Abstract: This invention relates to a process for improving the purity of an aqueous onium hydroxide solution. In particular, the invention relates to a process for improving the purity of aqueous onium hydroxide solutions containing undesirable amounts of anions. The invention also relates to the improved high purity onium hydroxide solutions obtained by the above method.

Abstract: A process for the production of a winter diesel fuel from wax containing hydrocarbons produced by the Fischer-Tropsch hydrocarbon synthesis process. A 300° F.+ Fischer-Tropsch fraction is upgraded first by hydroisomerization followed by catalytic dewaxing resulting in a diesel fuel suitable for use as a winter diesel fuel having excellent cold flow properties and reduced emissions.

Abstract: There is provided a catalyst containing porous macrostructures comprised of: (a) a three-dimensional network of particles of porous inorganic material (e.g., zeolites); and, (b) at least one metal (e.g., a catalytically active metal). The particles of the at least one macrostructure occupy less than 75% of the total volume of the at least one macrostructure and are jointed together to form a three-dimensional interconnected network. The three-dimensional interconnected network will usually be comprised of pores having diameters greater than about 20 Å. The macrostructures can be made by forming an admixture containing a porous organic ion exchanger (e.g., a polymer-based ion exchange resin) and a synthesis mixture (e.g., for zeolite formation) capable of forming the porous inorganic material and the at least one metal; converting the synthesis mixture to the porous inorganic material; and removing the porous organic ion exchanger from the inorganic material.

Abstract: In an embodiment, the invention relates to a method for mitigating filter fouling from a coker gas oil by decomposing oligomers present in the gas oil.

Abstract: In the refining of crude oil, vacuum gas oil hydrotreaters and hydrocrackers are used to remove impurities such as sulfur, nitrogen, and metals from the crude oil. Typically, the middle distillate boiling material (boiling in the range from 250° F.-735° F.) from VGO hydrotreating or moderate severity hydrocrackers does not meet the smoke point, the cetane number or the aromatic specification. In most cases, this middle distillate is separately upgraded by a middle distillate hydrotreater or, alternatively, the middle distillate is blended into the general fuel oil pool or used as home heating oil. With this invention, the middle distillate is hydrotreated in the same high pressure loop as the vacuum gas oil hydrotreating reactor or the moderate severity hydrocracking reactor.

Abstract: This invention is directed to a process for hydroprocessing vacuum gas oils and other feeds in order to produce unconverted oil suitable for use as base oil feed for white oils, Group III oils, and BMCI (Bureau of Mines Correlation Index) ethylene plant feed. Ammonia, hydrogen sulfide, and light products are removed from the first stage at high pressure in order to produce a higher quality of unconverted oil that is suitable for Group III base oils.

Abstract: Process for separating an emulsion of a bituminous oil and water into a liquid water phase and a liquid bituminous oil phase, wherein the following steps are performed: (a) raising the temperature of the bituminous oil/water emulsion having a temperature of below 100 ° C. to a temperature of above 140 ° C., and (b) performing a phase separation wherein a water phase and oil phase is obtained, wherein the heating of the emulsion in step (a) is effected by first mixing part of oil phase obtained in step (b) having a temperature of above 140 ° C. with the bituminous oil/water emulsion and subsequently raising the temperature of the resulting mixture to a temperature of above 140 ° C. by making use of indirect heat exchange means.

Abstract: The invention relates to an operating substance tank (1), especially for a portable handheld work apparatus (2) having a fill opening (3) and an outflow opening (4). The operating substance tank (1) is configured from a first housing part (6) and a second housing part (7) connected to the first housing part in order to configure the operating substance tank (1) in a simple assembly so that the operating substance can be made available without disruption. A filter wall (8) is configured as one piece from a housing part (6) and partitions the tank housing (5) of the operating substance tank (1) into at least two spaces (9, 10).

Abstract: Granulated products are provided and include carbonaceous particles and a carbonized agent or binder. The agent or binder is preferably a synthetic resin, pitch component, or mixture thereof Packing materials for packing columns used in chromatographic separations are also provided as are methods of chromatographic separation using the materials. In addition, methods are provided to provide a variety of different types of carbonaceous products. A variety of chemical groups can be, prior to heat-treatment and/or thereafter, attached to the granules to form modified granules.

