Abstract: A fuel filter and vapor separator arrangement having at least one layer of liquid fuel permeable material defining at least one substantially enclosed cavity. The permeable material has at least one opening to provide fluid communication of liquid fuel within the cavity with an inlet of a high pressure fuel pump outside the cavity. A jet pump and/or fuel vapor vent is arranged relative to the cavity to facilitate the elimination of fuel vapor flowing to the high pressure fuel pump.

Abstract: A method of producing a hollow fiber membrane includes discharging a polyvinylidene fluoride solution comprising a polyvinylidene fluoride resin and a poor solvent at a temperature above a phase separation temperature into a cooling bath at a temperature below the phase separation temperature to coagulate the polyvinylidene fluoride resin. The hollow fiber membrane comprises a polyvinylidene fluoride resin having spherical structures that have an average diameter in the range of 0.3 to 30 ?m.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are provided for treating wastewater with alkanes such as butane. An oxygen-containing gas may also be introduced into the wastewater. Butane, because of its relatively high solubility, rapidly dissolves in the wastewater, thereby significantly increasing the heterogeneous microbial community and heterotrophic microbial population. This enhanced microbial population may rapidly absorb and mineralize materials in the wastestream. After an initial growth phase, the organic matter available in the wastewater effluent may be rapidly decreased, thereby reducing the amount of BOD, TDS, sludge and other pollutants. In addition, the use of butane reduces noxious odors associated with municipal wastewater sludges and other types of wastewater.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for removing phosphorus from phosphorus containing waste. In one embodiment, the method is preferably carried out by contacting the phosphorus containing waste with a non-cellular membrane and precipitating phosphorus from the waste as struvite. Another aspect of the invention includes a method of removing phosphorus from phosphorus containing sewage comprising filtrates and biosolids. The removal of phosphorus as struvite occurs in two stages as primary and secondary removal. In the primary removal process, the sewage from a dewatering unit is contacted with a first polymeric membrane reactor and the phosphorus is removed as primary struvite. Subsequently Mg is added so as promote struvite formation and the secondary removal process of struvite. In the secondary removal process, the sewage from GBT Filtrate well or Centrifuge Liquor well is contacted with a second monomolecular membrane and the phosphorus is removed as secondary struvite.

Abstract: First, a primary fluoric ion concentration detection process is performed, and a primary calcium salt addition process is performed to add calcium salt in a first reaction tank, wherein the dosage of the calcium salt in the primary calcium salt addition process is determined according to the detected fluoric ion concentration. Thereupon, a secondary calcium salt addition process is performed to add calcium salt into the second reaction tank. Following that, a solid-liquid separation process is performed to separate calcium fluoride from the wastewater, and a secondary fluoric ion concentration detection process is performed upon the wastewater after the calcium fluoride is separated. Finally, the dosage of the calcium salt in the secondary calcium salt addition process is determined in a feed back control manner according to the detected fluoric ion concentration.

Abstract: A stormwater treatment device for removing floatables, solids and suspended particles and the like from stormwater run off, whereby a removable assembly is provided for installation into a manhole basin, the assembly including a pass-through member which receives stormwater from an incoming drainage system, and diverts low flows to at least one or more vortex separators, while allowing for high flows to bypass the separators and flow through the assembly untreated to exit the basin without diversion.

Abstract: Microstructures and methods of fabricating microstructures are disclosed. One exemplary microstructure, among others, includes a substrate, an overcoat layer disposed upon the substrate, an air-region within at least a portion of the overcoat layer, and a framing material layer engaging at least a portion of the air-region on the inside of the framing material layer and engaging the overcoat layer on the outside of the framing material layer.

Abstract: In the present invention, disclosed are a cantilever microstructure and a fabrication thereof comprising a base plate; a cantilever beam extended from one surface of the base plate to outside so that a part thereof can be suspended, and formed of a silicon nitride material, and a probing tip formed at a front end of one surface of the cantilever beam, whereby the thickness of the cantilever beam becomes uniform and the mechanical and electrical characteristic thereof are improved.

