Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of bonding together two pieces of composite material (10, 26) by applying a layer of glass fibre (20, 28) to a surface of each piece of composite material 10, 26, and bonding the pieces together by means of adhesive (30) between the layers of glass fibre (10, 26). The inclusion of the glass fibre layers (20, 28) advantageously promotes failure of the bond adjacent the glass fibre-adhesive interface rather than at the glass fibre-composite material interface, with the result that damage to the composite material (10, 26) is minimised, and subsequent repair is made easier.

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 dry end of a tissue machine is made shorter by close-coupling a reel-up to the drying section and supporting the web from the drying section to the reel-up by a foil or a belt such that web stability is maintained, thus allowing high-speed operation. The foil's downstream edge can form a nip with the paper roll and nip load can be controlled by controlling pivotal movement of the foil. The reel-up can include a calendering belt for calendering the web as it passes through a nip between the belt and a reel drum supported on the belt, and a rotatable reel spool on which a paper roll is wound in nipping engagement with the reel drum. Alternatively, the reel drum can be eliminated and the paper roll can be supported on the belt. A composite shaftless core for winding is also disclosed.

Abstract: Machine for producing a fibrous material web and process for guiding the web through the machine. The machine includes a wire section, a drying section, arranged downstream of the wire section with regard to a web travel direction, having at least one free web draw, a first and second shoe press separated in the web travel direction, and an upper felt and a lower transfer belt arranged to guide the fibrous material web through the second shoe press. The lower transfer belt is structured and arranged to transfer the fibrous material web to the drying section, and the material web is guided in a closed draw from the wire section to a first free web draw, with regard to the web travel direction, in the drying section. At least one high-performance drying device is positioned before the first free web draw.

Abstract: Device (1) to conduct current to or from the electrodes of an electrolysis cell, which device in the direction towards the electrolysis cell comprises three types of segments; at least one outer segment (2) joined with at least one intermediate segment (3) which again is joined with at least one inner segment (4); where the outer segment (2) has at least one end (5) which is to/shall extend out from an electrode body (6) towards an outer current circuit, and the outer segment is coupled to at least one intermediate segment (3) which again is coupled to at least one inner segment with at least one section (4) or end (7) in the electrode body; where the inner segment (4) is manufactured from steel, the intermediate segment is manufactured with a steel lining (8) over an inner core of a material (9) with better electrical and thermal conductivity than steel, and the outer segment is manufactured from a material (9) with better electrical and thermal conductivity than steel.

Abstract: Process for producing a metal structure in foam form, including the steps of providing a nonconductive substrate having a foamed structure, applying conductive particles to the substrate, so that the conductive particles are fixed to the entire surface of the substrate, and in particular to each individual pore of the substrate, and introducing the pretreated substrate into an electroplating device, in which a homogenous metal layer is formed on the conductive particles.

Abstract: A fluid control device has very fine pores with an average diameter not greater than 10 nm and provides a large flux. The fluid control device comprises an anodized alumina film having fine pores and a silicon based micro-porous film having very fine pores and made from an AlSi mixed film and the fine pores and the very fine pores are at least partly linked with each other. The fluid control device is prepared from a film including at least an aluminum layer and an AlSi mixed film by forming an anodized alumina film having fine pores by way of an anodization process for the aluminum layer part and also forming a silicon based micro-porous film having very fine pores containing silicon as principal ingredient by way of an anodization process or etching process for the AlSi mixed film. The fluid control device can be used as filter or ultrafilter film that allows fluid and gas to pass through it.

Abstract: The invention relates to a regulation method for an electrolytic cell for the production of aluminium by means of reduction of alumina dissolved in a molten cryolite bath, wherein a solidified bath ridge is formed on the internal walls of the pot, a quantity B, referred to as the “ridge variation indicator”, which is sensitive to the variation of said solidified bath ridge, is determined and at least one of the setting means of the pot (such as the anode-metal distance) and/or at least one control operation (such as the addition of AlF3) is modified as a function of the value obtained for said indicator. The indicator may be determined from electrical measurements on the pot and/or from measurements of the liquid metal surface area. The method according to the invention makes it possible to regulate an electrolytic cell effectively at currents of up to 500 kA with an electrolyte bath with an AlF3 content greater than 11% and reduce the number of AlF3 content measurements in the bath considerably.

