Abstract: A wood preservative that contains a copper salt complex and a precipitation inhibitor is provided. The wood preservative may contain copper carbonate, an alkanolamine such as monoethanolamine and precipitation inhibitor such as a phosphonate or ethylene diamine compound. Also provided is a method of using the wood preservative.

Abstract: An inkjet recording ink set comprising at least two inks, wherein each of the inks contains at least one dye having an anionic group, and even when any two inks in the ink set are mixed, precipitation of the dye does not occur.

Abstract: A fluorescent water base ink for ink-jet recording contains a first fluorescent dye and a second fluorescent dye. The first fluorescent dye has a first ultraviolet absorption wavelength region in an absorption spectrum and a first fluorescence emission wavelength region in a fluorescence spectrum. The second fluorescent dye has a second ultraviolet absorption wavelength region which is different from the first ultraviolet absorption wavelength region in an absorption spectrum and a second fluorescence emission wavelength region in a fluorescence spectrum. The first fluorescent dye further has an absorption wavelength region which is different from the first ultraviolet absorption wavelength region and which overlaps at least a part of the second fluorescence emission wavelength region.

Abstract: The invention detailed herein comprises a family of multifunctional acrylate oligomers which are useful as pigment grinding vehicles for use in radiation-curable coating formulations. The multifunctional acrylate resins are formed by the reaction of acrylate monomers and oligomers with ?-keto esters (e.g., acetoacetates), ?-diketones (e.g., 2,4-pentanedione), ?-keto amides (e.g., acetoacetanilide, acetoacetamide), and/or other ?-dicarbonyl compounds or Michael “donors” that can participate in the Michael addition reaction. These resin vehicles have a built-in chromophore that enables ink formulations made from their dispersions to cure under standard UV-cure conditions with significantly less photoinitiator than commercial formulations. The resins also exhibit excellent pigment wetting characteristics and can be designed to function as a single dispersion vehicle for different pigments and different ink applications such as screen, flexographic, and lithographic printing.

Abstract: A pigment dispersion composition which can be suitably applied in such fields as color filters, black matrices and ink jet recording where it is necessary to finely disperse pigments still with retention of good dispersion stability and temporal stability even when the total amount a pigment derivative, pigment intermediate, colorant derivative and colorant intermediate, and/or a pigment dispersant is small. Another object is a pigment dispersion-based resist composition which can give color filters high in permeability, excellent in contrast and causing no bleeding or black matrices high in light-shielding and insulating properties, and causing no bleeding.

Abstract: The present invention refers to an ammonobasic method for preparing a gallium-containing nitride crystal, in which gallium-containing feedstock is crystallized on at least one crystallization seed in the presence of an alkali metal-containing component in a supercritical nitrogen-containing solvent. The method can provide monocrystalline gallium-containing nitride crystals having a very high quality.

Abstract: A method of facilitating the crystallisation of a macromolecule comprising the step of adding a mesoporous glass to a crystallisation sample wherein the mesoporous glass comprises pores having diameters between 4 nm and 100 nm and has a surface area of at least 50 m2/g. A method of facilitating the crystallisation of a macromolecule comprising the step of adding to a crystallisation sample a mesoporous glass of the composition Si02; CaO—P205-SiO2 or Na20-CaO—P205-SiO2, wherein each of the Ca, P, Si or Na atoms within the compositions may be substituted with a suitable atom chosen from B, Al, Ti, Mg, or K, and, optionally, the composition may also include heavy elements to enhance X-ray diffraction contrast such as Ag, Au, Cr, Co, Sr, Ba, Pt, Ta or other atom with an atomic number over 20.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for thermally controlled processing of microelectronic workpieces with liquids. An apparatus in accordance with and embodiment of the invention includes a process vessel configured to carry a processing liquid, such as an electroless processing liquid. The vessel has a thermally transmissive wall for transferring heat to and/or from the processing liquid within. A heat transfer device, such as a reservoir that receives processing liquid spilling over from the process vessel, transfers heat to or from the processing liquid within the process vessel. The heat transfer device can also transfer heat to or from an internal or external heat source, such as a conduit carrying a heat transfer fluid, or an electrical resistance heater.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system to dispense a liquid, contained in a cartridge, onto a substrate employing a dispensing system under control of a processor in data communication with a memory.

