Abstract: Multilayer structures are electrochemically fabricated via depositions of one or more materials in a plurality of overlaying and adhered layers. Selectivity of deposition is obtained via a multi-cell controllable mask. Alternatively, net selective deposition is obtained via a blanket deposition and a selective removal of material via a multi-cell mask. Individual cells of the mask may contain electrodes comprising depositable material or electrodes capable of receiving etched material from a substrate. Alternatively, individual cells may include passages that allow or inhibit ion flow between a substrate and an external electrode and that include electrodes or other control elements that can be used to selectively allow or inhibit ion flow and thus inhibit significant deposition or etching. Single cell masks having a cell size that is smaller or equal to the desired deposition resolution may also be used to form structures.

Abstract: A biomimetically produced bone-analogous coating, comprising organic and inorganic main constituents, is suitable for coating metallic implant materials of any desired surfaces. The coating comprises a collagen matrix mineralized with calcium phosphate.

Abstract: The method and apparatus are concerned with measurement of the onset and magnitude of sucrose transport between a petiole and fruit within a plant over extended time periods. Sensors are implanted in both the petiole and fruit. The electrical potential of each sensor is measured with respect to a common electrode in the soil. A difference potential is formed by subtracting the potential of the sensor in the fruit from the potential of the sensor in the petiole. Positive values of this difference determine the onset and magnitude of sucrose transport between the petiole and fruit. Cumulative values of positive difference potential over a multi-day period yield the contribution of the leaf and petiole to sugar buildup in the fruit. The cumulative positive difference potential is specific to the location of the sensors. This has the advantage that multiple sensors in petioles in the same stem yield a continuous measure of sucrose allocation, or non allocation, from the different petioles to the fruit.

Abstract: A retort heating apparatus includes a perimeter wall bounding a central compartment. A partition wall is disposed within the central compartment so as to separate the central compartment into at least a heating chamber and a vapor chamber. The partition wall has a plurality of spaced apart apertures formed thereon so as to provide fluid communication between the heating chamber and the collection chamber. A plurality of spaced apart baffles are disposed within the heating chamber between the perimeter wall and the partition wall. A collection plate is disposed within the vapor chamber at a downward curved or sloped orientation. The collection plate has lower end disposed at or adjacent to the partition wall and an opposing upper end disposed at or toward the perimeter wall.

Abstract: A method for upgrading a naphtha feed to a naphtha product containing less than about 10 wppm of nitrogen and less than about 15 wppm sulfur, the method comprising contacting said naphtha feed with hydrogen in the presence of a bulk multimetallic catalyst under effective reactor conditions to hydrodesulfurize and hydrodenitrogenize said naphtha feed to produce said naphtha product, wherein said bulk multimetallic catalyst comprises at least one Group VIII non-noble metal and at least two Group VIB metals.

Abstract: An apparatus for the separation of solids and liquids includes a perforated rotary basket arranged for rotation within a fixed outer casing, a washing liquid supply system for providing washing liquid to the interior of the basket and its contents, and a transducer device for establishing a control signal representative of the state of liquids centrifugally expelled from the basket when such liquids impinge on an inner surface of the fixed outer casing. The transducer is set in or on the inner wall of the outer casing for monitoring the conductance of liquids within.

Abstract: In the present invention, a potable water treatment system and apparatus for purifying and treating potable water that is being transferred from a potable water source to a number of potable water user(s) via a potable water line is presented. Said potable water purification and treatment system and apparatus has a filter capable of filtering the potable water to an NTU of less than 0.10, removing TOC and disinfection by-products, as well as a chemical feed system which comprises a measuring device for measuring at least one of: the potable water flow and the potable water quality, at least one proportioning device for determining any amount(s) of chemical additives utilizing input(s) from the measuring device(s) and at least one chemical feed pump to transfer at least one chemical additive to the potable water, wherein at least a disinfectant is added to the potable water downstream of filtration.

Abstract: Device for improving detection sensitivity in low flow velocity high performance liquid chromatographic apparatus. Preferredly, diffusion promoting device connected at just before separation column and having function of improving detection sensitivity for use in low flow velocity high performance liquid chromatographic apparatus. Also, method for improving detection sensitivity in low flow velocity high performance liquid chromatographic apparatus.

Abstract: The invention relates to a two-stage design for a water purification system, with water to be purified first passing through a first stage containing particulate filtration media, and a second stage containing a porous filtration block. The particulate filtration media can be the same as, or different from, material included in the porous block. Either material may be any material that removes contaminants from water by, e.g., absorption, adsorption, ion exchange, sequestration, or other mechanism, or any combination of these.