Abstract: A process is provided for the preparation of trialkyl orthocarboxylates by the electrochemical oxidation of alpha, beta-diketones or alpha, beta-hydroxyketones, the keto group being present in the form of a ketal group derived from C1- to C4-alkylalcohols and the hydroxyl group optionally being present in the form of an ether group derived from C1- to C4-alkylalcohols (ketals K), in the presence of C1- to C4-alcohols (alcohols A), the molar ratio of the ketals K to the alcohols A in the electrolyte being 0.2:1 to 10:1.

Abstract: A cathodic protection junction box current equalizer has a plurality of output terminals each being connectable through a variable resistors to an anode, the resistors being controlled such that the corresponding anode outputs a desired current.

Abstract: Mobile hand-held apparatus with reusable biosensor, in particular for the local determination of original biological solutions, marked by a functional wheel with valve and pump function, an amperometric biosensor, a measuring cell, supply and waste bags for fresh and waste system solution, a pump, a hose transport system, a sample opening and a sample canal, a sealing lever for sensor exchange, a display, operating elements, a 9 V accumulator, a solar cell, a control unit for signal processing and the whole measuring process and a case.

Abstract: The invention is a method of removing sulfur from a hydrocarbon feed using the steps of dissolving metallic sodium in a solvent and combining the sodium/solvent solution with a liquid hydrocarbon feed containing an organosulfur species. The pressure of combination is above the vapor pressure of the solvent. The combined hydrocarbon feed and solvent solution are placed in a low pressure environment to vaporize the solvent. The resulting stream is combined with hydrogen gas and this stream is heated and pressurized to form a liquid hydrocarbon product containing sodium sulfide. This product is then cooled, and the sodium sulfide is extracted.

Abstract: A water treatment system for treating coal-bed-methane (CBM) water. The CBM water treatment system includes a pump system for pumping CBM water from one or many CBM wells into a common reservoir and a solid-based sulfurous generator that produces aqueous sulfurous acid to treat the CBM water and an injection system that increases the amount of calcium contained in CBM water. In one embodiment, the injection system is a gypsum injector that injects soluble gypsum into the CBM water. Moreover, in one embodiment, the solid-based sulfurous generator includes a hydraulic air inlet shut off valve safety system for automatically reducing the combustion air to the sulfurous generator when water is not delivered to the solid-based sulfurous generator.

Abstract: A circuit for filtering a liquid, comprising a storage vessel (10), a pump (17), a consumer device (14), a filter element (23) and a controller (24). The circuit maybe used in systems where liquid, e.g. water, oil or fuel, is filtered and at least part thereof is returned to the storage vessel. Liquid is pumped in the circuit from the storage vessel by the pump through lines (11, 13, 15, 16), filtered by filter (23) and supplied to the consumer device. Excess liquid not required by the consumer device (14) is returned via return line (15) to the controller (24) which directs the liquid either to the filter or the storage vessel—depending on liquid temperature. The controller (24) and the filter are arranged in a common housing (18) having connectors for an unfiltered liquid inlet (19), a filtered liquid outlet (20), a liquid return (21) and a liquid outlet (22). The connectors (19–22) enable rapid assembly of the circuit.

Abstract: A device for heating a workpiece located in a primary direction of heating relative to the device, the device comprising a heating element, and a thermal shield adjacent the heating element for inhibiting heat conduction and radiation from the heating element to the workpiece in directions other than the primary direction of heating. In one embodiment, the heating element does not extend beyond the thermal shield in the primary direction of heating.

Abstract: A magnetic device for attachment on an exterior wall of a canister where the canister is mounted within a liquid flow path. The purpose of the device is to attract ferrous particulate matter flowing within the flow path and cause that ferrous particulate matter to be fixed to the inside surface of the canister therefore no longer flowing in the flow path. The device has a frame which includes a cavity and within that cavity is mounted a baseplate. Mounted on the baseplate are a pair of blocks. Mounted on each of the blocks is a plurality of magnets with the magnets mounted in a side abutting relationship in conjunction with each block. Between the blocks is located a bridge. The bridge permits limited flexing of the frame so the frame can be used to accommodate to different diameters of canisters within about a one-half inch range.

Abstract: A filtration system that includes a plurality of underdrain blocks arranged to define a plurality of laterals. Each underdrain block defines an interior and an exterior and has an orifice that provides fluid communication between the exterior and the interior. The system also includes a plurality of media retaining plates. Each plate includes a plurality of slots that extend through the plate. Each slot has an average width of less than 0.065 inches. Each plate connects to only one of the plurality of underdrain blocks such that the slots provide fluid communication between the exterior and the orifice of the underdrain block to which the plate is attached.

