Abstract: An additive mixture useful as a flame retardant is described. The mixture is comprised of (i) a poly(bromophenyl)alkane having in the molecule in the range of 13 to 60 carbon atoms and in the range of two to four aryl groups and (ii) a poly(bromophenyl)bromoalkane having in the molecule in the range of 13 to 60 carbon atoms and in the range of two to four aryl groups, said poly(bromophenyl)bromoalkane being in an amount which is greater than 25 wt %, based on the total weight of the additive mixture. A facile process for making the poly(bromophenyl)bromoalkane is also described.

Abstract: The invention concerns a system for treating gases such as PFC or HFC with plasma, comprising: (6) pumping means (6) thereof the outlet is at a pressure substantially equal to atmospheric pressure, means (8), at the pump output, to produce a plasmas at atmospheric pressure.

Abstract: A tank-type water electrolysis apparatus with unipolar electrodes arrangement and wherein imposed magnetic fields enhance electrolyte solution circulation, further enhanced in apparatus operation by use of immersed electrets providing partitioning structure between separated hydrogen bubbles-producing and oxygen bubbles-producing regions in the solution. The included immersed electrets, which may be of polytetrafluoroethylene or other suitable material, perform the functions of attracting bubbles away from points of origination at the electrodes, and of promoting coelescence of smaller bubbles into larger ones of greater buoyancy.

Abstract: An insulated vibration-stirring apparatus comprising a vibration generating means containing a vibration motor and a vibrating member attached to that motor, and a vibrating rod attached by an installation piece to allow vibration linked with the vibration generating means, and vibrating vanes installed on this vibrating rod. An electrical insulation area made from hard rubber is installed on a section nearer to the installation section to the installation piece than the section where the vibrating vanes are mounted on the vibrating rod. An electrical line is connected to the lower section of the vibrating rod on the electrical insulation area side where the vibrating vanes are installed. This electrical line conducts power to the vibrating vanes by way of the lower section of the vibrating rod.

Abstract: An inert anode (10) for use in an electrolysis process to make metals such as aluminum, contains a hollow interior with an open top portion (16), an interior closed bottom (18) and interior side walls (19) where the top interior side walls (16) have at least one interior groove (20) which helps relieve stress on the anode material and helps provide locking and support of the anode.

Abstract: A sintered electrode assembly is made of an inert electrode (15) containing a sealed metal conductor (20) having a surface feature (30) such as a coating or wrapping which aids in bond formation with the inert electrode (15) at their interface (45), where the metal conductor (20) is directly contacted by and is substantially surrounded by the inert electrode (15) without the use of metal foam or metal powders.

Abstract: The present invention provides a process for manufacturing a porous metal electrode, wherein the porosity degree is in the range of 30 to 50% and the metal is capable of forming a stable, uniform, oxide layer having a dielectric constant greater than 25 (k≧25), preferably selected from the group consisting of tantalum and niobium, comprising a substantially uniform porous layer of deposited said metal particles thereon.

Abstract: Provided is a hafnium silicide target for forming a gate oxide film composed of HfSi0.82-0.98, wherein the oxygen content is 500 to 10000 ppm. Manufactured is a hafnium silicide target for forming a gate oxide film, wherein powder of the composition composed of HfSi0.82-0.98 is synthesized, pulverized to be 100 mesh or less, and thereafter subject to hot pressing or hot isostatic pressing (HIP) at 1700° C. to 2120° C. and 150 to 2000 kgf/cm2. Thereby obtained is a hafnium silicide target, and the manufacturing method thereof, suitable for forming a HfSiO film and HfSiON film that may be used as a high dielectric gate insulation film, superior in embrittlement resistance, having a low generation of particles, and which is not likely to cause ignition of sintering powder or explosion of powder dust during the manufacturing process thereof.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an immobilised pH gradient (IPG) gel for use in electrophoresis, the gel comprising polymerised units of (I) CH2═CR1—CO—NR2R3 and (II) CH2═CR4—CO—NR5R6 wherein R1, R2, R3, R4, R5, and R6, are the same or different and are hydrogen or C1-C4alkyl, with the proviso that at least one of R1, R2, R3, R4, R5, or R6 is C1-C4alkyl.

