Abstract: A method of treating water which comprises, forming a mixture of a particulate natural organic substrate with a flow control component, exposing the water to contact with oxygen containing gas over a large surface area, and causing the water to trickle through a column of the mixture, wherein the particulate natural organic substrate is adapted to support growth of aerobic bacteria and the flow control component is adapted to create a plurality of sinuous pathways for the water trickling through the column.

Abstract: High flow, low-pressure ultrafiltration or microfiltration spiral wound membrane cartridges are used in filtration of liquid feedstocks having high suspended solids. Applications may utilize either vacuum or pumping for transmembrane drive pressure (TMP), and gas may optionally be bubbled up through the cartridges with certain feedstocks. Water permeate flux rates as high as 90 gallons per square foot per day (gfd) can be obtained at TMPs below 5 pounds per square inch. By locating each spiral wound cartridge in its own casing and supplying liquid feedstock to an open lower end of the casing, as opposed to submerging such cartridges in a tank filled with feedstock, overall low pressure performance is greatly improved. High permeate flow can be maintained for long periods of time between shutdowns for intensive cleaning.

Abstract: Described is a disposable valve that includes an actuation layer operationally linked to a flexible diaphragm; a valving layer operationally linked to the flexible diaphragm; and a connection layer operationally connected to the valving layer; wherein the valving layer and the connection layer have a corresponding plurality of channels passing therethrough, and the channels define at least one fluid flow path, and the flexible diaphragm is movable between a first open position wherein fluid can flow through the fluid flow path, and a second closed position wherein fluid cannot flow through the fluid flow path. Chromatographic systems incorporating a plurality of such valves, optionally integrated into a unitary valve block, are also described.

Abstract: Optically active maleimide derivatives of the formula: (where the various substituents are as defined in the description) are used as separating media for separating optical isomers and geometrical isomers such as by high performance liquid chromatography.

Abstract: A container for removing particulates and/or contaminants, including impure compounds and elements from fluid to be treated is provided. The container can include a compartment within which a volume of fluid to be treated may be received, a chamber into which a volume of treated fluid from the compartment may be accommodated, a cover for placement across an upper end of the container, so as to prevent fluid from within the chamber from spilling, and a porous matrix, positioned within the compartment and having a nanostructured adsorption material for trapping and retaining, within its pores, particles and contaminants in the fluid. A method for removing particulates and contaminants is also provided.

Abstract: A separation medium, a method for using that separation medium and an apparatus for selectively extracting multivalent cations such as pseudo-lanthanide, prelanthanide, lanthanide, preactinide or actinide cations from an aqueous acidic sample solution is described. The separation medium is preferably free-flowing and comprises particles having a diglycolamide (DGA) extractant dispersed onto an inert, porous support.

Abstract: The present invention provides a multiple bed-type condensate demineralization method and apparatus for the method that are able to provide an improved treated water quality in ammonia operation by substantially reducing the cross contamination ratio during resin regeneration from the current cross contamination ratio. In the method of condensate demineralization using ion-exchange resin in a multiple-bed regime, condensate is passed through a resin layer having a multiple-bed structure in which an anion resin layer and a layer of a uniform particle size strong acid gel-type cation resin with a 10% to 16% degree of crosslinking, divided by a partition in such a manner that they do not mix with each other, are combined in alternation.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compounds and methods for removing metals, e.g., ionic cobalt from an electroless plating operation, preferably to levels less than 5 ppm. The metals can then be either landfilled or regenerated for electrowinning and reuse. The invention utilizes an ion exchange media comprised of a silica backbone and functionalized with phosphonate groups.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for treating radioactive waste water containing contaminating ions, colloids and suspended solids having like (usually negative) charges preventing their precipitation. An electric current is passed through the waste water in an EC assembly to cause electro-coagulation of the contaminants and anodes of this assembly are made of a metal that dissolves to provide cations for neutralizing the negative charges and forming precipitates containing neutralized contaminants. Precipitates are then separated from waste water by an electro-magnetic or other filtering unit. The water pH and conductivity may be adjusted before the EC assembly and additives may be introduced into its effluent for enlargement of precipitate particles, improvement of filtration, improvement of dewaterability, and/or enhancement of magnetism.