Abstract: A method is provided for manufacturing an electro-optical device, in which fine scratches or cracks can be removed by etching without damaging wiring, an electro-optical device, and an electronic apparatus. According to the method, a liquid crystal panel used in an electro-optical device is cut as a single product. Then, before an IC mounting step, in a state of the single product liquid crystal panel, a wet etching is performed on the cut faces and edges of the first and second substrates to remove fine scratches or cracks from the cut faces and edges of the substrates. At this time, wiring portions, IC mounting terminals, substrate mounting terminals, and alignment marks, which are formed on the protruding region, are covered with a protection layer.

Abstract: This relates to optical devices such as planar light-wave components/circuits which are designed to have a high waveguide pattern density effecting a higher etch selectivity and overall improved dimensional control of the functional waveguides on the optical device.

Abstract: A plasma processing method, in which a process gas is introduced into an evacuated process chamber for subjecting the target object to a plasma processing. The plasma processing method is featured in that at least a part of the process gas exhausted from the process chamber is introduced again into the process chamber. A specified value is obtained by monitoring the state of the plasma of the process gas within the process chamber, and the introducing conditions of the process gas into the process chamber are controlled to adjust a predetermined property value to a regulated value.

Abstract: A process for reducing the formation of potential device-contaminating particles in a process chamber, particularly an etch chamber or a pre-clean chamber used to pre-clean substrates prior to a PVD or other process. The process chamber conventionally includes multiple antennae, the purpose of which is to conduct bias power from a bias power source to a substrate supported on a pedestal assembly. According to the process of the invention, the antennae are removed from the pedestal assembly. Accordingly, the antennae, no longer present in the chamber during substrate processing, are capable of neither generating potential device-contaminating particles nor causing electrical arcing between the pedestal assembly and the chamber wall or other elements in the process chamber, leading to operational power loss.

Abstract: A fire extinguishing agent contains at least one compound selected from the group consisting of an alkali hydrogencarbonate and an alkali carbonate, the alkali hydrogencarbonate being thermally decomposed to generate carbon dioxide and an alkali carbonate, a metal oxide that reacts with the alkali carbonate to generate carbon dioxide, and a hydrophobic binder.

Abstract: A method for buffering a chemical mechanical polish chemical slurry is disclosed. Buffering the slurry reduces buildup of local acidic areas at the interface between the polished metal and the polishing pad. Reduction of the local acidic areas improves the uniformity of the polish and an endpoint signal used to determine when to finish the polish operation.

Abstract: A massive body, e.g., a tablet, for producing a solution of chlorine dioxide when the massive body is added to liquid water. The massive body comprises a metal chlorite such as sodium chlorite, an acid source such as sodium bisulfate and a source of free halogen such as the sodium salt of dichloroisocyanuric acid or a hydrate thereof. The concentration of free halogen in the solution will be: (a) less than the concentration of chlorine dioxide in said solution on a weight basis and the ratio of the concentration of chlorine dioxide to the sum of the concentrations of chlorine dioxide and chlorite anion in said solution is at least 0.25:1 by weight; or (b) equal to or greater than the concentration of chlorine dioxide in said solution on a weight basis and the ratio of the concentration of chlorine dioxide to the sum of the concentrations of chlorine dioxide and chlorite anion in said solution is at least 0.50:1 by weight.

Abstract: A bio-liquid crystal polymer is made from a tissue-derived compound or the derivatives. The bio-liquid crystal polymer has a characteristic of liquid crystal under predetermined conditions and is biocompatible.

Abstract: Fluorinated indenes and 1,7-dihydroindacenes of the general formulae (I) and (II) of negative dielectric anisotropy (??<0) in which T, A, R, L, X, Y, U, W, Z, n, m, p and q are as defined herein are suitable for use in liquid crystal display elements.

