Abstract: A method of producing aluminum in a low temperature electrolytic cell containing alumina dissolved in an electrolyte. The method comprises the steps of providing a molten electrolyte having alumina dissolved therein in an electrolytic cell containing the electrolyte. A non-consumable anode and cathode is disposed in the electrolyte, the anode comprised of Cu—Ni—Fe alloys having single metallurgical phase. Electric current is passed from the anode, through the electrolyte to the cathode thereby depositing aluminum on the cathode, and molten aluminum is collected from the cathode.

Abstract: For an electromechanical machining of a work piece there is an optimal pulse duration for the machining pulses corresponding to the maximum copying accuracy. Such an optimal pulse duration corresponds to a certain value of the gap. By alternating the machining pulses with measurement pulses it is possible to obtain an accurate information about the gap dimensions on-line during the electrochemical machining process. The process control means (20) are used to automate the electromechanical machining, while keeping it in the optimal mode. For this purpose the process control means (20) comprise the pulse control unit (26) to establish the pulse duration of the voltage pulses to be applied across the gap (4).

Abstract: Generally, a method and apparatus for electro-chemical polishing a metal layer disposed on a substrate is provided. In one embodiment, the electro-chemical polishing apparatus generally includes a substrate support having a plurality of contact members, a cathode and at least one nozzle. The nozzle is adapted to centrally dispose a polishing fluid on the substrate supported by the substrate support. The cathode is adapted to couple the polishing fluid to a negative terminal of a power source. A positive terminal of the power source is electrically coupled through the contact members to the conductive layer of the substrate. The nozzle creates a turbulent flow in the portion of the polishing fluid boundary layer proximate the center of the substrate which enhances the polishing rate at the center of the substrate.

Abstract: The present invention has application to the disabling of vehicles such as automobiles and other vehicles having an engine controlled by a motor controller or other component that is vulnerable to malfunctions induced by a pulse of electrical energy. The invention has application to remotely disabling vehicles in high speed pursuits. In one aspect of the invention, an apparatus for remotely disabling an electronic device may be deployed from a platform. In various embodiments, the platform may be a stationary platform in the path of an approaching vehicle incorporating the electronic device or a movable platform for pursuing the vehicle.

Abstract: In forming an electrolytic water, pure water or ultra-pure water is added to at least one solid supporting electrolyte selected from the group consisting of oxalic acid, ammonium oxalate, ammonium formate, ammonium bicarbonate, and ammonium tartrate to prepare a solution saturated with the supporting electrolyte. The solution containing the supporting electrolyte is subjected to hydrolysis to obtain an anodic water and a cathodic water.

Abstract: Fluidized catalytic cracking process which process comprises: (a) separating the hydrocarbon product from the spent catalyst by means of one or more gas-solid separation steps; (b) stripping the spent catalyst in a dense phase fluidized stripping zone by introducing a stripping medium in the lower portion of the stripping zone; (c) introducing part of the spent catalyst obtained in step (b) to a regeneration zone wherein the coke is removed from the catalyst by means of combustion; (d) introducing the remaining part of the spent catalyst and part of the hot regenerated catalyst into a lower portion of an elongated dilute phase stripping zone; (e) introducing a stream of a stripping medium into the lower portion of the dilute phase stripping zone to contact the resulting mixture of spent catalyst and regenerated catalyst therein; (f) passing a stream of the spent catalyst mixed with the hot regenerated catalyst and stripping medium in the dilute phase stripping zone; (g) introducing the separated catalyst of s

Abstract: An additive used in catalytic cracking of hydrocarbons, which is in the form of homogeneous liquid and comprises a composite metal compound, wherein said composite metal compound consists of the oxides, hydroxides, organic acid salts, inorganic acid salts or metal organic complex compounds of at least one of the 1st group metals and at least one of the 2nd group metals, wherein the 1st group metals are selected from the group consisting of the metals of the IIIA, IVA, VA, VIA groups of the Element Period Table, boron, silicon, phosphorous and tellurium; wherein the 2nd group metals are selected from the group consisting of alkali-earth metals, transition metals, and rare earth metals, is disclosed. A process of catalytic cracking of hydrocarbons, utilizing the additive is also disclosed. The additive can passivate metals and promote the oxidation of CO, and is operated easily with production cost decreased.

