becomes larger, is filled with a melted material at almost no pressure. The melt is conveyed into the plastic core until tho supply of the melted molding material is ended. The piston is then retracted, and the mold cavity is thus completely filled with molding material.

Abstract: An ink wastage absorber is made from a flexible polyurethane foam having an air-permeability of 1.0 cc/cm2/sec or more, or is made from a flexible polyurethane foam produced by using a foamable raw material containing a polyol, an isocyanate, a catalyst, and a foaming agent, wherein the polyurethane foam is impregnated with a surface active agent. An ink supporter includes an ink permeation member provided at a portion corresponding to a printer head and an ink absorbing member being in contact with the ink permeation member.

Abstract: A method of forming a three-dimensional object in layerwise fashion by selectively solidifying a build material. The method solidifies the main part area, delays or pauses for a desired period of time to permit shrinkage to occur, and then, in multiple drawings of the main part borders, solidifies the borders from the portion closest to the main part outwardly to the portion farthest from the main part.

Abstract: A device and a method for transferring microstructures from a tool to a substrate which is to be structured. The device and method are intended to align the tool and the substrate in a mutually controlled manner. The device contains supports for the tool and the substrate which can be displaced in an opposing direction in relation to one another, resulting in an alteration of the distance between the tool and the substrate. A measuring system is provided which can be inserted between the supports, for measuring selected locations on at least one measuring plane. The direction of displacement of the supports is aligned vertically in relation to said measuring plane. The measuring system forms a fixed spatial relationship with the tool in a measuring position. The substrate can be aligned in relation to the tool. The method and device can be used for producing microstructured components.

Abstract: A gypsum wallboard core, and methods and apparatus for making the same are disclosed. Methods of making a gypsum wallboard core include extruding a gypsum slurry containing water, gypsum, slip agents, water-reducing agents, surfactants and, optional additives, through a die and onto a substantially flat, smooth, moving surface. The die has provisions at its outer sides for the introduction of slip agents into the slurry, and provisions at its lateral outer edges for the introduction of a strength-enhancing agent. Once extruded onto the conveyor belt, the slurry is chemically-activated to set and form a hardened board core which then may be easily removed from the conveyor belt and dried.

Abstract: A mixture of carbon-containing fibers, such as mesophase or isotropic pitch fibers, and a suitable matrix material, such as a milled pitch, is compressed while resistively heating the mixture to form a carbonized composite material having a density of about 1.5 g/cm3, or higher. The composite material is formed in under ten minutes. This is a significantly shorter time than for conventional processes, which typically take several days and achieve a lower density material. Consequently, carbon/carbon composite materials having final densities of about 1.6-1.8 g/cm3, or higher are readily achieved with one or two infiltration cycles using a pitch or other carbonaceous material to fill voids in the composite and rebaking.

Abstract: A method of producing a ceramic body having a construction such that cells are plugged alternately at both end faces of a ceramic honeycomb structural body by filling a plugging slurry into predetermined cells at both end faces of a ceramic honeycomb formed body, having the steps of: filling a plugging material for mask into the cells to be opened at one end face of the ceramic honeycomb formed body; immersing the end face, to which the plugging material for mask is filled, into a plugging slurry; and drying and sintering the ceramic honeycomb formed body while the plugging material for mask is removed during a drying step or a sintering step.

Abstract: A process for forming a silicon nitride-bonded silicon carbide honeycomb monolith by a) forming a plasticizable mixture which includes (1) about 60% to 85% by weight, powdered silicon carbide with a median particle size of about 10-40 micrometers; (2) about 15% to 40% by weight, powdered silicon metal with a median particle size of about 5-20 micrometers; and, (3) organic components; b) extruding the plasticizable mixture to form a green honeycomb monolith; c) drying the green honeycomb monolith; and, d) heating the honeycomb monolith to 1450° C. with a hold of 1 hour in an atmosphere of argon; and, e) nitriding the honeycomb monolith between 1450° C. to 1600° C. for a time sufficient to obtain a silicon nitride-bonded silicon carbide body.

