Abstract: An electrochemical mechanical process for electroplating or electropolishing a conductive surface of a wafer is provided. The conductive surface of the wafer is touched by a polishing surface of a compressible pad while a process solution flows through the pad and a potential difference is maintained between the conductive surface and an electrode. The pressure between the polishing surface and a central region of the conductive surface is increased by applying a shaping process to either the conductive surface or the pad.

Abstract: A polishing pad includes at least one conductive polishing element supported by a compressible under layer having conductive patterning therein, the conductive patterning adapted to permit coupling of a potential to the conductive polishing element; a guide plate above the compressible under layer, the guide plate having a hole through which the polishing element passes and further having a cathodic element connected thereto; and a slurry distribution layer adhered to the guide plate opposite the compressible under layer. The polishing pad may further include a proton exchange membrane placed over the cathodic element. A semiconductor wafer having a metal film thereon may be polished using the polishing pad by placing the wafer in contact with the polishing element, applying anodic current to the polishing element and cathodic current to the cathodic element, and polishing with an anodic solution. For copper films, a sulfuric acid-copper sulfate solution may be used.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of measuring a component in blood, by which an amount of the component can be corrected accurately by measuring a hematocrit (Hct) value of the blood with high accuracy and high reliability and also provides a sensor used in the method. The sensor for measuring a component in blood has a first analysis portion and a second analysis portion. The first analysis portion has a first electrode system (11,12) and a reagent layer (14), and the reagent layer (14) has an oxidoreductase that acts on the component and a mediator. In the first analysis portion, the component in the blood is measured by causing a redox reaction of the component with the oxidoreductase in the presence of the mediator and detecting a redox current caused when a voltage is applied by the first electrode (11,12). The second analysis portion has a working electrode and a counter electrode, and a mediator is provided on the counter electrode but not on the working electrode.

Abstract: An electrochemical system and method for electrochemical detection of both nitro-aromatic and cyclic nitro-amine compounds in a single sample, the system having an electrochemical cell including: (a) a modified working electrode having a surface modified by a chemical modifier; wherein the chemical modifier includes a heterocyclic organic compound in which a heterocycle of the compound includes at least one nitrogen atom.

Abstract: An assembly and method for gas analysis. The assembly comprises a catalyst compartment for catalytically reacting a component of a gas sample, producing one or more gas species as products. A product compartment receives the gas species, and a sensing element within the compartment senses the amount of one or more of the gas species. This amount is compared to the amount of the same gas species present in a reference compartment containing a non-catalyzed gas sample, providing the amount of the gas species produced by catalysis. Using this value, the content of the gas component in the gas sample is calculated based upon the stoichiometry of the catalyzed reaction. In preferred embodiments, the gas for analysis is a process gas for fuel production, and the catalyst is a high temperature shift catalyst that catalyzes the reaction of carbon monoxide and water into hydrogen and carbon dioxide.

Abstract: A police officer's utility bag comprising a rectangular fabric body with a zippered top. Hanging file rails from any of several designs are located inside the bag below the zippered top. Side stiffeners are used to hold the shape of the bag, as well as to receive the hanging file rails and a charging fixture for a rechargeable flashlight hanging on the outside of the bag. Various pockets and pouches are provided both inside and outside of the bag. A strap attached to the top can be looped around a passenger seat headrest to hold the top open. A seatbelt clip receives a seat belt shoulder harness to secure the bag in a patrol car seat.

Abstract: A dispenser for dispensing rubber bands is disclosed, the dispenser comprising a lower container and an upper container. The lower container is open at a top end thereof and comprises at least one side wall and one bottom wall. The bottom wall has an upward facing inner surface. The upper container is likewise open at a top end thereof, and comprises at least one side wall and one bottom wall. The bottom wall includes an aperture therein and a downward-facing outer surface. The lower container encompasses a larger volume than the upper container, the difference between the volume of the two containers being essentially the storage volume for rubber bands. In use, the lower container is filled with rubber bands. The upper container is then pressed down such that the upper container nests within the lower container, thereby compressing the plurality of rubber bands between the outer surface of the upper container and the inner surface of the lower container.

Abstract: A kit including a first package having disposed at least partially therein at lease one absorbent article and at least one individually-packaged wipe disposed in a second package. The second package has an outer face provided with an attachment means for attaching the second package to a surface. A stack of individually-packaged wipes is also provided.

