Abstract: A magnetic material manufacturing method, a ribbon-shaped magnetic material manufactured by the method, a powdered magnetic material formed from the ribbon-shaped magnetic material and a bonded magnet manufactured using the powdered magnet material are disclosed. The method and the magnetic materials can provide magnets having excellent magnetic properties and reliability. A melt spinning apparatus 1 is provided with a tube 2 having a nozzle 3 at the bottom thereof, a coil 4 for heating the tube and a cooling roll 5 having a circumferential surface 53 on which dimple correcting means is provided. A melt spun ribbon 8 is formed by injecting the molten alloy 6 from the nozzle 3 so as to be collided with the circumferential surface 53 of the cooling roll 5 in an inert gas atmosphere (ambient gas) such as helium gas, so that the molten alloy 6 is cooled and then solidified.

Abstract: A thin metallic ferromagnetic alloy ribbon is annealed by continuously transporting it through an oven in order to induce specific magnetic characteristics and in order to remove a production-inherent longitudinal curvature of the ribbon. While the heat-treatment occurs, the ribbon is guided by a channel in a substantially straight annealing fixture. The channel is characterized by slight curvatures along portions of its length, in particular where the ribbon enters into the annealing oven. The curved channel provides an improved thermal contact between the ribbon and the heat reservoir. As a consequence the process can be conducted at particularly high annealing speeds without degrading the desired characteristics.

Abstract: The present invention relates to spindle-shaped goethite particles having an average major axial diameter of 0.05 to 0.18 &mgr;m, spindle-shaped hematite particles having an average major axial diameter of 0.05 to 0.17 &mgr;m, spindle-shaped magnetic metal particles containing iron as a main component, which exhibit an adequate coercive force, good dispersibility, good oxidation stability and excellent coercive force distribution notwithstanding the average major axial diameter thereof is as small as 0.05 to 0.15 &mgr;m, and processes for producing the respective particles. Especially, the spindle-shaped magnetic metal particles containing iron as a main component, have an average major axial diameter of 0.05 to 0.15 &mgr;m, an aspect ratio of from 5:1 to 9:1, a size distribution (standard deviation/average major axial diameter) of not more than 0.30, a crystallite size D110 of 130 to 160 Å, a Co content of from 0.

Abstract: A process of producing a high toughness iron-based amorphous alloy strip, using a single roll liquid quenching method, the strip having a thickness of more than 55 &mgr;m up to 100 &mgr;m and a width of 20 mm or more and having a fracture strain &egr;f satisfying the relationship &egr;f>0.1 where &egr;f=t/(D−t), t=thickness of the strip, and D=bent diameter upon fracture, &egr;f being determined by bending the strip with a free cooling surface thereof facing outward, the process comprising the steps of: ejecting a molten metal alloy through a nozzle; applying the ejected molten metal alloy to a surface of a rotating roll; allowing the applied molten metal alloy to be quenched by the roll surface to form an amorphous strip of the metal alloy, the strip being quenched at a cooling rate, determined at a free surface thereof, of 103° C./sec or more in a temperature range of from 500° C. to 200° C.

Abstract: A large-diameter tungsten-lanthana rod having an elongated grain structure substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the rod is described. The large diameter rod is produced by rolling at a temperature greater than 1400° C. and less than 1700° C. to achieve at least about a 40% reduction in cross-sectional area. The high strength of the longitudinally elongated grain structure is desirable for applications such as rocket nozzles.

Abstract: Nickel-titanium alloys that have been deep drawn in a cold working process have linear pseudoelastic behavior without a phase transformation or onset of stress-induced martensite. A medical device made from a structural element which has been deep drawn and subsequently formed into a desired medical device geometry will experience such linear pseudoelastic behavior.

Abstract: The present invention includes a method and apparatus for producing individual folded labels. The method includes the steps of providing a ribbon of labels and folding the ribbon of labels so as to form at least one folded portion. The folded ribbon is subjected to sufficient heat and pressure to set the at least one folded portion. The ribbon of labels is advanced to a cutting device and subdivided into individual folded labels with an ultrasonic cutting device. Immediately prior to cutting, the advance of the ribbon of labels is paused to allow the material to partially melt and flow prior to being subdivided. The corners of the label can also be rounded to provide improved comfort for the wearer.