Abstract: A method of producing a substantially regular cylindrical body that consists of a deformable material, especially a sintered metal blank. The blank is provided with an interior helical recess. The blank is first produced with a substantially linear course of the interior recess, for example by extrusion. The body is cut to a defined length and is subjected to a rolling movement by a friction surface while being supported across its entire length on a support. The speed of the rolling movement changes in a linear and continuous manner across the length of the body, thereby regularly twisting the body.

Abstract: A method of producing an anode for a capacitor, which includes the steps of molding a continuously deformable material onto a flat anode conductor and simultaneously externally shaping the material, and solidifying the material to form an anode body.

Abstract: A fragrance emanating device for freshening atmospheric air has (i) a closed container for accommodating a liquid fragrance composition in its interior, (ii) an emanator having a surface open to the ambient air for evaporation of the liquid fragrance composition, and (iii) a conduit linking the emanator surface with the liquid fragrance composition in the interior of the container. The components of the device are so dimensioned that, in use, thermal expansion of air and/or liquid in the container, resulting from an increase in temperature, causes a portion of the fragrance composition to travel along the conduit from the container to the emanator surface, and thermal contraction of the air and/or liquid in the container, resulting from a decrease in temperature, causes air from the atmosphere to enter the container via the conduit.

Abstract: The present invention is a method of decontaminating a structure contaminated by pathogenic microorganisms such as Bacillus anthracis and its spores, B. subtilis var niger and its spores, and B. stearothermophilus and its spores, comprising the steps of sealing a contaminated structure sufficiently to enable retention of a gas, introducing methyl bromide gas into sealed contaminated structure to a concentration of methyl bromide in an amount sufficient to deactivate said pathogenic microorganisms and disable germination of pathogenic bacteria spores, and maintaining said sealed contaminated structure with said concentration of methyl bromide at a sufficient temperature for a sufficient period of time, and deactivating said pathogenic microorganisms and disabling germination of said pathogenic bacteria spores associated with said contaminated structure. The method is performed approximately in the range of 20° C. to 40° C.

Abstract: A metering valve for delivering liquids from a reservoir includes a rotatable valve plug having at least one well in the valve plug. The valve plug prevents direct communication across the valve. Rotating the valve plug transfers the liquid from the reservoir into the well on the valve plug. Rotating the valve plug further transfers the liquid in the well from the valve plug to the point of delivery. The rotation of the valve plug can be repeated to transfer more liquid. The metering valve can be used to deliver vaporizable germicides to a sterilization chamber. A single metering valve can be used to deliver varying amounts of vaporizable germicide to different sizes of sterilization chamber by rotating the valve plug an appropriate number of times. The valve plug can contain multiple wells to deliver large volumes of liquid quickly.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to new and improved solutions for packaging contact lenses and to methods for treating contact lenses with such solutions to improve the comfort of the lenses during wear. In particular, the present invention is directed to packing solutions comprising certain non-ionic surfactants containing a poly(oxyalkylene) copolymer and having a molecular weight of 4000 to 30,000. Such surfactants are retained on the surface of an unused lens for extended periods of time, resulting in surface modification that persists in the eye, thereby providing significant improvement in the wetting properties of fresh contact lenses used for the first time and, moreover, even several hours after lens insertion, preventing dryness and improving lubricity.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for measuring contaminant mobile ions in a dielectric portion of a semiconductor. The apparatus is comprised of a heat source configured to elevate a temperature of the dielectric portion of the semiconductor and mobilize the contaminant mobile ions. The apparatus is also comprised of a fluid source configured to expose the dielectric portion of the semiconductor to a mobilizing fluid having contaminant ion releasing atoms that assists in mobilizing the contaminant mobile ions. The apparatus further comprises a mobile ion measurement unit configured to perform measurements of the contaminant mobile ions in the dielectric portion of the semiconductor.