Abstract: Method for producing a membrane made of bridged polymer and a fuel cell. The present invention relates to a membrane comprising a bridged polymer which is produced by a selected process. The membrane of the invention displays a significantly improved fracture toughness (elongation at break/tensile strength) with virtually unchanged swelling behavior. The membranes of the invention are suitable for producing membrane-electrode units for fuel cells.

Abstract: Process for microfiltration at elevated temperature.

Abstract: A reverse osmosis system is subject to long periods of non-use in which water stands inside. A hollow-cylindrical spiral-wound type reverse osmosis membrane is disposed inside a cylindrical pressure vessel. An electrostatic-field generator is disposed inside the pressure vessel. A high voltage direct current source powers the electrostatic-field generator and a voltage gradient is constantly produced inside the volume of the pressure vessel. Such gradients cut through the fabric of the reverse osmosis membrane layers. The voltage to the electrostatic-field generator is kept on at all times, and prevents biofouling, even during lay-up periods. Current flow through the electrostatic-field generator is insignificant because it acts as a high-Z capacitor.

Abstract: Devices and methods for cutaneous delivery of a composition are provided, wherein the composition is passed through an ordered nanoporous membrane in fluid communication with a reservoir. The nanoporous membrane includes a plurality of aligned hollow nanotubules coated with a continuous polymer matrix, and etched to open the plurality of hollow nanotubules and form pores. In one embodiment, the etching step oxidizes an end of the nanotubules to form carboxylate groups. The ordered nanoporous membrane further includes at least one additional functional unit bound to the carboxylate groups. The at least one additional functional unit selectively exposes or at least partially occludes the pore of an adjacent nanotubule, thereby controlling flux rate through the membrane. In one embodiment, application of an electrical impulse to the membrane causes the at least one additional functional unit to selectively expose or at least partially occlude the pore.

Abstract: A method to resolve the stereoisomers of an optically active compound comprising an amine moiety. The method provides a mixture comprising two stereoisomers of a compound comprising a amine moiety. The method supplies l-fenchyloxyacetic acid, treats the mixture of stereoisomers with that l-fenchyloxyacetic acid, and collects one of those two stereoisomers having greater than a 99 percent enantiomeric excess.

Abstract: A method for fractionating a solution into two or more fractions. More particularly the invention relates to a method for fractionating a solution by a chromatographic simulated moving bed (SMB) process in which the dissolved substances present in the feedstock are separated in the partial packed beds, and the formed separation profile is circulated more than once or less than once through the chromatographic separation loop during one cycle.

Abstract: Hydrophobic polymer particles (e.g., granules or fragments) employed as filter media, e.g., for filtering runoff water, include an antimicrobial compound on exterior surfaces and can reduce proliferation of microbial organisms as well as sorb chemical contaminants from the water. By employing this dual decontamination action, filter systems employing such particles can improve the quality of runoff water (or other contaminated water streams) and reduce the risk presented by potentially harmful organisms.

Abstract: One or more water- and oil-porous containers or sacks are made of a pair of mesh sheets affixed together and stiffened around their perimeter. The sacks can be partially filled with a multitude of tubular bodies made of an oil-entrapping polymer, which have their longest dimension parallel to an axial hole. A preferred material is composed of a combination of SBS and EPDM, formed by an extrusion technique, to create highly fissured generally cylindrical bodies. The sacks may be deployed in areas where oil is floating on water, such as where oil has spilled from tankers on oceans, seas, lakes, or rivers. When the bodies are afloat, oily water can pass through the axial holes of and around the bodies, maximizing the surface area contacted by the oil and minimizing gel blocking. After a time sufficient for the bodies in the sacks to adsorb oil, the sacks can be collected. Various deployment and collection methods are disclosed.

Abstract: The invention offers the equipment for an in-pipe running water activation method that is simple to operate and provides long-term stable performance while being beneficial to humans and to the environment. The invention relates to an in-pipe running water activation method and equipment characterized in that use is made of the action of the infrared radiation that is emitted from germanium-including biotite placed in the vicinity of a repulsive magnetic field generated by permanent magnet north poles arranged in mutually opposing positions.