Abstract: A system, method and apparatus employing the laminar nature of fluid flows in microfluidic flow devices in separating, sorting or filtering colloidal and/or cellular particles from a suspension in a microfluidic flow device is disclosed. The microfluidic flow device provides for separating a particle within a suspension flow in a microfluidic flow chamber. The chamber includes a microfluidic channel comprising at least one inlet port for receiving a suspension flow under laminar conditions, a first outlet port and a second outlet port. The chamber further includes an interface for translating a particle within the channel. The first outlet port receives a first portion of the suspension exiting the said channel and the second outlet port receives the particle in a second portion of the suspension exiting the channel.

Abstract: A method of reclaiming a well completion brine solution by using an organic chelant that is capable of discriminating between (i) iron and non-zinc heavy metals; and (ii) calcium and zinc. The chelant contains a functional group selected from the group —CO2H or —PO(R21)R20 or a salt or ester thereof, —C(O)—, —OE, —SE, —N?C(R2)R3, EO—N?C(R2)R3, —N(R2)R3, and —N(C(O)R1)R2 group optionally substituted with a —COOH or —PO(R21)R20 or a salt or ester thereof, —SE or —OE group, wherein R2 and R3 are independently selected from E or forms, with nitrogen, phosphorous, oxygen or sulfur, a heterocyclic ring; E is R1 or —H; R1 is a C1-C30 alkyl or aralkyl group or a derivative thereof and R20 and R21 are independently selected from —OH, —OR1 and R1.

Abstract: A submersible reservoir management system for large water reservoirs comprising a submersible pump assembly including a frame that is removably attached to the pump assembly. The frame stabilizes the pump assembly when it is submerged and floating and supports the pump assembly when it is resting on the bottom of the reservoir. The frame can comprise a base and struts or, alternatively, a tripod. One or more ballast tanks can be mounted onto the frame with the submersible pump is positioned between the ballast tanks. Water is used as ballast to submerge the system so that it rests on the bottom of the reservoir. The submersible pump assembly adds disinfecting chemical when necessary to control water quality and produces a jet stream to provide circulation of the chemicals and temperature uniformity within the reservoir.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for inhibiting biogenic sulfide formation in an aqueous system, which include adding to the aqueous system an effective amount for the purpose of a combination of a chlorate compound and a nitrate compound. The invention includes utilizing the enhanced effect resulting from combining inorganic oxidizing chemicals for superior prevention of biogenic sulfide formation in wastewater systems.

Abstract: A method for dissolving oxygen into water comprised of diffusing oxygen in small, fine bubbles at the bottom of a water column in a closed vessel, building headspace pressure above the water column in the vessel, and circulating the oxygen from the headspace continuously till the desired oxygen dissolved concentrate of water is obtained. An apparatus for dissolving oxygen into water, comprised of an enclosed vessel, porous metallic diffusers, an agitator, a rotary hollow-shaft extending till the bottom end of the water column, a venturi slot on the hollow-shaft configured to stay above the water level, and a disc at the bottom end of the rotary hollow-shaft.

Abstract: A water purification method and devices, and in particular a purification method effective against microbes, that uses a silane-based antimicrobial, and in particular the AEGIS MICROBE SHIELD antimicrobial, where the antimicrobial is embedded, coated, or otherwise permanently applied to a substrate or carrier, such as a solid, a porous solid, fibers or the like. A volume of microbe contaminated water is exposed to the antimicrobial carrier for sufficient residence time such that sufficient quantities of microbes are eradicated and the water is made potable. The antimicrobial carrier may be an object suspended or placed into a container or reservoir for the water, or the antimicrobial carrier may comprise the container or reservoir itself. Particulate filters or the like may also be combined with the antimicrobial container to remove other undesirable contaminants.

Abstract: A support and method for supporting equipment within a rack system regardless of its design is disclosed. The base of the support includes a surface capable of supporting the equipment reducing unintended movement of the equipment. Brackets capable of being securely attached to the rack system, regardless of whether it is two-post or four-post in design, are associated with the base of the support. The method of the present invention comprises the steps of selecting a design of rack system, attaching the support of the present system, and placement of the equipment to be supported.