Abstract: In a preferred embodiment, a microplate cassette, including: a generally hollow housing to contain therein a plurality of microplates; and a memory device associated with the cassette and adapted to be placed in operational contact with a portion of a processing device.

Abstract: Ethylenically unsaturated monomers are polymerized in a gas-phase fluidized-bed reactor comprising a reactor space (1) in the form of a vertical tube, a calming zone (2) adjoining the upper part of the reactor space, a circulated gas line (3), a circulated gas compressor (4), a cooling apparatus (5), a gas distributor plate (6) which forms the lower boundary of the reactor space and, if desired, a flow divider (7), wherein the gas distributor plate (6) has a plurality of gas flow orifices (8) whose outlet sides are widened conically.

Abstract: Spent fuel rods are stored in a container. In order to improve the retention capacity of the barriers for radioactive emitters (radionuclides), the spent fuel rods are embedded in a bulk fill of zeolite and/or activated charcoal.

Abstract: Device for purifying a mercury-containing flue gas, at least comprising dust removing means for removing dust from a flue gas, and a quantity of a regenerable amalgamable material for removing mercury from a flue gas, which device is adapted for removal therefrom in amalgamated state of the quantity of amalgamable material for the purpose of regenerating this material, wherein the material is provided in a manner such that it can be regenerated in amalgamated state outside the device.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for purifying the water in spas or hot tubs are provided. Such apparatus include an ozone generator sized and adapted to purify the water in a spa or jetted tub, the ozone generator including a chip electrode assembly adapted to produce ozone from air using an electric discharge, a housing structured to permit visual inspection of the chip electrode in the housing, a power supply assembly, and a transfer assembly cooperating with said ozone generator to pass ozone produced by the ozone generator to the water in the spa or jetted tub. The chip electrode assembly is removably secured to and separately enclosed from the power supply assembly and is adapted to be easily, manually replaceable.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for initiating a rapid and long-lasting pH change to a pH dependent polymer or other pH driven reactant is provided by a pH jump molecule in solution. Visible light is used to excite the pH jump molecule. The attendant pH change occurs rapidly (in nanoseconds) and can be maintained by continuous wave light or by an appropriately pulsed light. Heat resulting from the light activation is efficiently discharged by radiative decay through room temperature phosphorescence lifetimes existing on the order of milliseconds.

Abstract: A liquid distributor, for a substantially vertical reactor with a fixed bed catalyst, in the form of a channel distributor with drainage outlets and further comprising an internal cleaning mechanism with cleaning elements to be lowered into the openings of the drainage outlets, is disclosed.

Abstract: A fluidized bed reactor includes at least one furnace section delimited by side walls and a bottom grid, the at least one furnace section provided for containing a bed of fluidized solid particles therein, and a supply for introducing a gas into the at least one furnace section at a level above the bottom grid. The supply includes (i) a gas source chamber, (ii) at least one opening in at least one of the side walls at a level above the bottom grid, and (iii) at least one conduit, having a first end connected to the at least one opening at a first vertical level and a second end connected to the gas source chamber for introducing gas from the gas source chamber to the at least one furnace section. The at least one conduit provides a solid flow preventing element for preventing solid particles from flowing backward from the at least one furnace section into the at least one conduit.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system for, and method of, performing various liquid-liquid contacting operations such as solvent extraction, stripping, scrubbing, washing, re-extraction and reacting in a single, integrated column. The ability of the integrated column, which is based on the intermediate decanter, of the present invention, to perform the entire operation of solvent extraction plant in a single column has many technical, economical, ecological and operational safety advantages. Investment costs significantly decrease due to the decrease in the number of columns, decanters, and auxiliary equipment, spare parts, materials inventories and the requisite area for the plant relative to a standard prior art plant. Operating and maintenance costs also decrease due to less pumping between columns and less equipment in operation.