Abstract: The present invention includes a method of analyzing one or more molecular components in a mixture of components. In the method, a mixture of molecular components, i.e., an analyte mixture, is separated on a capillary liquid chromatography column. The component-containing eluate from the column is deposited as a series of discrete, defined-volume microdrops, along a region of an adsorbent collection layer. During the chromatographic separation, the column eluate may also-be monitored to detect the presence of separated components in the equate. The one or more components deposited in the collection layer are then analyzed by selected analytical techniques. In related aspect, the invention includes a method of collecting one or more molecular components derived from a mixture of components, a blotter apparatus useful in the above method, and a system for analyzing one or more molecular components in a mixture of components.

Abstract: A filter cartridge (20) for removing particulates from a particulate laden fluid stream moving one direction through the filter cartridge. The filter cartridge (20) is periodically subject to cleaning fluid moving in an opposite direction to the fluid stream. The filter cartridge (20) comprises filtration media (24) formed into a tubular configuration and having a plurality of circumferentially spaced apart pleats (26). A retention device (82) to limit radial movement of the filtration media (24) when subjected to the periodical cleaning fluid and to maintain the pleats (26) in the filtration media circumferentially spaced apart. A method of making a filter cartridge (20) for removing particulates from a fluid stream moving one direction through the filter cartridge and that is periodically subject to cleaning fluid moving in an opposite direction to the fluid stream.

Abstract: An apparatus for preparing dialysis liquid includes a container holder 112 for holding an inverted container 102, the container having a tubular body portion which accommodates a powder preparation, a bottom wall, and a sealing member for closing an outlet opening defined at the end of the tubular body portion opposite to the bottom wall. The apparatus also includes a movable cutter 118 for cutting the sealing member, a mesh member 116, horizontally disposed above the tank, for receiving the powder preparation from the container 102, and a nozzle 120 for applying water to the powder preparation which has fallen on the mesh member after the sealing member is cut by the cutter 118. The water and powder are received in a concentrated liquid tank 114a provided under the container holder 112, and the concentrated liquid is diluted with a diluting water as it is supplied to the dialyzer 160.

Abstract: Impurities contained in a fluid are removed by a filter having a housing containing a full flow filter, a bypass filter, and a conduit. The conduit includes a pressure reduction section. The full flow filter, bypass filter, and conduit are positioned such that the bypass filter is downstream of the full flow filter, and the pressure reduction section creates a pressure differential across the bypass filter that draws a predetermined portion of the fluid through the bypass filter. All of the fluid passes through the full flow filter. The predetermined portion of the fluid that passes through full flow filter is also filtered a second time by being drawn through the bypass filter.

Abstract: The present invention provides a supported catalyst for in situ remediation of soil and/or groundwater contaminated with a halogenated hydrocarbon comprising an adsorbent impregnated with zero valent iron, wherein the adsorbent is capable of adsorbing the halogenated hydrocarbon. This invention further provides a bioremediation composition for in situ bioremediation of soil and/or groundwater contaminated with hydrocarbons, comprising an adsorbent capable of adsorbing said hydrocarbons, a mixture of facultative anaerobes capable of metabolizing said hydrocarbons under sulfate-reduction conditions, a sulfate-containing compound that releases sulfate over a period of time, and a nutrient system for promoting growth of said anaerobes, wherein said nutrient system includes a sulfide scavenging agent.

Abstract: A bioreactor that has an internal sludge return function for treating wastewater is provided. Said bioreactor comprises a mixing zone (18), a static zone (28), and a mixed liquor circulation channel (26). The internal sludge return is accomplished by the integration of said static zone (28) that settles sludge, and said mixed liquor circulation channel (26) that provides a circulating stream of the mixed liquor for carrying settled sludge back to the mixing zone (18). Therefore, the microorganism concentration in the bioreactor of this invention is increased compared with conventional suspended-growth bioreactors, resulting in the improved wastewater treatment performance, reduced bioreactor size, simplified operation, reduced clarifier size, etc. The bioreactor of this invention can be operation in aerobic, anoxic, and anaerobic conditions to serve various wastewater treatment purposes.

