Abstract: It is an objective of the present invention to provide a decontaminant capable of efficiently and rapidly decontaminating soil, groundwater or sediment contaminated with hexavalent chromium, and a decontamination method utilizing the same. By adding at least one of iron (0) and ferrous iron, and a microbial biostimulant of at least one member selected from the group consisting of yeast extract, inactive yeast, active yeast and peptone to soil, groundwater or sediment contaminated with hexavalent chromium. Hexavalent chromium is chemically and biologically reduced efficiently, and iron reducing microorganisms are propagated and activated to sustain reducing power of the added iron over a long period of time.

Abstract: A method for removing inert solids from low-yield wastewater treatment processes. The method includes combining wastewater with bacteria-laden sludge in a mainstream reactor to form a mixed liquor, separating the mixed liquor into a clear effluent and activated sludge, returning a first portion of activated sludge to the mainstream reactor, treating a second portion of activated sludge in a sidestream bioreactor prior to returning the second portion of activated sludge to the mainstream reactor, and employing a screening device within the wastewater treatment process to remove inert solids.

Abstract: A method of removing silicon dioxide from a waste liquid is described. A solution containing fluoride ions is added into the waste liquid to form a reaction product. A method of cleaning a membrane tube for processing waste water is also described, wherein the membrane tube contains residues of waste water that include a first residue and a second residue containing silicon dioxide. A first cleaning step is conducted to reduce the concentration of the first residue in the membrane tube to a first concentration. A solution containing fluoride ions is added into the tube to react with the second residue to form a reaction product. A second cleaning step is then conducted to reduce the concentration of the residual fluorine ions in the membrane tube to a second concentration.

Abstract: A process and apparatus is described for filtering water with immersed membranes. In a batch process, permeate is withdrawn while the flow of feed is reduced or stopped at the end of a permeation cycle. The water level is reduced to a level where a portion of the membranes are exposed to air before draining the tank. In this or another process, the level of liquid is reduced to correspond with an area of the membrane fibers having an accumulation of solids. Aeration is provided for a period of time with the liquid at this level to dislodge at least a portion of the solids from the membranes. In these or other processes, the tank is partially drained between cycles to deconcentrate the tank, aeration is provided during backwashing and intermittently while permeating, and/or retentate is withdrawn from the tank during a portion of a permeation step.

Abstract: Hydrophilic cross-linked polymeric membranes, when prepared according to the process of the present invention, are unique in character in as much as the steady state permeability of the membrane has been altered by blending and cross-linking polyalkyl amines and polyalcohols.

Abstract: Device (10) and machine (1000) for regeneration of a human liver (L). The device (10) comprises at least two catheters (11, 12) and a three-way connection (13) between the two catheters (11, 12).

Abstract: An apparatus and method for reducing the liquid content of a particulate/liquid dispersion, such as a sewage sludge or mine tailings, are described. The apparatus comprises containment means to contain the material, and means to apply pressure to the contained material therein, the containment means being partly defined by a first filtration membrane permeable to the liquid but impermeable to at least some and more preferably substantially all of the solids contained within the material, in particular configured as a continuous belt press. The filtration membrane comprises a textile or other synthetic material in intimate association with a conducting element so as to constitute where so associated a first electrode. A second sheet material, preferably also a filtration membrane, is similarly associated with a conducting element so as to constitute a second electrode to allow application of a potential difference across the material and drive the dewatering process electrokinetically.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and equipments for demineralizing condensate, aiming at achieving high-purity effluent quality with a low concentration of sulfate ions derived from organic impurities leaching from cation resins in the condensate treatment by condensate demineralizers in nuclear power plants. The present invention relates to a condensate demineralizer for demineralizing condensate in a nuclear power plant, comprising a mixed bed of a strongly acidic gel-type cation exchange resin and a uniform particle size strongly basic porous anion exchange resin.