Abstract: A gas injection apparatus for injecting a reactive gas into a reaction chamber of a semiconductor processing system includes an injector in contact with an inner surface of a wall of the reaction chamber. The injector has a plurality of nozzles through which the reactive gas is injected into the reaction chamber. A gas inlet penetrates the wall of the reaction chamber. A manifold is disposed between the wall of the reaction chamber and the injector, and supplies the reactive gas flowing through the gas inlet to the nozzles. Gas channels in the manifold are arranged on a plurality of levels to equalize the lengths of gas paths connecting the gas inlet to each of the plurality of nozzles. This configuration makes the flow rate of reactive gas supplied through each of the plurality of nozzles to the reaction chamber uniform.

Abstract: A method of cleaning a lubrication system of a machine includes removing existing lubricant and circulating a cleaning fluid through the lubrication system. After the cleaning fluid has been removed, a neutralising fluid is circulated through the lubrication system, whereby the neutralising fluid combines or reacts with the cleaning fluid to produce a fluid that does not adversely affect the lubricating qualities of fresh lubricating fluid. An apparatus (1) for carrying out the method includes first (3) and second (15) reservoirs to receive the cleaning fluid and neutralising fluid respectively, one or more connectors to connect the apparatus to the machine, one or more pumps adapted to circulate cleaning fluid and neutralising fluid and a controller to control the transfer of the cleaning fluid and neutralising fluid from the reservoirs to the machine.

Abstract: A composition for the cleaning of residues from substrates can contain from about 0.01 percent by weight to about 5 percent by weight of one or more fluoride compounds, from about 20 percent by weight to about 50 percent by weight water, from about 20 percent by weight to about 80 percent by weight of an organic amide solvent and from 0 to about 50 weight percent of an organic sulfoxide solvent. The composition can have a pH between about 7 and about 10, alternately from greater than 8 to about 10. Additionally, the composition optionally can contain corrosion inhibitors, chelating agents, surfactants, acids, and/or bases. In use of the composition, a substrate can advantageously be contacted with the composition for a time and at a temperature that permits cleaning of the substrate.

Abstract: A high-pressure processing apparatus includes a processing vessel including a processing chamber formed therein to perform a certain process onto an object in the processing chamber; fluid feeding means which feeds a high-pressure fluid into the processing chamber; fluid discharging means which discharges the high-pressure fluid from the processing chamber; an agitating unit which is arranged in the processing chamber and is operative to flow the high-pressure fluid over the object by relative rotation to the processing vessel; a communicating channel which is formed in the processing vessel to communicate inside and outside of the processing chamber; a rotary driving member which is coupled to the agitating unit via a shaft portion provided in the communicating channel; and a sealing portion which is provided between the shaft portion and the processing vessel to disconnect the processing chamber from the rotary driving member.

Abstract: Prion infectivity adsorbed onto substrates (for example, chromatographic columns used to fractionate blood plasma) is removed by treatment with 2M sodium chloride. Optionally, the substrate is further washed with 0.1 M sodium hydroxide.

Abstract: A power transmission shaft having an improved strength and ensuring a stable torsion fatigue strength. The power transmission shaft has coupling members respectively provided on the opposite ends of an pipe part made of a steel material. The steel material includes 0.30-0.45% by weight of C, 0.05-0.35% by weight of Si, 1.0-2.0% by weight of Mn, 0.05% by weight or less of Al, 0.01% by weight or less of S, and the remainder (iron Fe and unavoidable impurities). The pipe part has an electro-unite portion that extends in the axial direction. The electro-unite portion and neighborhood thereof are hardened so as to have a Rockwell hardness HRC of 45 or more. Also, another power transmission shaft has coupling members integrally formed on opposite ends thereof. In addition, the shaft is formed from a steel element tube by a plastic working.