Abstract: A method for the production of titanium metal from titanium-bearing ore. The method comprises leaching said ore or a concentrate thereof with an aqueous solution of a hydrogen halide; separating solids from the leach solution, to provide a leachate solution. The leachate solution may be subjected to extraction with an immiscible organic phase to selectively remove iron values to provide high purity iron products. Titanium may be separated from raffinate as TiO2 or solvent extract and thermal stripping. TiO2 may also be separated in the initial leach solution. Preferably, the titanium halide is titanium tetrachloride.

Abstract: A method for producing sodium bicarbonate from a nahcolite deposit comprising injecting water or other aqueous solution at a temperature of at least 250° F. into the deposit, dissolving sodium bicarbonate in the hot water to form a production solution and subjecting the production solution to multiple stages of crystallization. The sodium bicarbonate crystals may be dewatered and dried to form a commercial sodium bicarbonate product.

Abstract: The present invention relates to sulfur tolerant catalyst composites useful for reducing contaminants in exhaust gas streams, especially gaseous streams containing sulfur oxide contaminants. More specifically, the present invention is concerned with improved NOx trap catalysts for use in diesel engines as well as lean burn gasoline engines. The sulfur tolerant NOx trap catalyst composites comprise a platinum component, a support, and a NOx sorbent component prepared by hydrothermal synthesis. The NOx sorbent component comprises a first metal oxide and a second metal oxide. The metal in the first metal oxide is selected from the group consisting of aluminum, titanium, zirconium, silicon, and composites thereof, and the metal in the second metal oxide is selected from the group consisting of Group IIA metals, Group II metals, Group IV metals, rare earth metals, and transition metals. The metal in the first metal oxide is different from the metal in the second metal oxide.

Abstract: This invention relates to a process for the production of an oxide of a metal A by heating precursors of the oxide of a metal A, in the presence of an oxygen partial pressure control agent comprising an oxide of a metal B that is capable of assuming multiple valence numbers. The process is carried out under a condition that an ionization tendency relationship of Ai+<Bj+<A0 is satisfied, where i is a valence number of the metal A in the oxide to be produced and j is a valence number of the metal B in the oxygen partial pressure control agent.

Abstract: A method for the manufacture of a structure from a carbide of a group IIa, group IIIa, group IVa, group IVb, group Vb, group VIb, group VIIb or group VIIIb carbon reactive element including the steps of: mixing the element with the carbon; and heating the carbon and the element to melt the element so that it reacts with the carbon to form the carbide; wherein, the carbon and element are heated by means of electromagnetic radiation having a frequency below the infrared spectrum. The method does not waste energy by unnecessary heating of the furnace or surrounding mold. The mold itself may be more stable because it is only heated by hot contained material and not by other sources of heat. Resulting formed products are not a sintered product and may approach one hundred percent of theoretical density. The carbon may be in the form of a powder that is mixed with the element or may be a porous carbon structure such as a graphite fiber mat or sheet into which the carbon reactive element is melted.

Abstract: An inorganic polymeric aluminosilicate material and a method for preparing the same, are disclosed. Instead of having a fibrous structure, the material has a structure consisting of spindles with a length in the range of from 10 to 100 &mgr;m and a width in the range of from 2 to 20 &mgr;m. This polymeric alumino-silicate can be used for the production of antistatic layers.

Abstract: Process for the separation of a hydroxylammonium salt solution from an aqueous reaction mixture comprising solid catalyst particles by means of filtration, wherein cake filtration through an asymmetric filter is applied, the asymmetric filter comprising at least two layers having different pore diameter, at least one layer being a filter layer, the pore diameter of the filter layer being between 0.1 and 10 &mgr;m and the thickness of the filter layer being 10 to 1000 &mgr;m.