Abstract: A four stage process for producing high quality white oils, particularly food or medicinal grade mineral oils from mineral oil distillates. The first reaction stage employs a sulfur resistant hydrotreating catalyst and produces a product suitable for use as a high quality lubricating oil base stock. The second reaction stage employs a hydrogenation/hydrodesulfurization catalyst. The third stage employs a reduced metal sulfur sorbent producing a product stream which is low in aromatics and which has substantially “nil” sulfur. The final reaction stage employs a selective hydrogenation catalyst that produces a product suitable as a food or medicinal grade white oil.

Abstract: A process to regenerate iron-based hydrogen sulfide sorbents using steam. The steam is preferably mixed with hydrogen-containing gas and/or an inert gas, such as nitrogen. In a preferred embodiment, the sorbent is first exposed to the steam and then exposed to a hydrogen-containing gas at regeneration conditions.

Abstract: Process to separate propene from gaseous fluid catalytic cracking products by performing the following steps: a) separating a feed mixture comprising the gaseous products, propene and other saturated and unsaturated hydrocarbons obtained in a fluid catalytic cracking process into a hydrocarbon-rich liquid fraction and a hydrogen containing gaseous fraction, b) separating the hydrogen containing gaseous fraction into a hydrogen-rich gaseous fraction and a hydrocarbon-rich gaseous fraction by means of a membrane separation, c) supplying the hydrocarbon-rich gaseous fraction obtained in step (b) to an absorber section and obtaining in said absorber section a lower boiling fraction rich in gaseous products having a boiling point of ethane or below and supplying the hydrocarbon-rich liquid fraction obtained in step (a) to a stripper section and obtaining in said stripper section a higher boiling fraction comprising propene and hydrocarbons having a boiling point higher than ethane.

Abstract: A water purification apparatus for purifying water from a municipal water supply prior to a point of use has multiple water purification units including a carbon filter, a particle filter and an ultraviolet light source connected in series. The carbon filter removes free residual chlorine, the particle filter removes particles including carbon particles from the carbon filter, and the ultraviolet filter kills bacteria. A bypass conduit connected in parallel with the water purification units and valves permit system maintenance during which the water from the supply can flow directly to the point of use.

Abstract: Retrofit apparatus for retrofitting an ozone generator to a spa, hot tub or similar facility is disclosed. Here, a fitting is threaded into an air inlet of a spa or hot tub, and covers provided for the water outlets to generally prevent outgassing. In another embodiment, an ozone-providing plug is provided to one water outlet of a spa or hot tub, with the air and other outlets being blocked. In addition, different configurations of ozone generator are disclosed. Particularly, one type ozone generator includes an inverted U-shaped apparatus so that heat from the ozone generator induces a chimney effect so as to cause the ozonated air to rise through a chimney and then settle into a selected area. Another ozone generator creates a low rate of airflow by “ion wind” in order to propel ozonated air into a system of piping in the absence of water flowing therethrough.

Abstract: A fluid contaminant collection system is provided where a filter passively interacts with the fluid to remove contaminants from the fluid. The system includes a wall defining at least a portion of a chamber or passageway. Located within the chamber or passageway is the filter. The filter includes a contaminant removal portion and is located within the chamber or housing to interact with the fluid. During interaction between the fluid and the filter, the fluid passes or washes over the filter and contaminants are removed by the contaminant removal portion from the fluid.

Abstract: Disclosed are apparatus for screening compound libraries using frontal chromatography in combination with mass spectrometry to identify and rank those members of the library that bind to a target receptor. The apparatus of this invention also permit a compound library to be rapidly screened to determine if any member of the library has an affinity for the target receptor as measured by a pre-selected indicator compound.

Abstract: A solid phase extraction (SPE) device having a reservoir with an opening; a well comprising an internally tapered wall, the well having a wider interior diameter at an end closest to the opening than at an exit spout; a first filter within the well; a bed of sorbent particles within the well below the first filter, and a second filter having a diameter smaller than the first filter within the well below the bed of sorbent particles and above the exit spout is provided. A method of performing SPE using the device is also provided.