Abstract: A steel sheet containing 0.004 to 0.02% C, 1.0% or less Si, 0.7 to 3.0% Mn, 0.02 to 0.15% P, 0.02% or less S, 0.01 to 0.1% Al, 0.004% or less N, 0.2% or less Nb, by mass %, optionally Ti, Bi or at least one element selected from the group consisting of Cr Mo, Ni and Cu, and the balance being Fe; the Nb content satisfying a formula of (12/93)×Nb*/C?1.0, wherein Nb*=Nb?(93/14)×N, and wherein C, N and Nb designate the content in mass % of carbon, nitrogen and niobium, respectively; and a yield strength and an average grain size of the ferritic grains which satisfy a formula of YP??120×d+1280, wherein YP designates yield strength in MPa, and d designates an average size of ferritic grains in ?m.

Abstract: New alloys for potential use in applications such as in lower wing skins and fuselage skins are disclosed. Specifically, Mn-free 2×24 alloys potentially suitable for thick plate and thin plate and sheet applications are believed to be novel and to provide unexpectedly superior properties.

Abstract: A high tensile strength hot-rolled steel sheet having superior strain aging hardenability, which has high formability and stable quality characteristics, and in which satisfactory strength is obtained when the steel sheet is formed into automotive components, thus enabling the reduction in weight of automobile bodies is provided. Specifically, a method for producing a high tensile strength hot-rolled steel sheet having superior strain aging hardenability with a BH of 80 MPa or more, a ?TS of 40 MPa or more, and a tensile strength of 440 MPa or more includes the steps of heating a steel slab to 1,000° C. or more, the steel slab containing, in percent by mass 0.15% or less of C, 2.0% or less of Si, 3.0% or less of Mn, 0.08% or less of P, 0.02% or less of S, 0.02% or less of Al, 0.0050% to 0.0250% of N, and optionally 0.1% or less in total of at least one of more than 0.02% to 0.1% of Nb and more than 0.02% to 0.1% of V, the ratio N (mass %)/Al (mass %) being 0.

Abstract: A multi-layer absorbent product in a preferred embodiment includes a fibrous nonwoven top sheet, a fibrous nonwoven absorbent core layer, and a fibrous nonwoven substantially water-impervious back sheet. Each component layer or sheet is manufactured at a fiberizing station (i.e., melt spinning) and laminated together at a combining station. The preferred melt spinning apparatus is spunbond for the top sheet, meltblowing for the core layer, and a combination of spunbond and meltblowing for the bottom sheet.

Abstract: A method for preparing a carbon fiber fabric impregnated with a thermoplastic plastic including providing a fabric which substantially consists of carbon fibers with a coating of an epoxy material without curing agent; bringing the fabric to a temperature in the range of 330° C. to 430° C.; and holding the fabric at the temperature for 120 to 240 minutes such that the carbon fibers remain unaffected and the epoxy material is aged or neutralized and loses its tacky character. Alternatively, the heat treatment may be carried out by bringing the fabric to a temperature of 450±70° C. for 15±5 minutes and subsequently to a temperature of 220±30° C. for 240±60 minutes. Fabrics prepared as described may be used in preparing laminates, which include a plurality of layers consisting alternately of the above-described fabric and a layer of thermoplastic plastic.

Abstract: A method to repair moisture damaged wood core boat hulls remotely identifies and repairs all wet core hull areas and optionally performs preventive maintenance on dry hull areas to restore the integrity of a fiberglass boat hull and prevent new water infiltration damage to a boat hull. The wet area repair guidelines using a surface moisture mete Any balsa cored area reading 15% or above is considered a wet area. Any wood cored area reading 20% or above is considered a wet area. The repair steps involves removing all through-hull fittings or hardware. Wet core areas are then dried out using heat lamps, lights or heaters, hot-vac systems, or octopus vacuum with grid system. If necessary, any area not drying out is de-cored and repaired accordingly. After repairs are finished, all through-hull fillings or hardware is reinstalled using new sealant.

