Abstract: An oxygen sensor as a gas sensor has a vent hole for taking an atmosphere into an outer sleeve in an outer sleeve cover for covering the outer sleeve from above and manufactured by rubber. A filter unit made by a tubular member enlarged in diameter on a predetermined boundary, a sheet-shaped filter having a water repellent property and an oil repellent property, and an O-ring is fitted and inserted into this vent hole. The upper end portion of a large diameter portion is folded by bending processing. Folding portion nips and supports the filter and the O-ring between the folding portion and a step portion formed between a large diameter portion and a small diameter portion. It is sufficient to set the size of a filter to same size as the vent hole. The filter can be attached to a predetermined position of the outer sleeve cover.

Abstract: An electrophoresis device is disclosed which separates cells, particles, proteins and other separands by collecting samples of decreasing electrophoretic mobility in a train of inverted cavities while an electric field is applied between said inverted cavities and one or more sample cuvettes containing a mixture of cells, particles, proteins or other separands. One circular plate is provided for the one or more sample cuvettes, and one circular plate is provided for the multiple collection cavities. The invention utilizes an innovative purification method that combines free electrophoresis and multistage extraction in an instrument capable of separating living cells, particles, and proteins in useful quantities at high concentrations. The purification method includes a method for dealing with electrolysis products, a technique for controlling the electrical energy input, and an approach for keeping the process isothermal.

Abstract: An electrodeionization apparatus comprising an endblock formed from a resilient material, and method for making the same. The resilient material may include various types of thermoplastic elastomers, such as, styrene block copolymers, copolyesters, plolyurethanes, polyamides, thermoplastic elastomeric olefins, and thermoplastic vulcanizates. The resilient material may have a Shore A hardness of between about 40 and about 90.

Abstract: The present invention relates to PCGA analytical procedure, in which each PCGA plating/measuring cycle is performed with the stripping and cleaning of test electrode immediately conducted before the equilibrium step, so as to use the metal plate layer formed during a previous plating/measuring cycle as a protective layer for the test electrode. The present invention also relates to PCGA calibration measurement protocol, in which both the calibration measurements and the sample measurement are conducted after a background measurement step.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for darkening a superficial layer of a workpiece which contains zinc by anodic oxidation. The workpiece is oxidized in a soaking bath containing an aqueous solution comprised of a hydroxide and of a nitrate. The anodic oxidation may be carried out in an aqueous solution containing NH4NO3 or NaNO3, and having a pH value ranging from 8 to 14, at a dipping bath temperature (T) ranging from 15 to 45° C., and with a current density (i) ranging from 3×10−4 to 0.5 A/cm2. The workpiece is placed in the soaking bath at the beginning of the anodic oxidation after the voltage has already been applied.

Abstract: Carbon nanoparticles including both nanofilaments and nanotubes produced by an electrochemical deposition method from organic solutions at room temperature, in which the formation and growth of carbon nanoparticles are stimulated by the catalyst, such as iron and nickel. It has been found that the electrochemical deposition conditions have a strong influence on the growth phenomenon of the carbon nanotubes. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) and transmitting electron microscope (TEM) characterizations show that the diameter of nanotubes is of the order of approximately 100 nm, and the length of filaments can be up to approximately 50 &mgr;m, depending on the size of catalyst particles.

Abstract: The invention presents methods and systems for plating conductive patterns which at least result in a high uniformity and avoid parasitical plating effects. A plating system is disclosed for plating conductive patterns formed at a first surface of a substrate. The system is such that exposure surfaces not to be plated is inhibited. A first electrode of the system is immersed in the plating solution while the second electrode is in contact with another than the first surface of the substrate. The conductive patterns to be plated are temporarily electrically connected with the second electrode.

Abstract: An oxygenation unit for insertion into a well is used to increase the oxygenation of ground water. The unit includes a length of tubing suspended in the well. Within the tubing are a plurality of parallel spaced plates. An electric potential is applied across adjacent plates such that electrolysis will break water down to oxygen and hydrogen. Water is circulated through the unit using an air flow draft pump in which air is bubbled up through an inverted funnel in the tube.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an electrode assembly that is capable of both solution measurement and in-line self-cleaning. Specifically, such electrode assembly comprises a central electrode and a measurement circuit for solution measurement, and an auxiliary electrode and an auxiliary current sourse for generating gas during intervals between solution measurement cycles, so as to remove any solid or liquid residues that may passivate the central electrode, thereby cleaning and rejuvenating the central electrode and preparing it for the next solution measurement cycle.