Abstract: A composition comprises an impact modifier and a compatibilized blend of a poly(arylene ether) and an aliphatic-aromatic polyamide. The polyamide is composed of dicarboxylic acid units comprising 60 to 100 mol % of terephthalic acid units and diamine units comprising 60 to 100 mol % of 1,9-nonanediamine units and/or 2-methyl-1,8-octanediamine units. The polyamide has an amine end group content greater than 45 micromoles per gram of polyamide.

Abstract: A conducting composite material is composed of a kneaded and compressed mix. The mix includes (a) from 40 to 90% by volume of a flake graphite powder comprising a flake graphite type formed from graphite particle agglomerates bonded to each other and superposed such that their principal planes are parallel to each other, these agglomerates having a planar anisotropy with side dimensions between 10 ?m and 1 mm and between 5 and 50 ?m thick, (b) from 0 to 25% by volume of conducting fibres, and (c) from 10 to 40% by volume of an organic binder. This material can be used for making electrodes for fuel cells.

Abstract: Disclosed is a conductive masterbatch comprising a polyamide and conductive carbon black, the conductive carbon black being present in the form of at least one agglomerated particle having a major axis of 20 to 100 ?m, wherein the number of the agglomerated particle(s) is 1 to 100 as observed under an optical microscope with respect to a contiguous area of 3 mm2.

Abstract: Conductive roofing materials are formed of a conductive loaded resin-based material. The conductive loaded resin-based material comprises micron conductive powder(s), conductive fiber(s), or a combination of conductive powder and conductive fibers in a base resin host. The percentage by weight of the conductive powder(s), conductive fiber(s), or a combination thereof is between about 20% and 50% of the weight of the conductive loaded resin-based material. The micron conductive powders are formed from non-metals, such as carbon, graphite, that may also be metallic plated, or the like, or from metals such as stainless steel, nickel, copper, silver, that may also be metallic plated, or the like, or from a combination of non-metal, plated, or in combination with, metal powders. The micron conductor fibers preferably are of nickel plated carbon fiber, stainless steel fiber, copper fiber, silver fiber, aluminum fiber, or the like.

Abstract: The invention relates to a matrix suitable for use in the replication of a plastic element having a positive microstructure, comprising a first wear-resistant layer that is supported by a carrier element, wherein the matrix comprises a heating means for supplying electrical heat energy through the wear-resistant layer or carrier element. The invention further relates to a plastic element producing machine and a method for the manufacture of a plastic element having a surface with a positive microstructure.

Abstract: This invention concerns a non-basic refractory batch as well as its use.

Abstract: A method and system for forming an injection molded plastic part. After the injection of plastic material has started, a volume of gas from a fixed volume reservoir is introduced into the plastic material at a low pressure forming a hollow cavity. The introduction of this volume of gas is initiated when the temperature of the plastic material in the mold has reached a predetermined value. After the mold is filled and packed with plastic, pressurized gas is introduced into the hollow cavity forming the completed plastic part.

Abstract: An injection molding apparatus for delivering a melt stream of moldable material to a mold cavity. A valve pin extends through a melt channel of the apparatus that is axially movable to control the melt stream within the melt channel and/or to selectively open a gate to allow communication with the mold cavity. A processing sensor is coupled to the valve pin and is axially movable therewith. By example, the processing sensor may be a pressure sensor and/or a temperature sensor for sensing processing condition(s) of the melt stream and providing sensed information to a controller.

Abstract: The invention discloses a method for synthesizing hollow structured freestanding membrane having pore size of 2 to 200 nm which provides long-term stability that makes it viable for many practical applications such as protein separation and drug delivery.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a prosthetic bone implant made of a hardened calcium phosphate cement having an apatitic phase as a major phase, which includes a dense cortical portion bearing the majority of load and a porous cancellous portion allowing a rapid blood/body fluid penetration and tissue ingrowth.