Abstract: Robust homofilament fibers are meltspun from a differently shaped dual capillary spinneret design to induce differential fiber morphology to produce crimping. Crimping may further be aided by quenching and drawing of the fibers.

Abstract: Seal devices of this invention are prepared by the process of depositing a polymer material onto a metallic substrate to form a composite construction, and shape forming the composite construction into the shape of a seal device. The so-formed seal device comprises a casing member that is formed from the metallic substrate, and a sealing element disposed along a surface of the casing member that is formed from the polymer material for placement against a sealing surface. Seal devices of this invention can be shaped formed into a variety of different types of seals, e.g., lips seals, L-shaped seals, and U-cup seals, which may or may not be energized. Seal devices prepared according to this invention using such preformed composite construction enable seal formation by a single step of shape forming, without having to both make and form individual seal members, and subsequently combine or join the separately formed seal members together.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for transferring a discrete pressure sensitive label from a plurality of continuous webs of discrete pressure sensitive labels to a continuous series of discrete objects moving in multiple columns wherein the web and labels are mounted to a plurality of label stations removably mounted to a bridge member providing common utilities to each of the plurality of label stations, the web and labels are brought into contact tangentially with a perforated rotating transfer machine mounted on a hub, the web and labels in contact with the perforated rotating transfer means for a portion of its arc of circumference, the label being subjected to a vacuum during rotation while simultaneously redirecting the web away from the perforated rotating transfer means, the label maintaining contact with the rotating transfer means until registration with a pressure port at which point the label is subjected to a pressurized gas flow and is blown from the rotating ting to the object to be labeled when that ob

Abstract: A method of manufacturing an item comprises the steps of: controlling a printer means to print a layer of retaining material in a predetermined pattern onto a substrate; applying a manufacturing material to be retained by the retaining material in substantially the predetermined pattern; treating the manufacturing material so that it forms a continuous solid piece in substantially the predetermined shape of the pattern, or, where the pattern is made up of distinct parts, in substantially the predetermined shape of each distinct part of the pattern.

Abstract: Rollers, substrates, products and the like are not smeared with a sticky volatile component when a gas is blown from a blower provided near an extruding die to produce laminates. The blower is heated by a heater at a temperature not below the volatilization temperature of the volatile component volatilized from a resin film of thermoplastic resin extruded in molten conditions from the extruding die, and therefore the volatile component cannot stick on the blower and is immediately volatilized on the blower.

Abstract: A system and method for rupturing an encapsulated adhesive in a sheet media uses an activator unit. This unit can include one or more of the following: a pressure roller, a pair of pressure rollers, an activator blade, a set of rotatable discs or a series of sets of rotatable discs. A sheet media having an encapsulated adhesive is fed past the activator unit in the system and method whereby the capsules will be ruptured. A feeder, label printer, cutter and label applicator can also be provided in this system.

Abstract: A radiation curable resin formulation suitable for planarizing an ink jet heater chip. The resin formulation includes a multifunctional epoxy component, a difunctional epoxy component, a silane coupling agent, an aryl sulfonium salt photoinitiator, and a non-photoreactive solvent. The resin formulation is substantially devoid of acrylate polymer components. Radiation curable resins according to the invention exhibit enhanced adhesion with the nozzle plate adhesive thereby reducing the incidence of delamination between the nozzle plate and a semiconductor chip containing the resin layer. Another advantage is that the resin layer, according to the invention, reduces pigment flocculation on the surface of the resin layer when using pigment-based ink jet inks.

