Abstract: A modular elongated stent having an overlap region where two modular components fit together, the overlap region being relatively stiff as compared to another more flexible region of the stent when the stent is in an assembled configuration, the stent further comprising a mimic region that has a stiffness essentially equivalent to the stiffness of the overlap region, to provide kink resistance. A stent having such a mimic region or otherwise stiff region and a flexible region may have a transition region between the stiff and flexible regions, such as a bridging material attached to the stent, also to provide kink resistance. A stent may have relatively stiff regions and relatively flexible regions positioned to align the flexible regions with curved regions of a body lumen when deployed within the body lumen.

Abstract: The invention is directed to bioengineered tubular graft prostheses prepared from cleaned tissue material derived from animal sources. The bioengineered graft prostheses of the invention are prepared using methods that preserve cell compatibility, strength, and bioremodelability of the processed tissue matrix. The bioengineered graft prostheses are used for implantation, repair, or for use in a mammalian host.

Abstract: A vertebral disk prosthesis with at least one member that has lateral portions coupled to each other and structured to move between contracted and expanded positions. In the contracted position, the member has a first lateral width and the end surface is narrower than the lateral width of a vertebral body of a patient. In the expanded position, the lateral portions are disposed such that the member has a second lateral width that is larger than the first lateral width and the axial end surface is configured for supporting and abutting the periphery of the body at least on both the lateral sides thereof. An expansion member is disposed between the lateral portions and configured for moving the lateral portions to the expanded position. The prosthesis is preferably also axially expandable. A method and tool for inserting the intervertebral disk prostheses are also provided.

Abstract: An intervertebral device includes a first plate having an outer face and an inner face, and a second plate juxtaposed with the first plate, the second plate having an outer face, an inner face that opposes the first plate and a concavity that opposes the first plate. The device includes an elongated member extending from the first plate toward the second plate, the elongated member having a distal end with a spherical surface that is engageable with the concavity of the second plate for providing an articulating joint between the first and second plates. The device also includes a resilient member in contact with the elongated member for counteracting compressive loads on the plates, the resilient member being surrounded by the concavity of the second plate.

Abstract: A prosthetic nucleus prepared from blends of polyvinylalcohol and polyvinyl pyrollidone or its copolymers for replacement of the nucleus pulposus in intervertebral discs is provided. Also provided are methods of replacing the nucleus pulposus and treating disc degeneration-associated pain in mammals using this prosthetic nucleus.

Abstract: A ball and socket joint prosthesis for use in arthroplasty is provided. The prosthesis includes a body for implantation at least partially within the medullary canal of a long bone. The long bone defines trabeculae in the proximal cancellous bone and lamellae in the cortical bone. The body includes a proximal portion thereof and a distal portion. The proximal portion has a medial periphery and includes surface features on a substantial portion of its proximal portion. The surface features are positioned to optimally transfer load from the prosthesis to the long bone.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of polymers comprising a block copolymer containing at least one group A and at least one group B in which each group A is a polymeric block built up from an ethylenically unsaturated polymerisable monomer and each group B is a polymeric block built up from an alkylene oxide, alkylene glycol or cyclic ether monomer or a mixture thereof for promoting soil release during laundering of a textile fabric and processes for their preparation. Laundry cleaning compositions comprising such polymers, a method of promoting soil release during laundering of a textile fabric and the use of such polymers in the manufacture of a laundry cleaning composition for effecting soil release from a laundry item form other aspects of the invention.

Abstract: The composition for dyeing fibers is obtained before use by mixing a first component A1, containing at least one enamine of the formula (I) with a second component A2, containing at least one carbonyl compound. A multi-component kit for dyeing and, later on, decolorizing fibers, and a method for temporarily dyeing hair with the composition for dyeing fibers and later removing the dyed hair color with a decolorizing component B containing a sulfite are also provided. The multi-component kit for dyeing and, later on, decolorizing fibers, separately contains the first component A1, the second component A2 and the decolorizing component B.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a method for conducting electric activation of an electric double layer capacitor, the method making it possible to increase the electrostatic capacitance and to decrease the internal resistance. The method is for conducting electric activation of an electric double layer capacitor in which nonporous carbonaceous electrodes containing graphite-like fine crystalline carbon are soaked in an organic electrolytic solution. The method at least comprises: charging the electric double layer capacitor at a constant current until the interelectrode voltage reaches a predetermined voltage which is not lower than the electrostatic capacitance developing voltage but lower than the rated voltage; conducting constant voltage charging for a predetermined time during which ions of solutes in the organic electrolytic solution are conceived to be adsorbed uniformly on the surface of the fine crystalline carbon at that predetermined voltage.