Abstract: A composite foamed polypropylene resin molding including a plurality of sections which are fuse-bonded to each other, at least two of which differ from each other in color, apparent density, composition and/or mechanical strengths, each of which is formed from expanded polypropylene resin beads, and each of which shows a high temperature endothermic peak in a DSC curve thereof. At least one of the sections satisfies conditions (d) to (f) at the same time: (d) to be formed from specific expanded polypropylene resin beads of a base resin having a tensile modulus of at least 1,200 MPa, (e) to have an apparent density D2 of 10–500 g/L, and (f) to have such a high temperature endothermic peak with a calorific of E2 J/g, wherein D2 and E2 have the relationship 20?0.020×D2?E2?65?0.100×D2.

Abstract: A method of storing a material into which a gas saturates, before the material is foamed in a metal mold. The material into which a gas saturates is stored at a predetermined ambient pressure and predetermined ambient temperature to maintain a gas saturated state, thereby preventing escape of the gas from the material into which the gas saturates.

Abstract: Processes are provided for formation of complex shapes by embossing of a sheet of flexible graphite material. In one approach, a sheet (26) of material is provided with a variable resin concentration across a selected dimension of the sheet, and the position of the variable which will result in thinner areas in the embossed articles. In a second approach, recesses are provided in the embossing rollers (30 and/or 32) to accomodate material flow during embossing. These recesses result in protrusions formed on the articles, which protrusions must then be removed in a machining operation.

Abstract: A manufacturing method for manufacturing ceramic electronic components, includes steps of forming a stack body by stacking ceramic green sheets and conductive layers on top of each other, punching a frame into the stack body and holding the frame in the stack body, locating a pressing force applying member inside the frame and, while the frame is held in the stack body, applying a pressing force to a portion of the stack body located inside the frame by causing the pressing force applying member located inside the frame to press against the portion of the stack body located inside the frame, to thereby form a high-density structure inside the frame while preventing the high-density structure from deforming outwardly beyond the frame. The stack body can be heated to reduce the required pressing force, and an elastic member may be provided to make the pressing force uniform.

Abstract: In a method for manufacturing a winding tape (10) of unsintered polytetrafluoroethylene wherein polytetrafluoroethylene powder is mixed with a lubricating or slip agent, the material is molded into a cylindrical blank (1) and the blank (1) is first extruded as a strand with small outer dimensions and subsequently calendered into the tape (10) in the forming gap (13) of a pair of rolls (8,9). The surface of at least one roll is deformed under compression during calendering of the round rope (6) into the tape.

Abstract: An embodiment of the claimed invention includes a method of manufacturing an object. The method includes providing an object portion, providing a protrusion, forming a recess in the object portion by pressing at least a first portion of the protrusion into the object portion. In addition, a recess is formed in the object by placing material adjacent to both at least a second portion of the protrusion and at least a part of the object portion.

Abstract: A method for making crayons is provided. The method employs an apparatus which includes a base that houses a heating component, a melt pan disposed to absorb heat from the heating component, a mold, and a cover. The melt pan receives crayon material and contains it as the heating component increases the temperature, causing the crayon material to liquefy. The liquefied crayon material can then be drained by the user of the device, into a mold with crayon-shaped cavities. A timer and a cover prevents access to the melt pan and the mold during particular operating conditions of the apparatus.

Abstract: Multilayered web stock is directed toward a curved surface and at least one layer of the web stock is heated to a temperature above a glass transition temperature of the at least one layer of the web stock. The heating can occur just before or upon engaging the curved surface. The temperature of the at least one layer remains above the glass transition temperature while engaging the curved surface, allowing reshaping and/or realignment of the at least one layer relative to other layers of the web stock according to conformance to the curved surface. The web stock is cooled before it disengages from the curved surface. The heating can be done with a high power infrared lamp focused into a line across the web stock, and the cooling can be done with a cooled fluid jet. Additionally, a preheater can be employed, and a supplemental cooler can be used.