Abstract: A storage rack for retaining items to be dried, which can be used in conjunction with a drain basin, such as a sink, or as a stand alone system is disclosed. The rack includes a support body having a bottom surface, a plurality of side surfaces, and a plurality of foot members extending from the body in a direction opposite the side surfaces. The rack also includes three detachable basins: two side basins and a lower drain basin. The lower basin includes a flexible spout extending beyond an edge, the spout being capable of movement between a downward position extending below the surface of the basin and an upward position extending the spout above the surface of the basin.

Abstract: An apparatus for transporting a storage media cartridge within a data storage library is disclosed. The apparatus includes a first pair of rack and guide rail, a second pair of rack and guide rail, and an accessor capable of moving on the first pair of rack and guide rail or the second pair of rack and guide rail. The first pair of rack and guide rail is located orthogonally from the second pair of rack and guide rail. Located at an intersection between the first pair of rack and guide rail and the second pair of rack and guide rail, a turn plate may change a moving direction of the accessor. The turn plate includes two racks and four guide rails with a conical shaped rack tooth located at an intersection of the two racks.

Abstract: A decorator storage and display system, wherein an assortment of decorative and interchangeable peg-based support members enables the inexpensive creation a customizable unit capable of receiving, supporting, and displaying a variety of artifacts and/or accessories, wherein the peg-based support members facilitate quick, flat surface installation.

Abstract: A compartmented, stackable and nestable system bin includes a bottom having a rear wall, opposed end walls and a front wall integrally connected thereto. A plurality of spaced divider walls separate the bin into a plurality of compartments. A plurality of notches are formed in a top of each of the divider walls and the end walls and a plurality of grooves are formed in the underside or bottom of each of the compartments with sets of notches on the top of the bin being in vertical alignment with sets of grooves on the bottom of the compartments. The notches of a system bin receive a pair of dowels which support an upper system bin of identical construction when the upper system bin is in stacked relation thereon and the grooves of a system bin receive a pair of dowels positioned in notches on a lower system bin of identical construction when the system bin is in stacked relation on the lower system bin.

Abstract: A foldable set of shelves, comprising a plurality of shelves for supporting items such as books or leaflets, and at least one support element intersecting each shelf and being pivotably arranged thereto so as to form an X-shaped structure with the shelf, whereby the set of shelves is foldable from a display position to a storage position by adjusting a distance between two adjacent arms of said X-shaped structure. The support element comprises a bar running through said shelf so as to accomplish the pivotable arrangement.

Abstract: A display device for displaying one or more ribbon awards having a clip portion, the display device having a frame with a closed perimeter formed by a pair of oppositely disposed vertical members and a pair of oppositely disposed horizontal members, each of the vertical members having an inner vertical edge, and one or more rods extending between said vertical members that are adapted to receive the clip portion on each of the one or more ribbon awards to support and display the awards in the frame.

Abstract: A support rack for a bathroom includes a first support frame, a second support frame, a plurality of guide tenons, and a plurality of placement rods. Thus, the second end of each of the placement rods is inserted into the respective mounting recess of the second support frame by guidance of the respective guide tenon, so that each of the placement rods is mounted between the first support frame and the second support frame easily and rapidly, thereby facilitating a user mounting the support rack. In addition, the second end of each of the placement rods is clamped between the respective mounting recess and the respective guide tenon so that each of the placement rods is positioned rigidly and stably, thereby preventing the placement rods from detaching from the second support frame.

Abstract: The systems and methods of the present invention provide support for a holster mounting into which the vertical support of a portable hoist assembly is inserted. Disclosed is a saddle mount for the holster mounting usable on the top of a wall. Also disclosed is a floor supported base and cart assembly for the holster mounting.

Abstract: The invention aims to provide an artificial nipple for a nursing bottle which permits close fitting of the nipple to the sucking fossa of an infant while avoiding deformation of the nipple while providing a form that is similar to a human nipple, and which can prevent the upper and lower sides of the nipple from contacting each other during peristalsis-like movements. In view of this, the present invention provides an artificial nipple for a nursing bottle having: a nipple top part having at its tip a dispensing hole for dispensing a liquid drink; and an artificial nipple body which is continuous to the nipple top part, and whose diameter and wall thickness are greater than those of the nipple top part. The artificial nipple is made of a flexible material.