Abstract: This invention provides a front side silicon micromachining process for the fabrication of suspended Porous Silicon membranes in the form of bridges or cantilevers and of thermal sensor devices employing these membranes. The fabrication of the suspended Porous Silicon membranes comprises the following steps: (a) formation of a Porous Silicon layer (2) in, at least one, predefined area of a Silicon substrate (1), (b) definition of etch windows (5) around or inside said Porous Silicon layer (2) using standard photolithography and (c) selective etching of the silicon substrate (1), underneath the Porous Silicon layer (2), by using dry etching techniques to provide release of the Porous Silicon membrane and to form a cavity (6) under the said Porous Silicon layer.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a gas concentration detecting apparatus capable of implementing applied voltage to a gas sensor element with high accuracy to improve the gas concentration detection accuracy over a wide range. The sensor element of the gas concentration detecting apparatus acting as an air-fuel ratio sensor is composed of a gas diffusion rate-determining portion, a solid electrolyte and a pair of electrodes, and an element current corresponding to a specific component concentration flows whenever a voltage is applied to the sensor element. An applied voltage control circuit controls the applied voltage to the sensor element on the basis of an applied voltage characteristic defined linearly. The applied voltage characteristic is set on the basis of a width of a limiting current region at each air-fuel ratio in a wide air-fuel ratio detection range.

Abstract: A flowing junction reference electrode comprising a liquid junction member matched with a filter. The junction member and the filter are situated between a reference electrolyte solution and a sample solution. An array of nanochannels spans the junction member and provides fluid communication between the electrolyte solution and the sample solution. The filter is configured to allow a greater flux of electrolyte than that associated with the junction member. Preferably, the number of pores is greater than the number of nanochannels. The filter is preferably configured to have pores with an inner diameter that is the same or less than the inner diameter of the nanochannels. In some embodiment, the resistance of the filter is made lower relative to the resistance of the junction member by selecting suitable length, number, and inner diameter size for the pores of the filter relative to the nanochannels of the junction member.

Abstract: Disclosed are microfluidic devices and methods for performing analyses which, in a preferred embodiment, involve sample filtration, solid phase extraction for enrichment of target analytes and separation of target analytes via open channel electrochromatography. Small sample volumes of mixed analytes are resolvable in less than one minute using the disclosed devices and methods.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for suppressed ion analysis in which a sample solution of analyte (e.g., anion) in an eluent of electrolyte counterions (e.g., sodium), is chromatographically separated. Then, the counterions are suppressed in a suppression zone and removed and used to convert the analyte ions to salt form in a salt-converting zone. The suppression and salt-converting zones may be contiguous or remote, and may be performed in devices of the membrane suppresser type. Thereafter, the salts or acids or bases formed from them (e.g., in membrane suppressor devices) are detected. Also, salt conversion can be performed using two ion exchange packed bed salt convertors in which one bed is on-line while the other is regenerated, followed by a reversal of flow.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods, compositions, and systems for calibrating a fluorescent polynucleotide separation apparatus.

Abstract: An electrophoresis gel is prepared with indicia incorporated into the gel itself rather than on a label or backing that is adhered to the gel. According to one method, the indicia are applied by first coating a solid surface that will be used as one internal surface of a gel mold with a solution of a water-permeable polymer, allowing the coating to dry, imprinting indicia in ink on the dry coating, and then forming the gel over the coating. In a variation on this method, the indicia are applied to a sheet which is then placed against the mold surface, the sheet being either a liner that is separable from the gel yet coated with the polymer or a sheet of the polymer itself. Alternatively, the indicia are printed directly on the mold surface without first coating the surface. This is achieved by using as a printing composition a mixture of an ink and a solution of a water-permeable polymer, then forming the gel over the imprinted indicia.

Abstract: In the present innovations on vertical slab gel electrophoresis cell and method, 6 embodiments embodied 3 different mechanisms for urging the cassettes to abut the upper buffer chamber, every of them has its merit; a dual-gel cell allows not to block up the other side opening when one gel runs in it; all cassettes are formed by rectangular sidewalls and fringed spacer strips, but still can form a U-notched upper opening with even rim for every cassette, 2 kind cassettes can undergo the gel casting within the electrophoresis cell, other 2 kind cassettes can form an unlimited cassette/UBC complex; a cooling device needs not exogenous coolant; disclosed 4 convenient methods can snugly encase almost all kind cassettes into membrane pouches for perform homogeneous or gradient gel casting.