Abstract: A high quality optical disc with extremely tiny bubbles or bubble less present in both disc-shaped substrates when they are laminated by means of an adhesive sheet in a operation process. The method includes bonding the adhesive agent to the surface of the lower disc-shaped substrate placing the upper disc-shaped substrate on the adhesive applied to lower disc-shaped substrate, pressurizing the upper disc-shaped substrate against the lower disc-shaped substrate by means of the pressing body, and exposing both the disk-shaped substrates to a high-pressure atmosphere. In a next operation process in which both the disc-shaped substrates are left to the inside of a high pressure atmosphere, firstly pressing body is permitted to press against the disc-shaped substrates to so enlarge or magnify the contact portion from the center side to the outside to render high-pressure atmospheric.

Abstract: A method for separating a substrate and a thin-film material of an optical recording memory media using ultrasonic includes steps of placing an optical recording memory media in an ultrasonic environment and using ultrasonic to damage weaker interconnected interfaces of the optical recording memory media, thereby enabling the interconnected interfaces to absorb energies for attenuating or losing adhesive forces thereof with other layers. The entire method has simple operations, authentically completes the separation, facilitates high quality recycling of substrates and thin-film materials of optical recording memory media s, and effectively avoids possible re-contamination during the recycling process.

Abstract: A semiconductor manufacturing apparatus comprising an integrated measuring instrument for measuring the form or size of the element to be formed into a wafer, an etching unit for etching the wafer by making use of plasma generated under reduced pressure, an ashing unit for ashing the etched wafer, a wetting unit for wetting the etched wafer, a drying unit for drying the wafer which has gone through the wetting treatment, a transport means whereby the wafers housed in a wafer cassette are transported one by one successively to said metrology and each treating unit, and a transport chamber provided with a wafer cassette inlet for receiving a cassette containing sheets of wafer to be etched, in which said metrology, etching unit, ashing unit, wetting unit, drying unit and transport means are connected by a depressurizable transport passage.

Abstract: There is provided by this invention a wafer probe for measuring plasma and surface characteristics in plasma processing environment that utilizes integrated sensors on a wafer substrate. A microprocessor mounted on the substrate receives input signals from the integrated sensors to process, store, and transmit the data. A wireless communication transceiver receives the data from the microprocessor and transmits information outside of the plasma processing system to a computer that collects the data during plasma processing. The integrated sensors may be dual floating Langmuir probes, temperature measuring devices, resonant beam gas sensors, or hall magnetic sensors. There is also provided a self-contained power source that utilizes the plasma for power that is comprised of a topographically dependent charging device or a charging structure that utilizes stacked capacitors.

Abstract: A load port which can selectively receive plural types of cassette having substrate which are to be processed accommodated therein is disclosed. The load port has the following constituents. That is, the load port includes a main body, an opening portion (which has a configuration that opens in the three surfaces) formed in one side surface of the main body, a placement table formed in the opening portion and used to place the cassette thereon, a first sensor mechanism (which identifies the type of the cassette) provided on the placement table, plural types of clamp mechanism (each type of the clamp mechanism clamping the corresponding type of cassette) provided on the placement table, and an up-down-type cover mechanism (which is vertically moved) which covers the opening portion of the main body.

Abstract: In a microwave plasma processing apparatus, a metal made lattice-like shower plate 111 is provided between a dielectric material shower plate 103, and a plasma excitation gas mainly an inert gas and a process gas are discharged from different locations. High energy ions can be incident on a surface of the substrate 114 by grounding the lattice-like shower plate. The thickness of each of the dielectric material separation wall 102 and the dielectric material at a microwave introducing part is optimized so as to maximize the plasma excitation efficiency, and, at the same time, the distance between the slot antenna 110 and the dielectric material separation wall 102 and a thickness of the dielectric material shower plate 103 are optimized so as to be capable of supplying a microwave having a large power.