Abstract: The invention concerns a device for tangential filtering of a fluid to be treated, comprising in a housing (2): a separating part (15) mounted in the first communicating chamber (11), in sealed contact with the neighboring positioning plate (4), to divide said chamber into first (V1) and second (V2) volumes externally and internally delimited by the separating part and communicating with said two-way circuit, comprising a communication passage (24) between the first volume (V1) and the second volume (V2), internally equipped with a turbine (23) of a circulating pump, provided with a driving shaft (25) extending outside the first chamber (11) to be connected to a driving motor (26), and a closure housing (13) mounted sealed on a neighboring positioning plate (4), delimiting the first communicating chamber (11) and sealingly traversed by the turbine (23) driving shaft (25).

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for treating agricultural waste with an alkane substrate to stimulate bacterial digestion. The alkane treatment may also reduce odor of the agricultural waste material. The agricultural waste may include animal waste, vegetable material, leaf material, plant material, composting material or waste paper products. The alkane preferably includes butane, propane, methane and/or ethane, with butane being particularly preferred. Methods and apparatus are also provided for recovering plant growth-enhancing material from the treated agricultural waste and for treating soil with alkane-utilizing bacteria and/or an alkane substrate in combination with a carrier material to increase seed, bulb, plant and crop growth.

Abstract: A process for the continuous treatment of sugar cane filter cane mud separates and extracts components including fiber which can be used as an animal feed or a source of energy generation, lignin, beta-carotene, oil containing a high content of phytosterol, refined wax which is a resource of policosanol and which can also be used for many other established purposes, and resin which can be used an additive in asphalt mixtures and tire manufacturing or can be recycled back into the sugar milling process. The process is self contained, requiring the input only of fresh water and chemical additives to adjust pH and coloration.

Abstract: A solid phase extraction (SPE) device having a reservoir with an opening; a well comprising an internally tapered wall, the well having a wider interior diameter at an end closest to the opening than at an exit spout; a first filter within the well; a bed of sorbent particles within the well below the first filter; and a second filter having a diameter smaller than the first filter within the well below the bed of sorbent particles and above the exit spout is provided. A method of performing SPE using the device is also provided.

Abstract: Method of optimizing the operation of a unit intended for separation of the components of a feed (xylenes) by simulated countercurrent in hybrid operating mode. The method allows to minimize the solvent ratio and to maximize the capacity of the separation unit while keeping product specifications such as purity and yield constant. It has been verified that these two objectives cannot be reached simultaneously and it is recommended to operate with a minimum solvent ratio while guaranteeing a high capacity compatible with stable operation of the separation unit. These optimization objectives are reached while keeping good stability around the optimum point thus defined, by using a known operation control process such as the one described in patent EP-875,268 for example.

Abstract: Processes for removing oil from a solid wellbore material such as drill cuttings or water such as produced by a subterranean formation include contacting the solid material/water with an amino-substituted polymer such as chitosan and a halogenating agent. The oil separates from the solid material and becomes bound within a flocculated solid. The flocculated solid containing the oil subsequently may be combined with a solvent of the amino-substituted polymer. Further, the flocculated solid may be contacted with a reducing agent, converting the flocculated solid back into the amino-substitute polymer and forming an oil-phase separate from the solvent-phase. The oil-phase may then be separated from the solvent phase and recovered. The solvent in which the amino-substituted polymer is dissolved may be recycled for treating more solid material removed from the well bore.

Abstract: A self-cleaning filter system is disclosed that includes an inlet fitting that is adapted to be inserted into an existing filter body. A spray tube having a plurality of outlets that slideably engages the inlet fitting, is positioned in the ring discs of the existing filter and a compression member proximate to one end of the ring discs applies a compressive force to the ring discs. When fluid enters the spray tube from the inlet fitting compression on the ring discs is reduced to allow the ring discs to separate while fluid pressure is simultaneously imposed on the ring discs through a plurality of outlets to clean the filter component. The parts included with the system may be used to convert a manual filter into a self-cleaning filter system.

Abstract: A stamper includes a substrate and a plurality of protrusions of different heights formed on one of the surfaces of the substrate, the protrusions of larger height having a stack structure formed of at least two layers of at least two types of materials, thereby transferring a plurality of patterns at the same time.

