Abstract: There is provided a method for continuously manufacturing an optical article which comprises a first step of thermal press-molding a sheet-like curved body and a second step of insert injection-molding a back resin on a concave side of the sheet-like curved body, while transferring the continuous sheet in a longitudinal direction, using an apparatus for manufacturing an optical article in which a press-molding machine which can thermal press-mold the sheet-like curved body and an insert injection-molding machine equipped with a mold having a curvature similar to that of the sheet-like curved body are serially positioned in this order, wherein a cycle of thermal press-molding and a cycle of insert injection-molding are synchronized to continuously insert-mold the back resin on a concave side of the sheet-like curved body while continuously thermal press-molding the sheet-like curved body.

Abstract: A method for producing high-alumina bodies with superior chemical properties at reduced sintering temperatures, including the steps of providing an alumina powder precursor, adding about 4 weight percent magnesia powder precursor, homogenizing the resultant green powder precursor, pressing a green body from the green powder precursor, removing residual moisture and organic material from the green body, and firing the green body to about cone 13, wherein the resulting high-alumina body is substantially non-vitreous, has a substantially uniformly sized grain structure, is very resistant to dissolution in molten aluminum, and has superior resistance to chemical attack over substantially the entire pH range.

Abstract: Process for producing formed cellulosic articles, particularly fibers and filaments, comprising a) dissolving cellulose in an aqueous solution of a tertiary amine oxide, especially N-methyl-morpholine N-oxide, and b) extruding the cellulose solution through an extrusion die via an air gap into a precipitation bath with precipitation of the formed articles, said cellulose solution and/or said precipitation bath containing a tenside, characterized in that in the step b) the tenside content c of the cellulose solution and/or of the precipitation bath is in the range 100 ppm>c>5 ppm, and the width of the air gap is in the range from 2 to 20 mm. With this process the air gap width can be considerably reduced without deterioration of the properties of the fibers/filaments.

Abstract: A continuous process for making a thermoplastic article comprises extruding a sheet of thermoplastic and contacting the sheet with a mold surface while the sheet is in a substantially non-oriented state. The mold surface is selectively heated and/or cooled during thermoforming to maintain the sheet in a molten or thermoformable state. A stripper plate adjacent to the mold surface is maintained at different temperature for inducing a predetermined degree of crystallinity to the sheet, for increasing web stiffness and improving web alignment, and optionally for assisting in the separation of the articles from the mold. A continuous apparatus for making thermoformed articles has co-extruders for extruding at least two distinct layers, which can have dissimilar properties (e.g., polar and non-polar), and a temperature controlled molding surface. Preferred thermoplastic compositions of the present invention have improved toughness and retained intrinsic viscosity.

Abstract: Apparatus for molding blocks with laterally projecting, undercut side features includes a mold box having split mold parts defining a mold cavity open at the top and bottom. A top plate having an opening aligned with a cavity overlies the mold parts. Moldable block material is charged into the cavity from a feed box, and the material is compacted and shaped between a lower pallet and upper stripper head. The mold parts are retractable beneath the top plate to release the block for stripping through the bottom of a mold. A plurality of fluid outlets in the top plate cleanse the mold surfaces of the block material between mold cycles.

Abstract: An extrusion apparatus employs a method for controlling the output flow rate of a liquifier. The apparatus includes an extrusion head which moves along a predetermined tool path at an extrusion head velocity. The extrusion head carries a liquifier. The liquifier receives a solid element of a modeling material, heats the modeling material, and outputs a flow of the modeling material at an output flow rate. A material advance mechanism is employed to supply the solid element of modeling material to the liquifier at an input rate which controls the output flow rate. In order to control the output flow rate, an extrusion head velocity profile is determined based on the tool path. The input rate of modeling material to the liquifier is then controlled to produce an output flow rate of modeling material from the liquifier that is proportional to a current extrusion head velocity corresponding to the extrusion head velocity profile.