Abstract: The invention provides a lithium secondary cell including an inner electrode body impregnated with a non-aqueous electrolyte, made up of a positive electrode and a negative electrode each made of at least one metallic foil wound or laminated together and collectors to lead out a current from this inner electrode body. The edges of the metallic foil of the positive electrode and/or the negative electrode and predetermined parts of the positive electrode collector and/or negative electrode collector are joined together to lead out a current from the inner electrode body. The edges of the metallic foil, the edges (joint edges) arranged to be joined to the predetermined parts of the positive electrode collector and/or the negative electrode collector and the predetermined parts of the positive electrode collector and/or the negative electrode collector are joined together. The lithium secondary cell has excellent productivity and space-saving capability.

Abstract: The compact steam reformer of the present invention integrally comprises a housing; a reforming reactor having an upper mixing compartment for mixing natural gas and steam and a lower compartment for accommodating a catalyst bed; a natural gas feeding coiled pipe through which natural gas is introduced while being heated; a steam generating coiled pipe in which pure water is converted to steam by the exhaust; a metal fiber burner for heating the reforming reactor; a high-temperature converter for primarily removing carbon monoxide from a synthetic gas; a low-temperature converter for secondarily reducing the carbon monoxide level of the synthetic gas; and a heat exchanger, provided between the high-temperature converter and the low-temperature converter, for cooling the gas effluent from the high-temperature converter.

Abstract: An apparatus for pyrolysis and gasification of organic substances and mixtures thereof is provided with a pyrolysis reactor (1), a fluidized-bed firing (3) for pyrolysis residue, a reaction zone (2) for the pyrolysis gases (13) and circulating fluidized-bed material (35). The pyrolysis reactor (1) has a sluice for introducing application material (10) thereinto. An inlet for the fluidized-bed material (35) is disposed next to the combustion fluidized bed (3). Transport apparatus (14) for mixture of solid pyrolysis residue and circulating fluidized bed material (35) is disposed at or near a bottom of the fluidized bed (3) and lower end of the pyrolysis reactor (1). An overflow is situated at or near the top of the fluidized bed (3) while a heat transfer member is positioned within the reaction zone (2).

Abstract: A filtering body (3), in particular for a motor vehicle internal combustion engine exhaust gas particulate filter (1), includes a plurality of filtering units (11a–11i) assembled by at least a joint (12) interposed between the filtering units (11a–11i) and configured so as to counter the passage of exhaust gases between the filtering units (11a–11i). The filtering body is characterized in that the joint (12) comprises a plurality of joint portions (12a–12e) locally adapted to optimize the attenuation of thermomechanical stresses liable to be generated in the filtering body (3).

Abstract: A method of reducing mercury levels in a mercury contaminated material using microwave energy. The method comprises the steps of (a) placing the mercury contaminated material in a microwave reactor; (b) providing a stream of gas in the microwave reactor, the stream causing agitation of the mercury contaminated material; and (c) exposing the mercury contaminated material to microwave radiation so as to raise the temperature to at least 357° C., producing a vapour phase which contains mercury and a treated material. The method also allows for a simultaneous reduction of mercury and carbon levels in the material to be treated as well as the use of a carbon-free material in the reactor.

Abstract: Provided is an aerosol manufacture facility including an aerosol generator (600), an aerosol heater (604), an aerosol cooler (604), a particle collector (606), a precursor liquid supply system (608), a carrier gas supply system (610), and a cooling gas supply system (612), and optionally other components. Also provided is an aerosol method for manufacturing particles in the aerosol manufacture facility, which, in one embodiment, involves automated process control.

Abstract: A circuit configuration for a metal solvent extraction plant comprising: A) an extraction section for extracting metal ions from an aqueous leach solution containing the metal ions with an organic solvent solution containing at least one metal extraction reagent, wherein the extraction section consists of three countercurrent extraction stages; and B) a stripping section consisting of one stripping stage for stripping the metal ions from the metal extraction reagent.