Abstract: A plasma processing method for generating plasma in a vacuum chamber and processing a substrate placed on a substrate electrode, the plasma being generated by supplying a high-frequency power having a frequency of 50 MHz to 3 GHz to an antenna provided opposite to the substrate electrode while interior of the vacuum chamber is controlled to a specified pressure by supplying a gas into the vacuum chamber and exhausting the interior of the vacuum chamber, the method includes with a dielectric plate being sandwiched between the antenna and the vacuum chamber and both the antenna and the dielectric plate projecting into the vacuum chamber, controlling plasma distribution on the substrate with an annular and recessed slit provided between the antenna and the vacuum chamber, and processing the substrate in a state where the antenna cover is fixed by making both an inner side face of the slit and the antenna covered with an antenna cover, making a bottom face of the slit covered with a slit cover, supporting the ant

Abstract: In the production of water vapor, particularly in the production of especially clean water vapor, dissolved gases, mainly atmospheric gases, are removed from feed water (2). The feed water is sprayed by a spray nozzle (3) mounted in a hemispherical chamber (1) in a spray pattern which matches an area of an upper end (4) of an arrangement of vertical feed tubes of a falling film evaporator. The dissolved gases are liberated quickly from the sprayed droplets and removed through outlets (5) in the hemispherical chamber. The sprayed droplets collect at the upper ends of the vertical evaporation channels and are distributed evenly thereamong before atmospheric gases can be redissolved.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a method for enzymatic treatment of lignocellulosic materials which contain xylan-polymers, such as cellulose kraft pulps. According to a method of the present kind, at least a part of the hexenuronic acid groups present in the material is selectively removed in order to remove metal ions from the pulp, to change the surface charge thereof, to improve the brightness stability of the pulp and to render the material more suitable for enzymatic treatment.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a nonwoven web comprised of metal or refractory fibers with nylon as a binder. The nonwoven web is prepared by forming a foam furnish by agitating the fibers in a foamed medium, and passing the foam furnish onto a screen and defoaming the furnish. It is preferred that the nylon binder is added to the foam furnish in the form of fibers. Once the furnish is defoamed to form a nonwoven web, the sheet is dried at a temperature sufficient to melt the nylon binder.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method for obtaining an aqueous dispersion of hydrophobic polymers dispersed in the form of particles with mean diameter less than 100 nm stablized soley with a macromolecular surfactant based on low molecular weight styrene/maleic anhydride imide copolymer. The invention also concerns the use of said dispersion for treating and sizing paper.

Abstract: A method for producing a pulp molded article (7) comprising the steps of supplying a pulp slurry into the cavity (1) of a mold (10) composed of a set of splits (3 and 4), the set of splits (3 and 4) being assembled together to form the cavity (1) with a prescribed configuration, to form a pulp deposited body (5), feeding a fluid into the cavity (1) to press the pulp deposited body (5) onto the inner wall of the cavity (1) for dewatering.

Abstract: An apparatus for measuring wear of a doctor blade includes measuring members placed around the doctor blade for measuring at least one dimension of the doctor blade. The measuring members are arranged to permit longitudinal movement of the doctor blade between the doctor blade and the measuring members. In addition, measurement sensors are connected to the measuring members to obtain a continuous measurement result when the doctor blade or the apparatus is moved. The invention also relates to a method in the measurement of wear of a doctor blade and in controlling a paper machine.

Abstract: In a method of producing coke for metallurgy by carbonizing a coal blend obtained by blending plural raw coals in an coke oven, a coal blend containing not less than 60 wt % of a medium coking coal of middle coalification degree and low fluidity having an inert component content of not less than 30% is used as a coal charged into the coke oven, whereby a great amount of raw coal of a brand being cheap and easily available can be blended in a great amount and hence coke for metallurgy having an excellent quality such as strength or the like can be produced by blending few brands of coals as compared with a coal blend of many brands.

Abstract: A compact, energy efficient, continuous-flow point of use distillation system utilizes stacked, vertically-arranged components to provide a compact and energy efficient distillation process and a device which is quick and easy to service and maintain. A housing contains a double-walled boiler vessel to which water is supplied from an external source through suitable filters. A heating source is provided to boil water in the vessel, producing steam which is supplied through a condenser to a storage container located below the boiler. A noninvasive liquid level sensor maintains the water level in the boiler and the controller is provided to activate the boiler when water is required for the storage reservoir.