Abstract: A tire with a changing tread pattern is formed by first forming a tire having a tread, the tread having at least one circumferential or lateral groove. Formed separately is a wearable filler, the wearable filler having a configuration corresponding to at least a portion of the circumferential or lateral groove formed in the tire. After both the tire and the wearable filler have been cured, the wearable filler is located in the radially outer portion of the circumferential or lateral groove or a portion of the circumferential or lateral groove, and secured within the grooves so as to create a groove void radially inward of the wearable filler, the void being exposed upon wear of the tire tread.

Abstract: A method of forming a molding mat formed bundles of reinforcing fibers and bonding materials is provided. The reinforcing fibers are preferably wet use chopped strand glass fibers (WUCS). The bonding materials may be any thermosetting material having a melting point less than the reinforcing fiber. The molding mat may be formed by partially opening the wet use chopped strand glass fibers and filamentizing the bonding materials, blending the reinforcement and bonding fibers, forming the reinforcement and bonding fibers into a sheet, and bonding the sheet. During bonding, the sheet is heated to a temperature above the melting point of the bonding fibers but below the temperature of the glass fibers. The molding mat thus formed may be used as a reinforcement material in sheet molding compounds.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for stretching an elastic member and applying it to an article web include a pair of wheels that rotate the elastic member. In particular, the pair of wheels engages the elastic member at an entry location on the pair of wheels and rotates the elastic member from the entry location to an exit location on the pair of wheels. In addition, an absorbent article may include at least one elastic member provided by the method and apparatus.

Abstract: An application apparatus is provided with an object supporting section including a support surface for supporting an object; a tape carrying section for rotatably carrying, in a roll form, a double-coated pressure sensitive adhesive tape with a release paper attached to one side of the tape; and a tape laying section for holding the double-coated pressure sensitive adhesive tape with the release paper, fed in a strip form from the tape carrying section, in a condition where the tape is laid on the support surface of the object supporting section with an adhesive surface of the tape to which the release paper is not attached facing outward. Further provided is a tape cutting section.

Abstract: A process and apparatus are provided for applying double-layered rigidity strips to a sealable foil web which is transported in sequences. V-shaped loops are formed at predetermined foil sections set at a distance from one another in the web transport direction. The sides of the loops are subsequently sealed together in such a way that the thus formed rigidity strips, extending transversely to the direction of transport, project collar-like from the foil web. Each foil section at which a loop is formed, a controlled auxiliary loop is arranged which serves for adaptation to changes in format regarding the distances between the foil sections. A drum, having a relatively large diameter serves as a transport roller, which drum has devices arranged around its circumference for the purpose of forming a plurality of loops and auxiliary loops.

Abstract: The invention generally relates to polymer films used as protective cover sheets for polarizer plates, a method for producing polarizing plates, and a Liquid Crystal Display employing the same. More particularly, the invention relates to a cover sheet composite having a removable, carrier substrate and a cover sheet comprising a low birefringence polymer film and a layer that promotes adhesion to polyvinyl alcohol on the same side of the carrier substrate as the low birefringence polymer film. The guarded cover sheet of the invention is less susceptible to defects due to dirt and abrasion during the manufacture of the cover sheet and polarizer plates. In addition, the cover sheet has excellent adhesion to polyvinyl alcohol-containing dichroic films and eliminates the need to alkali treat the cover sheet prior to lamination to the dichroic films.

Abstract: A process for manufacturing a headliner for the interior of an automobile comprise the steps of: introducing at least one layer intended for constituting a support and one lining layer (200) in a press (300); applying pressure and heat on the layers and thus obtaining an assembly of layers joined to one another; cutting the support (100) such that a surplus portion (102) of the support is separated from a main portion (101) of the support; applying a hot fluid on the lining layer in the area in which it is adhered to the surplus portion of the support; separating the surplus portion (102) of the support from the lining layer (200); and covering a trimmed edge (101a) with the lining layer (200).