Abstract: The invention relates to a concentration device using magnetic particles and a method therefor aimed at performing concentration of a large volume of liquid efficiently and reliably with a simple structure and on a small device scale. The construction involves having: a liquid suction passage in which liquid can pass through only in a suction direction; a liquid discharge passage in which liquid can pass through only in a discharge direction; a magnetic force device which can exert a magnetic field from outside of the liquid passage on at least one liquid passage thereof or remove the magnetic field, and which can separate magnetic particles having directly or indirectly captured a target substance suspended in the liquid by having the magnetic particles adhere to the inner wall of the liquid passage; a storage section communicated with each liquid passage, for storing the sucked liquid; and a pressure adjustment device for sucking and discharging the liquid by adjusting the pressure in the storage section.

Abstract: A centrifuge bucket, for holding a first article, further comprises a compartment for holding a second article, and an arrangement for securing the compartment to an outer surface of the centrifuge bucket.

Abstract: A filter head and a spin-on fuel filter element where the filter head includes an inlet and an outlet. A threaded nipple extends downwardly from a base of the filter head and includes a central flow passage. A valve member located in the flow passage is normally biased closed. The valve member includes a threaded portion extending outwardly from the nipple. The filter element includes upper and lower end caps, and is located in a housing having a tap plate. The tap plate includes a threaded central opening for screwing the filter element onto the filter head. The upper end cap supports a threaded sleeve which is screwed onto the valve member. The sleeve/valve member combination has a different thread pitch than the tap plate/nipple combination, which moves the valve member to an open position when the filter element is installed on the filter head.

Abstract: A sludge trapping container has a side wall and a bottom each having a plurality of holes defined therein by electron beam machining. Each of the holes has a tapered shape such that the diameter D1 of an end thereof opening at an outer wall surface of the sludge trapping container is smaller than the diameter D2 of an end thereof opening at an inner wall surface of the sludge trapping container. The sludge trapping container is economical as it is suitable for repeated use, and can trap a sludge highly efficiently and can be cleaned highly efficiently because of the gradient of inner surfaces of the holes.

Abstract: A composite membrane and method for making the same, comprising a porous support and a crosslinked polyamide surface. The subject membrane provides improved flux and/or rejection rates. The subject membrane is further capable of operating at lower operating pressures. The subject method includes reacting a polyfunctional amine with a polyfunctional acyl halide to form a polyamide. The method includes the step of contacting a phosphorous containing compound with the polyfunctional acyl halide prior to and/or during the reaction between the polyfunctional acyl halide and a polyfunctional amine. The subject process is easily adapted to commercial scale manufacturing processes and is particularly suited for making nanofiltration and reverse osmosis composite membranes.

Abstract: In the method of processing an organic chlorine compound in accordance with the present invention, slurry containing fly ash K including dioxins are supplied from a pretreatment bath to a biological treatment bath of a processing apparatus; nitrifying bacteria, denitrifying bacteria, aqueous ammonia, and methanol are supplied to the slurry from a nitrifying bacteria storage bath, a denitrifying bacteria storage bath, an ammonia storage bath, and a methanol storage bath, respectively; and a nitrifying reaction is carried out by the nitrifying bacteria in an aerobic atmosphere, so as to decompose the dioxins along with the nitrifying reaction.

Abstract: Periphyton filtration is a known method for performing bioremediation of polluted water, removing nutrients from the influent on which the attached algae thrive. The present system improves upon this method by adding a strong oxidizer to the influent, and, in some cases, to the effluent, to make organically bound nutrients available to a target culture of periphyton or aquatic plants to reduce the population of undesirable microinvertebrates, to make organically bound nutrients available to the periphyton, and to reduce the level of toxic compounds. A particular embodiment comprises ozonating the water. A pesticide may be added to control insect populations.

Abstract: A new process configuration, which is based on nitrifier bioaugmentation, achieves essentially complete nitrification at low solids retention times (SRTs) on a year round basis for plants that have a minimum of two activated sludge treatment trains. The process utilizes a membrane bioreactor as a second stage activated sludge system for one of the existing activated sludge systems, which is operated under non-nitrifying conditions. The membrane bioreactor is used to achieve essentially complete nitrification of ammonia derived from influent wastewater and an anaerobic digester recycle stream. The mixed liquor of the membrane bioreactor is comprised of an enriched culture of nitrifying bacteria. To allow the other treatment train(s) to nitrify, the waste sludge from the membrane bioreactor is directed to “donated” to the other “receiver” train(s).