Abstract: A filtration system comprising a filter cassette having integrated ultrasonic transducers incorporated therein, and a method for using the same. The integrated system of filters and transducers can be hardened for use in hazardous environments, and is particularly suitable for the implementation of sonication in cross flow filtration processes further integrated with a manufacturing process. The system provides cost savings both in terms of less equipment and space for cleaning processes on the manufacturing floor.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are described for etching Ni-containing films using gas phase plasma etching. Etching of Ti—Ni alloys is carried out by exposure to plasma comprising hydrogen halide (HX) and carbonyl etching gases. The Ti in the Ti—Ni alloy is etched via an ion-assisted reaction with HX and the Ni is etched by reacting with CO. The method is particularly well suited for anisotropic etching of Ti—Ni metal gates for CMOS applications. Etching of Ni—Fe layers is carried out by exposure to plasma comprising a carbonyl etching gas.

Abstract: A DMFC (direct methanol fuel cell) includes two bipolar plates, a membrane electrode assembly, a bonding layer, and a fuel container base. The bipolar plate is a releasable substrate that includes a releasable copper carrier, a release layer, and a metal foil. The bipolar/MEA assembly is formed by laminating the releasable bipolar, the MEA, and the bonding sheet, peeling off the release carrier, and printing a carbon ink or plating Au.

Abstract: A method of surface refinement for refining a first roughness of a surface of a component to a second roughness. The method includes wetting the first roughness surface with an aqueous mixture that includes solid media. The aqueous mixture chemically alters the surface forming a chemically converted surface. Relative movement between the chemically converted surface and the solid media produces the refined second roughness.

Abstract: A two-dimensional image of an alignment mark 30 is acquired by an alignment scope 15 at step S61, and the two-dimensional image acquired at step S61 is converted to a light-intensity signal line by line at step S62. A selection as to whether each line signal is valid or unnecessary is made at step S63. The amount of positional deviation of the alignment mark 30 is calculated using only valid line signals at step S64.

Abstract: Refrigerant compositions are disclosed which comprise: (a) pentafluoroethane, octafluoropropane, trifluoromethoxydifluoromethane or hexafluoro-cyclopropane, or a mixture of two or more thereof, in an amount of at least about 35% based on the weight of the composition, (b) 1,1,1,2- or 1,1,2,2-tetrafluoroethane, 1,1-difluoroethane, trifluoromethoxypentafluoroethane, 1,1,1,2,3,3-heptafluoropropane or a mixture of two or more thereof, in an amount of at least about 30% by weight based on the weight of the composition and (c) n-butane, in an amount from about 2.3 to about 4% by weight based on the weight of the composition.

Abstract: The present invention provides deicing compositions which are environmentally benign, a process for producing the composition from certain waste process streams, and methods of deicing and/or anti-icing.

Abstract: The present invention provides an etching agent that is able to etch a Cu film by a simple chemical etching method such as an immersion method when the low resistance Cu film is used for a wiring material, while allowing time-dependent changes of the etching rate to be small and preventing a pattern narrowing phenomenon ascribed to irregular amount of side etching of the Cu film from occurring, by providing an etching agent comprising an aqueous solution containing potassium hydrogen peroxosulfate and hydrofluoric acid, wherein masks of a give pattern is formed on the surface of a laminated film prepared by sequentially depositing a Ti or Ti alloy film and a Cu film on a substrate, and wherein a gate electrode (a laminated wiring) and a lower pad layer (a laminated wiring) with give patterns are formed by etching the laminated film using the etching agent having the foregoing construction.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a slurry for chemical mechanical polishing, which contains a silica polishing material, an oxidizing agent, a benzotriazole-based compound, a diketone and water.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide fluorescence showing a peak wavelength of excited spectrum within the wavelength range of from 350 to 500 nm and suitable for a white LED emitting yellow light, and a white LED comprising this fluorescence. This object achieved by phosphor for white. LED comprising a silicate fluorescent material and a borate fluorescent material.

Abstract: Photoluminescent phosphor powders and a method for making phosphor powders. The phosphor powders have a small particle size, narrow particle size distribution and are substantially spherical. The method of the invention advantageously permits the economic production of such powders. The invention also relates to improved devices, such as display devices and lighting elements, incorporating the phosphor powders.

Abstract: Disclosed are phosphor compositions doped with both Ce3+ and Eu2+ and light emitting devices including a semiconductor light source and the above phosphor. Also disclosed are phosphor blends of the above phosphors and one ore more additional phosphors and white light emitting devices incorporating the same. The preferred blends are used to make light sources with CRI values greater than 90 at any CCT from about 2500 to 8000 K.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of preparing a novel water-soluble and self-doped polyaniline graft copolymer, wherein aniline was grafted onto a poly(styrenesulfonic acid-c-aminostyrene) backbone. The graft copolymer is useful for advanced applications such as electrode manufacture, EMI shielding, static electricity dissipation, metal anti-corrosion, electrochromic materials, sensors, functional film and marine-fouling prevention.