Abstract: Disclosed is a packaging assembly for securing an item in a carton. A top cap, a bottom pad and if desired, one or more middle pads, each include a board and a plurality of clips secured to the board. The clips are arranged to engage the item at spaced apart locations around the top and bottom portion of the item, respectively. In an alternative embodiment, one of the legs of one or more of the clips has a ledge projecting outwardly to engage a surface of the item. In yet another embodiment, only one of the top cap and bottom pad includes clips to position and retain the item in the carton. In addition, the multiple clips may be formed as an integral unit.

Abstract: A portable container for holding office products and documents includes a rigid structural portion capable of holding hanging folders in a cascading configuration and a cover portion attached to the rigid structural portion. The cover portion may be made from a pliable material, to make the container lightweight and aesthetically pleasing. The container may include a removable insert for supporting hanging file folders. The removable insert may also be used in other containers, such as desk drawers, boxes, filing cabinets, etc.

Abstract: Certain embodiments can comprise an apparatus, comprising a non-garment container for a device. The container can comprise: a first portion; a second portion couplable to the first portion; and a releasable closure attached to the first portion and the second portion for closing a releasably closable first opening adjacent the first portion and said second portion. The container can define a second opening opposing the first opening. The first opening can close to form a plurality of sub-openings.

Abstract: A plate material packing box capable of preventing dirt from entering thereinto, easily storable in a storage room with a low ceiling by reducing the height dimension during transportation, and capable of transporting plate materials efficiently and constantly; a plate material transporting method using such a plate material packing box; and a plate material loading or unloading method.

Abstract: The invention intends to cheaply provide a cushioning material that can pack articles to be packed different in shapes and dimensions with a simple structure and stably and that can withstand transportations for long periods under severe conditions.

Abstract: A packaging for a receptacle loadable into an inhaler for pulmonary delivery of the contents of the receptacle. The packaging includes a base and a cover, which base has a surface defining a well that accommodates the receptacle. The well-defining surface includes a first region and a differently shaped second region, which first surface region is shaped to support the receptacle in alignment within the well, and which second surface region accommodates a first end of the receptacle aligned in the well and has a mouth geometry enlarged from the first surface region to allow a portion of an inhaler to be inserted therein to receive the first end of the receptacle for scooping the receptacle into the inhaler from the well.

Abstract: A integrated institutional first aid kit for use in schools, playgrounds, daycare facilities and other similar environments, wherein the integrated institutional first aid kit enables first aid medicines, hygienic needs, cold packs, and regulatory forms to be carried in a single package. The integrated institutional first aid kit also enables the user to quickly and easily access tissues or other hygienic needs without exposing internal compartments to contamination through the use of external openings. The integrated institutional first aid kit further allows for the storage of cold packs through the use of an segregated, insulated pocket. The integrated institutional first aid kit can be formed in any of a variety of materials including various nylon blends, or in a rigid format formed of plastic or metal commonly used for such applications and known within the art.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for preparing an industrial asphalt comprising (1) heating an asphalt flux to a temperature which is within the range of about 400° F. (204° C.) to 550° F. (288° C.) to produce a hot asphalt flux, (2) sparging an oxygen containing gas through the hot asphalt flux for a period of time which is sufficient to increase the softening point of the asphalt flux to a value of at least 100° F. (38° C.), to produce an underblown asphalt composition; and (3) mixing a sufficient amount of a polyphosphoric acid throughout the underblown asphalt composition while the underblown asphalt composition is maintained at a temperature which is within the range of 200° F. (93° C.) to 550° F. (288° C.) to attain a softening point which is within the range of 185° F. (85° C.) to 250° F. (121° C.) and a penetration value of at least 15 dmm at 770° F. (25° C.) to produce the industrial asphalt.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for producing high-quality saturated base oil or a base oil component based on hydrocarbons. The process of the invention comprises two main steps, the oligomerization and deoxygenation. A biological starting material containing unsaturated carboxylic acids and/or esters of carboxylic acids is preferably used as the feedstock.

Abstract: Embodiments include a fractionated and/or distilled wax having from about 30 to about 64 carbon units, a degree of crystallinity as calculated by heat of melting and as measured by DSC of from about 55 to about 100, a Mw is from about 500 to about 800, and a polydispersity of from about 1 to about 1.05.

Abstract: This invention relates to a high activity ZSM-48. More particularly, a high activity ZSM-48 with defined purity is prepared, the ZSM-48 being free of non-ZSM-48 seed crystals and ZSM-50.

Abstract: Blends of ZSM-48 catalysts are used for hydroprocessing of hydrocarbon feedstocks. The blend of ZSM-48 catalysts includes at least a portion of ZSM-48 crystals having a SiO2:Al2O3 ratio of 110 or less that are free of non-ZSM-48 seed crystals and have a desirable morphology.