Abstract: A method of conditioning an activated sludge in a membrane biological reactor comprising (i) adding to the activated sludge an effective amount of at least one water soluble cationic polymer to form a mixture of water and coagulated and flocculated suspended solids; and (ii) separating the coagulated and flocculated suspended solids from the water by filtering through an ultrafiltration or microfiltration membrane.

Abstract: A method of cleaning a filter clogged with flocculating materials is provided. The method comprises determining the flocculated materials clogged on the filter and adding a dispersing agent to break up said flocculated materials to form dispersed precipitates. Then the dispersed precipitates are removed from the filter in a regular cleaning such as backflushing.

Abstract: The invention relates to a low-water-consumption method for processing an exposed color reversal photographic film. This method comprises the circulation of this exposed film in: i) a black and white development bath, ii) a first washing bath, iii) a reversal bath comprising at least a buffer agent liable to pass through a nanofiltration membrane and, in addition, the collection of waters leaving the said reversal bath, the circulation of these waters through a nanofiltration device to produce a permeate that is recycled in the said first washing bath, a water volume at least equivalent to that supplied by the said permeate being rejected via the overflow and the said buffer agent being chosen so as to keep the pH in the first washing bath between 5 and 7.

Abstract: A high throughput plasma mass filter includes a substantially cylindrical shaped plasma chamber with structures for generating a magnetic field (B) that is crossed with an electric field (E) in the chamber (E×B). An injector introduces into the chamber a multi-species plasma having ions of different mass to charge ratios. To obtain high throughput (&Ggr;), the initial density of this multi-species plasma is considerably greater than a collisional density wherein there is a probability of “one” that an ion collision will occur within a single rotation of the ion under the influence of E×B. The length of the chamber is chosen to insure heavy ions can make their way to the wall before transiting the device.

Abstract: A method for reducing the toxicity of onium compounds, such as ammonium compounds and phosphonium compounds, by the use of certain additives is described. Suitable additives include, but are not necessarily limited to, carboxylic acids (e.g. naphthenic acids), sulfonic acids, organophosphonic acids, phenolic compounds, ether sulfates, phosphoric acid esters, sulfonated fatty acids, sulfated fatty acids, oligocarboxylic acids, and mixtures thereof, and alkali metal salts of these compounds and amine salts of these compounds.

Abstract: A method of producing structured wafers guarantees that the edge of the wafer will be protected from attack by an aggressive etchant medium without applying a photoresist to the edge and without using additional mechanical measures. In a type of negative process, a passivation layer is applied to the areas that are not to be structured, including the edge area of the wafer.

Abstract: A method for planarizing a circuit board, has a step of fixing a circuit board having wiring layers on both sides to a board having a flat surface through an adhesive layer, wherein said circuit board is pressed from above by a flat member on fixing thereof.

Abstract: The present invention includes a two-step etching process for notching the P1 pole of the write head element of a magnetic head. In a first step, the preferred embodiment utilizes a combination of C2F6 and argon gases (designated as C2F6/Ar) as the etchant gas to preferentially etch portions of the alumna write gap layer. Thereafter, in the second step, argon is used as the etchant gas to preferentially etch the P1 pole material. The C2F6/Ar etchant gas preferably includes C2F6 gas in a concentration range of from 50% to 90%, with a preferred concentration range being from 70% to 80%. The etching of the alumna write gap layer is preferably conducted with a first echant ion beam angle of from 5° to 30°, and a second etchant ion beam angle of from 65° to 85°.

Abstract: Fabrics are treated with a film-forming material and a blowing agent, typically ammonium carbonate or bicarbonate, and ironed. The fabrics thus acquire dry wrinkle resistance, in addition to the benefit provided by the film-forming material.

Abstract: Frost resistant, aqueous cooling/heating fluid containing alkali salts of acetic acid and/or formic acid and which as a corrosion inhibitor contains a mixture of a C5-C16 monocarboxylic acid or alkali-, ammonium- or amino-salts of said acid, a C5-C16 dicarboxylic acid or alkali-, ammonium- or amino-salts of said acid, and also a triazole.