Abstract: The present invention relates to basic cobalt(II) carbonate, agglomerated from fine primary particles and of general composition Co[(OH)2]a[CO3]1−a, where 0.1≦a≦0.9, and to spheroidal cobalt(II) hydroxide, to a process for producing them and to their use.

Abstract: A method for the manufacture of a catalyst for the production of carbon fibrils comprising contacting a fibril-forming catalyst or precursors of a fibril-forming catalyst with an effective amount of a surfactant and/or polyol. A catalyst for the production of carbon fibrils formed by contacting a fibril-forming catalyst or precursors of a fibril-forming catalyst with an effective amount of a surfactant and/or polyol. Improved carbon fibrils or carbon fibril aggregates free of a continuous carbon thermal overcoat, with graphitic layers substantially parallel to the fibril axis, having a substantially constant diameter from about 1.0 to about 100 nanometers, and possessing enhanced dispersion into other materials and enhanced electrical conductivity in those materials.

Abstract: The invention relates to a novel process for preparing hydrogen fluoride in a uniformly high conversion at a high space-time yield with minimal energy consumption by reaction of fluorspar with sulfuric acid in a rotary tube furnace, in which the furnace is divided into three equal-sized zones, each of which is heated indirectly by means of from 1 to 12 independent combustion chambers, there being a temperature gradient between the zones such that the first zone has the highest temperature and the third zone has the lowest temperature.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing lithium metal oxides, comprising at least one annealing stage. The inventive method is characterized in that at least one annealing stage consists of a treatment with microwave energy.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of producing hydrogen from oxygenated hydrocarbon reactants, such as glycerol, glucose, or sorbitol. The method can take place in the vapor phase or in the condensed liquid phase. The method includes the steps of reacting water and a water-soluble oxygenated hydrocarbon having at least two carbon atoms, in the presence of a metal-containing catalyst. The catalyst contains a metal selected from the group consisting of Group VIII transitional metals, alloys thereof, and mixtures thereof. The disclosed method can be run at lower temperatures than those used in the conventional steam reforming of alkanes.

Abstract: Novel methods, processes and metal complexes attached to a hypoxia-localizing moiety comprising a metal, preferably radionuclide of rhenium or technetium; a hypoxia-localizing moiety; and, a complexing ligand, wherein said ligand and said radionuclide combined have cell membrane permeabilities greater than that of sucrose, are disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of treating lung inflammation in a subject which includes administering butylated hydroxyanisol to the subject in an amount effective to treat lung inflammation. The invention also relates to methods of inhibiting interferon regulatory factor activation in a subject and in an alveolar cell. Another aspect of the invention relates to an assay.

Abstract: Topically applicable cosmetic/dermatological sunscreen compositions well suited for the stable UV-photoprotection of human skin and/or hair, are devoid of any p-methylbenzylidenecamphor, but which contain (a) an effective photoprotecting amount of at least one UV-sunscreening dibenzoylmethane compound, (b) an effective photoprotecting amount of at least one UV-screening 1,3,5-triazine compound normally photosensitive in the presence of a dibenzoylmethane compound (a), and (c) an effective photostabilizing amount of at least one UV-screening amino-substituted 2-hydrozybenzophenone compound having the following structural formula (VIII): formulated into (d) a topically applicable, cosmetically/dermatologically acceptable vehicle, diluent or carrier therefor.

Abstract: Topically applicable cosmetic/dermatological sunscreen compositions well suited for the stable UV-photoprotection of human skin and/or hair are devoid of any p-methylbenzylidenecamphor, but contain (a) an effective photoprotecting amount of at least one UV-screening dibenzoylmethane compound, and (b) an effective photostabilizing amount of at least on UV-screening amino-substituted 2-hydroxybenzophenone compound having the following structural formula (I): formulated into (c) a topically applicable, cosmetically/dermatologically acceptable vehicle, diluent or carrier therefor.