Abstract: An electrodeionization, (EDI) apparatus has flow cells with a sparse distribution of ion exchange (IX) material or beads. The beads extend between membranes defining opposed walls of the cell to separate and support the membranes, and form a layer substantially free of bead-to-bead dead-end reverse junctions. The beads enhance capture of ions from surrounding fluid in dilute cells, and do not throw salt when operating current is increased. In concentrating cells, the sparse bead filling provides a stable low impedance bridge to enhanced power utilization in the stack. A monotype sparse filling may be used in concentrate cells, while mixed, layered, striped, graded or other beads may be employed in dilute cells. Ion conduction paths are no more than a few grains long and the lower packing density permits effective fluid flow.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for treating a fluid to destroy, remove, or reduce undesirable agents, such as microorganisms, particles or ions, contained in the fluid and/or to inhibit the formation of scale are disclosed. The invention includes an apparatus for treating a fluid to destroy, remove, or reduce undesirable agents, such as microorganisms, particles, or ions, contained in the fluid and/or to inhibit the formation of scale. The apparatus can include an open fluid directional means or conduit. The preferred open fluid directional means is a conduit manufactured of resilient, corrosion-resistant material. The apparatus is attached to a power source and has a controller means. The controller means is desirably a microprocessor and can include a switching means for regulating the current to the apparatus. However, simpler circuits and components can be used for the controller means. The apparatus includes a field generating means. The field generating means forms a treatment field.

Abstract: A portable apparatus for drying and/or storage of garments and/or accessories including a base for supporting a frame, said base including a cavity for receipt of ballast to stabilise said apparatus said frame being mounted on said base and including projections suitable for supporting garments and/or accessories, wherein said base includes at least one opening for insertion of ballast into said cavity and a tray for collecting liquid, when in use, falling from wet garments and/or accessories that are suspended above said base.

Abstract: Disclosed is an unique reclosable metal bottle in which a trim portion of the neck can be reused and mounted on the neck as a collar, or a separate collar provided, that has the structural rigidity necessary to form threads or lugs for recloseability. Thin wall metal bottles, having thicknesses on the order of thin wall metal cans currently in use, can be made using this process with minimal material waste since the trim neck portion is reused as a threaded collar. Structural rigidity and strength can be added by using fillers to backfill the indentations of the threads in the collar. Threads or lugs can be used, including pressure release lugs, that add both safety and convenience. Since the reclosable metal bottle is an all-metal container, the bottle can be recycled without introducing contaminants.

Abstract: A method of making a wide mouth, blow molded PET plastic container having an externally threaded neck, the diameter and wall thickness of the neck and threads have a critical relationship to the diameter and wall thickness of the preform used to blow the intermediate article of which the container is a part. A PET plastic container having a threaded neck with a wall thickness of within the range of 0.032 to 0.038 inches.

Abstract: A primary container (PC) cap or closure that includes a separate fastener for a separate inner container (IC). A liquid, powder or crystal is stored in the inner container ready for use. One purpose of the invention is to provide two separate containers mounted together with different ingredients for admixture at the time of use. This increases the shelf-life of the combined products.

Abstract: The inventions disclosed herein include a clear cap and tamper-indicating seal combination for containers. The preferred cap is at least partially non-opaque to allow a customer to perceive the tamper-indicating seal through the cap at the point of purchase. In a first embodiment, the tamper-indicating seal serves as a label, wherein the customer can perceive, through the cap, information such as printing which is indicative of the contents of the container. In a second embodiment, the tamper-indicating seal serves as a tamper evident seal, wherein the customer can perceive, through the cap, at the point of purchase, whether the seal has been breached. In a third embodiment, the tamper-indicating seal serves as both a label and a seal, wherein the tamper-indicating seal creates a liquid resistant seal between the cap and the opening of the container. In a forth embodiment, the tamper-indicating seal serves as both a label and a tamper evident seal.

Abstract: The inventions disclosed herein include a clear cap and tamper-indicating seal combination, a translucent cap and seal combination, an improved cap embodying a raised ridge for providing a contact surface on the top of the cap, among other inventions. The preferred cap is at least partially non-opaque to allow a customer to perceive the tamper-indicating seal through the cap at the point of purchase. In a first embodiment, the tamper-indicating seal serves as a label, wherein the customer can perceive, through the cap, information such as printing which is indicative of the contents of the container. In a second embodiment, the tamper-indicating seal serves as a tamper evident seal, wherein the customer can perceive, through the cap, at the point of purchase, whether the seal has been breached. In a third embodiment, the tamper-indicating seal serves as both a label and a seal, wherein the tamper-indicating seal creates a liquid resistant seal between the cap and the opening of the container.