Abstract: Plant and process for cleaning and degassing a fibrous suspension. The plant includes a plurality of hydrocyclones, in which each hydrocyclone includes an intake connection, an accepts connection, and a rejects connection and at least two supply lines for feeding liquids into the plurality of hydrocyclones. At least two accepts lines, coupled to the accepts connections of the plurality of hydrocyclones, are structured and arranged to combine liquids cleaned of contaminants in the plurality of hydrocyclones, and at least one accepts draining pipe coupled to the at least two accepts lines is structured and arranged to open directly into a further line downstream. The instant abstract is neither intended to define the invention disclosed in this specification nor intended to limit the scope of the invention in any way.

Abstract: An evaporated fuel processing device (10), in particular for an internal combustion engine of an automotive vehicle, comprises a tank port (12) and an atmospheric port (22); a first adsorbent chamber (14) between the tank port (12) and the atmospheric port (22); and a second adsorbent chamber (18) between the first adsorbent chamber (14) and the atmospheric port (22), the first and second adsorbent chambers (14, 18) being filled with an adsorbent material (16). According to an important aspect of the invention, at least two elongate flow passages (26, 26?) are arranged in parallel between the first adsorbent chamber (14) and the second adsorbent chamber (18).

Abstract: An ink comprising a liquid medium and a colorant, wherein the liquid medium comprises water and a water-miscible organic solvent and the colorant is of Formula (1), wherein the colorant is dissolved in the liquid medium: Formula (1) wherein: each independently is a water-solubilising group selected from sulfo, carboxy, phosphato and poly(ethylene oxide); each Z independently is optionally substituted alkyl, optionally substituted aryl or optionally substituted aralkyl; each Q independently is a direct bond or —NR— wherein R is H, optionally substituted aryl or optionally substituted alkyl; rings A,B,C and D are each independently unsubstituted or carry a substituent selected from optionally substituted alkyl, optionally substituted aryl and optionally substituted aralkyl; each n independently is from 1 to 3; and each m independently is 0, 1 or 2; provided that when either or both of the groups represented by Q is a direct bond then at least one n has a value of at least 2.

Abstract: The present invention provides an ink set for ink jet recording using at least two kinds of liquids. The first liquid contains at least a colorant, a water soluble solvent and water, and the second liquid contains at least a compound represented by the following general formula (1), a water soluble solvent and water.

Abstract: Fatty acid esters of which the fatty acid constituents are fatty acids containing a total of 12 to 22 carbon atoms and of which the alcohol constituents are saturated and/or mono- or polyolefinically unsaturated monoalcohols containing a total of 1 to 22 carbon atoms, with the additional proviso that the fatty acid constituents of the esters contain saturated and/or mono- or polyolefinically unsaturated fatty acids and have a branched structure, isostearic acid being excluded as the fatty acid constituent of the esters, are suitable as solvents for printing inks.

Abstract: A temporary cosmetic dental coating has a transparent resin matrix containing embedded glass microspheres. The refractive index of the microspheres is at least 0.03 greater than the refractive index of the transparent resin matrix. Incoming light is reflected back in the same direction as it was emanated, providing a lustrous dental coating that is cosmetically appealing and covers dental defects and discoloration. The transparent resin matrix with glass microspheres is formed by mixing together a methacrylate based liquid monomer of methyl methacrylate or BIS-GMA and glass microspheres coated with activators/catalysts. The user applies the mixed composition to the teeth to form a temporary cosmetic dental coating, which is readily removed using a dental pick. A lac resin dissolved in ethyl alcohol is optionally mixed with glass microspheres and applied to teeth surfaces. The coating is hardened by alcohol evaporation and removed by alcohol dissolution.

Abstract: A recording liquid which gives a printed matter having a high blackness, reduced blurring, satisfactory printed-image quality, and satisfactory print fastness of a record such as light resistance and water resistance, and which has a low viscosity, satisfactory suitability for ejection, and excellent storage stability is provided. A carbon black has the following features (a) to (c): (a) to have a 24M4 DBP absorption of 100 cm3/100 g or higher, (b) to have a D75 larger than 45 nm and smaller than 120 nm, and (c) to have a TINT exceeding 110%. The recording liquid contains the carbon black.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a hydrous kaolin product having improved optical properties, for example, when used in the production of paper products. The present invention comprises an improved barrier coating for paper and a method of making the coated paper. The present invention also comprises an improved method from making filled and coated paper products. The present invention uses a composition comprising kaolin having a shape factor of at least about 70:1, such as at least about 80:1 or at least about 100:1.