Abstract: Disclosed are compositions for shortstopping free radical emulsion polymerizations and stabilizing polymers produced from the corresponding emulsion processes. Such compositions include at least one hydrophillic radical scavenger (i.e, shortstopper) and at least one hydrophobic radical scavenger. The compositions are preferably targeted for applications in the emulsion processes of rubber latexes. These compositions exhibit excellent performance not only as shortstoppers of free radical emulsion polymerizations but also as stabilizers of the corresponding polymers. Thus, the compositions prevent additional polymerization in the particles without requiring additional stabilizer even after such polymers are steam stripped. They do so without the use of chemicals which carry a high safety, health, or environmental risk.

Abstract: Aqueous dispersions (U) containing: (A) a UV-light-absorbing textile treatment agent and (B) a dispersant system containing (BX) a non-ionogenic, polymeric, hydrophilic dispersant or a mixture of such dispersants and (BY) a non-ionogenic or anionic, vinyl-polymeric, hydrophilic thickener or a mixture of such thickeners, and optionally at least one of the following further components: (BZ) at least one non-ionogenic or anionic surfactant other than (BX) (BW) at least one dispersing auxiliary other than (BY). (C) by-products and/or concomitants (D) at least one formulation additive and (E) at least one agent for setting the pH are particularly stable and are very useful for the UV-active finishing of textile material.

Abstract: This invention relates to a corrosion inhibiting composition for use in commercial, institutional, and industrial water systems. The compositions comprise a mixture of (1) a fatty acid ester, and (2) a polyethylene glycol ester. These compositions are useful in inhibiting the corrosion of metals such as steel, copper, and brass, which are exposed to water.

Abstract: A method and composition for treating a metal surface, particularly steel, involves contacting the metal surface with a pretreating solution comprising a blend of water, an organo-functional silane, and a borate ester. The method involves first cleaning the metal surface, such as by using an alkaline cleaning agent, then rinsing prior to the application of the pretreating solution. The metal surface is dried and, either immediately thereafter or after some storage time, then contacted with a decorative finish, such as paint, completing the metal treatment method. The method and composition minimize rusting of the metal surface even if a relatively long period of time elapses between drying the pretreated metal surface and painting the metal surface. In addition, the method and composition provide good adhesion of the decorative finish to the metal surface.

Abstract: Process for producing an anticounterfeit label having a holographic image, and labels produced according to the process.

Abstract: A mold assembly holder is described that will facilitate the positioning and the conveyance of mold assemblies. The mold assembly holder includes at least one, preferably two, portions configured to hold a mold assembly. In one embodiment, the portions are indentations machined into a plastic or metal block that is configured to hold a standard mold assembly. The mold assembly may be placed in the indentation.

Abstract: A closed mould method of producing composite mouldings is provided. A sensor system (4, 5, 6, 7, 8) is provided for sensing distortion of one (1) of the mould elements while the resin mix is being fed into the mould cavity. A signal is generated if a predetermined degree of distortion is sensed.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a honeycomb structure having slits is provided which permits accurate forming of fine slits to cut or grind a targeted cell array alone and which is suitable for application to mass production. The method provides a honeycomb structure having slits and a plurality of arrays of numerous cells aligned in parallel. The slits communicate with an external space and formed along the arrays. The slits are formed by protruding a slit forming member 4-toward the molded article during the extrusion step.

Abstract: A method of making an interior trim panel for attachment to structure of a vehicle includes the steps of placing a trim insert into a cavity of an apparatus and over a first seal thereof. The method also includes the steps of loading a retainer over the trim insert to sandwich the trim insert between the retainer and the first seal and closing the apparatus. The method further includes the steps of filling the cavity with a plastic material and introducing steam into the apparatus to expand the plastic material to form a substrate and bonding the substrate against the trim insert to form an interior trim panel.

Abstract: The biodegradable acting material is made from starch with various additives such as nucleators and plasticizer. The blowing agent used for foaming of the starch material may be alcohol or water. The material is made by mixing a charge of starch, nucleator and plasticizer to form a flowable mass which is then injected on the fly with the blowing agent, i.e. alcohol and/or water. Thereafter, the flowable mass is extruded through a dye and is either cooled to form a latent-foaming material or is allowed to expand into a foamed state. The starch which is used may be a corn starch, potato starch or the like.