Abstract: Method for making lignocellulosic composites by adhering lignocellulosic substrates together. A first variant of the method involves using an adhesive composition that comprises a reaction product of (i) first ingredient selected from a soy protein or lignin and (ii) at least one substantially formaldehyde-free curing agent that includes at least one amine, amide, imine, imide, or nitrogen-containing heterocyclic functional group that can react with at least one functional group of the soy protein. A second variant of the method involves using an adhesive composition that comprises a reaction product of (i) a protein or lignin, (ii) a first compound that includes at least one amine, amide, imine, imide or nitrogen-containing heterocyclic functional group that can react with at least one functional group of the protein and (iii) a curing agent.

Abstract: A pre-planarization module configured to perform a long range planarization operation is provided. The pre-planarization module includes a semiconductor substrate support configured to rotate about a first axis. The pre-planarization module also includes an annular ring having a first side with a compliant layer affixed thereto. The second side of the compliant layer is affixed to a planarizing surface. The annular ring is configured to move perpendicular and parallel to a plane associated with the substrate support. Additionally, the annular ring is configured to rotate about a second axis, where the second axis is offset from the first axis. The substrate support and the annular ring rotate in the same direction. A method for performing a planarization process and a substrate grinding device are also provided.

Abstract: Generally, a substrate support member for supporting a substrate is provided. In one embodiment, a substrate support member for supporting a substrate includes a body coupled to a lower shield. The body has an upper surface adapted to support the substrate and a lower surface. The lower shield has a center portion and a lip. The lip is disposed radially outward of the body and projects towards a plane defined by the first surface. The lip is disposed in a spaced-apart relation from the body. The lower shield is adapted to interface with an upper shield disposed in a processing chamber to define a labyrinth gap that substantially prevents plasma from migrating below the member. The lower shield, in another embodiment, provides the plasma with a short RF ground return path.

Abstract: An adjustable RF coupling ring is capable of reducing a vertical gap between a substrate and a hot edge ring in a vacuum processing chamber. The reduction of the gap reduces polymer deposits on the substrate and electrostatic chuck and improves wafer processing.

Abstract: The method is for distributing cellulose pulp that has a 2-12% consistency. A manifoid housing is in fluid communication with distributor housing. The distributor housing has holes that are distributed along a generatrix of the distribution housing. The cellulose pulp is fed into an inlet of the manifold housing. The feed screw is rotated to convey the cellulose pulp in the transverse direction through the distributor housing. The feed screw sweeps across the holes in the distributor housing to urge the cellulose pulp through the holes. The cellulose pulp is uniformly fed through the holes and then through an inlet to dewatering drums. The cellulose pulp is run between the dewatering drums and a trough to form a pulp web. The pulp web is dewatered in a press nip formed between the dewatering drums. The dewatered pulp web is collected by a feed screw.

Abstract: Carboxylic acids comprising perfluoropolyether chains, of formula: T1—CFW1—O—Rf—CFW2—T2??(I) wherein T1, T2, equal to or different from each other, are selected from the group formed of —CH2—B—Y—(COOH)n, —CH(CF3) O—Y(COOH)n, —F, —CF3, —C2F5, —(C2F4)Cl, wherein B=—O— or —S—; Y=C1—C20 alkylene chain, n=1-4; with the proviso that at least one of the two end groups T1, T2 be —CH2—B—Y—(COOH)n, —CH(CF3)O—Y(COOH)n; W1, W2, equal to or different from each other, are —F or —CF3; Rf is a (per)fluoropolyoxyalkylene chain formed of one or more repeating units, statistically distributed along the chain, having a number average molecular weight in the range 500-10,000.

Abstract: A method of forming a cellulosic web is discussed, the product of which may, for example, possess at least one of increased softness, strength, and absorbency. The method measures the total anionic charge and controls the net charge of an aqueous stream.

Abstract: An low concentration dope is fed through a nozzle into a concentrating apparatus, and flash evaporation of the low concentration dope is performed at an end of the nozzle. The low concentration dope is concentrated thereby to an concentrating dope which is contained and heated in the concentrating apparatus. Thus part of solvents of the low concentration dope and the concentrating dope is evaporated to a solvent gas. The solvent gas is cooled and condensed in a condensing section of the concentrating apparatus, and thereafter drawn through a first exit from the concentrating apparatus. The concentrating dope is concentrated to a high concentration dope, which is drawn through a second exit from the concentrating apparatus.