Abstract: A child-resistant package includes a plastic container having a blow-molded neck finish with an end, at least one external thread, an arcuate part-circumferential ledge adjacent to the neck finish and a plurality of angularly spaced ratchet teeth on the ledge. A closure has at least one skirt, at least one internal thread on the skirt, at least one flexible resilient ratchet finger extending radially inwardly from the skirt at an angle to the skirt, and a seal element within the skirt for sealing engagement with the end of the container neck finish. Threading of the closure onto the container neck finish brings the ratchet finger into engagement with the ratchet teeth. The array of ratchet teeth and the seal element are such as to accommodate tolerance variations in the blow-molded neck finish while maintaining a seal and child-resistance capability at the neck finish.

Abstract: The present invention related to an improved microetching solution and a method of using the improved composition for roughening a metal surface and increasing the adhesion strength of a metal layer to a subsequently applied layer. The microetching composition is an aqueous solution comprising cupric ion source, a pyridine derivative, multiethyleneamine, and an acid. In a preferred embodiment, the microetching solution of the invention also comprises a source of halide ions such as sodium chloride or hydrochloric acid.

Abstract: A printed circuit board is by formed by laminating an interlaminar insulating layer on a conductor circuit of a substrate, in which the conductor circuit is comprised of an electroless plated film and an electrolytic plated film and a roughened layer is formed on at least a part of the surface of the conductor circuit.

Abstract: A printed circuit board is by formed by laminating an interlaminar insulating layer on a conductor circuit of a substrate, in which the conductor circuit is comprised of an electroless plated film and an electrolytic plated film and a roughened layer is formed on at least a part of the surface of the conductor circuit.

Abstract: A method of reducing critical dimension is provided. A dielectric layer is formed on a substrate. Then, a patterned photoresist is formed on the dielectric layer to expose part of the dielectric layer, wherein the patterned photoresist has a first line width. An etching process is performed to remove the exposed dielectric layer by using the patterned photoresist as an etching mask, wherein the final line width of the dielectric layer is smaller than the first line width. The conditions of the etching process include an etching pressure at 80 torr to 400 torr, an etching gas that includes a fluorocarbon compound and oxygen, wherein the ratio of the fluorocarbon compound to the oxygen is large than 0 and less than 10. Consequently, the etching process can be stabilized to form a smooth sidewall for the gate and to provide a uniform critical dimension.

Abstract: A method of forming an image. The method includes: a transfer layer on a substrate; forming on the transfer layer, an etch barrier layer; pressing a template having a relief pattern into the etch barrier layer; exposing the etch barrier layer to actinic radiation forming a cured etch barrier layer having thick and thin regions corresponding to the relief pattern; removing the template; removing the thin regions of the cured etch barrier layer; removing regions of the transfer layer not protected by the etch barrier layer; removing regions of the substrate not protected by the transfer layer and any remaining etch barrier layer; and removing remaining transfer layer. The transfer layer may be removed using a solvent, the etch barrier layer may include a release agent and an adhesion layer may be formed between the transfer layer and the etch barrier layer. A reverse tone process is also described.

Abstract: A photoresist trimming process is described. An etcher equipped with an etching chamber, a wafer holder, a TCP source and a TCP window is provided. After plasma is generated in the etching chamber, the etching chamber is heated without a wafer therein, and the temperature at the TCP window is monitored simultaneously. It is started, at any time after the temperature at the TCP window reaches a predetermined one, to treat wafers with photoresist layers to be trimmed thereon through the etching chamber.

Abstract: Methods of removing metal contaminants from a component for a plasma processing apparatus are provided. The method includes cleaning a surface of the component with a cleaning liquid that includes at least one acid selected from oxalic acid, formic acid, acetic acid, citric acid, and mixtures thereof.