Abstract: A calcium phosphate cement suitable for use in dental and bone prosthesis is disclosed, which include calcium phosphate particles having a diameter of 0.05 to 100 microns, wherein said calcium phosphate particles on their surfaces have whiskers or fine crystals having a width ranging from 1 to 100 nm and a length ranging from 1 to 1000 nm.

Abstract: The present invention provides an automated method of optimising crystallisation conditions for macromolecules comprising forming a trial comprising a sample comprising a gel forming component and the macromelecule to be crystallized, wherein at least one component of the trial is dispensed using an automatic liquid dispensing system.

Abstract: A silicon single crystal and a method for growing a silicon single crystal are provided. A p-type silicon single crystal is grown with a uniform resistivity value in a pulling direction. Pulling is conducted by the Czochralski method from molten silicon obtained by adding phosphorus to an initial melt in an amount equivalent to 25˜35% of an absolute concentration (atoms/cc) of boron contained in the melt.

Abstract: The present invention is a method of producing a P(phosphorus)-doped silicon single crystal by Czochralski method, wherein, at least, a growth of the single crystal is performed so that an Al (aluminum) concentration is 2×1012 atoms/cc or more. Thereby, there can be provided a method of easily and inexpensively producing a P(phosphorus)-doped silicon single crystal of defect-free region having an excellent capability of electrical characteristics to be high breakdown voltage, which contains neither, for example, V region, OSF region, nor large dislocation cluster (LSEPD, LFPD) region.

Abstract: A Si-doped gallium arsenide single crystal substrate has a carrier concentration of 0.1×1018 to 5.0×1018/cm3. The substrate is made by Vertical Bridgeman (VB) method or Vertical Gradient Freeze (VGF) method, and a minimum value and a maximum value of the carrier concentration in substrate plane are within a dispersion of 10% or less of an average carrier concentration in substrate plane.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a light modulation optical system having a first element which forms a desired light intensity gradient distribution to an incident light beam and a second element which forms a desired light intensity minimum distribution with an inverse peak shape to the same, and an image formation optical system which is provided between the light modulation optical system and a substrate having a polycrystal semiconductor film or an amorphous semiconductor film, wherein the incident light beam to which the light intensity gradient distribution and the light intensity minimum distribution are formed is applied to the polycrystal semiconductor film or the amorphous semiconductor film through the image formation optical system, thereby crystallizing a non-crystal semiconductor film. The pattern of the first element is opposed to the pattern of the second element.

Abstract: A silicon single crystal wafer process apparatus (10) having: a process chamber (11); a susceptor (12) which is disposed in the process chamber (11), and on an upper surface of which the silicon single crystal wafer (19) is placed; and a lift pin (14) which is provided to be capable of a going up and down operation with respect to the susceptor (12), for attaching or detaching the silicon single crystal wafer (19) to or from the susceptor (12) with the going up and down operation, in a state to support the silicon single crystal wafer (19) from a lower surface side, wherein the lift pin (14) is subjected to polishing on a contact end surface (14d) which contacts with a rear surface of the silicon single crystal wafer (19).

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for coating metal bars (1), particularly steel strips, by hot dipping. At least some sections of the metal bar (1) are vertically guided through a container receiving the molten coating metal (2), said metal bar (1) being guided by at least one roller (4) which runs on bearings. In order to increase the service life of the roller bearings, the roller, or at least the axis (5) thereof, penetrates the side walls (6) of the container (3) and is mounted outside the container (3).

Abstract: A nitrogen injection assembly for use in coloring and curing optical fibers is disclosed. The nitrogen injection assembly includes a cover section and a distribution seal. An optical fiber coated with ink passes from a coating die to a curing chamber via a passageway defined by the cover section and the distribution seal. The distribution seal injects nitrogen into the passageway to keep the coated fiber and the curing chamber substantially free of oxygen. With the distribution seal positioned closer to the curing chamber than the cover section, the apparatus minimizes the risk of leaks in the passageway and the number of required seals.

Abstract: A dual chamber apparatus including a first chamber and a second chamber which is configured to be coupled to the first chamber at an interface. Each of the first chamber and the second chamber has a transfer opening located at the interface. An insulating plate is located on one of the first chamber and the second chamber at the interface and is configured to have a low thermal conductivity such that the first chamber and the second chamber can be independently controlled at different temperatures when the first chamber and the second chamber are coupled together. Additionally, the apparatus may include an alignment device and/or a fastening device for fastening the first chamber to the second chamber. In embodiments, the insulating plate may be constructed of Teflon. Further, the first chamber may be a chemical oxide removal treatment chamber and the second chamber may be a heat treatment chamber.