Abstract: The invention relates to a measuring device which permits a very simple positioning of cells and vesicles respective of cell membranes on planar carriers. The invention also relates to a corresponding highly efficient method for the positioning and electric characterization of such membranes with a consistently high signal-to-noise ratio. In addition, statements concerning interactions of substances with lipid membranes respective of materials bonded thereon or therein respective of signal transduction mechanisms connected thereto are possible.

Abstract: Oxygen concentration measurement is carried out over a broad range by an instrument utilizing a zinc-air cell having a lower-than-nominal potential difference imposed across its electrodes by a shunt branch incorporating the source-drain circuit of a field effect transistor (FET). A feedback circuit is used to improve linearity of the output and cell life without sacrificing the broad dynamic range achieved by the use of the FET shunt branch.

Abstract: A process for preparing a lubricating oil basestock containing at least about 90% saturates. The process employs a bulk catalyst comprising at least one non-noble Group VIII metal and two Group VIB metals and wherein said metal catalyst further comprises a non-noble Group VIII molybdate in which at least a portion but less than all of molybdenum is replaced by tungsten.

Abstract: A device for separating and renewing phases of a diphasic liquid—liquid mixture, in which a first liquid phase and a second liquid phase are circulated in counter current in a liquid—liquid extraction device. The device is in the form of a straight hollow cylinder with one of the bases being either the wall of the device or being in contact with the wall of the device. The device also includes an input orifice for the phase the user wishes to trap, an output orifice that is smaller than the input orifice for the phase that the user wishes to trap, separated, and a third orifice of an intermediate size when compared to the size of the input and output orifices for evacuating a non-desired phase.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for treating wastewater from catering industry, especially restaurants. Said apparatus comprises a single reactor tank, said reactor tank comprising: an inlet; an outlet; and an oil-tight tank therein an upper oil film zone, an anoxic zone below said oil film zone and an anaerobic zone below said anoxic zone are divided; an upper net and a lower net are respectively located in the anoxic and anaerobic zones; and some plastic suspending media as biocarriers are introduced in the anoxic and anaerobic zones. The apparatus requires minimal space, energy and operation costs.

Abstract: A capillary column comprising monodispersed particles. The capillary is formed using a suitable substrate, wherein two plates are bonded together. At least one of the plates comprises a channel where particle beads are housed. Particle bead positions are of defined and equivalent diameter are arranged along the longitudinal axis of the housing structure. These positions are used to position packing material used to occupy the column. The particle beads themselves are of equivalent diameter.

Abstract: An ion exchange chromatography apparatus includes a first stationary phase and a second stationary phase. The first stationary phase has at least one complexing agent functional group capable of forming a complex with at least one ion present in a sample that contains at least two ions when the sample contacts the first stationary phase. The second stationary phase is distinct from the first stationary phase and has at least one non-complexing agent functional group capable of exchanging with the ions present in the sample, other than the one complexed by the complexing agent functional group.

Abstract: A device for holding magnets in place and concentrating the fields of the magnets to the center of a conduit that is aligned laterally between the magnets.

Abstract: Generally, a magnetically enhanced oil filter apparatus includes a cartridge housing which includes an oil input channel and an outlet channel. The cartridge housing defines a cartridge interior space. A magnet unit is affixed to an outside portion of the cartridge housing, whereby a magnetic field from the magnet unit extends into the cartridge interior space providing an interior magnetic field zone. A hollow annular (e.g. cylindrical) filter element is employed. Filter positioning means are provided for supporting and positioning the hollow cylindrical filter element. Oil flow control means are positioned so that portions thereof enter the interior magnetic field zone, for directing oil flow to and from the hollow cylindrical filter element.