Abstract: An injection molding machine 10 utilizes a two part mold to produce a molded part. A machine includes a clamping mechanism 20 including one or more clamping cylinders 22 for applying a mold clamping force to the two part mold, an injection mechanism 30 for plasticizing material and injecting the plasticized material into the closed mold, and a controller 50 for powering the molding machine hydraulic system 52. In one embodiment, clamping pressure is automatically increased or decreased to allow air to escape as plasticized material flows into the mold cavity. In another embodiment, the controller provides a minimum clamp pressure to maintain the plasticized material within the mold as a function of fluid injection pressure to the screw member of the injection system.

Abstract: An indicator comprising a porous resin material, and a liquid retained in the pores of the porous resin material, in which the whiteness of the porous resin material is at least 80, and the whiteness of the porous resin material is at least 20 larger than that of the indicator. This indicator displays information such as a period through the change of a color tone, and the like, well maintains the displaying properties, and suffers from less variation of displayed periods.

Abstract: A flexible polyimide foam having an apparent density of 13.5 to 900 kg/m3 and a glass transition temperature of 300° C. or higher can be prepared by mixing an aromatic tetracarboxylic acid comprising 2,3,3′,4′-biphenyltetracarboxylic dianhydride a portion of which is converted into its mono- or di-lower primary alcohol ester with an aromatic polyamine containing diaminodisiloxane in an amount of 0.1 to 10 mol. %, based on the amount of total amine compounds, to give a solid of polyimide precursor; heating the solid of polyimide precursor to a temperature of 300° C. to 500° C. to produce a polyimide foam; and compressing the polyimide foam.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for incorporating an additive material into a fibrous web to be bonded into an elongated porous element by heating the fibers in a confined forming die with a heating medium adapted to bond the fibers to each other at spaced points of contact. An additive material is admixed with the heating medium and then the web of fibers is contacted with the heating medium/additive material mixture whereby the heating medium simultaneously carries the additive material into the fibrous web and heats the fibers to bond them into the porous element. The apparatus includes an adjustable venturi assembly through which the heating medium passes to create a pressure gradient adapted to aspirate a quantity of additive material and entrain a metered quantity of same in the heating medium.

Abstract: A method for forming a unitary polymeric projection or fastener comprising a base layer, and a multiplicity of spaced projections or hook members projecting from the upper surface of the unitary base layer the method generally including extruding of forming a thermoplastic resin through a die plate or mold. A die plate, if used, is shaped to form a base layer and spaced ridges, projecting above a surface of the base layer. When the die forms the spaced ridges or ribs the cross sectional shape of the projections are formed by the die plate. The ridges are then cut at spaced locations along their lengths to form discrete cut portions of the ridges. The cut portions are then heat treated resulting in shrinkage of at least a portion of at least the cut portion thickness by from 5 to 90 percent, preferably 30 to 90 percent thereby forming discrete upstanding projections.

Abstract: A tray-type package is disclosed which includes a polyester support member, a product contained on the support member, and a lidding film containing the product and sealed to the periphery of the support member, the lidding film including a sealant layer of a polyester copolymer having greater than about 50% by mole of glycol polymerization units. Preferably, the support member is a foamed or nonfoamed polyethylene terephthalate (PET) tray and the lidding film is a multilayer film which includes a glycol-modified PET sealant layer. Also disclosed is a lidding film having a sealant layer of a blend of a glycol-modified PET and at least one further polymeric component.

Abstract: A manufacturing method of a cellulose ester film satisfying the relationships, Nx>Ny>Nz, and 0.8≦Rt/R0≦3.5, the method comprising casting a cellulose ester dope containing a solvent of a good solvent and a poor solvent on a support to form a web; peeling the web from the support; transporting the peeled web (step D0); holding the edges in the transverse direction of the web (step A); stretching the resulting web in the transverse direction while applying a tension; reducing the tension in the transverse direction of the web; and drying the stretched web, wherein the residual solvent content of the web is 5 to 90% by weight at the beginning in the step A, and the residual poor solvent content in the residual solvent content of the web is from 15 to 95% by weight at the terminal point in the Step D0.