Abstract: In the electrolytic treatment, an acid concentration meter measures the concentration of hydrochloric acid. The difference from a measured value PVb to a preset value SVb of the concentration of hydrychloric acid is larger than preset value e, hydrochloric acid is fed out from an acid feeding section. The aluminum concentration meter measures the concentration of the aluminum chloride. A water feed cycle is calculated from a measured value PVa and a preset value SVa of the concentration of hydrochloric acid, and a total value of the electrolytic current I generated by a power source section. At every water feed cycle, a water feeding section feeds water to add to the electrolytic solution.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are a biaxially textured pure metal or alloy layer deposited by electroplating process on the surface of a single-crystalline or quasi-single-crystalline metal substrate, and a method for manufacturing the biaxially textured pure metal or alloy layer. Specifically, the biaxially textured pure metal or alloy layer is deposited by electroplating process on the surface of a pure metal or alloy substrate having single-crystalline or quasi-single-crystalline orientation. The biaxially textured pure metal or alloy layer has a misorientation on the c-axis of 4° or less and a misorientation on the plane formed by the a-axis and b-axis of 5.2° or less in which the misorientation on the c-axis is determined by a Full Width at Half Maximum of peaks on the &thgr;-rocking curve and the misorientation on the plane formed by the a-axis and b-axis is determined by a Full Width at Half Maximum of peaks on the &PHgr;-scan.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a plating method and a plating apparatus which can attain embedding of copper into fine interconnection patterns with use of a plating liquid having high throwing power and leveling properties, and which can make film thickness of a plated film substantially equal between an interconnection region and a non-interconnection region. A plating method comprises filling a plating liquid containing metal ions and an additive into a plating space formed between a substrate and an anode disposed closely to the substrate so as to face the substrate, and changing concentration of the additive in the plating liquid filled into the plating space during a plating process.

Abstract: An aqueous electrolytic solution for electrochemical deposition of gold or its alloys includes at least a soluble gold compound designed for electrolytic deposition and, optionally at least a secondary metal compound designed for co-deposition in the form of a gold alloy. The solution includes 0.3 to 3 moles per mole of gold contained in the electrolytic solution of an organic compound having one or two aldehyde functions, this organic compound being or an organic compound having 3 to 20 carbon atoms and one or two aldehyde functions in the form of a saturated or unsaturated, linear or branched aliphatic group, or a group containing at least a saturated, unsaturated or aromatic cycle. The organic compound may further include at least a heteroelement selected among oxygen, nitrogen, sulfur and phosphorus or be in the form of a salt, in particular a sulphonate. The presence of the organic compound enables increasing the speed of electrodeposition and/or decreasing contact resistance.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing compounds of general formula (I), wherein Rt represents an oxocyclohexyl radical which is optionally substituted by a hydroxyl radical, an alkoxy radical, and/or alkyl radicals, or an oxocyclohexenyl radical which is optionally substituted by a hydroxyl radical, an alkoxy radical, and/or alkyl radicals, the oxo groups being in the form of an acetal, a ketone, or an enol ether, and R2 represents a hydroxy group or a protective group which can be transformed into a hydroxy group by means of hydrolysis. A compound of general formula (II) is cathodically reduced in a divided or partially divided electrolysis cell at a pH value of between 2 and 9.

Abstract: An electrochemical machining apparatus comprises a machining chamber for holding ultrapure water, a cathode/anode immersed in the ultrapure water held in the machining chamber, and a workpiece holding portion for holding a workpiece at a predetermined distance from the cathode/anode so that a surface, to be machined, of the workpiece is brought into contact with the ultrapure water. The electrochemical machining apparatus further comprises an anode/cathode contact brought into contact with the workpiece held by the workpiece holding portion so that the workpiece serves as an anode/cathode, a catalyst having a strongly basic anion exchange function or a strongly acidic cation exchange function, a power source for applying a voltage between the cathode/anode and the workpiece, and a moving mechanism for relatively moving the workpiece and the catalyst. The catalyst is disposed between the cathode/anode and the workpiece held by the workpiece holding portion.