Abstract: Oxygen depleted wastewater is introduced as a stream into the top of a vessel containing a set of perforated triangular vanes arranged to rotate about a vertical axis. The stream is directed downwardly in the vessel along a path that traverses the path of the rotating vanes so the vanes impact the stream. The force of the impact of the vanes against the stream and the perforations in the vanes cooperate to create a fine droplet mist in the vessel. Atmospheric air drawn into the vessel is mixed and entrained in the mist so that when the mist coalesces, micro-fine size air bubbles are formed. The triangular vanes further provide a pumping action to expel a now aerated stream of wastewater from adjacent the bottom of the vessel.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for treating industrial wastewaters, preferably wastewaters from the metal-processing industry, preferably suitable for treating the wastewater in such a manner that it can be recycled back to the production. In the process the wastewater passes through a sequence of treatment steps consisting of a chemical/physical flocculation/precipitation, a filter system, a biological wastewater purification stage and also a nanofiltration unit.

Abstract: Pollutants are extracted from sub-surface water using an aqueous solution of cyclodextrin and a vertical circulating well. Complexes of the pollutant and cyclodextrin are recovered from the bottom of the well. When the pollutant is volatile, the complexes are separated into pollutant and cyclodextrin by air stripping.

Abstract: The invention relates to a special amino acid mixture for hemodialysis as well as to the dialysis solution that can be prepared from the amino acid mixture. When the amino acid mixtures according to the invention are used for such purposes, the “shrinking men” phenomenon can be prevented. The present invention also relates to a hemodialysis process and apparatus. This aspect of the invention provides a closed dialysis system with a dialyzer solution containing the amino acid mixtures according to the invention.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and system for using a hemofilter to treat IMRD, hepatic failure, exogenous intoxication and other conditions associated with toxins in a patient's blood. One treatment includes the use of a very large pore hemofilter to remove target complex molecules and/or target molecules from a patient's blood and to infuse a replacement fluid into the patient's blood to maintain a prescribed albumin concentration in the patient's blood.

Abstract: A method of removing metal or metalloids, arsenic in particular, from groundwater or another source of contaminated water. The method comprises providing a water source, contacting the water source with CO2, whereby the pH of the water source is lowered to produce pretreated water, contacting the pretreated water with a metal or metalloid complex-adsorbing substance whereby contaminants are separated from the remainder of the pretreated water to produce metal or metalloid-depleted water, and stripping the CO2 from the metal or metalloid-depleted water, whereby the pH of metal or metalloid-depleted water is increased. A system for metal removal utilizing the CO2 process is also provided.

Abstract: A gas-free system for separating a solution of substantially impurity-free daughter products from an associated parent load solution includes a pump, a plurality of multi-port valves, separation medium and a processor. An uncoiled conduit extends between a third port of a second multi-port valve and a first multi-port valve. A processor is operably coupled to a pump, and the plurality of multi-port valves. A method for separating a solution of substantially impurity-free daughter product from an associated parent load solution is also disclosed.

Abstract: A water purification system and method using an ionizer and an ozonation treatment for ionization, oxidation and/or decomposition of undegradeable contaminants is disclosed. A high electron-inducing voltage is first applied to the water in the ionizer so that undergradeable materials are ionized and/pr decomposed, then the water is mixed with ozone so the water is purified to be potable.

Abstract: A material separator includes a chamber and electrode(s) to create a radially oriented electric field in the chamber. Coils are provided to generate a magnetic field in the chamber. The separator further includes a launcher to propagate a high-frequency electromagnetic wave into the chamber to convert the material into a multi-species plasma. With the crossed electric and magnetic fields, low mass ions in the multi-species plasma are placed on small orbit trajectories and exit through the end of the chamber while high mass ions are placed on large orbit trajectories for capture at the wall of the chamber.