Abstract: A method for annealing a structure formed by electrodeposition including providing the electrodeposition structure, the electrodeposition structure including an eletroformed mold, the electroformed mold having a nominal thickness between and including 0.5 mm to 8.0 mm and having a melting temperature; heating the electrodeposition structure to a temperature between ambient temperature and the melting temperature of the electrodeposition structure; isostatically pressurizing the electrodeposition structure to a pressure above ambient pressure; cooling the electrodeposition structure to ambient temperature; and depressurizing the electrodeposition structure to ambient pressure.

Abstract: A method for forming composite materials is presented, including providing a composite charge wider than a first surface of a mandrel, and positioning the composite charge across the first surface of the mandrel. The portion of the composite charge overhanging the first surface of the mandrel is supported and urged against the mandrel while supporting the unbent portion of the composite charge substantially parallel to the first surface of the mandrel. The invention also provides a system, using a compression mold of forming bladders and heater plates, to form a composite charge over a mandrel, while supporting the unbent portions of the composite charge during forming substantially parallel to the upper surface of the mandrel. The present invention minimizes the shear zone where plies in the composite laminate charge slide past one another during the forming process reducing or eliminating out-of-plane fiber buckling.

Abstract: A process for producing a polycrystalline alumina sintered body which includes the steps of: subjecting alumina powder to ultrasonic irradiation, mechanical stirring not using a grinding medium, or ultrasonic irradiation and mechanical stirring not using a grinding medium, resulting in slurry dispersed in a solvent; drying and forming the slurry to produce a green body; and then sintering the green body in an air atmosphere at a temperature in the range of 1400° C. to 1800° C.; wherein the alumina powder has: a purity of 99.99 wt % or more and includes &agr; alumina particles having polyhedral shape, having substantially no red surface and a D/H ratio of from 0.5 or more to 3.0 or less; the number-average particle size of from 0.1 &mgr;m or more to 1.0 &mgr;m or less; and a D90/D10 ratio of 7 or less.

Abstract: A method for filling vias in an electronic substrate which includes providing a source of fill material; providing a pressure head coupled to the source of fill material via a fill material inlet, the pressure head further comprising an elongated fill material outlet which is substantially larger than the fill material inlet; placing the pressure head in contact with the electronic substrate; and pressurizing the fill material to inject fill material into the vias of the electronic substrate.

Abstract: A radially inner surface of a sealing lip of an oil seal, is irradiated to induce a chemical reaction in the material of the sealing lip, to form hard helical portions. The hard helical portions act like a helical groove or rib to pump oil back to an oil-side for excellent sealing properties when there is a relative rotational movement between the sealing lip and a shaft to sealed, as well as a static sealing ability at the time there is no relative rotation movement.

Abstract: A method of preventing delamination of multiple layers of an oriented polymer container having an opening defined by the multiple layers comprising a bi-axially oriented multilayer polymer container having an opening defined by a perimeter at which the multiple layers are exposed; heating the perimeter until workable; providing a curling die; feeding the multilayer perimeter into the curling die to curl the perimeter sufficiently to inhibit delamination of the layers and a container when so made.

Abstract: Process for manufacturing a plastic fuel tank from two shells formed by molding, which are joined together, at least one shell being produced by compression-molding a portion of a plastic sheet between a mold and a punch and by the remaining portion of the sheet being blow-molded in the region not compression-molded.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the production of a container (45″), with an opening (53), whose opening axis (57) is at an angle to the container axis (23), whereby a blank (45) is introduced into a blowing mould (11, 13), a fixing region (47) of the blank (45) pressed against a stop zone (41) on the blowing mould and the blank pneumatically formed in the blowing mould. The fixing region (47) of the blank (45) is pressed against a stop zone (41) on the blowing mould, inclined at an angle other than 90°. The moulding thus occurs such that an opening region axis (58) of the blank (45, 45′) is at an angle to the container region axis (59) of the blank (45, 45′). The opening axis (57), of the blowing mould (11), forms an angle to a longitudinal axis (51) of a stretching drift (49), which may be extended along the longitudinal axis thereof.