Abstract: The subject invention provides a potentially economically viable process for the microwave destruction of contaminated waste consisting essentially of chemical and biological agents and harmful medical waste by employing carbonaceous materials to enhance the efficiency of the microwaves while keeping the bulk temperature down to a modest rise.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method for depositing a radial profile of a target material onto a substrate. The method comprises directing one or more target materials toward a substrate, blocking some predetermined portion of the target material with at least a first shutter so that it does not strike the substrate, and rotating the substrate relative to the first shutter while the target material is directed toward the substrate so that a radial profile is formed on the substrate. In on embodiment, the substrate is rotated, and the first shutter does not rotate. In another embodiment, the first shutter rotates and the substrate does not rotate. The method permits a radial thickness or composition gradient on the substrate to be formed. The method may also include using one or more contact masks placed on the substrate during the deposition in order to mask off particular portions of the substrate during the deposition process.

Abstract: A cathode for a cluster tool in accordance with the present invention includes a base, a disc-shaped target mounted to the base and a magnetic source for establishing magnetic flux lines through the target. The target further comprises a top plate with a plurality of through holes; and a bottom plate with a plurality of bottom plate openings which interconnect distribution grooves formed in one surface with base face channels formed in the other surface. When the top plate is mated to the bottom plate, a path of fluid communication is established from the base face channels to the through holes to allow for inert gas to pass through the target. During operation, the through holes act as micro-cathodes to more efficiently cause material to be sputtered from the target. Each through hole defines a through hole axis, and the magnetic flux lines are parallel with the through holes axes.

Abstract: An electroplating apparatus is provided with a metal target and a device for supporting a semiconductor wafer (or other workpiece) in an electroplating solution. The target (anode) may be located relatively far from the wafer surface (cathode) at the beginning of the plating process, until a sufficient amount of metal is plated. When an initial amount of metal is built up on the wafer surface, the target may be moved closer to the wafer for faster processing. The movement of the target may be controlled automatically according to one or more process parameters.

Abstract: To provide a cathode cartridge, which comprises a tabular cathode conductor 5, which has an open hole having a same shape to that of plated pats 2a of a plated base 2 as a negative plate, which has a plurality of a protruding portion that presses contact to a peripheral part 2d around the plated parts 2a, a first elastic thin board 3, which covers a rear side of the plated base 2 and has a recess 3a, a tabular rear wall insulator 6, which covers both a back side of the cathode conductor 5 and a back side of the first elastic thin board 3, and has a recess 6b, a tabular front side insulator 7, which has an aperture having the same shape to that of the plated parts 2a, which covers a front side of the cathode conductor 5, and has a recess 7b, into which the cathode conductor 5 gets just, and a second elastic thin board 4, which has an aperture (open hole) having the same shape to that of the plated parts 2a, which is sandwiched between the cathode conductor 5 to provide a cathode cartridge of testing device for

Abstract: An electrochemical sensor is provided comprised of a thin sheet or film having at least one through-hole provided therein. The thin sheet or film has first and second opposing surfaces, at least a portion of the opposing surfaces being coated with a conductive coating which extends into the at least one through-hole, each conductive coating extending partially into the at least one through-hole from each opposing surface whereby each conductive coating terminates within the at least one through-hole at a point spaced from the terminus of the opposing conductive coating which extends into the at least one through-hole, whereby the conductive coatings in the at least one through-hole are separated by a non-conductive interior surface of the at least one through-hole.

Abstract: A biosensor having an electrode layer, which includes a working electrode and a counter electrode, and a reagent layer 10 are formed on an insulating support. Further, a spacer having a long and narrow cut-out portion on the reagent layer is bonded to a cover having an air hole to form a cavity that sucks blood as a liquid sample by capillary phenomenon, and a portion of side walls of the spacer and the cover, which side walls face the cavity, is subjected to a treatment for making the portion itself have hydrophilicity. Accordingly, when blood is sucked into the cavity by capillary phenomenon, the suction is promoted, and the performance of a sensor of the biosensor is improved. Further, the process of manufacturing the sensor is simplified, thereby resulting in increased productivity.