Abstract: Ceramic filter elements (1, 15, 26) have a feed surface covered with a ceramic filter membrane (4, 19). As a feed liquid flows over the feed surface, a portion of the liquid passes through the membrane and the filter and is discharged through a discharge surface as a permeate liquid flow. Between the feed and discharge surfaces, the filter element includes an impermeable surface portion (8, 24, 30) which contacts a seal or gasket assembly (17, 29). The seal or gasket assembly includes two seal portions (9, 10) which define a channel (12, 22, 31) in between. The channel connects with a discharge channel (11, 23, 32). In this manner, any liquid leaking between the filter element and another filter element or a housing (21, 27) enters the discharge channel (11, 23, 32). Liquid in the discharge channel indicates a leak in the seal and potential contamination of the permeate liquid.

Abstract: A medical filter (11) is constructed as a container with an interior volume in open fluid communication with a patient connection element (31) and a transport connection element (39). Filter support structure (13) mounted within the interior is structured as a thin, perforated member (14) carrying hydrophilic filter medium (17). A first flow path directs spent dialysate from the patient across the surface of the filter medium (17) to the transport connection (39). A second flow path directs fresh dialyalysate from the transport connection (39) through the filter medium (17) and the perforated support structure (13) to the patient connection (31).

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for treatment of wastewater. More particularly, the methods of the present invention are designed for the biological removal from wastewater of contamination in the form of insoluble suspended solids and soluble and insoluble organic and inorganic material, including nitrogen and phosphorus nutrients. A wastewater treatment process is described, which process is a hybrid continuous flow, cyclic operating, substantially constant level, activated sludge process with a symmetric functional cycle. In this functional cycle each compartment of a reactor is subsequently in a different functional phases, which functional phases are continuously separated: phase 1, phase 2, phase 3, phase 4, phase 1, phase 2, phase 3, phase 4, etc. . . . The symmetric functional cycle allows for symmetric (equal) influent distribution and therefore symmetric sludge and oxygen demand distribution.

Abstract: A method and means for cleaning surface or waste water in which the water is supplied to a sludge separator (14) for the separation of suspendable material. After the sludge separator the water is supplied to a biostep filter in which pollution is deposited at at least one filter body (42, 48) of permeable material of a type on which a bioskin may grow to create microprocesses without the permeability decreases and thereafter further to a sorbent filter (28, 40), whereby the water after this flows to a recipient. A pump (24, 124) is connected to the plant, preferably between the biostep filter (18, 42) and the sorbent filter (28, 40).

Abstract: An apparatus and method for mincing a gel includes a gel mincing tube and a mesh material. The mesh material extends across the end of the tube. To subdivide a gel using the mincing apparatus, a gel is placed upon the mesh material in the mincing tube, the mincing tube, mesh material and the gel are spun in a centrifuge, forcing the gel through the mesh material so that the gel is subdivided into generally uniform smaller fragments. The mesh material may be secured to a tube in the form of a nesting tube. The nesting tube nests within the opening of a recovery vessel. The mesh material may be placed in series with a conditionally porous membrane in the nesting tube. Centrifuging the nesting tube and the recovery vessel subdivides gel material into fragments by forcing the gel through the mesh material. The gel subsequently falls upon the membrane, and may be treated on the membrane to extract or otherwise treat analytes in the gel material.

Abstract: An automated peritoneal dialysis system for performing continuous peritoneal dialysis is disclosed which includes a fluid circuit for delivering unsterilized dialysate from an uninterrupted supply, and a dialysate sterilization component having at least one in-line sterilization filter assembly disposed in the inflow line segment for realtime sterilization of the unsterilized dialysate during flow prior to patient delivery. A filter test component is operatively associated with the sterilization filter assembly for conducting a realtime integrity test on the filter assembly to test for a filter failure which would allow contaminants into the dialysate prior to patient delivery. If the filter fails the test, the fluid is discarded. In this manner, sterilization of fluid in realtime during a peritoneal dialysis process provides a high rate of dialysate exchange during repeated dialysate fill and drain cycles.

Abstract: A simplified process for the partial purification of contaminated phosphoric acid plant pond water having a molar calcium plus magnesium to fluorine ratio greater than or equal to about 0.60, is described, in which the pond water is treated with a basic compound, clarified, aged, clarified again and re-acidified. The thus treated pond water, still containing the majority of the phosphate originally present, can then be concentrated via the removal of essentially pure water, using any conventional means of concentration, without the formation of solid precipitates.