Abstract: A system and process for gas-assisted injection molding of plastic materials to form laminate-type products. A laminate material is positioned in a mold and the mold is closed to a pre-set position, leaving a gap. Plastic material is injected into the mold cavity onto the laminate material, and gas is injected into the plastic material. Thereafter, the mold is closed, compressing the gas in the plastic material. Once the process is complete and the plastic has cooled, the gas is vented from the molded component, the mold is opened, and the completed molded part is removed.

Abstract: A blow molded article includes an outer wall and an article retaining feature projecting outwardly therefrom. The article retaining feature includes a distal wall and a side wall connecting the distal wall and the outer wall of the blow molded article. The side wall is generally orthogonal to the outer wall of the blow molded article, and an inner surface is defined at least partially by inner edges of the side wall, the distal wall and the outer wall of the blow molded article. The side wall has a hole integrally molded therein.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a catheter device having a dilatation balloon formed from a polymeric material crosslinked by moisture through —Si—O—Si— linkages, and to a method of making the same. The polymeric material is formed by reacting at least one organofunctional hydrolyzable silane with at least one polymer. The crosslinked polymeric structure is ideal for forming more resilient and durable catheter balloons. In particular, the catheter balloons have excellent abrasion resistance.

Abstract: A key top member for a push button switch structure capable of facilitating change and modification of a design while eliminating deformation and misregistration of a display section, being accommodated to a variety of data, being increased in design properties and visibility, and being reduced in manufacturing cost. An upper resin sheet made of thermoplastic resin and having display sections such as a letter, a symbol, a pattern or the like printed thereon is formed with projections having configurations conforming to outer configurations of key top elements. The projections are each securely provided therein with a filler member made of photo-setting resin directly or through an adhesive.

Abstract: Lightweight, thermoplastic, vehicle headliners each having at least one integrally-formed, energy-absorbing, head-impact mechanism and injection molding methods for making same are provided. Each headliner includes a stiff, self-supporting, thermoplastic sheet adapted to be mounted adjacent a roof of the vehicle so as to underlie the roof and shield the roof from view. The sheet has an upper surface and a lower surface. Each energy-absorbing, head-impact mechanism absorbs energy of an impact with its associated headliner by a passenger of the vehicle. In one embodiment, the at least one head-impact mechanism includes a plurality of spaced-apart, energy-absorbing, thermoplastic structures, such as ribs, which are connected to and extend upwardly from the upper surface of its thermoplastic sheet.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are provided for cooling workpieces. A cooling gas is directed toward a surface of a workpiece. The cooling gas includes at least a first component that is gaseous at a reference ambient condition and a second component that is a liquid at the ambient condition. The second component may be delivered as a gas or as droplets.

Abstract: A body fluid is collected for testing for an analyte contained within the body fluid. The fluid is collected in an apparatus including a reservoir for receiving and collecting a flow of body fluid from a discharge end of a conduit. A capillary test space is in fluid flow communication with the reservoir. The capillary test space is positioned to be in contact with the fluid in the reservoir after the fluid has accumulated to a predetermined transfer volume of fluid. The capillary test space is sized to wick the fluid from the reservoir when the fluid contacts the capillary test space.

Abstract: A chemical analysis system includes a spotting mechanism for spotting a sample liquid onto a first chemical analysis element for measuring the concentration of a specific component contained in the sample liquid, and for spotting a sample liquid and a reference liquid onto a second chemical analysis element for measuring the activity of a specific ion contained in the sample liquid. The first chemical analysis element spotted with the sample liquid and the second chemical analysis element spotted with the sample liquid and the reference liquid are placed in an incubator and is incubated at a constant temperature.

Abstract: An analyzer for performing automated assay testing. The analyzer includes a storage and conveyor system for conveying cuvettes to an incubation or processing conveyor, a storage and selection system for test sample containers, a storage and selection system for reagent containers, sample and reagent aspirating and dispensing probes, a separation system for separating bound from unbound tracer or labeled reagent, a detection system and date collection/processing system. All of the subunits of the machine are controlled by a central processing unit to coordinate the activity of all of the subunits of the analyzer. The analyzer is specifically suited for performing heterogeneous binding assay protocols, particularly immunoassays.