Abstract: An electrochemical planarization apparatus for planarizing a metallized surface on a workpiece includes a polishing pad and a platen. The platen is formed of conductive material, is disposed proximate to the polishing pad and is configured to have a negative charge during at least a portion of a planarization process. At least one electrical conductor is positioned within the platen. The electrical conductor has a first end connected to a power source. A workpiece carrier is configured to carry a workpiece and press the workpiece against the polishing pad. The power source applies a positive charge to the workpiece via the electrical conductor so that an electric potential difference between the metallized surface of the workpiece and the platen is created to remove at least a portion of the metallized surface from the workpiece.

Abstract: Substantially uniform deposition of conductive material on a surface of a substrate, which substrate includes a semiconductor wafer, from an electrolyte containing the conductive material can be provided by way of a particular device which includes first and second conductive elements. The first conductive element can have multiple electrical contacts, of identical or different configurations, or may be in the form of a conductive pad, and can contact or otherwise electrically interconnect with the substrate surface over substantially all of the substrate surface. Upon application of a potential between the first and second conductive elements while the electrolyte makes physical contact with the substrate surface and the second conductive element, the conductive material is deposited on the substrate surface. It is possible to reverse the polarity of the voltage applied between the anode and the cathode so that electro-etching of deposited conductive material can be performed.

Abstract: An apparatus and process for recovering metals from aqueous solutions by passing an aqueous solution, which contains dissolved metals, into a space between two elongated electrodes of a treatment chamber. A very high voltage electric field is created in the treatment chamber and is accompanied by a very small trickle current charge to enhance adsorption, polarization, ion exchange or to otherwise agglomerate the dissolved metal, which is then recovered by filtering, adsorbing, exchanging or otherwise separating the metal from the water.

Abstract: A novel eyeglasses case can resolve the problems that conventional eyeglasses cases wherein an upper cover and a lower cover are connected at one end using a hinge or the like and the covers are opened by releasing an engagement such as a button or the like provided at the other end, have to be opened by using both hands. A novel eyeglasses case of the present invention is provided wherein a rotating member is utilized for connecting an upper cover and a lower cover and oil is filled in the rotating portion so that the rotation of a rotating spindle of a damper or a spring provided within the rotating member is moderated by utilizing viscosity of the oil so as to allow the upper cover to be opened automatically. Therefore, a user can open and close the cover body freely by one hand.

Abstract: A container has a base including a support for an object to be viewed. A container also has a lid on top of the base, the lid having a light-conveying portion for illuminating an object to be viewed and a magnifying viewer for viewing an object to be viewed.

Abstract: A highly absorptive open cell foam having a ratio of cell size to pore size of between about 1 and about 10. A juice absorbing food package comprising a tray having a bottom bounded by an upwardly extending lip around the perimeter of the bottom and a liquid-absorbing pad comprised of polymer foam joined to the bottom of said tray, wherein the polymer foam is a highly absorptive open cell foam having a ratio of cell size to pore size of between about 1 and about 10. The tray of the juice-absorbing package may be overwrapped with gas permeable film, and may be provided with an oxygen absorbing substance therein. Alternatively, the overwrapped tray may be placed in a sealed barrier bag that is subsequently purged with a non-oxidizing gas such as carbon dioxide.

Abstract: A display and carrying case for a doll, a doll clothing ensemble and doll accessories is provided which includes a container defining an interior space and including transparent side walls. A handle is attached to the top member of the container. The container includes a zipper fastener for, when unzipped, permitting lifting and pivoting of the top member away from the transparent side walls so as to provide access to the interior compartment of the carrying case. In one embodiment, an insert of an x-shaped cross section is disposed in the interior space of the container so as to divide the space into a plurality of sub-compartments. A doll and various doll accessories are separately disposed in different ones of the sub-compartments so as to be visible through the transparent side walls. In another embodiment, separate display units are provided.

Abstract: A food/drink container having a closure for closing the container and a multimedia module responsive to opening the container, the multimedia module including a speaker and a projection unit for projecting an image or a movie viewable from the outside of the container.

Abstract: A beverage cup lid, having integrally therein a series of compartments, of varying but more precise sizes, to furnish concise measuring and dispensing of various flavoring agents into the cup contained beverage, whether it be a tea, coffee, or the like.