Abstract: A simplified, Insulated Bottle (5), characterized by the combination of a portable, rigid polymer, standable Receptacle enclosing an adapted, removable, reusable, closure-capped polymer Bottle, said Receptacle comprising a single walled, cylindric, hollow, first end open, second end closed, integrally ribbed inwardly vertically, outer formed Body (8), united with an adapted, hollow, single walled, flat based, shorter Upper Cup (9), said Bottle being a blow moulded, narrow neck threaded, horizontally outwardly ribbed Bottle (6) closed with an adapted, top flat, reusable, threaded Closure Cap (7), said closure capped Bottle being stored in a standing, base (12) resting, body (11) mostly spaces apart, top (15) kept down by said Body secured said Upper Cup, horizontal movement restrained manner, said Bottle's maximum external width (14) being less than least internal widths (19) (23) of said Body and said Upper Cup, said Receptacle being fully opaque with incorporated or applied reflectivity or, fully clear, said

Abstract: It is an object of the present invention to provide a container in which it is difficult for liquid to drip at a mouth portion having a good touch sensation by forming a structure in which a welded portion that was laser welded in a sealed container does not form a flange, and to carry out the achievement of making polymer material unnecessary and making excessive material in the seaming portion unnecessary. Further, it is also an object to construct the lid and barrel of the vessel by using the same material, thereby facilitating the recycling of material.

Abstract: The method comprises a) an extrusion stage wherein a extruded tube made of a thermoplastic material is formed by extrusion with the aid of an extrusion die having a diameter D0, a slit width E0 and a section S0; b) a stage wherein the extruded tube is radially expanded in order to form a radially expanded tube having a diameter D2, a thickness E2 and corresponding section of area S1; c) a truncating stage wherein the expanded tube is broken down into tube portions; d) a stage in which the tube portions are formed in such a way that a heat-shrinkable cap is obtained and in which an axial drawing stage is incorporated, between extrusion stage a) and expansion stage b), at the output of the extrusion die, in order to obtain an axially drawn tube having a diameter D1 which is typically smaller than D0 and D2, and a thickness E1 which is typically lower than E0, such that S0/S1 typically ranges between 2 and 10.

Abstract: This invention relates to closures for containers, and more particularly to tamper-evident closures for containers. One aspect of the invention provides a container and a closure for connection to said container, said closure including: an upper wall (102), a skirt (104) formed integrally with and extending downwardly from said upper wall, said skirt adapted to engage with a neck portion of the container to secure the closure to the container; a tamper-evident band (110) frangibly connected to said skirt; the neck (10) of the container including a plurality of discretely spaced projections (18) extending outwardly from said neck and adapted to engage with tabs (122) on said tamper-evident band to facilitate breaking of the band (110) from the skirt of the closure.

Abstract: A cap (10) including a transverse end wall (12) and a skirt (14) is disclosed. The skirt (14) is divided by a line of weakening (24, 26) into a main part (22) and a band (20). At least the band (20) is of heat shrinkable material. When the band is heated after fitting to the container (18) it pulls in under a bead (36) which encircles the container's neck.

Abstract: A bottle cap with a lock has a hollow barrel, a plug received into the hollow barrel, a ring provided under the plug, and a fastener. When a bottle neck is mounted with the bottle cap with the lock and the plug rotates relative to the hollow barrel via a key, the fastener slides upwardly adjacent to the plug thereby compressing against the ring to expand to lock the bottle. When rotating the key backwardly, the fastener slides downwardly opposed to the plug thereby the ring being shrunk to get back to an original status so that the ring and the fastener can be taken off from the plug easily for cleaning.