Abstract: Provided are a distributed analog phase shifter and a method of manufacturing the same, which reduce a change in a characteristic impedance while changing a phase velocity with respect to an applied voltage. In the distributed analog phase shifter, a coplanar waveguide (CPW) is formed in a line form on a substrate. A plurality of ferroelectric capacitors is periodically loaded to the CPW. The ferroelectric capacitors include a ferroelectric film in a pattern form and defines the ferroelectric film affected by the applied voltage within an area of the ferroelectric capacitors. Accordingly, the change in the phase velocity with respect to the applied voltage is maintained without the change of the CPW characteristic and a return loss characteristic and a total insertion loss are improved since a total dielectric loss of the ferroelectric film is decreased.

Abstract: A method for forming damascene features in a dielectric layer over a barrier layer over a substrate is provided. A plurality of vias are etched in the dielectric layer to the barrier layer with a plasma etching process in the plasma processing chamber. A patterned photoresist layer is formed with a trench pattern. Within a single plasma process chamber a combination via plug deposition to form plugs in the vias over the barrier layer and trench etch is provided.

Abstract: A tungsten silicide layer (104) is etched by plasma etching using Cl2+O2 gas as etching gas. When etching of the tungsten silicide layer (104) is ended substantially, etching gas is switched to Cl2+O2+NF3 and over etching is performed by plasma etching. Etching process is ended under a state where a polysilicon layer (103) formed beneath the tungsten silicide layer (104) is slightly etched uniformly. Residual quantity of the polysilicon layer (103) can be made uniform as compared with prior art and a high quality semiconductor device can be fabricated stably.

Abstract: In the method, semiconductor substrates are etched to provide nanowires, said substrates comprising a first layer of a first material and a second layer of a second material with a mutual interface, which first and second materials are different. They may be different in the doping type. Alternatively, the main constituent of the material may be different, for example SiGe or SiC versus Si, or InP versus InAs. In the resulting nanowires, the interface is atomically sharp. The electronic devices having nanowires between a first and second electrode accordingly have very good electroluminescent and optoelectronic properties.

Abstract: Agents for the fatliquoring of, in particular, leathers and hides tanned in the absence of chromium comprise A) at least one modified natural oil and B) at least one stabilizer LnR where Ra is H or methyl, Rb is methyl, ethyl or tert-butyl, Rc is methyl, tert-butyl, cyclohexyl or methylcyclohexyl, R is an n-valent C3- to C30-hydrocarbon radical which is unsubstituted or substituted and/or contains hetero atoms and n is an integer from 1 to 10, the stabilizer LnR having altogether at least 20, in particular altogether at least 28, carbon atoms, and, where n is 2, —R— also being —S—, —O—, —N(H)—, —CH2—, —(CH2)2—, —CH(CH3)—, —CH2)3—, —CH(C2H5)— or —C(CH3)2—. The novel fatliquoring agents are used in leather production and/or leather treatment, and leather is produced and/or treated using aqueous dispersions of these fatliquoring agents.

Abstract: It is intended to provide a novel material having no absorption or low absorption intensity in the visible region and to provide an electroluminescent device excellent in hole injection characteristic by using the novel material. A novel organic material wherein two electron abundant aromatic rings inherently having a low ionization potential, such as a thiophene ring, a furan ring, and pyrrol ring, is intervened by a conjugated substituent such as a phenylene ring is provided. The electroluminescent device having an excellent hole injection characteristic is provided by using this novel organic material.

Abstract: A self-supporting conductive polymer film having distributed therein an electrically conductive polymer composition containing linearly conjugated ?-electron systems and residues of sulfonated lignin or a sulfonated polyflavonoid. The conductive polymer film preferably has a surface resistivity of from about 102 ohms per square to about 1010 ohms per square and is preferably formed from a liquid dispersion of thermoplastic polymer having the electrically conductive polymer composition distributed therein. In a preferred embodiment, heat sealable conductive fluoropolymer films are prepared.

Abstract: Radar emission absorbing materials that are moldable or that may be coated on a surface are described. A moldable radar emission absorbing material may include commuted carbon foam particles blended with a moldable matrix. In other embodiments, a radar emission absorbing surface coating material may include comminuted carbon foam particles blended with a solvent-solid system.