Abstract: A method of treating a fluorocarbon feedstock includes generating, in a high temperature zone, an electrical arc between at least one cathode and at least one anode, generating in the high temperature zone and by means of the electrical arc and a plasma gas, an upwardly burning thermal plasma having a tail flame, allowing a solid particulate fluorocarbon feedstock comprising at least on fluorocarbon compound to form a reactive thermal mixture with the thermal plasma tail flame, with the fluorocarbon compound dissociating into at least one fluorocarbon precursor or reactive species, and cooling the reactive thermal mixture to form, from the fluorocarbon precursor of reactive species, at least one more desirable fluorocarbon compound.

Abstract: An apparatus for the application of coatings in a vacuum comprising a plasma duct surrounded by a magnetic deflecting system communicating with a first plasma source and a coating chamber in which a substrate holder is arranged off of an optical axis of the plasma source, has at least one deflecting electrode mounted on one or more walls of the plasma duct. In one embodiment an isolated repelling or repelling electrode is positioned in the plasma duct downstream of the deflecting electrode where the tangential component of a deflecting magnetic field is strongest, connected to the positive pole of a current source which allows the isolated electrode current to be varied independently and increased above the level of the anode current. The deflecting electrode may serve as a getter pump to improve pumping efficiency and divert metal ions from the plasma flow.

Abstract: An electropolishing apparatus and method are provided for polishing stents and other medical implants. The apparatus includes a motor that rotates a roller. The roller continuously rotates the medical implant to be electropolished. One of the advantages of the apparatus and method is that marks generated around the electrical contact between the anode and the medical implant are minimized. In addition, the medical implant is polished more evenly than conventional electropolishing systems.

Abstract: A composite proton exchange membrane and method of manufacturing the same. The composite proton exchange membrane comprises a proton exchange membrane which has been modified by replacing membrane protons in desired areas of the membrane with a cationic polymer. The cationic polymer is preferably formed by introducing a quaternary salt monomer into the membrane and then effecting the polymerization of the monomer. The modified areas of the proton exchange membrane exhibit increased strength, reduced water and gas permeability, reduced proton conductivity and reduced acidity. Accordingly, by modifying the periphery of the membrane, one can obtain an integral sealing edge for the membrane, and by modifying certain interior regions of the membrane, one can divide the membrane into a plurality of sealed segments.

Abstract: NOx sensor element of oxygen-ion conductive solid electrolyte body 15; flow passage (7, 5, 8, 6) provided within the body for introducing analyte gas; oxygen partial pressure detection cell 3; first oxygen pump cell 1 for controlling oxygen partial pressure of the gas in the flow passage; and nitrogen oxides detection cell 2 for decomposing nitrogen oxides in the gas having a controlled oxygen partial pressure and for causing dissociated oxygen to migrate through the solid electrolyte body (see FIG. 1). Operational amplifier 22b is connected between the nitrogen oxides detection cell 2 and a 12 V battery power source to generate a voltage applied to the nitrogen oxides detection cell 2; and diode 22d connected to a point between the operational amplifier 22b and the nitrogen oxides detection cell. The diode clamps the voltage to an activation voltage higher than the measurement voltage during activation.

Abstract: A method for depositing a coating of a nanostructure material onto a substrate includes: (1) forming a solution or suspension of containing the nanostructure material; (2) selectively adding “chargers” to the solution; (3) immersing electrodes in the solution, the substrate upon which the nanostructure material is to be deposited acting as one of the electrodes; (4) applying a direct and/or alternating current electrical field between the two electrodes for a certain period of time thereby causing the nanostructure materials in the solution to migrate toward and attach themselves to the substrate electrode; and (5) subsequent optional processing of the coated substrate.