Abstract: A dimensionally-stable, injection-molded portion of a blow molded intermediate article is engaged by a conveyance mechanism of a trimmer to controllably drive the intermediate article within the trimmer to permit accurate and high speed severing of the injection molded portion and moil from a blown finish container body. An injection-molded, closed end preform is provided having a neck finish with an internal and/or external peripheral drive surface. The preform is utilized to form an intermediate article including a container body and moil. The injection-molded neck portion of the intermediate article remains substantially unchanged from its as-manufactured preform condition and provides a dimensionally stable surface for use in driving and rotating the intermediate article within the trimmer.

Abstract: A rotary hearth furnace is provided to simplify detachment and assembly operations of a reduced iron discharging screw. At both side walls of an insulating housing 2a constituting in part of a furnace body 2 of a rotary hearth furnace 1 are installed through-holes which a spiral blade 42 of a reduced iron discharging screw 4 can pass through, each of the through-holes is closed by an inner hatch member 8 and an outer hatch member 9 which are externally mounted in a removable fashion to a rotary shaft 41 of the reduced iron discharging screw 4, an inner screw supporting device 10 is installed in the outside at an inner periphery side of the hearth 3 as well as an outer screw supporting device 20 is installed in the outside at an outer periphery side of the hearth 3. The reduced iron discharging screw 4 is detached from the furnace body 2 via the through-holes and assembled to the furnace body 2 via the through-holes by using the inner screw supporting device 10 and the outer screw supporting device 20.

Abstract: New melt furnace for casting, of the kind that have a loading nozzle that connects to a liquid metal storage tank and from where an outlet nozzle opens out in the feed runner of the casts, and where, between the liquid metal storage tank and the feed runner of the casts, there is an additional heating chamber by means of a thermal plasma torch and a retaining wall submerged at least partially in the liquid metal between the additional heating chamber and the feed runner of the casts. For application in metallurgic foundry.

Abstract: A powder blend for use in laser sintering and a method for forming tough, strong, wear-resistant, corrosion-resistant infiltrated metal products are provided. The powder blend comprises a steel alloy, a polymeric binder and a high melting temperature fine particulate which are blended together, then applied layer by layer to a working surface in a laser sintering system, exposed a layer at a time to fuse together the powder until a green part of high strength is formed, and then the green part is infiltrated with a metal infiltrant in a non-reducing gas atmosphere at an effective temperature for an effective period of time. The preferred steel is a mild steel alloy.

Abstract: A nanostructured tungsten carbide bulk material, sintered from tungsten carbide and metal such as cobalt nano-powders, comprises a tungsten carbide and a metallic binder such as cobalt phases. The tungsten carbide phase has nanostructures comprising a plurality of dislocations, twins, stacking faults, dislocation cells, nano-subgrains with preferred orientation or texture, or a combination thereof.

Abstract: A powder compaction method in which a powder p is filled by air tapping or other suitable method into a mold 1, then while the mold 1 being filled with the powder, the powder particles are bound with each other without application of force from outside the mold to form a compact C, and then the compact C is taken out from the mold 1. This method produces a variety of shapes of the compact far greater than in conventional methods, and net shape manufacturing of products with complex shapes is made possible by this method. Because this method uses far less binder compared to MIM and PIM that are expected as methods for producing products with complicated shapes, the time needed for elimination of the binder is much shorter than in MIM and PIM.

Abstract: The invention provides a composition for diffusion in the air of an enclosure to be treated to combat the bacteria contained in the air of the enclosure. The composition contains 2-phenylphenol and natural and/or synthetic thymol dissolved in a solvent such as isopropyl alcohol, for example. The invention also provides a method of combating the bacteria in the air of an enclosure to be treated, which method includes a step of diffusing the antibacterial composition into the air of the enclosure. Finally, the invention provides the use of a catalytic combustion flask for implementing such a method.