Abstract: Provided are a substrate cleaning composition including a fluoride compound, an inorganic acid, and deionized water, and a method of forming a gate using the same. The fluoride compound is one of HF, NH4F, and a combination thereof, and the inorganic acid is one of HNO3, HCI, HCIO4, H2SO4, or H5IO6. The substrate cleaning composition removes polymer by-products generated by etching a metal layer for forming a gate, but not other layers.

Abstract: Standard machining conditions are registered in advance for each workpiece material and other factors in correspondence to machining speed and precision. The standard machining conditions are selected for execution of machining. The machining precision is measured to determine whether or not the measured machining precision and machining speed (machining time) fall within an allowable target range. If they are not within the range, the machining conditions are modified and machining is executed again. This procedure is repeated until the machining speed and precision fall within the allowable range, at which point the machining conditions are additionally registered and stored. The added machining conditions can be used in the next machining process.

Abstract: A granular flux formulated to reduce copper cracking in a weld bead. The granular flux forms a slag during a welding process that inhibits or prevents migration of molten copper migration through the slag.

Abstract: This invention relates to a shielding gas mixture for use with gas metal arc welding with a consumable wire electrode of coated steels, said shielding gas mixture consisting essentially of: (vii) from 6 to 10 volume percent carbon dioxide; (viii) from 6 to 10 volume percent helium; and (ix) the balance argon; wherein the consumable wire electrode is a solid wire, a solid wire having silicon content of from about 0.5 to 1.0 weight percent of the total wire chemistry, a metal-cored wire or a flux-cored wire.

Abstract: A method of assembling a first part and a second part. The method may comprise the step of integrally forming an attachment device and a first part. For example, the attachment device may be a nut plate operative to retain a nut therein, and the first part may be an air duct. The nut plate and the air duct may be integrally formed via selective laser sintering or stereo lithography such that the nut plate is an integral feature of the air duct. A nut may be retained in the nut plate, and a mating bolt may engage the nut to attach the air duct (i.e., the first part) to the second part.

Abstract: A system for processing plate-like workpieces, especially metal sheets, comprises a first processing device in the form of a cutting device and also a second processing device, on which a processing line is defined. By means of a workpiece bed of a longitudinal guide a workpiece is movable relative to the cutting device in a first axial direction extending in a longitudinal direction of the processing line into a processing position. The cutting device, together with a workpiece bed of a transverse guide in an inoperative state, is movable relative to a workpiece in a second axial direction extending in a direction transverse to the processing line and thus transferable into a processing position.

Abstract: Methods for ultrashort pulse laser processing of optically transparent materials. A method for scribing transparent materials uses ultrashort laser pulses to create multiple scribe features with a single pass of the laser beam across the material, with at least one of the scribe features being formed below the surface of the material. This enables clean breaking of transparent materials at a higher speed than conventional techniques. Slightly modifying the ultrashort pulse laser processing conditions produces sub-surface marks. When properly arranged, these marks are clearly visible with side-illumination and not clearly visible without side-illumination. In addition, a method for welding transparent materials uses ultrashort laser pulses to create a bond through localized heating. The ultrashort pulse duration causes nonlinear absorption of the laser radiation, and the high repetition rate of the laser causes pulse-to-pulse accumulation of heat within the materials.

Abstract: A method of laser drilling a series of holes at spaced-apart hole locations in a workpiece including continually delivering laser pulses to the workpiece, and positioning the workpiece relative to the laser head from one hole location to a next within a time between two consecutive pulses.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for thermally processing a substrate with scanned laser radiation are disclosed. The apparatus includes a continuous radiation source and an optical system that forms an image on a substrate. The image is scanned relative to the substrate surface so that each point in the process region receives a pulse of radiation sufficient to thermally process the region.

Abstract: Flushing gas lines of a laser processing machine, by supplying a flushing gas to the system in a series of pressure impulses greater than a residual processing gas pressure after completion of a processing sequence, and allowing the supplied flushing gas to expand and mix with any residual gas between successive pressure impulses, to substantially clear the processing gas from the system.