Abstract: A process to optimize the condensation of Fischer-Tropsch products coming from the Fischer-Tropsch reactor in a vapour phase with the use of light oil and, therefore; reducing the possibility of coating the coolers and piping with waxy material.

Abstract: A process for the production of low sulfur diesel and a residual hydrocarbon stream containing a reduced concentration of sulfur. A residual hydrocarbon feedstock and a heavy distillate hydrocarbon feedstock are used in the process.

Abstract: Production of diesel oil from hydrocarbon-containing residues in an oil circulation with separation of solids and product distillation for the diesel oil product by energy input with a high-speed chamber mixer and the use of fully crystallized catalysts that consist of potassium-, sodium-, calcium-, and magnesium-aluminum silicates, wherein the energy input and conversion occur primarily in the high-speed chamber mixer.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for reducing methane formation when hydrocracking hydrocarbons, and a process for the hydrocracking of hydrocarbons, said method and process utilising a non-sulfided hydrocracking catalyst, which catalyst has Ni and Sn, wherein the Ni content is at least 1 mass % and the silica content is at least 20 mass %, present in the form of silica-alumina.

Abstract: In a process of hydrocracking heavy oil with a catalyst in petroleum refining, asphaltene contained in heavy oil, and impurities including heavy metals such as nickel and vanadium, are efficiently removed with activated carbon, whereby the reduction in catalyst activity or formation of coke by the impurities can be prevented. The invention provides a hydrocracking catalyst comprising activated carbon extrudate as a carrier activated with steam and having a high distribution of pores having pore sizes in the range of 20 to 200 nm.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the purification of light hydrocarbons having a cut point of between 20 and 250° C. and containing sulphur and/or nitrogen compounds which are refractory to standard hydrotreating. The inventive method is characterised in that it comprises the following steps, namely: (a) a step involving the oxidative polymerisation of compounds containing a —X—CH? group in a 5- or 6 membered hydrocarbon ring, wherein X denotes a sulphur or nitrogen atom, in the presence of at least one oxidising agent selected from metal cations; (b) a step involving the separation of the formed polymers and the oxidising agent from the light hydrocarbons; and (c) a step involving the oxidation of the metal cation, said steps being performed in the above order. Moreover, each of the aforementioned steps can be combined with at least the step following same.

Abstract: A method for producing a substantially desulfurized hydrocarbon fuel stream at temperatures less than 100° C. including providing a nondesulfurized fuel cell hydrocarbon fuel stream and passing the fuel stream through a sulfur adsorbent system containing a specialized sulfur adsorbent containing hydrated alumina to produce a substantially desulfurized hydrocarbon fuel stream.

Abstract: A process for the separation of bitumen oil from tar sands and the like. Slurry is supplied to a mixing chamber of a jet pump at an input end of the process. Non-ionic surfactant, and optionally diluent, are added to the slurry. The slurry is agitated within the jet pump to effect a partial to full phase separation of the oil fraction from the solids fraction of the slurry. The partially to fully separated slurry is discharged into a pipeline and later into a hydrocyclone to effect a second phase separation of the slurry. One or more hydrocyclone separators may be used to separate the bitumen oil and liquid from the solids fraction.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for decomposing and extracting compositions for the recovery of petroleum-based materials from composites comprising those petroleum-based materials, comprising subjecting the compositions and/or composites to microwave radiation, wherein the microwave radiation is in the range of from about 4 GHz to about 18 GHz. The present invention also provides for products produced by the methods of the present invention and for apparatuses used to perform the methods of the present invention.

Abstract: An apparatus for separating solids from a drilling fluid that includes a basket having two opposed spaced-apart side walls having first ends and second ends, the first ends spaced apart by an end wall connected to each of the side walls, the basket further including a bottom wall through which a fluid outlet passage is defined, a plurality of screening surfaces having a front edge and a back edge and positioned within the basket between the side walls with each screening surface spaced apart vertically from adjacent screening surfaces and the back edge spaced apart from the end wall of the basket, wherein the back edge of each screening surface is lower than the front edge of the corresponding screening surface, a plurality of weirs, each weir retained along the back edge of a corresponding screening surface and spaced apart from the end wall to define a fluid passage between each weir and the end wall, wherein each weir has a top edge extending to a weir height above the back edge of the corresponding screen

Abstract: A method and apparatus for sorting articles to a delivery point sequence includes at least one article sorter adapted to sort articles and a conveying system operable to arrange and convey containers of articles sorted in a first sort pass to an induct of the article sorter for a second sort pass or process of the articles. The system or method automatically sorts and conveys trays containing sorted articles from a discharge of at least one sorting assembly to an induct of the at least one sorting assembly. The conveying assembly may have a generally continuous conveying track and is operable to automatically provide the trays to the induct of the at least one sorting assembly in a sequenced manner.