Abstract: A dual contact ring for contacting a patterned surface of a wafer and electrochemical plating of a metal on the patterned central region of the wafer and removing the metal from the outer, edge region of the wafer. The dual contact ring has an outer voltage ring in contact with the outer, edge region of the wafer and an inner voltage ring in contact with the inner, central region of the wafer. The outer voltage ring is connected to a positive voltage source and the inner voltage ring is connected to a negative voltage source. The inner voltage ring applies a negative voltage to the wafer to facilitate the plating of metal onto the patterned region of the wafer. A positive voltage is applied to the wafer through the outer voltage ring to remove the plated metal from the outer, edge region of the substrate.

Abstract: The invention includes a method of forming a material which comprises at least two elements. More specifically, the method comprises providing an electrolytic cell comprising a cathode, an anode, and an electrolytic solution extending between the cathode and anode. A metallic product is electrolytically formed within the electrolytic cell. The forming of the metallic product comprises primarily electrorefining of a first element of the at least two elements and primarily electrowinning of a second element of the at least two elements. The invention also includes a mixed metal product comprising at least two elements, such as a product comprising tantalum and titanium.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for contaminant separation utilizes an interleaved array of oppositely charged electrode plates for fluid treatment. Spacing between the parallel electrode plates is graduated so that the volume of the cavities between the opposing electrodes provides varying levels of treatment of a broad range of contaminants from a variety of fluid columns. A fluid flow path extending substantially orthogonal to the direction of the electrical field established between opposing electrode plates provides a feed stream with exposure to the varying levels of electrical charges between the electrode plates. The method and apparatus provide an effective means of contaminant separation by a device having a small footprint and requiring low amounts of electrical energy.

Abstract: Dielectric fluids comprising oil fractions derived from highly paraffinic wax are provided. Further provided are processes for making these dielectric fluids comprising oil fractions derived from highly paraffinic wax. The dielectric fluids are useful as insulating and cooling mediums in new and existing power and distribution electrical apparatus, such as transformers, regulators, circuit breakers, switchgear, underground electrical cables, and attendant equipment.

Abstract: This invention relates to a process for production of middle distillates having biodegradability properties. More particularly, this invention relates to a process for production of middle distillates produced from a mainly paraffinic synthetic crude which is produced by the reaction of CO and H2, typically by the Fischer-Tropsch (FT) process. The middle distillate produced according to the process of the invention may be a diesel fuel, having an aromatics content of less than 9%, as determined by the ASTM D 5186 or IP 391 test method. The paraffinic chains of the middle distillate may be predominantly isoparaffins.

Abstract: A low-viscosity, high-softening point heavy hydrocarbon material having a viscosity-reducing amount of at least one biodiesel material dissolved in a heavy hydrocarbon, and a method for producing such low-viscosity, high-softening point heavy hydrocarbon material are disclosed.

Abstract: A process is disclosed for the production of refinery transportation fuel or components for refinery blending of transportation fuels having a reduced amount of sulfur and/or nitrogen-containing impurities. The process involves contacting a hydrocarbon feedstock containing the above impurities with an immiscible phase containing hydrogen peroxide and acetic acid in an oxidation zone to selectively oxidize the impurities. After a gravity phase separation, the hydrocarbon phase containing any remaining oxidized impurities, is passed to an extraction zone wherein aqueous acetic acid is used to extract a portion of any remaining oxidized impurities. A hydrocarbon stream having reduced impurities can then be recovered. The acetic acid phase effluents from the oxidation and the extraction zones can then be passed to a common separation zone for recovery of the acetic acid and for optional recycle back to the oxidation and extraction zones.

Abstract: Single-use long-life faucet mounted water filtration devices are disclosed. A bathroom water filtration device having two outlets for filtered water is disclosed. Additionally, a fountain head is included for use in the bathroom water filtration device. The water filtration device is of unibody construction formed by ultrasonically welding certain parts thereof together. Since the devices disclosed are disposable, no filter replacement or other maintenance is performed. A gate, magnet(s), sensor and electronics provide an indication of filter performance enabling disposal of the water filtration device and installation of a new device. A kitchen water filtration device is larger than the bathroom device. Both the kitchen and bathroom water filtration devices are small and are mounted behind the faucet connection so as to facilitate full utilization of the sink or wash basin.