Abstract: An antistatic composition containing various types of polymers such as a polyamide, an aliphatic polyester, an elastomer thereof and a polyurethane elastomer, and a metal salt in specific amounts, and preferably, an antistatic composition in which an additive component such as an organic compound which has an —{O(AO)n}— group (A represents an alkylene group having 2 to 4 carbon atoms, and n represents an integer of 1 to 7) and all molecular chain terminals of which are CH3 and/or CH2 groups is compounded as needed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to cobalt oxide particles useful as a precursor of a cathode active material for a non-aqueous electrolyte secondary cell which is capable of showing a stable crystal structure by insertion reaction therein, and producing a non-aqueous electrolyte secondary cell having a high safety and especially a high heat stability, a process for producing the cobalt oxide particles, a cathode active material for a non-aqueous electrolyte secondary cell using the cobalt oxide particles, a process for producing the cathode active material, and a non-aqueous electrolyte secondary cell using the cathode active material.

Abstract: There is provided a low dielectric constant material, which is excellent in thermal resistance, has low dielectric constant, and is applicable to a semiconductor device or electric appliances, an insulation film between semiconductor layers using the same, and the semiconductor device. The material is the low dielectric constant material having thermal resistance, which contains borazine skeletal molecules shown by the following formula (1) and the like in an inorganic or organic material molecule.

Abstract: A solid-stranding method and apparatus for forming optical cables. Solid-stranding combines buffering and stranding operations, as well as performs the stranding operation while the flextubes are still hot so that they adhere together without additional binders. Optical fibers and/or wires are supplied to an extruder which forms flextubes around individual ones or groups of the optical fibers and/or wires. A central element may be supplied to, and go through, the center of the extruder. A rotating pulling device, such as a caterpillar, helically or in an SZ-manner solid-strands the flextubes around the central element—or solid-strands the flextubes to themselves when no central element is present—as the flextubes cool down. That is, solid-stranding includes buffering and stranding operations that are performed together without a water cooling stage therebetween. Thus, the flextubes adhere together, and may adhere to the central member, thereby forming a solid-stranded composite core.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a hollow sphere polymer composition suitable for absorbing active ingredients including oily substances and hydrophobic materials. A process for encapsulating one or more active ingredients using hollow sphere polymers is described.

Abstract: For manufacturing a moulded article comprising at least an elastomeric polyurethane skin (9) and optionally a structural backing layer (10) and an intermediate foam layer (12) a mould is used having at least a first mould part (1) comprising at least two mutually movable mould sections (2-4). The skin (9) is moulded with its front against a surface (7) of the first mould part (1) by applying at least one reactive polyurethane mixture to this mould surface. In order to prevent the seam between the mutually movable mould sections (2-4) of the first mould part to leave traces on the front of the moulded skin (9), the first mould part (1) further comprises a removable, flexible liner (6) which is positioned onto these mould sections to cover at least partially the seam therebetween.

Abstract: Earplugs with soft foam bodies and with stiffeners in the bodies, are molded by suspending the stiffener in the body mold cavity using a pin (60) that extends into a passage (56) at the rear of the body. Each stiffener is tapered in diameter, with a rear end (34) of greatest diameter.

Abstract: A process for crystallizing a polyester polymer by introducing a molten polyester polymer, such as a polyethylene terephthalate polymer, into a liquid medium at a liquid medium temperature greater than the Tg of the polyester polymer, such as at a temperature ranging from 100° C. to 190° C., and allowing the molten polyester polymer to reside in the liquid medium for a time sufficient to crystallize the polymer under a pressure equal to or greater than the vapor pressure of the liquid medium. A process flow, underwater cutting process, crystallization in a pipe, and a separator are also described.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods of forming shaped articles from suspensions which include ceramic or metallic powder, or from solutions or suspensions which include one or more pharmaceutical substances or other components. The method comprises the steps of: (a) combining solvent, polymer, cross-linking agent precursor and optional further components and placing into a mould of desired shape; (b) increasing temperature of mould contents to activate cross-linking agent; (c) allowing mould contents to solidify to sufficient extent to remove mould; (d) removing shaped article from the mould.

Abstract: A process for reaction injection molding a polyurethane material for a layer of a golf ball is disclosed herein. The layer is preferably a cover for the golf ball. The process discloses preferred pressure parameters and mass flow parameters for reaction injection molding the layer. Such preferred pressure parameters include the difference from mix-head open to the shot mid-point, ??Pom, and the pressure difference from mix-head open to close, or ??Poc. The mass flow parameters include the percentage change in mass flow ratio from mix-head open to shot mid-point, or % MFRom, and the change in mass flow ratio from mix-head open to shot mid-point, or ?MFRom.