Abstract: A sample retention apparatus for use in a device for measuring hemostasis. The device for measuring hemostasis may include a sample articulation apparatus including a guide shaft coupled for articulating motion to a drive motor, a sample carrier secured to and axially moveable along the guide shaft between a sample ready position, a sample testing position and a sample ejection position. The sample carrier therefore articulates in unison with the articulating motion of the guide shaft. A measuring apparatus may include a sensing column. The sample retention apparatus may include a sample cup defining a volume within which a sample may be disposed. The sample cup may be adapted to be operably positioned within an aperture formed within the sample carrier. The sample testing apparatus may also include a sample pin that is engageable with the sensing column. The sample pin may include a tip portion for extending into the sample cup.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a structure and manufacturing process of a nano device transistor for a biosensor. The structure, the manufacturing process and the related circuit for a carbon nano tube or nano wire transistor biosensor device are provided. The refurbished nano device is used for absorbing various anti-bodies so as to detect the specific antigens or absorbing various biotins. Therefore, the object of the present invention to detect the specific species for bio measurement can be achieved.

Abstract: The present application is directed to pipette configurations, arrays of the same and methods for using such pipettes and arrays to accomplish electrical measurements, including whole cell and on cell measurements. In one aspect of the present invention, a pipette includes a hollow tubular section having a distal portion and a tip portion. A bubble is formed at the tip and includes an interior chamber in communication with the hollow tubular section at an end adjacent to the bubble portion. The bubble may have a diameter greater than the diameter of an adjacent portion of the hollow tubular section. An aperture is formed between the internal chamber and an exterior surface of the bubble to accommodate seal formation.

Abstract: There are provided a novel method and technology for arraying micro-particles. Micro-particle trapping capillaries each having an inner diameter smaller than the outer diameter of probe-immobilized micro-particles are prepared. By vacuuming the inside of each micro-particle trapping capillary, only one of the micro-particles is vacuumed onto an opening at the tip thereof and taken out from holders holding a plurality of the micro-particles. The micro-particle vacuumed onto the opening at the tip of each micro-particle trapping capillary is positioned at the opening of the capillary or the edge of each channel provided in a chip, the channels each having an inlet and an outlet with a slightly larger width than the outer diameter of the micro-particle so as to allow passage of only one micro-particle. The micro-particle vacuumed onto the opening at the capillary tip is injected into the capillary from the opening of the capillary or the channel edge of the chip.

Abstract: A reactor/purifier for generating pure hydrogen in a stack or array of pairs of alternatingly connected high and low pressure reactor chambers wherein a gas-porous turbulence-promoting screen structure washcoated with a steam-reforming catalyst is sandwiched between a planar hydrogen-selective palladium alloy membrane and a planar gas-impermeable heat-conducting metal plate within the high pressure reactor chamber of each high pressure reactor chamber; and wherein the catalyst-coated structure in each high pressure chamber is reacted with steam and hydrocarbon fuel, such as methane or syn/gas, and/or carbon monoxide at an appropriately controlled temperature of between about 200° C. to 650° C. to produce hydrogen and carbon oxides within an isothermal temperature range in each high pressure reactor chamber, while simultaneously permeating pure hydrogen therefrom through the membrane into the corresponding connected low pressure reactor chamber.

Abstract: A hydrocarbon desulfurization system that circulates fluidizable solid particles through a fluidized bed reactor, a fluidized bed regenerator, and a fluidized bed reducer to thereby provide for substantially continuous desulfurization of a hydrocarbon-containing fluid stream and substantially continuous regeneration of the solid particles. A novel transport system is employed for transporting the solid particles between the reactor, the regenerator, and the reducer. The transport system uses close-coupled vessels and gravity flow between various vessels to minimize equipment cost and particle attrition.