Abstract: A polymer of a kind different from a polyester in an amount within the range of 0.3 to 5.0% by weight based on the polyester is added to the polyester, and the resulting composition is melt-extruded from the same pack. The extruded filament group including polyester multi-filaments is cooled once to the glass transition temperature or below, and the filament group is subsequently divided into two groups. One of the filament groups in an opened state is subjected to non-contact heat treatment at an atmospheric temperature of 120° C. or above; however, the other filament group is kept in a state without being subjected to the heat treatment. The respective filament groups are then simultaneously taken off at a speed of 2500 m/min or above and subjected to doubling and mixing of the filaments.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for making a pipe liner and the pipe liner itself. A thin walled pipe liner, after being provided cooled from a spool or extruded in tubular form and cooled, is deformed to a smaller cross section at ambient temperature. The pipe liner is then encased and held in its reduced cross section deformed shape by a protective sleeve which is co-extruded directly over the pipe liner. The sleeved pipe liner may then be wound on a drum for transport to a remote location. Ducts for water may pass through the pipe liner. Other ducts, for example, for fiber optics, may pass through the sleeve either within or outside of the deformed pipe liner.

Abstract: The invention relates to a highly oriented polyolefin fiber containing polyolefin with an intrinsic viscosity of at least 5 dl/g, which fiber has a tensile strength of at least 26 cN/dtex and a modulus of tension of at least 700 cN/dtex, a process for the preparation thereof and the use in ropes or anti-ballistic shaped articles. The invention also relates to improved ropes and anti-ballistic shaped articles. The highly oriented polyolefin fiber according to the invention has improved properties in applications such as, in particular, anti-ballistic shaped articles since the fiber contains 0.05-5 wt. % of a solvent for the polyolefin (relative to the total fiber weight).

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of manufacturing an ocherous panel for use as an interior building material that has excellent insulating properties and that is superior to conventional building materials such as cement, concrete, rock wool and soundproofing boards in strength, fire resistance and soundproofing, and interior aesthetic appeal. The method according to the present invention is characterized in that it uses about 45 wt % of ocher, about 45 wt % of sawdust and about 10 wt % of sodium silicate liquid instead of the composition that was used in the prior art which caused contamination of the air and decomposition of the panel due to absorption of moisture in the air.

Abstract: Methods are provided for manufacturing an antiperspirant or deodorant product within a container, the product having an application surface that includes first and second portions having different compositions. The methods generally include (a) delivering to an open end of the container, through a first delivery nozzle, a first composition that will form the first portion, and, through a separate second delivery nozzle, a second composition that will form the second portion, the first and second compositions being in molten form during delivery, (b) providing a barrier between the first and second compositions to prevent intermingling thereof, (c) allowing the first and second compositions to solidify to form the product; and (d) removing the barrier.

Abstract: A principal object of the present invention is to provide a method for manufacturing a filter element having a resin-molded frame, which permits to easily form the resin-molded frame, even when the filter has a complicated shape. The above-mentioned object can be achieved by providing the method for manufacturing the filter element, which is characterized by comprising the steps of: semi-curing resin in a prescribed shape to prepare a semi-cured resin; inserting forcedly at least one part of a filter into the semi-cured resin; and curing the semi-cured resin into which the at least one part of the filter has been forcedly inserted.

Abstract: A method of making a composite part includes the steps of placing a first section of a fibrous pre-form in a mold and infusing the first section of the fibrous pre-form with a resin so as to produce a resin-infused portion and a non-resin-infused portion. Next, the method includes coupling the non-resin-infused portion to a second section of the fibrous pre-form to create a coupled non-resin-infused portion. Then, the coupled non-resin-infused portion is infused with resin to create a second resin-infused portion and a second non-resin-infused portion. These steps are repeated to separately infuse different sections of the part until the part is complete. The corresponding apparatus preferably employs a rigid mold having a shape defining only a portion of the composite part to be made. And, the method is particularly adapted to making both cored and non-cored structures that are large or unconventionally shaped.