Abstract: The conductive polymer composition used in an over-current protection device blends a polymer substrate (for instance, PVDF) with the polyolefin and the conductive filler of carbon black alike. The polyolefin comprises of two monomers along the carbon chain to form its principal chemical structure. The first monomer includes four hydrogen atoms to bond with the carbon chain, and the second monomer includes at least one fluorine atom and at least one non-fluorine halogen atom. The non-fluorine halogen atom may be selected from chlorine, bromine and iodine elements.

Abstract: The present invention relates to specific photochromic phenanthropyrans as well as to their use in synthetic resin materials of all types, especially for ophthalmic purposes. In particular, the present invention relates to photochromic compounds derived from 2H-phenanthro[2,1-b]pyrans and 3H-phenanthro[3,4-b]pyrans, which in the open form have especially long wavelength absorption maxima, but in the unexcited state are still colorless.

Abstract: An apparatus for forming a bathtub liner over an existing bathtub comprising a container, a seal, a heating element, and a pressure increasing element. The container defines a cavity. The seal is associated with cavity and is capable of forming a substantially continuous seal with a bathtub liner. The heating element is capable of heating the cavity, and in turn, the liner. The pressure increasing element is capable of increasing the pressure within the cavity, to in turn, force a bathtub liner outwardly, away from the cavity. Upon positioning of the liner and apparatus over an existing bathtub the pressure increasing element will force the liner toward and into contact with the surfaces of the existing bathtub.

Abstract: The present invention relates to light weight molded plastic articles and methods of making same. More specifically, the present invention relates to a method of manufacturing a hollow-core, foamed-plastic, film-laminate article utilizing convention gas assisted molding apparatus with corresponding high production rate capabilities. The resulting film-laminate, hollow-core, foamed-plastic part comprises a class A show-face surface. The method comprises formation of a porous mass of molten plastic in the mold cavity containing the laminate. The molten plastic is cored out or hollowed by injection of gas into the mold cavity.

Abstract: A method of making a sponge device is provided. This method includes introducing a curable liquid sponge forming material into a form, placing a handle into the material before it is fully cured, heating the form to cure the material, removing the cured material from the form, and rinsing the cured material. Another aspect of the present invention is the assembly for making this sponge device. This assembly includes a runner for joining a plurality of handles, plates that are spring-biased together to support the handles, a chase formed of heat conductive metal having a shelf where the plates can be set, and a silicone form having a plurality of cavities therein for receiving the sponge forming material.

Abstract: The preparation and use of novel porous poly(aryl ether) articles is disclosed. The porous articles are prepared from blends of poly(aryl ether) polymers with polyimides by selectively decomposing the polyimide phase. The preferred reagents used to decompose the polyimide phase include monoethanolamine and tetramethylammonium hydroxide. The porous articles can be configured as a single layer or as a multilayer article. The porous articles of the present invention are unique that at least one of the layers exhibits a narrow pore size distribution. The articles of the present invention can be used as a porous media for a broad range of applications, including porous membranes for fluid separations, such as microfiltration, ultrafiltration, and gas separation, as a battery separators, and as a sorption media.

Abstract: Invention relates to a process for producing a single-layer or multilayer film by extrusion or coextrusion, biaxial orientation, and heat setting based on crystallizable thermoplastics whose principal constituent is a crystallizable thermoplastic having a standard viscosity SV (DCA) of from 600 to 1000. The thermoplastic is mixed prior to extrusion or coextrusion with 50% by weight (based on the total weight of all thermoplastics) of a secondary thermoplastic having a standard viscosity SV (DCA) of more than 900 to 1500, the standard viscosity SV (DCA) of the two thermoplastics differing by at least 100 units. The secondary thermoplastic is a byproduct or waste product from the production of PET plastic bottles or originates from recycled PET bottles.

Abstract: A method of two-stage injection molding of an air conditioner outlet vent device is provided, the device including a housing, a plurality of blades pivotably supported by the housing and disposed in parallel to each other within the housing, and a link operatively connecting the blades. The plurality of blades are injection-molded in a secondary injection step subsequent to a primary injection step in which the housing is molded. In the secondary injection step, a molten resin is injected into cavities formed within a mold device in a closed mold state from a plurality of gates provided in portions of the mold device corresponding to projections of the blades. It is thus possible to improve the strength of link shafts and the projections while preventing any malfunction of the blades pivoting and any deterioration of the surface appearance, as well as to increase the degrees of freedom in changing the gate diameter.