Abstract: A container (1) is intended for filling with a hot liquid (21). The container (1) has a neck finish (2) with an opening closed off by a primary seal (4) which has an expandable side wall (4a). As the liquid (21) cools, the side wall (4a) is drawn into the container (1) to remove vacuum pressure created within the container (1). A permanent cap (25) can provide a secondary seal for the container and define a secondary headspace (24b) between the primary and secondary seals (4) (25). In other embodiments the seal (4) can be replaced by a mechanically movable seal which may be locked in its downward position. Also the secondary seal can be provided with a port or aperture to provide access into the secondary headspace for a commodity.

Abstract: A method is provided. The method includes forming a conductive layer on an inner surface of a substrate and providing a sacrificial layer over the conductive layer. The method includes forming a plurality of channels in the sacrificial layer and plating the sacrificial layer to substantially fill the plurality of channels with a plating material comprising conducting material. The method also includes etching the sacrificial layer to form a conducting structure having fins where conducting material remains separated by microchannels where the sacrificial layer is etched.

Abstract: A method is provided for creating a plurality of substantially uniform nano-scale features in a substantially parallel manner in which an array of micro-lenses is positioned on a surface of a substrate, where each micro-lens includes a hole such that the bottom of the hole corresponds to a portion of the surface of the substrate. A flux of charged particles, e.g., a beam of positive ions of a selected element, is applied to the micro-lens array. The flux of charged particles is focused at selected focal points on the substrate surface at the bottoms of the holes of the micro-lens array. The substrate is tilted at one or more selected angles to displace the locations of the focal points across the substrate surface. By depositing material or etching the surface of the substrate, several substantially uniform nanometer sized features may be rapidly created in each hole on the surface of the substrate in a substantially parallel manner.

Abstract: A semiconductor device includes a bundle of wiring lines arranged in parallel and connected to a macro cell to transfer a same signal; and a bridge wiring line configured to bridge adjacent ones of the wiring lines of the bundle. Wiring line resistances between ends of the adjacent wiring lines in the macro cell and nodes of the bridge wiring line with the adjacent two wiring lines are different from each other.

Abstract: A method of fabricating an inkjet printhead.

Abstract: The invention is directed to an etching method. The etching method comprises steps of providing a material layer having a patterned hard mask layer formed thereon and then performing a first dry etching process by using the patterned hard mask layer as a mask, wherein a first power mode of the first dry etching process is a pulse mode and the first dry etching process is performed for a first process time. A second dry etching process is performed by using the patterned hard mask layer as a mask, wherein a second power mode of the second dry etching process is a continued wave mode and the second dry etching process is performed for a second process time, and the ratio of the first process time to the second process time is about 0.1˜2.0.

Abstract: A device and method for controlling the temperature of a plasma chamber inside wall or other surfaces exposed to the plasma by a plurality of temperature control systems. A plasma process within the plasma chamber can be controlled by independently controlling the temperature of segments of the wall or other surfaces.

Abstract: The method for generating radicals comprises: feeding F2 gas or a mixed gas of F2 gas and an inert gas into a chamber of which the inside is provided with a carbon material, supplying a carbon atom from the carbon material by applying a target bias voltage to the carbon material, and thereby generating high density radicals, wherein the ratio of CF3 radical, CF2 radical and CF radical is arbitrarily regulated by controlling the target bias voltage applied to the carbon material while measuring the infrared absorption spectrum of radicals generated inside the chamber.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a plasma etching method by which both of a requirement for a trench shape and a requirement for a aspect ratio can be satisfied, and a trench having a side wall of a smooth shape can be formed. According to the present invention, a silicon substrate is placed on a lower electrode (120), etching gas is supplied through a gas introducing port (140) and exhausted from an exhaust port (150), high frequency powers (130a, 130b) supply high-frequency electricity to an upper electrode (110) and a lower electrode (120), respectively, in order to energize the etching gas into plasma state, using an ICP method, and then activated species are generated to make etching of the silicon substrate be progressed. As the etching gas, mixed gas, which includes mainly SF6 gas added with O2 gas and He gas, is used.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods adapted to polish an edge of a substrate include a polishing film, a frame adapted to tension and load the polishing film so that at least a portion of the film is supported in a plane, and a substrate rotation driver adapted to rotate a substrate against the plane of the polishing film such that the polishing film is adapted to apply force to the substrate, contour to an edge of the substrate, the edge including at least an outer edge and a first bevel, and polish the outer edge and the first bevel as the substrate is rotated. Numerous other aspects are provided.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods adapted to polish an edge of a substrate include a polishing film, a frame adapted to tension and load the polishing film so that at least a portion of the film is supported in a plane, and a substrate rotation driver adapted to rotate a substrate against the plane of the polishing film such that the polishing film is adapted to apply force to the substrate, contour to an edge of the substrate, the edge including at least an outer edge and a first bevel, and polish the outer edge and the first bevel as the substrate is rotated. Numerous other aspects are provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides an improved method of resistance welding comprising the steps of contacting a metal sheet with an electrode having an initial contact surface area at a force to provide a pressure to the metal sheet; applying a current through the electrode to the metal sheet; measuring dimensional changes of the electrode; correlating dimensional changes in the electrode to changes in the initial contact surface area; and adjusting the force to compensate for the changes in the initial contact surface area of the electrode to maintain pressure to the metal sheet. The force may be adjusted by stepping the force to maintain pressure to the faying surface of the metal sheet to be welded. By maintaining the pressure at the faying surface the life cycle of the electrodes may be increased without forming discrepant welds. The current may also be stepped to further extend electrode life.