Abstract: A mixing, aerating or oxygenating method and apparatus to aerate or oxygenate ponds, rivers or lakes, sewage or effluent treatment lagoons or beds or to airstrip volatile compounds from water or other solutes by distributing gas through a piped system having a plurality of outlets (4) branching from a common distribution line (2). In order to deliver a desired quantity of air or oxygen at each outlet, a constant flow regulator (5) is disposed in each outlet which limits the flow to a set amount when the pressure in the pipe system exceeds a predetermined minimum value. In one method, the regulator is chosen to achieve this irrespective of pressure drop along the distribution line. In another method, the regulator is chosen to give the desired output with no pressure drop along the distribution line.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for increasing the continuous filtering flow rate through a pressure liquid filter unit of liquid-to-be-filtered having (1) a carrier liquid, (2) coalescing solids particles which tend to adhere and bridge filter clement gaps sized substantially larger than said particles and (3) larger impurity elements to be filtered out of the liquid-to-be-filtered and sized larger than such filter element gap. A pressure liquid filter unit containing a filter element having gaps, a given gap being sized to reliably pass the carrier liquid and coalescing solids particles at a first relatively low liquid flow rate, but blocking coalescing solids particles passage therethrough due to bridging of said gaps by the coalescing solids particles at a relatively high liquid flow rate.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a sensor, the sensor including a three-dimensional interdigital electrode arrangement positioned on a substrate, comprising applying a temperature sensing resistor onto the substrate by sputtering a first adhesion layer and a first metallic layer onto the substrate, applying a first resist layer to the first metallic layer, applying and structuring a first resist material on the first metallic layer, and after structuring, etching the first metallic layer in resist free areas; and applying a three-dimensional interdigital electrode arrangement onto the substrate by sputtering a second adhesion layer and a second metallic layer onto the substrate, applying and structuring a second resist material only to second metal layer, after the structuring, etching the second metallic layer in resist free areas to form valleys, and after etching the second metallic layer, applying an electroplating layer.

Abstract: A method for fabricating a resonator, and in particular, a thin film bulk acoustic resonator (FBAR), and a resonator embodying the method are disclosed. The resonator is fabricated on a substrate by fabricating a bottom electrode layer and a piezoelectric (PZ) layer over the bottom electrode layer. A selected portion of the PZ layer is partially etched. Then, a top electrode is fabricated over the selected portion of the PZ layer.

Abstract: A method of coupling a barrier layer to a substrate of a fluid ejection device includes disposing a mechanical intercoupling structure on a substrate at least one fluid ejector thereon; disposing a chamber layer over said substrate, wherein side walls of an ejection chamber are defined by the chamber layer; and substantially embedding said mechanical intercoupling structure with the chamber layer.

Abstract: A heater chip for use in an inkjet printer which includes a single conductive layer to provide electrical connectivity between power and ground inputs. Wherein the unique power distribution architecture is possible by the formation of a plurality of ink vias in the heater chip which provides for an increase in the chip surface area available for electrical connectivity.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a micro-electromechanical fluid ejecting device includes the step of forming a plurality of nozzle chambers on a wafer substrate. Sacrificial layers are deposited on the wafer substrate. A plurality of fluid ejecting mechanisms is formed on the sacrificial layers to be operatively positioned with respect to the nozzle chambers. The sacrificial layers are etched to free the fluid ejecting mechanisms. The fluid ejecting mechanisms are formed so that they are capable of ejecting fluid through both of a pair of fluid ejection ports defined in a roof of each nozzle chamber on one cycle of operation of the fluid ejecting mechanism.

Abstract: A method for fabricating semiconductor microstructures with a combination of etching steps, i.e. local RIE, isotropic, etc. followed by deep anisotropic etching.

Abstract: The first chamber cleaning gas and the first silicon-containing film-etching gas of the present invention comprise at least one compound selected from the group consisting of FCOF, CF3OCOF and CF3OCF2OCOF, and O2 in the specific amount, and optionally other gases. The second chamber cleaning gas and the second silicon-containing film-etching gas comprise CF3COF, C3F7COF or CF2(COF)2 and O2 in specific amounts, and optionally may comprise other gases. The chamber cleaning gases and silicon-containing film etching gases of the present invention have a low global warming potential and hardly generate substances in the exhaust gases such as CF4, etc, which are harmful to the environment and have been perceived as contributing to global warming. Therefore, the gases are friendly to the global environment, and have easy handling and excellent exhaust gas treating properties. Further, the chamber cleaning gases of the invention have excellent cleaning rate.