Abstract: A method of cleaning a head of a printer when the printer is in a normally-engaged position is disclosed. A step of the method includes providing a base a material with a leading end and trailing end. Another step includes providing an abrasive cleaning sheet which has distal and proximal ends. The abrasive cleaning sheet is located proximate to the leading end of the base material. At least the proximal end of the abrasive cleaning sheet is adhered to the base material. The next method step includes feeding the base material into a printing path of a printer and then moving the base material at least partially through the printer so the abrasive cleaning sheet contacts at least a head of the printer.

Abstract: The invention relates to compounds of the formula (1) in which A is C2- to C4-alkylene, B is C1- to C4-alkylene, x is a number from 1 to 3, and y is a number from 1 to 100.

Abstract: A quench solidification method, wherein a steel cast strip having a mean grain size 50 ?m or more is prepared and then the steel cast strip is rolled to produce a non-oriented electrical steel sheet having high magnetic flux density in both L and C directions. However the magnetic flux density reduces when the cold reduction rate exceeds 70%. To avoid this problem the non-oriented electrical steel sheet is manufactured with a ratio of at least 4 of the integrated intensity of the {100} plane for a given sample of steel to the integrated intensity of {100} plane for a “random” sample in which crystal grains have random orientations; and a cold reduction rate of the cold-rolling is between 70% and 85%. The superheating degree of the molten steel can be 70° C. or more.

Abstract: A carbon steel alloy that exhibits the combined properties of high strength, ductility, and corrosion resistance is one whose microstructure contains ferrite regions combined with martensite-austenite regions, with carbide precipitates dispersed in the ferrite regions but without carbide precipitates are any of the interfaces between different phases. The microstructure thus contains of four distinct phases: (1) martensite laths separated by (2) thin films of retained austenite, plus (3) ferrite regions containing (4) carbide precipitates. In certain embodiments, the microstructure further contains carbide-free ferrite regions.

Abstract: An Al/Cu/Mg/Mn alloy for the production of semi-finished products with high static and dynamic strength properties has the following composition: 0.3–0.7 wt % silicon (Si), max. 0.15 wt. % iron (Fe), 3.5–4.5 wt % copper (Cu), 0.1–0.5 wt. % manganese (Mn), 0.3–0.8 wt. % magnesium (Mg), 0.5–0.15 wt % titanium (Ti), 0.1–0.25 wt % zirconium (Zr), 0.3–0.7 wt. % silver (Ag), max. 0.05 wt. % others individually, max 0.15 wt. % others globally, the remaining wt. % aluminum (Al). The invention further relates to a semi-finished product made for such an alloy and a method of production of a semi-finished product made for such an alloy.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for igniting, modulating, and sustaining a plasma for at least partially decrystallizing a surface of an object. In one embodiment, a method is provided for decrystallizing a surface of an object by forming a plasma (such as by subjecting a gas to an amount of electromagnetic radiation, optionally in the presence of a plasma catalyst) and exposing the surface of the object to the plasma.

Abstract: An aluminum alloy extrusion product having improved strength and fracture toughness, the aluminum base alloy comprised of 1.95 to 2.5 wt. % Cu, 1.9 to 2.5 wt. % Mg, 8.2 to 10 wt. % Zn, 0.05 to 0.25 wt. % Zr, max. 0.15 wt. % Si, max. 0.15 wt. % Fe, max. 0.1 wt. % Mn, the remainder aluminum and incidental elements and impurities.

Abstract: An electromagnetic-wave shielding and light transmitting plate 1 having an antireflection film 3, an electromagnetic-wave shielding film 10, a transparent substrate 2, and a near-infrared ray blocking film 5, laminated and united by using intermediate adhesive layers 4A, 4B and a pressure-sensitive adhesive 4C, the peripheries thereof covered by a conductive sticky tape 7. The film 10 has a conductive foil 11 formed by pattern etching on a substrate film 13, is processed for antireflection by forming a light absorbing layer 12 on the conductive foil 11, and is subjected to matting to form small irregularities by roughening the surface of the light absorbing layer 12. A display panel is manufactured by bonding this film 10 to the front surface of a plasma display panel body.

Abstract: A working range setting method of a bonding device includes identifying a model of a first substrate, extracting a set value corresponding to a working range of working elements according to the identified model, and setting the working range of the corresponding working elements with the extracted set value.