Abstract: A welding torch includes a torch body and a torch head, the torch head having a plurality of torch tips arranged in a dense array.

Abstract: The invention relates to a spot welding gun (1) for resistance welding of workpieces (1a), comprising a base body (2) and a bracket (3), in which electrode holders (6) are arranged, the electrodes (7) being in turn arranged in said holders, wherein at least one electrode holder (6) is fixed to an actuation means (5) that makes it possible for the electrode holder (6) fixed thereto with the electrode (7) to be displaced in longitudinal direction towards other electrodes (7). In order to protect the electrodes (7), a winding device (9) with a band (8) is arranged, said band (8) being displaceably arranged between the contact surface of the electrode (7) and the workpiece (1a) opposite the electrode (7). The winding device (9) assigned to the displaceable electrode (7) is connected to the displaceable electrode (7) in such a way that it moves at the same time as the electrode (7) when the latter is moved in longitudinal direction.

Abstract: A weld stud includes a cylindrical body having an outer surface and opposing first and second ends. At least one groove is formed in the outer surface of the cylindrical body. The groove extends helically about the cylindrical body from the first end toward the second end of the cylindrical body. A thread is formed on the cylindrical body and extends longitudinally from the first end towards the second end of the cylindrical body. The thread projects radially outward from the cylindrical body.

Abstract: A method of making an electronic device cooling system includes forming a thermally conductive layer on an inner surface of the substrate and laser ablating the thermally conductive layer to form microchannels.

Abstract: A non-contact carrying device 10 holds and carries a carried object W in front of a carrying head 12 without making the carried object contact with the carrying head 12. A gas supplying surface 18 in which an opening portion of a gas supplying hole 19 is formed, an annular holding surface 21 projected rather than the gas supplying surface, and a gas guiding surface 22 smoothly connecting the gas supplying surface 18 with the holding surface 21 are formed in a tip surface of the carrying head 12. A nozzle 24 mounted on the carrying head 12 is provided with a base portion 24a mounted on the carrying head 12 and a disk portion 24b facing to the gas supplying surface 18 and forming an annular slit 25 for discharging gas between the gas supplying surface and the disk portion. Since the nozzle 24 is moved in an axial direction with respect to the carrying head 12 by a screw member 35, width of the slit 25 can be changed.

Abstract: A solder ball placement system including a singulation unit and bond head for delivery of solder balls to a chip or substrate is disclosed. The bond head includes a tool tip configured to conduct electricity at a rate sufficient to prevent charge buildup but not at so high a rate as to overload a device being bonded to the substrate or chip.

Abstract: An apparatus for cutting a planar medical component having a first surface and a second surface, comprising a clamp for fixing the component and applying a tensile force, a support having a surface having a hole therein, the upper surface disposed proximate the second surface of the component, and a cutting device having a cutting head disposed proximate the support and facing the first surface, wherein the support is configured to move along the plane of the component relative to the clamp and the cutting device cutting head is configured to hold position relative to the support.