Abstract: Topically applicable, cosmetic/dermatological artificial tanning compositions devoid of certain flavylium salts contain an effective artificial tanning amount of at least one sorghum extract formulated into a topically applicable, cosmetically/dermatologically acceptable vehicle therefor.

Abstract: Compounds of Formula I Each R is independently linear or branched C1 to C8 alkyl, or linear or branched C1 to C8 alkoxy or one R is H and the other R is linear or branched C1 to C8 alkyl, or linear or branched C1 to C8 alkoxy; R1 is selected from the group consisting of COCH3, CO2R3, CONH2, CONH(R4)2, CN, COX(CH2)n-N—(R2)(R4)(R3), and the quaternized salt form of the formula COX(CH2)n-N—(R2)(R4)(R3)+Y−; X is O or NH; n is an integer of 1 to 5; Y is an anion; and R2, R3 and R4 are independently linear or branched C1 to C20. Hair care formulations and other compounds containing compounds of Formula I, and methods for protecting hair and substrates such as polymers, textiles, fabrics, leathers and paints using the compounds herein.

Abstract: A composition for treatment of hyperpigmentation having a SPF value of at least 15 includes hydroquinone, sunscreens, antioxidants and emulsifiers and emollients. The composition can be made into an emulsion having physical and chemical stability for a prolonged period of time over a wide range of temperatures.

Abstract: A chemo-physiological structure and method for forming the chemo-physiological structure. In a first embodiment, a cell of an animal is provided. The cell has a membrane surface and a viral receptor coupled to the membrane surface. A linker molecule having a covalently attached polymer is covalently bonded to the membrane surface, the viral receptor, or both. The polymer prevents an extracellular virus from bonding to the viral receptor. In a second embodiment, a linker molecule having a covalently attached polymer is covalently bonded to a capsid of a virus, which prevents the virus from bonding to a viral receptor of an adjacent or nearby animal cell.

Abstract: The present invention has found that a series of peptides having sequences that substantially correspond to specific regions of the C-terminus of IL-16 can inhibit the activity of IL-16. The present invention has demonstrated that such IL-16-inhibiting peptides can be as short as 4 amino acids in length. Based on these discoveries, the present invention provides IL-16 antagonist peptides and the use thereof for the treatment of IL-16-mediated disorders such as certain inflammatory diseases.

Abstract: Modified amino acid compounds useful in the delivery of active agents are provided. The active agents can be peptides. Methods of administration, such as oral, subcutaneous, sublingual, and intranasal administration and methods of preparation of the modified amino acid compounds are also provided.

Abstract: A method for killing malignant brain tumor cells in vivo entails providing replication competent herpes simplex virus vectors to tumor cells. A replication competent herpes simplex virus vector, with defective expression of the &ggr;34.5 gene and the ribonucleotide reductase gene, specifically destroys tumor cells, is hypersensitive to anti-viral agents, and yet is not neurovirulent.

Abstract: This invention provides materials and procedures for the delivery of selected strains of bacteria and/or oxalate-degrading enzymes to the intestinal tracts of persons and/or domestic or zoological animals who are at increased risk for oxalate related disease because they have lost, or have inadequate concentrations of these bacteria. The administration of these bacteria and/or the relevant enzyme removes oxalate from the intestinal tract and thus reduces the amount of oxalate available for absorption and reduces the risk for oxalate related disease.

Abstract: A cell delivery device is prepared comprising a controllable degradable gel phase, meshed within a polymer substrate for use in tissue-engineering. The gel phase comprises a degradable, natural or synthetic polymer, and includes a suspension of living cells. The polymer substrate comprises a biocompatible, degradable polymer, and may be synthetic or natural. Degradation of the gel phase may be controlled by enzyme activity or adjustment of gel phase physical properties. In one embodiment, the gel phase contains an enzyme and/or enzyme inhibitor to control degradation of the gel phase. The device is useful in tissue replacement and repair, and more particularly, in the repair of cartilage tissue.