Abstract: The invention concerns in particular a mold for injection molding of a flexible tube, said mold comprising as molding tools, a nozzle receptacle, an impression and a core, housed in a stack of plates. The invention is characterized in that said molding tools have pairs of respective conical support surfaces, through which the tools are centered and aligned with one another, each support surface being formed by a portion of tools deprived of transverse mobility.

Abstract: The invention relates to a moulding method, in particular a blowing or vacuum moulding method for production of a dispensing container filled with a medium for dispensing. A moulding method for production of a dispensing container (1), filled with a medium for dispensing, comprises the following steps: introduction of an extruded plastic tube (6) into an open mould with moving main mould section (8) and mould section (10), cutting the plastic tube (6), spreading the plastic tube (6) into contact with the mould walls of the main mould section (8), filling the container (1) in the mould with the medium for dispensing, introduction of a sealing unit (3), closure of the mould section (10) and subsequent moulding of the section of plastic tube (6) running through the mould section (10) to give a protective sleeve (5) which encloses a cannula (11) in the sealing unit (3) as second component of the securing device (5, 17).

Abstract: A device and method for spinning polymer fibers utilizes one or more independent sources of polymer materials, pumps for feeding polymer material from each of the sources, and a series of distribution plates with surface grooves, through holes and/or slots together defining separated distribution paths, each of which receives polymer material from one of said independent sources. The surface grooves are defined to a depth less than the thickness of the distribution plate. At least one distribution plate contains spinneret orifices defined by outlet surface grooves extending from the distribution path to the edge of that plate, whereby fibers are extruded from the spinneret orifices edgewise from the plate. The spinneret orifices may be defined by overlayed outlet surface grooves or slots defined in abutting plates.

Abstract: An apparatus for rolling of a powder metallurgical metallic workpiece is provided having a feeding device, a first induction heating apparatus in operable communication with a first RF generator and at least a first hot rolling mill. A process control device monitors at least one parameter of the first RF generator and outputs a signal. A method for continuous rolling of a metallic workpiece is also provided using the apparatus for rolling. The process control device signal can be used to monitor metallurgical properties of the workpiece and provide in-line evaluation of the workpiece.

Abstract: The present invention provides a reducing furnace of the rotary hearth-type and a method for reducing a metal oxide simplified in the process from dehydration to molding, according to which a moisture-rich powdery raw material is reduced at low cost. The present invention also provides an operation method whereby dusts or sludge generated in the refining or processing of metal are economically recycled. A powdery mixture having a moisture content of 100% or higher relative to the total mass of a metal oxide-containing powder and a carbon-containing powder is made into a slurry and mixed by stirring. Thereafter, the slurry is dehydrated to a moisture content of 16 to 26% and compression-molded into articles. The cylindrical or granular shaped articles having a thickness or diameter of 30 mm or less thus obtained are fed to a zone the atmospheric temperature of which is 1170° C. or lower in the furnace and reduced through calcination by a rotary hearth reducing furnace thereby to provide a metal.

Abstract: A sterilization and decontamination system in which a non-thermal plasma discharge device is disposed upstream of a suspension media (e.g., a filter, electrostatic precipitator, carbon bed). The plasma discharge device generates a plasma that is emitted through apertures (e.g., capillaries or slits) in the primary dielectric. Plasma generated active sterilizing species when exposed to contaminants or undesirable particulate matter is able to deactivate or reduce such matter in contaminated fluid stream and/or on objects. Thus, the undesirable contaminants in the fluid to be treated are first reduced during their exposure to the plasma generated active sterilizing species in the plasma region of the discharge device. Furthermore, the plasma generated active sterilizing species are carried downstream to suspension media and upon contact therewith deactivate the contaminants collected on the suspension media itself. Advantageously, the suspension media may be cleansed in situ.

Abstract: The present invention provides a hydrogen peroxide indicator and a peracetic acid indicator that include a substrate on which is disposed an indicator composition that includes at least one of a select group of colorants and a transition metal salt. As a result of exposure to hydrogen peroxide and/or peracetic acid, the colorants change color, and even become colorless, thereby providing an indication of the presence of hydrogen peroxide and/or peracetic acid.