Abstract: A medium comprises an electrolyte wherein is dissolved at least an assembly of block copolymers characterized in that the block copolymers: are present in the electrolyte at a concentration level to provide the medium with the property of reversibly passing from a state of viscosity V1, obtained at a temperature T1, to a viscosity state V2 greater by at least 100% than V1, obtained at a temperature T2, and comprise in their structure at least: two non-contiguous polymeric segments having in the electrolyte a lower critical solubility temperature (LCST) and having an average number of atoms along their skeleton more than 50; and a polymeric segment soluble in the electrolyte at temperatures T1 and T2. The invention also concerns the use of the medium for separating analytes.

Abstract: An ion-exchange membrane having excellent resistance against organic fouling by high molecular weight organic ions etc. and showing low electric resistance is provided. Said ion-exchange membrane is characterized by that a polyether compound containing polyalkylene glycol chain, such as polyethylene glycol, polypropylene glycol, their derivatives, etc., is fixed on the surface and/or inside of the membrane. As examples of the mode of the fixation there are mentioned fixation by entanglement of the molecules forming the membrane and the molecules of the polyether compound, physical fixation of both molecules by the anchor effect, and chemical fixation of both molecules by the formation of covalent bond or ionic bond. Said ion-exchange membrane can be preferably used in case of removing low molecular weight electrolytes from an aqueous solution containing low molecular weight electrolytes and high molecular weight organic ions etc. through electrodialysis.

Abstract: In the method of manufacturing a ferrule, electrocasting is carried out using at least one wire 9 such as of a metal or a plastic as a mother die, and then the wire 9 is removed from the resulting electrocast product, wherein the electrocasting treatment is carried out under rotation of the wire while it is maintained static in the longitudinal direction. According to this method, neither biased thickening nor bending occurs in the electrocast products, and they are almost free from decentering of holes. Intermediate rod products obtained after the electrocasting treatment have perfectly circular cross sections. In addition, variation in the diameter of the rod products can be reduced. Besides, agitation of the electrocasting solution can be facilitated by employing a method in which agitation is achieved by forced circulation of the liquid, and further deterioration of the electrocasting working environment can be prevented.

Abstract: A higher applied potential may be provided to a consumable anode to reduce sludge formation during electroplating. For example, a higher applied potential may be provided to a consumable anode by decreasing the exposed surface area of the anode to the electrolyte solution in the electroplating cell. The consumable anode may comprise a single anode or an array of anodes coupled to the positive pole of the power source in which the exposed surface area of the anode is less than an exposed surface area of the cathode to the electrolyte solution. In another example, a higher applied potential may be provided to a consumable anode by increasing the potential of the electroplating cell.

Abstract: An aqueous alkaline non-cyanide zinc electroplating bath containing zinc ions for producing bright electrodeposits of zinc and a brightening agent comprising a polymeric quaternary amine and a reducing sugar, and a compound that forms a reducing sugar upon hydrolysis.

Abstract: A method for removing carbon monoxide from a gas stream, in which the gas stream loaded with CO is guided through a device, and the CO is removed from the gas stream through adsorption on the working electrode. As a function of an electrical voltage between the working electrode and the counter electrode, or between the working electrode and the reference electrode, an electrode cleaning mode is enabled by triggering a current flow between the working electrode and the counter electrode, and the CO adsorbed on the working electrode is oxidized to CO2.01.

Abstract: A cracking tube includes a lining of a fouling resistant and corrosion resistant iron aluminide alloy. The iron aluminide alloy can include 14-32 wt. % Al, at least 2 vol. % transition metal oxides, 0.003 to 0.020 wt. % B, 0.2 to 2.0 wt. % Mo, 0.05 to 1.0 wt. % Zr, 0.2 to 2.0 wt. % Ti, 0.10 to 1.0 wt. % La, 0.05 to 0.2 wt. % C., balance Fe, and optionally ≦1 wt. % Cr, and the coefficient of thermal expansion of the iron aluminide alloy is substantially the same as the coefficient of thermal expansion over the temperature range of ambient to about 1200° C. of an outer metal layer. A cracking tube utilizing the iron aluminide alloy can be formed from powders of the iron aluminide alloy by consolidation methods including cold isostatic pressing (CIP), hot isostatic pressing (HIP), reaction synthesis, spraying techniques, or co-extrusion with a second material of the cracking tube.