Abstract: A process for the partial purification of contaminated phosphoric acid plant pond water is described, in which the pond water is treated sequentially, with two basic compounds, clarified, aged, clarified again and re-acidified. The thus treated pond water, still containing the majority of the phosphate originally present, can then be concentrated via the removal of essentially pure water, using any conventional means of concentration, without the formation of solid precipitates.

Abstract: The enhanced deliquifying of the compacted bed of deep bed thickener/clarifier is disclosed. Such an apparatus comprises a vessel receiving a slurry of liquid and solid particles suspended in the liquid. The vessel defines a free settling zone, a hindered settling zone intermediate, an upper clarification zone and a lower compaction zone. A deliquifying member is provided in the vessel extending up between at least two zones for facilitating the upward flow of free liquid from one of the lower zones and the settling of particulates. A rotating rake shaft with pickets are so designed to release the interstitial liquid trapped in a lower zone. The pickets provide pathways for liquid to release generally vertically. The release liquid travels upward to the deliquifying member and on into the clarification zone. The lower zone, freed of the interstitial water, further collapses becoming more concentrated or dense.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method and a reactor for the decontamination of ground water with the use of the vertical shaft technology from the well drilling technique, of the manufacture of horizontal filter wells and of reaction agents.

Abstract: A liquid filter (10) housing an annular filter element (16) has an annular space or inlet chamber (24) between the filter element and the housing and viewable through the housing such that an operator can see the level of liquid in the inlet chamber as an indication of when to replace the filter element, the higher the level of liquid in the inlet chamber the greater the pressure drop across the filter element. A change interval plugging indicator (102), preferably part of the filter element, is provided by a gas trap and pressure responsive release mechanism (104) trapping gas in the upper section (23) of the inlet chamber until a designated release pressure is reached, corresponding to a desired terminal pressure, to prevent premature plugging indication otherwise indicated by rising liquid level in the inlet chamber. Accurate and reliable calibration is enabled by separating the filtration function and the plugging indication function.

Abstract: A system and method for removing a by-product from a chemical hydride solution is disclosed. The method includes the steps of: (a) withdrawing the chemical hydride solution at a first temperature from the reactor; (b) cooling the chemical hydride solution to a second temperature below the first temperature, wherein a precipitate is formed from a portion of the by-product; (c) removing the precipitate from the chemical hydride solution; (d) heating the chemical hydride solution to a third temperature above the second temperature, to dissolve the remaining precipitate; and (e) delivering the chemical hydride solution back to the reactor.

Abstract: A fluid filtration system of well workover fluids, the system comprising: a first settling tank which stores fluid; a second settling tank which stores fluid; a low pressure pump in fluid communication with the first and second settling tanks; a low pressure filter in fluid communication with the first and second settling tanks; a high pressure pump in fluid communication with the second settling tank; and a high pressure filter in fluid communication with the second settling tank, wherein the high pressure filter comprises: an inlet; an outlet; a plurality of input feed lines in fluid communication with the inlet; a plurality of output feed lines in fluid communication with the outlet; a plurality of filter canisters, wherein at least one filter canister is in fluid communication with each input feed line and each output feed line.

Abstract: A staggered torsional electrostatic combdrive includes a stationary combteeth assembly and a moving combteeth assembly with a mirror and a torsional hinge. The moving combteeth assembly is positioned entirely above the stationary combteeth assembly by a predetermined vertical displacement during a combdrive resting state. A method of fabricating the staggered torsional electrostatic combdrive includes the step of deep trench etching a stationary combteeth assembly in a first wafer. A second wafer is bonded to the first wafer to form a sandwich including the first wafer, an oxide layer, and the second wafer. A moving combteeth assembly is formed in the second wafer. The moving combteeth assembly includes a mirror and a torsional hinge. The moving combteeth assembly is separated from the first wafer by the oxide layer. The oxide layer is subsequently removed to release the staggered torsional electrostatic combdrive.

Abstract: A metal is provided on a polymeric component and the component is subjected to a removal process such as plasma or liquid etching in the presence of an electric field. The etchant selectively attacks the polymer at the boundary between the metal and the polymer, thereby forming gaps alongside the metal. A cover metal may be plated onto the metal in the gaps. The cover metal protects the principal metal during subsequent etching procedures.