Abstract: A process for etching a substrate and removing etch residue deposited on the surfaces in the etching chamber has two stages. In the first stage, an energized first process gas is provided in the chamber, and in the second stage, an energized second process gas is provided in the chamber. The energized first process gas comprises SF6 and Ar, the volumetric flow ratio of SF6 to other components of the first process gas being from about 5:1 to about 1:10. The energized second process gas comprises CF4 and Ar, the volumetric flow ratio of CF4 to other components of the second process gas being from about 1:0 to about 1:10.

Abstract: Planarizing machines, carrier heads for planarizing machines and methods for planarizing microelectronic-device substrate assemblies in mechanical or chemical-mechanical planarizing processes. In one embodiment of the invention, a carrier head includes a backing plate, a bladder attached to the backing plate, and a retaining ring extending around the backing plate. The backing plate has a perimeter edge, a first surface, and a second surface opposite the first surface. The second surface of the backing plate can have a perimeter region extending inwardly from the perimeter edge and an interior region extending inwardly from the perimeter region. The perimeter region, for example, can have a curved section extending inwardly from the perimeter edge of the backing plate or from a flat rim at the perimeter edge. The curved section can curve toward and/or away from the first surface to influence the edge pressure exerted against the substrate assembly during planarization.

Abstract: A planarization method using anisotropic etching can be applied to planarize an insulating layer with an uneven surface on a substrate. H2SO4, H3PO4, HF and H2O are mixed to form an etching solution. The substrate is placed into the etching solution to make the etching solution pass the surface of the insulating layer at a flow rate to etch the insulating layer. After a period of etching time, the insulating layer with a more planar surface can be obtained.

Abstract: A viscous liquid vibration damping composition containing (A) 30-95 weight percent of a viscous liquid, and (B) 5-70 weight percent of at least two solid powders having different average particle diameters, where the difference between the respective average particle diameters of the two solid powders is at least 10 &mgr;m. These viscous liquid vibration damping compositions are superior in vibration damping properties, and possess a stable vibration damping characteristic that is not significantly affected by temperature changes.

Abstract: An MR fluid formulation comprising water-atomized iron powder dispersed in a liquid vehicle, wherein the atomized iron powder contributes to a higher magnetic effect, a lower viscosity and suitability for high temperature applications. The magnetizable particles are prepared by controlled water atomization and comprise iron having a passivating oxide surface layer. The passivating oxide surface layer advantageously comprises iron oxide and at least one alloying metal oxide, such as manganese oxide. Advantageously, the particles have a grain size of at least 4 &mgr;m and a mean diameter in the range of about 8-25 &mgr;m. The liquid vehicle advantageously comprises a mixture of at least two liquid components of different surface functionality and an organoclay stabilization mixture in which at least one organoclay is selected for each liquid vehicle component.

Abstract: A resing composition for bonded magnet of the present invention comprises: magnetic particles; and an aromatic polyamide resin comprising an aromatic carboxylic acid and an aliphatic diamine, which has a molar rational of residual end carboxyl groups to residual end amino groups of 0.1 to 1.0 and a solution viscosity of not more than 1.1 dl/g. The resin composition for bonded magnet is excellent inmoldability, and a bonded magnet using such a resing composition is excellent in mechanical strength and heat resistance.

Abstract: Slurries for use in the chemical mechanical polishing (CMP) of copper and copper diffusion barriers that reduce pattern sensitive erosion of an underlying dielectric layer include at least one surfactant. Inclusion of surfactants, such as cetyltrimethylammonium bromide in a slurry mixture can reduce pattern sensitive erosion of dielectric materials such as silicon oxide, and fluorinated oxides of silicon that would otherwise occur during CMP of copper and copper diffusion barriers as is typical in the formation of copper interconnect lines in integrated circuits.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for the preparation of compounds having at least one —CF2O— bridge in the molecule, which comprises initially reacting a bis(alkylthio)carbenium salt with a compound containing at least one hydroxyl group in the presence of a base followed by oxidative fluorination, preferably in situ, with a fluorinating agent and an oxidizing agent to form the compound having at least one —CF2O— bridge in the molecule.