Abstract: A laser beam processing machine comprising a laser beam application means having a condenser for applying a laser beam to a workpiece held on a chuck table to process it, and a dust discharge means for collecting and discharging dust produced by the application of a laser beam to the workpiece, wherein the dust discharge means comprises a first cover member which is mounted to the lower end of the condenser and has a first opening for letting a laser beam applied from the condenser pass therethrough in the bottom wall, a second cover member which is arranged to surround the first cover member and has a second opening for allowing a laser beam applied from the condenser pass therethrough and sucking in dust in the bottom wall, an air introduction chamber which is formed between the first cover member and the condenser and communicates with the first opening, a dust collection chamber which is formed between the first cover member and the second cover member and communicates with the second opening, a first air

Abstract: A torch for connection to an electric arc welding system having a wire feeder, a power source and a weld process controller for the power source. The torch being connected to the front end of a welding gun, which gun has a rear end with a first unique component of a connector. The welding system has a second component of the connector matching the first component. The gun has a communication channel extending from the torch to the first component for transmitting data to the welding system through the connector. The torch has a memory with an identification code outputted on the communication channel to the first component and the system has a decoder circuit connected to the second component and responsive to a selected identification code.

Abstract: A three stage power source for an electric arc welding process comprising an input stage having an AC input and a first DC output signal; a second stage in the form of an unregulated DC to DC converter having an input connected to the first DC output signal, a network of switches switched at a high frequency with a given duty cycle to convert the input into a first internal AC signal, an isolation transformer with a primary winding driven by the first internal high frequency AC signal and a secondary winding for creating a second internal high frequency AC signal and a rectifier to convert the second internal AC signal into a second DC output signal of the second stage, with a magnitude related to the duty cycle of the switches; and, a third stage to convert the second DC output signal to a welding output for welding wherein the input stage has a regulated DC to DC converter with a boost power switch having an active soft switching circuit.

Abstract: Electric power corresponding to the condition of at least one of a welding object and a welding wire as electric power for contact determination is outputted from an output control unit 2, and the state of contact is detected by a contact determination unit 5, so that it is possible to prevent the deformation and the like of the welding wire during contact.

Abstract: A method for reducing spatter in the short-circuit transfer gas shielded arc welding is disclosed. In this method, the resistance changing rate or the impedance changing rate of the welding circuit loop is detected for estimating the diameter of the short-circuit liquid bridge. When the diameter of the short-circuit liquid bridge shrinks to the preset value, the short-circuit bridge current is bypassed or shunted by the current closed loop feedback bypass control, and the current is decreased to a very low level rapidly and maintained this level until the bridge is broken, which results in a gentle and smooth drop transfer in a low current level condition, so as to avoid the mass spatter. Furthermore, a system for performing the method has also been disclosed.

Abstract: A power cable for use with welding apparatus for conveying power and cooling fluid from a welding machine to a welding torch. The cable includes an outer flexible conduit disposed about a flexible electrical conductor, a pair of end fittings operatively connected to the ends of the conduit and an electrical conductor for securing the power cable between the welding torch and welding machine in fluid and electrical communication therewith. The flexible conduit includes an inner tube portion formed of a flexible non-conductive rubber compound, a protective cover layer comprised of a plurality of threads braided or woven about the inner tube portion and a thin coating of a heat and wear resistant material such as polyurethane disposed over the braided or woven threads for bonding the protective cover layer to the inner tube portion, rendering the power cable heat and wear resistant without adversely affecting the flexibility thereof.

Abstract: A manufacturing process is disclosed for manufacturing and packaging cored welding electrode. The process comprises providing core fill material, providing a strip of sheath material, bending the strip into a U or V shape, adding the fill material into a channel of the bent strip, joining the outer edges of the strip to provide a cored electrode with the fill material enclosed within the sheath material, providing a generally rectangular container, and installing the cored electrode into the container.

Abstract: A scent diffuser used with a low-temperature dehydrated plant powder includes: a scent diffuser body having a base and a lid; a heating basin being made by a thermal conductive material and having a three-dimensional heating groove disposed on the surface at the top of the heating basin and a heating device installed at the bottom of the heating basin; a temperature and time controller electrically connected to a circuit of the heating device for controlling and adjusting the action and temperature of the heating device, and the heating groove is provided for placing a powder of a natural herbaceous or woody plant by a low-temperature dehydration process, and the powder is heated by the heating device, such that the heating basin continues heating the powder contained therein to release the aroma of the natural herbaceous or woody plant.