Abstract: A white rust inhibiting composition and method of inhibiting white rust for evaporative water coolers are disclosed. The composition includes, in combination, a blend of one or more organophosphorus compounds and one or more tannin compounds.

Abstract: A treatment system for treating objects (e.g., medical instruments) with ozone gas. The ozone treatment system includes a treatment tank wherein the objects are exposed to ozone. In a preferred embodiment, the ozone is generated within the treatment tank by exposing an oxygen-containing gas to ultraviolet radiation produced by a laser.

Abstract: A fluid delivery system (26) for an automated processor (A) delivers washing, microbial decontaminant, and rinse fluids to spray nozzles (102, 104, 106, 108, 110) in a chamber (12) for sequentially spraying the fluids over a lumened device (B), such as an endoscope. Sets of nozzles are operated in sequence to avoid the spray jets canceling each other out. The endoscope is supported on a rack (21) which is agitated by an activation system (330). This ensures ever changing points of contact between the device and the rack so that all external surfaces are contacted by the spray. A computer control system (80) controls cleaning, decontamination, rinsing, and drying stages of a cycle, and agitation of the rack at appropriate times, which are all carried out within the chamber, obviating the need for human contact with the device during processing.

Abstract: A multiwell plate scanner comprises a detector for measuring an attribute of a sample which is scanned continuously over wells of a multiwell plate. A signal obtained during the scan may be sampled and digitized based on detector position over the multiwell plate. The scanner is also disclosed for scanning microarrays, bio-chips and areas of samples not having physical separations. The scanner may be used in a high throughput screening system comprising a storage and retrieval module, a sample distribution module, a reagent distribution module, and a detector which incorporates the scanner. The screening system may further comprise a transport module and a data processing and integration module for transporting samples between the components of the system and for controlling system operation.

Abstract: This invention relates to improved methods for nucleic acid detection using methods such as the polymerase chain reaction (PCR). More specifically, the invention provides methods for simultaneous amplification and detection to enhance the speed and accuracy of prior methods. The methods involve the introduction of detectable DNA binding agents into the amplification reaction, which agents produce a detectable signal that is enhanced upon binding double-stranded DNA. In a preferred embodiment, the binding agent is a fluorescent dye. The methods also provide means for monitoring the increase in product DNA during an amplification reaction.

Abstract: Methods and devices for thermal processing of multiple samples at the same time are disclosed. The assemblies include carriers and sample processing devices with process arrays that include conduits useful in distributing sample materials to a group pf process chambers located in fluid communication with the main conduits. The sample processing devices may include one or more of the following features in various combinations: deformable seals, process chambers connected to the main conduit by feeder conduits exiting the main conduit at offset locations, U-shaped loading chambers, and a combination of melt bonded and adhesively bonded areas. The carriers may be used to apply selective compression to the sample processing devices.

Abstract: A pipette assembly (10) having a suction device (12 or 52) and a small volume disposable tip (14) having a capacity with a range of 0.1 &mgr;l to 2.0 &mgr;l, the disposable tip being removably secured to the suction device. The suction device is provided with a female tip receiver (38.2 or 78.1) which receives a disposable male tip (14). The tip is in the form of a short piece of extruded tubing. The tubing has a very small i.d., for example 0.3 mm. It is preferably formed of Teflon®, or another hydrophobic material.

Abstract: A dispenser includes a plurality of arranged micropipettes, each including a sample-pouring port for pouring a sample solution from the outside, a cavity for pouring and charging the sample solution thereinto, and a sample discharge port for discharging the sample solution, and formed on at least one or more substrates. The micropipette further includes an actuator section disposed on at least one wall surface of the substrate which forms the cavity so that the sample solution is movable in the cavity, and the sample solution is discharged from the sample discharge port of each of the micropipettes. A pin, which protrudes upwardly, is provided at the sample-pouring port of each of the micropipettes.