Abstract: In an embodiment, the invention relates to a method for reducing coke agglomeration in petroleum streams derived from coking processes. In a preferred embodiment, the invention relates to a method for mitigating filter fouling from a coker gas oil wherein an oxygen scavenger is employed to remove molecular oxygen and peroxides.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process of producing gasoline with a low sulphur content from a feedstock containing sulphur. This process comprises at least one step a1 of selectively hydrogenating the diolefins and acetylenic compounds, at least one separation of the gasoline (step b) obtained at step a1 into at least three fractions, at least one step c1 of treating the heavy gasoline separated at step b on a catalyst enabling the unsaturated sulphur compounds to be at least partially decomposed or hydrogenated and at least one step d to remove the sulphur and nitrogen from at least one intermediate fraction, followed by catalytic reforming.

Abstract: A filtration device is provided in which wastewater, in the form of a colloidal solution containing microparticles, is guided to tank, circulated, and filtrated using a second filter. The device includes a gel film that is formed by suction on the surface of a first filter. The suction pressure in this process is made extremely weak to maintain the filtration capacity while extending intervals prior to clogging of second filter 2. Furthermore, a filtration device is realized with which the gel film of second filter that becomes adsorbed onto the surface of first filter can be separated readily by stopping the suction and filtration can be continued again thereafter.

Abstract: This invention relates to a filtration process for swimming pools, to a water flow multiplier for the implementation of this process and to the swimming pools thus designed. According to this invention, at least a portion of the return water flow of the circulation pump (10) is sent in at least one flow multiplier (30), consisting essentially of a convergent tuyere followed by a divergent tuyere with, at the intermediary location, an admission (29) of said return water flow of the pump, of which the entrance on the side of the convergent tuyere communicates with at least one admission (23) of the water to be filtered coming from the swimming pool and which goes through a filter (31) suitably set upstream from this entrance, and of which the exit on the side of the divergent tuyere opens to the pool forming return (33).

Abstract: Device and method for keeping and growing aquatic organisms by optimizing the microbiological treatment of water. The device comprises a first chamber for holding oxygen-depleted water and a second chamber for holding oxygen-rich water, the first and second chambers being separated from one another by a porous substrate which comprises micro-organisms. In the active state, water circulates in the device across the porous substrate for the purpose of microbiological treatment. Using means for conditioning the oxygen-depleted water and oxygen-rich water next to one another results in the composition of the water being effectively kept at optimum values for the microbiological treatment of the water. In addition, sediment comprising waste matter is removed by separation means which are incorporated in an oxygen-depleted circuit and in an oxygen-rich circuit; this prevents the water from becoming turbid and prevents the accumulation of waste matter in the form of sediment.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for desalination of salt water (and purification of polluted water) are disclosed. Saline (or otherwise polluted) water is pumped to a desalination installation and down to the base of a desalination fractionation column, where it is mixed with hydrate-forming gas or liquid to form either positively buoyant (also assisted buoyancy) or negatively buoyant hydrate. The hydrate rises or sinks or is carried into a lower pressure area and dissociates (melts) into the gas and pure water. In preferred embodiments, residual salt water which is heated by heat given off during formation of the hydrate is removed from the system to create a bias towards overall cooling as the hydrate dissociates endothermically at shallower depths, and input water is passed through regions of dissociation in heat-exchanging relationship therewith so as to be cooled sufficiently for hydrate to form at pressure-depth.

Abstract: A filter cartridge assembly intended for replaceable installation in a demountable cartridge housing includes in one embodiment, a retaining ring that is attached to the product water tube of the filter cartridge, is inserted with the cartridge into the housing, and is locked to the housing such that, upon subsequent removal of the housing to change the cartridge, the cartridge will be forced from sealing engagement with the end cap header and caused to remain in the housing until the housing has been removed. The integral retaining ring and cartridge are then simply unlocked and removed from the housing for replacement. Brine ring embodiments that are welded to the housing or attached to the housing with a snap-in connection are also disclosed.