Abstract: Cyclones having abrasion resistant liners with a system and method for replacing the liners when they worn out due to the destructive nature of the materials being classified in the cyclone. The cyclone includes segmented inlet housing liners which are separately removable through the opened top of the cyclone housing. A lifting ring in the bottom of a conical housing has an apex cone and plural cone liners supported in a stacked array thereon within the conical housing and hoisting straps are used to lift the lifting ring, the apex cone and the array of cone liners out of the opened top of the cyclone housing without having to remove the cyclone from its operating position and completely disassemble the cyclone. Wear detector bolts attach the inlet head liners and a cage-like conical housing allows direct viewing of wear detecting weep holes provided in the liners mounted therein.

Abstract: A method for conductivity calculation in a treatment fluid upstream and downstream a filtration unit in apparatuses for the blood treatment has been provided. The method comprises the steps of: creating a flow of treatment fluid in the filtration unit, imposing a change in the conductivity of the treatment fluid at the inlet of the filtration unit in order thereby to cause an induced conductivity change in the fluid at the outlet of said filtration unit and measuring a predetermined number of conductivity values Cdo downstream from the filtration unit belonging to a conductivity curve.

Abstract: Filtration-function-equipped cooling water equipment that includes: filtration equipment connected to water-purifying, oxygen-supply-capable cooling water equipment, wherein the filtration equipment includes a filtration space for a filter, wherein the water-purifying, oxygen-supply-capable cooling water equipment comprises a cooling oxidation unit disposed inside of a tank body, and comprising a honeycombed or latticed porous material, wherein the filtration-function-equipped cooling water equipment operates to enlarge a contact area between water and air when untreated water drips onto the cooling oxidation unit and flows through the cooling oxidation unit while forced air flows in a counter current against the flow of water in the cooling oxidation unit, thereby facilitating solubility of oxygen in the untreated water and augmenting a cooling capability due to evaporation provided by the water-purifying, oxygen-supply-capable cooling water equipment.

Abstract: A drain cover is primarily composed of a layer of eco-material paved on the drain cover. The eco-material is made by stirring wastes of irregular shapes (e.g., slag, glass fragments, ceramic or waste gravels) with an adhesive agent and fiber glass yarns. By paving the eco-material on drain holes of the drain cover, trashes and grits can be prevented from flowing into a drain to cause an imperfect draining and a clogging. The wastes after being stirred with the adhesive agent and the fiber glass yarns can prevent insects from crawling out of the drain holes, and can reduce a drifting of odor in the drain. In addition, the wastes of irregular shapes can also increase a slip-proof effect to the drain cover, such that a pedestrian will not be tripped by the drain holes, thereby increasing a safety of walking of the pedestrian.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and apparatus for filtering or purifying water.

Abstract: A plurality of incrementally rotating nozzles are mounted in the bottom and side walls of a swimming pool to provide bursts of water and channel in a cascade manner debris toward one or more outlets disposed in the bottom of the pool.

Abstract: A chromatography cartridge and method of manufacturing same. A chromatography cartridge of the present invention can include a tubular housing having an open end and an inner surface, and a plug. The plug can be positioned within the open end of the tubular housing and can have an outer circumferential surface, a substantial portion of the outer circumferential surface being fused to the inner surface of the tubular housing. A method for manufacturing a chromatography cartridge can include coupling at least a portion of the outer surface of the plug to at least a portion of the inner surface of the tubular housing in response to rotating at least one of the plug and the tubular housing about the longitudinal axis with respect to the other of the plug and the tubular housing.

Abstract: Combination of a housing having a fluid passage and one or more solenoid actuated fluid control valves communicated to the fluid passage wherein a permanent magnet is disposed in fluid passage upstream of the fluid control valves to magnetically capture or getter ferrous particles in fluid prior to entry into the fluid control valve.

Abstract: A bracket system holds a filter(s) in quick-attach and quick-release fashion. Brackets are combined in modular fashion, with conduit between the brackets, to create a “bank” of filters easily changed in number, arrangement, and flow scheme. Top brackets and bottom brackets capture/support the top end and bottom end of a filter, respectively, and filter inlet and outlet ports preferably slide onto and off of cooperating tubes/ports in the bracket modules without tools or threaded connections. A retainer may pivot on and off of its respective filter, holding the filter in place and releasing the filter, respectively. After pivoting the retainer up from the filter, the filter may be lifted up off of its respective bottom module, so that the filter is substantially vertically and pivotally removable from the bracket system.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system that utilizes microwave heating to sterilize contaminated effluent. The system sterilizes the contaminated effluent by heating it to a minimum temperature for a minimum duration under pressure, and then discharging it to a sanitary drain as sterilized effluent. The process maximizes energy efficiency by using a heat exchanger to raise the temperature of the contaminated effluent with heat drawn from the sterilized effluent of the previous batch. All solids and particles originally present in the contaminated effluent pass through the system and are discharged as part of the sterilized effluent.