Abstract: A separation and/or closure wall designed in the first place, to cover the opening of at least a container to retain a substance contained therein for conservation before use, and subsequently to be torn to reveal said opening and release the substance outside said container for use. The separation and/or closure wall has a deformable membrane arranged on the periphery of the opening of the container to cover the same, with a tension which enables its being burst under the effect of a perforation and/or tear, to be retracted over the periphery and completely reveal said opening. The invention also concerns methods for assembling two containers each containing a substance portioned with respect to the other with such a separation and/or closure wall. The invention is applicable to food, pharmaceutical, and dietetic products.

Abstract: A two piece sealed capsule that is inserted through the wall of a liquid, gel, syrup or powder bearing container said capsule being a receptacle for sealably containing a liquid and/or dry material and a dispenser for releasing the material when desired into the container. The top of the capsule is depressed manually forcing a plunger tube connected to the bottom of the capsule to rip away the bottom and side portion dispensing the material. The present invention allows the use of materials that would discolor, degrade or interact with other substances when added to the contents of the container, to remain stable and/or inactive until the time of use.

Abstract: A coloring kit for storing and carrying a coloring book and a plurality of crayons or coloring implements comprising a carrying bag including an elastic band and a pair of interior pockets to receive and retain the coloring book in the carrying bag and a coloring implement attachment assembly including a plurality of attachment elements detachably attached to the carrying bag to couple a corresponding plurality of crayons or coloring implements to the carrying bag.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a connecting configuration for connecting a column tip portion 7 of a column or the like to a mounting hole 11 of a board material such as a wooden top board 9 or the like. A connecting member 15 is introduced between the column tip portion 7 and the mounting hole 11 for fixing the column tip portion 7 to the mounting hole 11. The connecting member 15 comprises a member body 21 formed so as to be fit to the column tip portion 7, and support portions 23 provided to the member body 21 for supporting the member body 21 pushed into the mounting hole 11. Each support member 23 comprises a connecting arm 23a and a support wall portion 23b. The support wall portion 23b is tapered in the direction of insertion. The member body 21 and the support portions 23 include slip-preventing protrusions 21c and 23c.

Abstract: A media storage container includes a back wall with base and lid pages hingedly connected to the back wall. The base page has a hub to hold a first item of recorded media. An internal page is connected to the hinge wall and has a hub on one surface thereof to hold a second item of recorded media and a hub on the other surface thereof to hold a third item of recorded media. The hub on the internal page facing the base page is offset from the base page hub so that each hub helps hold discs on the facing page. Likewise, the hubs on opposite sides of the internal page are offset for the same purpose where additional internal pages are included.

Abstract: A travel enclosure for a golf bag has a support for the golf bag and a set of nested members arranged for telescopic movement with respect to each other and the support between remotely spaced positions disassociated from the support and at least partially enclosing positions in association with the support about the golf bag. One of the nested members being engaged with the support upon the telescopic movement of the nested members into their at least partially closing position.

Abstract: There is disclosed herein a tube case having first and second sections wherein the open ends of the two sections can be slid together to provide a carrying case for elongated items, such as fishing rods, rifles, golf clubs, golf bags and the like. One section is smaller in cross-section than the other such that the closed end of that section can be inserted into the open end of the other section to provide a more compact assembly for storage and shipment. The sections of the tube case are designed so that a portion or an edge at the open end of the outer case abuts a shoulder on a latch plate or bracket on the other case to both provide a stop when the open ends of the two sections are placed together for carrying an article, and further to properly orient the ends of the two sections so that latches can be readily and simply engaged and latched to lock together the two sections.

Abstract: The invention provides a reusable apparatus for shipping seating units. The apparatus comprises first and second seat holding members. The first seat holding member includes a first base portion and a first back portion. The second seat holding member includes a second base portion and a second back portion. The first back portion is rotatably attached to the second base portion. A first seating unit secured to the first base portion and a second seating unit secured to the second base portion may be rotated such that the seating units are inverted with respect to each other and the first base portion is adjacent the second back portion.