Abstract: Non-planar microfluidic devices and methods for transferring fluids between vessels and microfluidic devices are provided. The devices may be contoured to physically contact non-planar vessels, such as pipes, tubes, vials, or syringes to establish fluid communication between a vessel and a microfluidic device. Devices according to the invention may be constructed from flexible, rigid, or combinations of flexible and rigid materials. In certain embodiments, microfluidic devices are composed of sandwiched stencils, and self-adhesive tapes may be used for one or more layers. A microfluidic device may be removably attached to a vessel with a non-permanent adhesive or adhesive layer. Continuously wrapped microfluidic devices fashioned from a single layer, in addition to rewindable microfluidic devices constructed from multiple layers, are provided. A multi-plunger syringe permits a microfluidic device or other reservoir coupled to the vessel to be filled on the draw stroke of the syringe plunger.

Abstract: The present invention relates to industrial high relative viscosity (RV) filaments, such as, for use in papermaking machine felts and other staple fiber applications. The invention is further directed to apparatus and processes for solid phase polymerization (SPP) of polyamide flake suitable for use, such as, in remelting and then spinning the industrial high RV filaments. The invention is also directed to processes for melt phase polymerization (MPP) of molten polymer for making the filaments.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a process and an apparatus for thermal conversion of biomass and organic wastes. According to the invention, the feedstock is fed into a fluidized-bed reactor, wherein the feed is converted at an elevated temperature under the influence of particulate matter kept in a fluidized state by a fluidizing gas, the particulate matter is transferred from the reactor to a regenerator for regeneration and then recirculated to the reactor after the regeneration, and the converted hydrocarbon products are recovered from the reactor. Both the reactor and the regenerator comprise risers having an axially annular cross section and being equipped with multi-inlet cyclones for the separation of particulate matter. By means of the invention, it is possible to producer pyrolysis oil, the quality of which is higher than that of oil produced with the processes of the prior art.

Abstract: An apparatus and process is disclosed for the separation of solids from gases and a mixture which is most particularly applicable to an FCC apparatus. The mixture of solids and gases are passed through a conduit and exit through a swirl arm that imparts a swirl motion to centrifugally separate the heavier solids from the lighter gases. The mixture then enters a cyclone through an inlet that has a long, straight sidewall that gradually transitions with a curved outer wall that defines a cyclone barrel and a short, straight sidewall that abruptly transitions with the curved outer wall. The short, straight sidewall is substantially tangentially disposed with respect to a gas recovery conduit which transports a mixture of solids and gases from a reactor conduit. This arrangement provides greater clearance between cyclones and a reactor vessel.

Abstract: An oxygen-containing blowing device for use in a wet flue gas desulfurizer for removing SO2 from combustion exhaust gas by wet desulfurization includes a fluid reservoir for an absorbing fluid equipped with a delivery pipe for discharging the absorbing fluid so that its discharge end is open in said fluid reservoir, and an oxygen feed nozzle for injecting an oxygen-containing gas disposed in the area of the discharged stream in the discharge end of the delivery pipe.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for alkylating an alkylation substrate with an alkylating agent in the presence of solid catalyst particles in a transport reactor is disclosed. Solid catalyst particles in the transport reactor effluent recirculate to the inlet of the transport reactor through one or more conduits. The rate through each conduit is regulated by fluid-controlled valves that use the alkylation substrate as the regulating fluid. This method and apparatus help ensure uniform or symmetric flow of catalyst from the effluent of the transport reactor to the bottom of the transport reactor. This method and apparatus also help ensure uniform or symmetric flow of alkylation substrate to the bottom of the transport reactor with minimal bypassing by the alkylating agent around of the transport reactor. This invention finds use in the production of motor fuels by the alkylation of liquid hydrocarbons in the presence of solid catalyst particles.