Abstract: A fastening device for fastening a small component, in particular a stud provided with an adhesive flange, to a mounting surface using a heat-activated adhesive that creates an adhesive bond between the component and the mounting surface, has an induction coil to heat the component and/or the adhesive and a holding mechanism which holds the component while the fastening device moves to the bonding position. On the side facing the mounting surface is a bearing surface for the component toward which the component can be brought from outside. The holding device can be advanced to the component by the induction coil and has an electromagnet for generating a holding force that is directed toward the bearing surface.

Abstract: In some embodiments, a container is provided with a frame including one or more support structures each having a stacking post with a thin cross-sectional shape. Multiple support structures having such stacking posts can be provided along the length of the container to enable the container to be used in a stacked configuration. The container can provide an expanded interior loadable width for increased loading flexibility and capacity, and can have recessed upper and lower handling fitting joints in order to provide stronger and space-saving connections between a header and an upper handling fitting, between the upper handling fitting and a stacking post, between the stacking post and a lower handling fitting, and/or between the lower handling fitting and a floor component.

Abstract: A collapsible container includes a top panel, a bottom panel, two side panels pivotally connected to the top and bottom panels, and a back panel pivotally connected at one lateral edge to a first one of the two side panels. The back panel in a closed position is fitly set in a rear opening of the container to form a support thereat, and a square supporting frame pivotally connected to a front edge of the first side panel may be pivotally turned to a front opening of the container to form a support thereat, so that the whole container has strong structure without the risk of swaying. When the back panel is pivotally turned to bear against an outer side of the first side panel, the whole container could be collapsed to a flat state to occupy only a small space for easy storage and transport.

Abstract: A storage box includes alternately arranged latch structures and protrusions disposed on an end of a side panel, latch holes, and recessions corresponding to the latch structures and protrusions disposed on the other end of the side panel, such that four side panels are coupled to form a frame. The bottom of each side panel includes a limit groove such that four sides of a bottom board are fixed into these limit grooves to serve as the bottom of the storage box. If the storage boxes are arranged side by side with each other, the protrusion on a fixture is latched into a connecting section, so as to fix the corresponding positions of the side-by-side storage boxes. The side-by-side boxes are fixed with each other by inserting a hook structure separately disposed on both sides of a limit component into a groove disposed at the top of each side panel.

Abstract: A scent box or an airtight enclosure for holding hunting clothes and supplies. The scent box comprises a tub, said tub comprising a tub bottom and four upstanding walls to define an inside; a removable boot holder base disposed adjacent said tub bottom, said removable boot holder base having a boot holder extending upwardly therefrom; a removable platform capable of being disposed in said tub on said removable boot holder base to hold said removable platform upwardly from said tub bottom, said removable platform having aeration apertures and an aperture to receive said boot holder therethrough; and a top capable of securing to said tub to form an airtight seal, said top having a scent absorbing material holder secured to an inside surface, said scent absorbing material holder capable of securing a scent absorbing material therein.

Abstract: This invention concerns a valve for an underpressure-activated outflow mechanism for a drinking receptacle (2). The valve includes a valve head (34) and a valve seat (44), in which the valve seat (44) is arranged in force-transmitting connection with a membrane (1), whereas the valve head (34) is fixed to the remaining structure via at least one stay (36).

Abstract: A filler neck cap includes a vacuum-relief valve member that moves from a normally closed position to an opened position when exposed to certain vacuum conditions to open a vent aperture and allow atmosphere to flow therethrough. The filler neck cap also includes a pressure-relief valve member formed to include the vent aperture that is closed normally by the vacuum-relief valve member.

Abstract: A cover for a can opening, the cover having a top, bottom and side wall that forms a cavity. The cavity receives the tab of a can so that when rotated about the axis point of the tab the cover fits the opening of the can. The cover optionally has a groove that fits around the axis point of the tab and additionally has a rubber elastic ridge that matingly receives the perimeter of the opening of the can. Also, the cover is arcuate in shape in order to match the arcuate shape of a tab.