Abstract: A shipping container for a motorized vehicle comprises a base frame and a top frame, each constructed of rigid tubing. The base frame has a plurality of tire rests on which respective wheels of the motorized vehicle will be placed. In addition, the base frame has a plurality of base sockets located at respective corners thereof. Each of the base sockets is oriented in an upward direction. The top frame of the shipping container includes a plurality of top sockets located at respective corners thereof. The top sockets are oriented in a downward direction so as to be opposed to the base sockets. A plurality of elongate posts respectively extend between each opposed pair of sockets such that the top frame will be supported in spaced apart relation from the base frame.

Abstract: A tool box includes a base and a cover which is pivotably connected to the base and has a magnetic member connected to an inside thereof so as to attract small pieces. A hanging member has a hook portion connected to a first end thereof so as to be attached to a user's belt and an engaging member is connected to the hook portion. A board has two ridges on a side thereof and the tool box is clamped between the two ridges. A hole is defined through the board and the engaging member is rotatably engaged with the tool box.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for transporting and storing of a powder or liquid medium, comprising (a) a structurally stable outer container having an electrically conducting inner surface, a top side that is open and capable of receiving an inner container, and a bottom section comprising a plurality of recesses wherein each recess can receive a pronged platform of a cargo moving device; and (b) an inner container capable of holding said medium having a top section, an opening in said top section for filing and discharging said medium, and one or more walls. These walls are made of a plastic material, are adjacent to said inner surface of said outer container, and have an outer surface. The outer surface has at least one electrically conductive layer that is in electrical contact with the outer container's inner surface. Moreover, invention could optionally include a plastic pallet having an electrically conductive layer that is in contact with the outer container.

Abstract: A tape dispenser having a frame and a pair of opposed, unequal diameter hub mounts for rotatably mounting an adhesive tape roll thereon. The tape roll includes a hub about which the tape is wound and has first and second open ends with unequal diameter openings. Each of the hub mounts is compatible in diameter with a respective one of the hub open ends requiring the tape roll to be correctly mounted on the hub mounts to insure the adhesive side of the tape be properly oriented.

Abstract: A reclosable tray for medical instruments is disclosed. The tray includes a lower portion having a first major lower side having a lower hinge portion, a second major lower side having a first lower locking portion, and a first minor lower side connecting the first major lower side and the second major lower side. An upper portion of the tray includes a first major upper side having an upper hinge portion hingedly connected to the lower hinge portion of the first major lower side, a second upper major side having a first upper locking portion, and a first minor upper side connecting the first major upper side and the second major upper side. The first lower locking portion includes a first lower tab and the first upper locking portion includes a first upper tab. The first lower tab is engageable with the first upper tab to releasably retain the second upper major side proximate to the second lower major side.

Abstract: A fiberoptic cable coil tray and coil carrier package comprises a carrier to which the fiberoptic coil is attached and which is inserted into the tray, and a lid for the tray. A plurality of fiberoptic coil retainers in the form of notches or clips are formed on the coil carrier to provide a stable, self-contained and restrained fiberoptic coil which remains properly seated in the package during handling and storage. The coil carrier provides increased ease of handling of the fiberoptic coil by restraining individual fiberoptic coils with the plurality of coil retainers which are positioned along the length of the fiberoptic cable, such that a selected length of the fiberoptic cable can be removed from the carrier without the remaining coils springing out therefrom. The carrier also secures each end of the fiberoptic cable, such that either end can be removed separately while the remainder of the fiberoptic coils remain secured to the carrier.

Abstract: A retaining portion (4) is configured to organise elongate items grouped about a central zone (3). Release means (2) is operable to reorientate the elongate items (107) from a first grouped configuration to a splayed grouped configuration in which the grouped items are splayed from the first grouped configuration.

Abstract: A bag personalization kit is disclosed that includes a bag and a plurality of adhesive stickers for adhering to the bag. The stickers are mounted to at least one backing sheet which may be coupled to the bag.

Abstract: An accessory case, and method of using the same, is disclosed that comprises a plurality of removable pouches, wherein each pouch is fabricated from a translucent material and several of the plurality of pouches are colored and have a different color from each other pouch, so that articles within each pouch are readily identifiable.

Abstract: A continuous strip of packets or bags used to hold bulk material formed by processes including ultrasonic welding, impulse splicing, adhesive binding and other such processes. Also disclosed is equipment to produce these spliced products.