Abstract: A manufacturing method of trademark label of the present invention comprises a process of making rubber sheet which produced by compounding the ingredients of natural rubber composite, a process of cutting the rubber sheet according to the design of trademark label, a process of spreading primer on adhesion side of cut trademark label and drying at normal temperature for about 5 minutes, a process of spreading binder on the primer-spread and dried part of trademark label, a process of inserting the glue-spread trademark label into the cavity of metallic mold and gluing (first gluing process) the trademark label on artificial leather, a process of removing unnecessary impurities of trademark label attached to artificial leather (by first gluing process), a process of inserting trademark label whose impurities are removed into the metallic mold and hot-pressing at the temperature of about 150°, and a process of refrigerating the trademark label hot-pressed on artificial leather to the temperature of about 5° C.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of applying a fastener portion 10 to an absorbent article 1, said method comprising in a first alternative (A) the steps of: (i) providing a top sheet 2, (ii) placing one or more fastener portions 10 onto an inner surface 2a of the top sheet 2 so that a fastener user's end 12 is essentially supported by the top sheet 2 and a fastener manufacture's end 11 is essentially adjacent to one of the lateral edges 2c,2d of the top sheet 2 whereby the fastening means 15 is facing towards the inner surface 2a of the top sheet 2, (iii) folding around the manufacturer's end 11 so that it is essentially opposite to the user's end 12, and (iv) applying an absorbent core 4 and a back sheet 3 onto the top sheet 2, whereby the sequence of steps (iii) and (iv) may be exchanged, or in a second alternative (B) (i) providing a back sheet 3, (ii) placing one or more fastener portions 10 onto the outer surface 3b of the back sheet 3 so that a fastener user's end 12 is essentially supported b

Abstract: The subject invention relates to a precision injection molding of multi-piece parts and the subsequent handling and assembly of those parts produced from the mold. In an exemplary embodiment, a surgical suture package with a top part and a bottom part is molded and assembled. In such a method and system, the top parts and bottom parts are first molded utilizing a family mold and then are transferred to a stacker. The stacker is able to stack the top part and bottom part on top of one another on a pallet. The parts are then transported to a welder in order to weld the top part and bottom part together. The completed surgical suture packages are then transferred to a magazine for storage and shippage.

Abstract: In a process for continuously making disposable wearing articles, a first web which will be finally cut into a series of sheet members that are contiguous to one another in a transverse direction, and that define an outer surface of the article, is continuously fed in a first machine direction. A second web having a ?-shaped cross-section forming individual adhesive taper strips is fed in a second machine direction orthogonal to the first machine direction. The second web is periodically cut in a second cross direction orthogonal to the second machine direction to obtain composites. After the composite is fed to and attached to the first web, the first web is cut together with the composite so as to bisect the length of the composite.

Abstract: A textile laminate includes a hydrophobic membrane, an inner fabric layer and an outer fabric layer sandwiching the hydrophobic membrane. The hydrophobic membrane has a plurality of tangled polymer fibers, a plurality of pores among the polymer fibers, and a plurality of adhesive powder attached on the polymer fibers on the top and bottom surfaces. The grain size of each adhesive powders is small enough to remain the pores without obstructing permeability. The pores in the PTFE film are water vapor permeable and liquid water impermeable.

Abstract: A wall film monitoring system includes first and second microwave mirrors in a plasma processing chamber each having a concave surface. The concave surface of the second mirror is oriented opposite the concave surface of the first mirror. A power source is coupled to the first mirror and configured to produce a microwave signal. A detector is coupled to at least one of the first mirror and the second mirror and configured to measure a vacuum resonance voltage of the microwave signal. A control system is connected to the detector that compares a first measured voltage and a second measured voltage and determines whether the second voltage exceeds a threshold value. A method of monitoring wall film in a plasma chamber includes loading a wafer in the chamber, setting a frequency of a microwave signal output to a resonance frequency, and measuring a first vacuum resonance voltage of the microwave signal.

Abstract: In the methods for treatment of caustic effluents described in the specification, a spent caustic refinery effluent is supplied to a submerged combustion gas evaporator in which hot combustion gas containing carbon dioxide is injected into the caustic liquid to concentrate the liquid and convert a hydroxide constituent to a carbonate. Where the caustic effluent is from a petroleum refinery, oil in the waste liquid is separated from the aqueous constituent before, during or after concentration.