Abstract: In accordance with the invention, a composition including a solvent and a functional material is prepared. The solvent includes at least one heterocyclic compound having one or more substituents and containing an oxygen atom as a constituent atom. The functional material is selected from a group including organic EL materials, conductive materials, insulative materials and semiconductive materials. Functional films and functional elements are prepared by using the composition.

Abstract: An improved method for the preparation of a dispersion of ZnS particles doped with copper is disclosed. The method comprises the step of performing a precipitation by mixing together a zinc salt, a sulfide, and a citrate or EDTA complex of copper ions, dissolved in several aqueous solutions. Enhanced luminescence is obtained.

Abstract: The invention concerns the use of a composition or premix based on volatile corrosion inhibitors comprising, in order to limit to a maximum the release and/or degradation of the volatile corrosion inhibitors when the composition or premix is being formed, either an efficient amount of a structuring agent consisting of at least one solid or pasty substance whereof the melting point ranges from 40 to 110° C. preferably from 50 to 90° C., or a liquid substance capable of forming, mixed with a mineral filler, a solid or pasty combination. The invention also concerns a composition based on volatile corrosion inhibitors comprising a composition based on volatile corrosion inhibitors comprising an efficient amount which contains an efficient amount of a solid structuring agent. The invention further concerns polymer based articles having as constituent said composition or premix; said article are useful for protecting metal parts against corrosion.

Abstract: The present invention is a stabilizing system for improving the melt viscosity of polyolefin resin during fiber processing. The addition of a liquid phosphite melt processing stabilizer to polypropylene homopolymer powder improves processing stability during spinning. The present invention covers spraying the liquid phosphite onto the powder along with octadecyl 3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxyhydrocinnamate which is applied via mineral oil solution in a steamer.

Abstract: The present invention provides a multi-component granular additive for polyolefins which has a strength and a function which enable the additive to be dust-free and be of components-in-granule type. It comprises 10 parts by mass of a nucleating agent comprising an alkali metal salt or hydroxyaluminum salt of an aromatic monocarboxlylic acid or comprising an alkali metal salt or hydroxyaluminum salt of an acid aromatic phosphoric ester compound, 1 to 50 parts by mass of a phenolic antioxidant, 5 to 50 parts by mass of polyproylene, and 0 to 500 parts by mass of one or more optional additive components other than the nucleating agent and the phenolic antioxidant.

Abstract: A composition comprising finely divided particles of (a) an electrically-conductive material; (b) one or more inorganic binders; and (c) tin, wherein components (a), (b) and (c) are in a liquid vehicle, said composition being suitable for use in the manufacture of an electrically-conductive pattern on a substrate.

Abstract: A compound obtained by incorporating atoms Cz into vacant lattice points of a crystal represented by the general formula AxBy (wherein A is a cation; B is an anion; and x and y satisfy an electrically neutral stoichiometric ratio) while controlling the introduction with respect to position and/or concentration (C is an atom capable of forming an ion which has an arbitrary valence and is introduced into a vacant lattice point of the crystal of the compound AxBy; and z is from 0 to the number corresponding to the concentration of vacant lattice points in AxBy).

Abstract: An apparatus and method for filling a mold for casting optical lens. Two molding shells and a closure member form a mold with a molding cavity. To fill the mold a fluid lens-forming material is introduced into the molding cavity through a casting opening formed in the closure member. Air is venting out during the filling process through a venting opening also formed in the closure member. Both the casting opening and the venting opening are located in the upper portion of the molding cavity but spaced apart from each other at an acute angle.

Abstract: In one embodiment, the method for producing a stamper, comprises: forming a nickel plated substrate having desired surface features on one side; disposing a managed heat transfer layer on a second side of said substrate; forming a thickness of said managed heat transfer layer having a variation of less than about 5%; and altering said exposed surface of said managed heat transfer layer. Also disclosed are a method and apparatus for producing data storage media.