Abstract: A method of producing a golf ball with uniform thickness by, eliminating defective air between the cover and the core, an insufficient thickness of the cover and an uneven thickness of the cover wherein in the step of heat and compression molding to cover the core or an intermediate layer with shells molded from a cover material mainly composed of a thermoplastic resin, if the mold has a temperature of T1° C. and the half shells start to flow at a temperature of T2° C., T1 minus T2 is set within a range of ?3° C. to +10° C.

Abstract: In a method and apparatus for injection molding a multi-component mixture, in particular liquid silicone rubber; a starting material, containing at least two components and, optionally, at least one additive, is conveyed from a storage and metering assembly through a mixer for mixing the starting material, to a reservoir at an amount which is a multiple of an amount required for an injection molding cycle. The mixed starting material is transferred in increments from the reservoir to an injection unit of an injection molding machine. When the reservoir is emptied to a predetermined level a multiple of the amount of starting material required for the injection molding cycle is fed to the reservoir.

Abstract: An injection molded plastic rod suitable for use in a battery hydrometer. Stress-relieving formations are provided symmetrically arranged on opposite sides of an injection gate of the rod. The formations distribute injection stresses and shield the gate vestige.

Abstract: A rapid prototype tempering process comprises producing a rapid prototype part from a base material, creating voids in the rapid prototype part, and filling the voids with a filler material that changes at least one characteristic of the prototype part. The rapid prototype part may be made, for example, by stereolithography, selective laser sintering (SLS), extrusion, printhead technology, or the like. The base material is generally a brittle material and the filler material may be selected to enhance the durability of the prototype part, for example. Parts made completely from a filler material that is injected into cavities of molds made from a base material are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for facilitating the creation of holes in a blow molded container is disclosed generally comprising first and second mold portions mounted adjacent each other along a seam and a mechanism for creating holes at the seam. In some embodiments, first and second punches are used to create one hole underneath the container's handle. In some embodiments, a third mold portion is used to create a rose surface and create a plurality of holes therein.

Abstract: A cobalt-chromium-boron-platinum sputtering target alloy having multiple phases. The alloy can include Cr, B, Ta, Nb, C, Mo, Ti, V, W, Zr, Zn, Cu, Hf, O, Si or N. The alloy is prepared by mixing Pt powder with a cobalt-chromium-boron master alloy, ball milling the powders and HIP'ing to densify the powder into the alloy.

Abstract: A method for decontamination of a contaminated region containing biological species to be destroyed, includes a decontamination step during which a decontamination gas containing atomic nitrogen is propagated in the contaminated region, and atomic nitrogen contributes to the destruction of biological species in the contaminated region.

Abstract: Described is a sterilization chamber for sterilizing objects for application in a process in which a vapour composite, composed of water vapour and hydrogen peroxide vapour, is guided without a carrier gas flow into the sterilization chamber in which a vacuum prevails, whereby the vapour composite settles on the surfaces of the objects to be sterilized and on the surfaces of the sterilization chamber in the form of a condensation layer, which is suctioned off by means of further evacuation of the sterilization chamber after a certain reaction time. In accordance with the present invention, the surfaces of the sterilization chamber consist of poor heat-conducting, water-repellent material.

Abstract: Devices and methods for sterilizing lumens involve a booster that is attached to the lumen. In preferred embodiments, the contact area between the lumen and the booster enhances the penetration of an antimicrobial agent to the contact area.

Abstract: A method for determining not to reuse a previously used and cleaned reaction cuvette in an analyzer when an assay scheduled to be performed may be adversely affected by contaminants remaining in the cleaned reaction cuvette. If determined not to reuse a previously used and cleaned reaction cuvette, the previously used and cleaned reaction cuvette is replaced with an unused new reaction cuvette.

Abstract: An apparatus for measuring the effective vapor diffusion coefficient of a test vapor diffusing through a sample of porous media contained within a test chamber. A chemical sensor measures the time-varying concentration of vapor that has diffused a known distance through the porous media. A data processor contained within the apparatus compares the measured sensor data with analytical predictions of the response curve based on the transient diffusion equation using Fick's Law, iterating on the choice of an effective vapor diffusion coefficient until the difference between the predicted and measured curves is minimized. Optionally, a purge fluid can forced through the porous media, permitting the apparatus to also measure a gas-phase permeability. The apparatus can be made lightweight, self-powered, and portable for use in the field.