Abstract: A method of removing a ceramic coating, such as a thermal barrier coating (TBC) of yttria-stabilized zirconia (YSZ), from the surface of a component, such as a gas turbine engine component. The method generally entails subjecting the ceramic coating to an aqueous solution of ammonium bifluoride, optionally containing a wetting agent, such as by immersing the component in the solution while maintained at an elevated temperature. Using the method of the invention, a ceramic coating can be completely removed from the component and any cooling holes, with essentially no degradation of the bond coat.

Abstract: The production is performed by calcining ferrite magnetic powder in which La is substituted for part of Sr and Ti, Zn, and Co are substituted for part of Fe at temperatures of 1100° C. to 1450° C. The magnetization is improved by substituting Zn for part of Fe, and by substituting Ti for part of Fe for the purpose of charge compensation. In addition, the coercive force is improved by substituting Co for part of Fe, and by substituting La for part of Sr for the purpose of charge compensation. Ti is used for the charge compensation, so that it is possible to reduce the cost.

Abstract: An apparatus and method wherein ozone layer-damaging dichlorodifluoromethane is substituted with a mix of less environmentally damaging refrigerants chlorodifluoroethane and tetrafluoroethane in dichlorodifluoromethane-based air-cooling systems. While less environmentally damaging than dichlorodifluoromethane, the substitute refrigerant has a temperature-pressure relationship similar to that of dichlorodifluoromethane, making the substitute refrigerant suitable for use with dichlorodifluoromethane-based air-cooling systems. The substitute refrigerant can be used alone or in combination with dichlorodifluoromethane. In either event, it is mixed with a relatively small percentage of a hydrophobic lubricating oil which is compatible with both the substitute refrigerant and with dichlorodifluoromethane.

Abstract: Anti-corrosion solutions and processes useful for refrigeration processes are disclosed. Heteropoly complex anions of transitional metal elements can be added to an absorption solution which includes aqueous ammonia, alkali metal hydroxide and/or alkaline earth metal hydroxide, optionally in combination with transition metal compounds or compounds of the metallic elements of Groups IIIa to VIa of the Periodic Table of Elements to minimize corrosion of systems within which the solution is used.

Abstract: The present invention is to provide a liquid crystal polymer molded article which has an excellent low warpage and is able to be suitably used particularly as a connector or the like. That is, a molded article of a liquid crystal composition in which 100 parts by weight of a liquid crystal polymer (A) and 5-100 parts by weight of a non-fibrous filler (B) are compounded where the non-fibrous filler is so dispersed that, when a diffraction peak of the non-fibrous filler is measured by a transmission method and a reflection method by means of a wide-angle X-ray diffraction, the diffraction peak of the non-fibrous filler which can be confirmed by the reflection method is not confirmed by the transmission method.

Abstract: Hydroxylamine solutions stabilized using tri(4-(2,3-dihydroxyphenyl)-4-oxabutyl)amine, tri(4-(2,3-dihydroxyphenyl)-4-keto-3-azabutyl)amine or salts thereof, and methods of stabilizing hydroxylamine solutions using these compounds.

Abstract: Ceramic inert anodes useful for the electrolytic production of aluminum are disclosed. The inert anodes comprise an oxide of Ni and Fe having a controlled Ni/(Ni+Fe) mole ratio which results in a single-phase structure at the operation temperatures of aluminum production cells. The Ni and Fe oxide material may also have a single-phase structure at the sintering temperature of the material. The single-phase inert anode materials maintain sufficient electrical conductivity at the operating temperatures of the cell, and also possess good mechanical stability.

Abstract: Described is a process for producing a microstructured composite article including the steps of: providing a tool with a molding surface that is suitable for forming a microstructure; applying to at least a portion of the molding surface a plurality of lines of a flowable, curable resin composition; contacting the resin composition with a substrate; curing the resin composition; and, transferring the resin composition to the substrate. Alternative embodiments include heating the molding surface or resin composition, or both, to aid in the flow of the resin composition. The advantage of this process is that is that the microstructured composite articles are able to be produced at high speed and are free of air bubbles.