Abstract: Shift conversion of hydrogen-rich reformed gas produced by reaction including partial oxidation of feed gas in a reforming reaction section (6) is made by its water gas shift reaction with shift conversion catalyst in a shift reaction section (10) in order to reduce CO contained in the reformed gas and enhance the yield of hydrogen. In this case, for the purpose of enabling high-temperature reformed gas from the reforming reaction section (6) to undergo the shift conversion as it is and thereby simplifying the construction of a shift conversion unit, the reformed gas from the reforming reaction section (6) is introduced directly into a reformed gas passage (11) of the shift reaction section (10) and thereby undergoes the shift reaction while heat-exchanging with the feed gas.

Abstract: A catalyst dumping device (10) for unloading a catalyst (50) inside a reactor (1), in which smashed used catalyst is thrown into a dumping pipe (11) formed of a plurality of pipe member (12) provided to the reactor (1) to unload to outside of the reactor (1) by fall by dead weight. Accordingly, the catalyst can be unloaded only by throwing the catalyst into the dumping pipe (11), thereby improving work efficiency. Furthermore, no special apparatus such as a vacuum apparatus is unnecessary, thereby reducing cost for the special apparatus.

Abstract: A salt platform (700) is disclosed which incorporates a series of hubs (702), radial braces(704) and curved braces(706) which are snap fit together by use of mating locking members(734) and locking slots (716). The curved braces (706) can be formed with pipe holders to support pipe section(710,712) and pipe elbows (714). A stub spoke(750) can be used if desired.

Abstract: The invention relates to the production of calcium compounds containing water of crystallization by means of a chemical reaction between an aqueous alkaline sodium aluminate solution and solid or dissolved or suspended calcium (hydr)-oxide in the presence of carbon dioxide or carbonate; and to the use of these compounds. The resulting precipitate is separated by sedimentation, dehydration, drying and/or clacination and/or grinding or suspending the resulting filter cake and reacted with at least one mineral acid and/or at least one salt of the same. The resulting precipitate, which contains water of crystallization, is separated by sedimentation, dehydration, drying and/or grinding.

Abstract: An active carbon for use in the treatment of exhaust gas can be obtained by heat-treating a starting active carbon fiber derived from polyacrylonitrile, pitch or the like or a starting particulate active carbon in a non-oxidizing atmosphere. The heat-treating temperature is preferably in the range of 600 to 1,200 ° C. for use in the desulfurization of exhaust gas, and in range of 600 to 1,000° C. for use in the denitration of exhaust gas. By using the resulting heat-treated active carbon for the purpose of desulfurization, the sulfur oxide concentration in exhaust gas can be reduced to 5 ppm or below. Moreover, by using the heat-treated active carbon in combination with conventional denitration based on selective catalytic reduction, the nitrogen oxide concentration in exhaust gas can be reduced to 1 ppm or below.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for producing simultaneously food-grade and fodder-grade phosphoric acid by crystallizing phosphoric acid hemihydrate, H3PO4×0.5H2O, from a prepurified feed acid, which is purified and crystallized with the help of the following steps, a) after the step of froth-flotation of phosphate concentrate, the concentrate is directed to a strongly magnetic separation step in order to decrease the Mg ion amount, b) the phosphate concentrate is leached in a mixture of sulfuric acid and phosphoric acid according to the wet process, the precipitated SO4 and As ions are removed, and a silicon source is added in order to adjust the F/Si molar ratio to <6, c) the phosphoric acid is concentrated, the solids precipitate is removed, and the F ions are evaporated, d) the feed acid obtained from step c, having a concentration of >58% P2O5, solids concentration of <0.05%, Mg ion concentration of <1.

Abstract: Bimodal inorganic material that in a pore size distribution plot has distinct mesopore and micropore peaks. A process for producing a bimodal material or a material that contains essentially only mesopores involves heating an inorganic oxide in the presence of material that bonds to the inorganic oxide by hydrogen bonding. The micropores may or may not include a crystalline structure.

Abstract: A novel protein adduct is disclosed which is associated with the presence of alcohol liver disease. The adduct is a hybrid product of malondialdehyde and acetaldehyde which act synergistically to bind hepatic proteins. The adduct is highly immunogenic and fluorescent. Methods of detection are also disclosed including monoclonal and polyclonal antibodies.