Abstract: To achieve space saving and cost reduction by solving a problem with a conventional treatment fluid filtration device wherein a deaerating device and a solid particle filter device were required separately. A filter unit comprises a head part 3 having a treatment fluid inlet port 5, a filtrated fluid delivery port 7, and a deaerating port 9; a housing 1 integrally or detachably connected, in a fluid-tight manner, to the head part; a plurality of deaerating hollow fibers 33, which is housed in the housing on the upstream side; and a filter element 13 housed in the housing on the downstream side of the deaerating hollow fibers. The inlet port 5 communicates with the outer surface side of the hollow fibers 33. The delivery port communicates with the downstream side of the filter element 13. The deaeration port 9 communicates with an internal passage of the hollow fibers 33.

Abstract: A hollow fiber membrane module, a hollow fiber membrane module unit using the hollow fiber membrane module, and a water treatment method using the module or the module unit enable the efficient contact of microorganisms on the surface of a membrane with a gas, the module and the unit having excellent durability. The hollow fiber membrane module is formed in such a manner that the end parts of sheet-form hollow fiber membranes are formed in a substantially rectangular shape and the end face of the anchoring member on a side where the hollow fiber membranes open is formed in a substantially circular shape. The hollow fiber membrane module unit is formed in such a manner that a plurality of modules is disposed. The water treatment method is used to purify treated water with the microorganisms adhered onto the outer surfaces of the hollow fiber membranes by using the module or the unit.

Abstract: The invention relates to a filter device, comprising at least one filter element (10), which may be housed in a filter housing (22), connected for the flow of fluid by fluid connections (30, 36) to a fluid device, in particular, in the form of a hydraulic tank (40), using a connector device (44). According to the invention, a type of plunger valve arrangement is achieved, whereby the connector device (44) is provided with at least one longitudinally-displaceable blocking piece (46), which, in the blocking position, blocks the provided fluid connection (30, 36) and, after displacement into an open position releases the same, which permits a blocking or releasing of said fluid connections in an rapid operation process, in order to carry out a filter element exchange for the used filter medium.

Abstract: A fluid filter includes a case in which an inflow path, an outflow path, and a drainage path are formed, a cap which is engaged with the case through axial rotation, a biasing device (a coil spring) which biases a filter element housed inside a casing constituted by the case and the cap toward the case side, a rotation restricting device (an abutting portion and a projecting portion) which restricts rotation of the filter element in a fastening direction when the cap is rotated relative to the case in the fastening direction, and a sealing member provided on an axial end surface side of the filter element, which seals the drainage path when the filter element is biased by the biasing device and rotation thereof is restricted by the rotation restricting device.

Abstract: An oil filter is provided which comprises a housing main body, a cover attached to the housing main body on the lower side thereof, an inner tubular member axially movably disposed in a recessed portion of the housing main body, a seal member interposed between the inner tubular member and the cover so as to provide a seal therebetween, a biasing unit for urging the inner tubular member in the direction to protrude from the recessed portion, and a filter element disposed in an oil flowing space between the housing main body and the cover, wherein when the cover is in a sate of being attached to the housing main body, the inner tubular member is pushed down into the recessed portion of the cover against a bias of the biasing unit.

Abstract: A membrane structure is provided. A membrane structure has a top surface and a bottom surface. The membrane structure includes a plurality of sintered layers including an inner layer disposed between two outer layers. The membrane structure further includes a nonmonotonic gradient in pore size extending between the top surface and the bottom surface. A method of making a membrane structure is provided. The method includes the steps of providing at least one inner layer; providing a plurality of outer layers; and laminating the inner layer and the outer layers to obtain a membrane structure.

Abstract: A system may include an article, and the article may include a membrane having pores and a surfactant in contact with the membrane. The surfactant may function as a super-spreader when in solution. The article may wet out the pores in response to contact with a fluid.

Abstract: An article includes a membrane having pores extending therethrough, and a surfactant in contact with a surface of the membrane. The surfactant may function as a superspreader when in solution. The membrane surface may wet in response to contact with a fluid. An associated method is provided.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are apparatus and methods for isolating a fraction of interest from a physiological fluid sample.