Abstract: A system and method is disclosed that uses an empirically-derived thermal transfer function for an ignition coil taken with respect to an ambient temperature and responsive internal temperatures. The system combines the transfer function with a minimum cure-induced stress profile, in order to obtain a time-temperature profile for minimizing cure-induced residual stress in an epoxy resin impregnated ignition coil. An accelerated minimal-stress profile is obtained by increasing an initial gel isotherm temperature of the above-mentioned time-temperature profile.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for making polymer tapes utilizing metallocene catalysts. An isotactic propylene polymer is prepared by polymerizing propylene in the presence of an isospecific metallocene catalyst. The resulting polypropylene is heated, extruded and withdrawn as a sheet. The sheet is then slit longitudinally into tape segments and drawn in the longitudinal direction to a draw ratio of at least about 4.5:1 to produce an oriented tape. It has been found that these polypropylene tapes have different characteristics than those polypropylene tapes produced using Ziegler-Natta catalyst drawn at the same draw ratios.

Abstract: A paper feed roller-producing method is to be provided, which enables more inexpensive mass produce of a high precision paper feed roller, with a high precision, having no connecting portion in a roller portion, by using a hydraulic composition. The method for producing a paper feed roller includes a rotary shaft and a cylindrical roller portion integrated around an outer periphery of the rotary shaft, characterized in that the roller portion is formed by extruding a hydraulic composition and curing and hardening the extrudate.

Abstract: Granulated papermaking sludge is combined with plastic to form composite materials that may be shaped into structural and non-structural articles.

Abstract: A method of forming a trade mark decoration on a soft ribbon stripe comprising the steps of thermal pressing a combination end of the ribbon stripe to cure the texture of the ribbon stripe and increase the gaps of the texture; fastening the combination end onto a mold; mixing ejection molding material with a material similar or alike the material of the ribbon stripe so that these materials can form as one unit when melt; high pressure ejection molding the ribbon stripe to combine with a primary blank plastic material and a produced trade mark pattern being formed on the primary blank plastic material; placing the first ejection molded primary blank plastic material into the mold for second ejection molding and the protruded trade mark pattern being located at a recess of the second mold; and processing to a second ejection molding to enclose the primary blank plastic material at the exterior thereof to form an ornamental article.

Abstract: A method for filling a receiver with expanded fibers includes the steps of feeding at least one bundle of fibers from at least one roving; introducing the at least one bundle into a portable tool having a manual gripping element, a spray nozzle, an air supply device connected for supplying air to the nozzle, an extraction system configured to hold the at least one bundle and feed the at least one bundle to the nozzle, and an inlet guide positioned to guide the at least one bundle to the extraction system; and using the air supply device to expand the fibers of the at least one bundle in said spray nozzle, and spray the expanded fibers into the receiver.

Abstract: A method of forming a magnetic body, alternative to a ferrite core, on a printed circuit board is provided. A printed circuit board is set in a mold and injection molding is conducted. The mold comprises a fixed plate, an intermediate plate and a movable plate. A cavity in the intermediate plate is filled with a melted material (i.e., mixture of resin and magnetic filler) supplied via a sprue and a runner. A cavity in the movable plate is also filled with the material supplied to the cavity in the intermediate plate through a hole in the printed circuit board. When a magnetic body for noise control is directly injection molded onto the printed circuit board in such a way, no gap appears between the magnetic body and the printed circuit board. As a result, the magnetic body functions well as desired.

Abstract: A method of constructing a frame (10) for a filtering screen from a polymer material is described in which a wire frame reinforcement is wholly encapsulated during the frame moulding process so that two parallel spaced apart wires extend through each of the intersecting orthogonal ribs (14, 16) which define the open area of the frame (10) across which the wirecloths (158, 159) are stretched. The surfaces of the frame (10) in which the wirecloths (158, 159) are embedded are formed with ridges (22, 30, 32) and the crests of the latter extend to different heights. The crests are softened by heating during the manufacturing process and the wirecloths (158, 159) stretched over the frame (10) are forced into the softened crests after which the assembly is allowed to cool and cure. The frame (10) is re-usable by stripping wirecloths (158, 159) from the top of the frame (10) and fitting fresh wirecloths over the plastics material and heating the regions which are to encapsulate the fresh wirecloth.

Abstract: A method for producing an embossed PVA film, which includes embossing the film such that the crystallinity index of the emboss top is 0.50-0.90. The invention provides an embossed PVA film superior in resistance to blocking even when in a rolled state, in appearance to show the high quality of products, and in resistance to pinholes.