Abstract: Vaporization chambers (distillation “pots”) are disclosed in which the liquid contained in such a pot is heated and circulated to establish thermal uniformity of the liquid and to route the circulated liquid past a thermally conductive member that contacts the liquid. The thermally conductive member extends from a location on a wall of the pot in a portion of the pot that holds the liquid as the liquid is being heated in the pot and conducts thermal energy directly from the liquid to a location outside the pot corresponding to the location on the wall. The pot desirably is divided into an upper portion and lower portion, wherein the liquid circulates from the lower portion to the upper portion and from the upper portion to the lower portion during heating. During this circulation, bubbles formed in the liquid can be routed into the upper portion in a manner resulting in fracture of the bubbles and recovery of liquid entrained in the bubbles, thereby preventing foam accumulation in the pot.

Abstract: A method for collecting acrylic acid is provided, which includes the step of collecting acrylic acid using an aqueous medium from a reaction gas containing acrylic acid obtained by catalytic vapor-phase oxidation of propane, propylene, and/or acrolein, the step being conducted so as to satisfy the following formula (1) (B/A)<1.25 (1) wherein A represents a weight fraction of acrylic acid to all condensable ingredients in the reaction gas before collecting acrylic acid and B represents a weight fraction of acrylic acid in bottoms of a collection device used in the step of collecting. According to the method, acrylic acid can be efficiently collected from the reaction gas containing acrylic acid obtained by catalytic vapor-phase oxidation.

Abstract: The invention pertains to a device for the condensation of water from an aqueous liquid by using a temperature gradient, which device includes: (a) a vapor chamber that can be brought in contact with a condensation compartment wherein at least part of the water vapor from the aqueous liquid condenses, and wherein inside of said vapor chamber is located (b) an evaporation compartment having a least a wall with an outer surface and which includes a closed, hollow and water permeable membrane wherein the vapor chamber has an outer surface that includes a substantially water-impermeable insulation skirt with an inner and an outer surface, such that there is a gap between the inner surface of the insulation skirt and the outer surface of the evaporation compartment, and wherein the vapor chamber has a lower surface of an active width (w) which is at least 10% of the effective diameter (d) of the evaporation compartment.

Abstract: A plurality of processing chambers are connected to a common chamber (103 in FIG. 1), and they comprehend a processing chamber for oxidation (107), a processing chamber for solution application (108), a processing chamber for baking (109), and processing chambers for vapor-phase film formation (110, 111). Owing to a thin-film forming apparatus of such construction, it is permitted to fabricate an EL (electroluminescence) element employing a high-molecular EL material, without touching the open air. Thus, an EL display device of high reliability can be fabricated.

Abstract: There is provided electrochemical biosensors with a sample introducing part, comprising a sample introducing passage, an air discharge passage, and a void. The sample introducing passage communicates with the air discharge passage, and the void is formed at the point of communication. Also, disclosed is the electrochemical biosensor with the said sample introducing part and a fluidity determining electrode.

Abstract: A gas sensor is for determining at least one physical quantity of a gas, e.g., an exhaust gas of an internal combustion engine, the gas sensor having a sensor element that is fixed in a housing of the gas sensor by a seal assembly. The seal assembly includes a sealing element, which has a ceramic and/or a metallic material. After the heat treatment, the sealing element has a maximum decrease in volume of 5 percent, or an increase in volume, based on the volume of the sealing element prior to the heat treatment.

Abstract: The invention relates to an air/fuel ratio detection apparatus. This apparatus includes (a) a heater portion having an elongate cylindrical shape and heating by applying electricity thereto from outside; (b) a solid electrolyte layer surrounding the heater portion and being activated by heat to conduct oxygen ions therethrough; (c) first and second electrodes in contact with the solid electrolyte layer and being away from each other such that pumping voltage is applied by the first and second electrodes to the solid electrolyte layer; (d) a reference electrode for outputting an air/fuel ratio detection signal, the reference electrode being formed on the solid electrolyte layer and being away from the first and second electrodes; and (e) a diffusion layer made of a porous material and surrounding periphery of the solid electrolyte layer to cover the first and second electrodes and the reference electrode.

Abstract: In an oxygen sensor that measures a limiting current of when a voltage is applied between pumping electrodes, and also performs a rich/lean judgment based on an electromotive force generated between one of the pumping electrodes and a reference electrode, an oxygen supply voltage for supplying oxygen to the reference electrode is applied, and the reference electrode is covered with a dense layer.

Abstract: An oxygen sensor includes a solid polymer electrolyte, e.g., on an acid treated Nafion membrane and uses a diffusion-limited fuel cell type reactions. The sensor avoids electrolyte leakage and avoids consumption of electrodes. In different configurations, a counter or reference electrode can be on the same or the opposite side of the electrolyte as a sensing electrode. An insert limits and controls oxygen diffusion into a sensing chamber containing the sensing electrode that catalyzes reduction of oxygen. Applying appropriate bias voltages to the reference and sensing electrodes causes an output current of the sensing electrode to be proportional to the rate of oxygen consumption based on Frick's law under a diffusion-limited mode. The output current can be measured, e.g., using a resistor to convert the current to a voltage signal.

Abstract: A microfluidic device comprises pumps, valves, and fluid oscillation dampers. In a device employed for sorting, an entity is flowed by the pump along a flow channel through a detection region to a junction. Based upon an identity of the entity determined in the detection region, a waste or collection valve located on opposite branches of the flow channel at the junction are actuated, thereby routing the entity to either a waste pool or a collection pool. A damper structure may be located between the pump and the junction. The damper reduces the amplitude of oscillation pressure in the flow channel due to operation of the pump, thereby lessening oscillation in velocity of the entity during sorting process. The microfluidic device may be formed in a block of elastomer material, with thin membranes of the elastomer material deflectable into the flow channel to provide pump or valve functionality.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the qualitative and/or quantitative analysis of a protein and/or peptide pattern of a liquid sample that is derived from the human or animal body. The proteins and peptides of the liquid sample are separated by capillary electrophoresis, then directly ionized and transferred for analysis online via an interface to a mass spectrometer coupled thereto.

Abstract: A capillary array assembly is provided that can be used to inject samples into an electrophoresis device. The capillary array assembly can include an injection end that can be arranged to interface with output wells of a fluid processing device, for example, a microfluidic card-type device.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, stable electroosmotic flow systems and methods for designing the same are disclosed. The invention provides electroosmotic flow systems comprising electroosmotic flow elements, including bridge elements, that have matching flux ratios, i.e., when two or more elements of an electroosmotic flow system are in fluidic and electrical communication at a junction, the flux ratio for each of the elements is selected so that the difference in flux ratios system adjacent two elements is less than a target value. The invention also provides methods for designing such systems.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an electrocatalytic coating and an electrode having the coating thereon, wherein the coating is a mixed metal oxide coating, preferably platinum group metal oxides, with or without low levels of valve metal oxides. The electrocatalytic coating can be used especially as an anode component of an electrolysis cell and in particular a cell for the electrolysis of aqueous chlor-alkali solutions.

Abstract: A method and means for producing a combustible mixture of hydrogen and oxygen by electrolysis of water using a pulsed application of water onto electrodes while applying an electrical potential between electrodes and where the electrodes are not immersed in the water which flows between the electrodes while undergoing electrolysis.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for protecting a structure from corrosion, according to which the apparatus includes two pivotally connected members, at least one anode device connected to at least one of the members, and a resilient component engaged with the members.

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, 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.

Abstract: An apparatus for sampling a filter layer and a method using the same are disclosed herein. The apparatus includes a cylindrical tube made of a transparent material; a screw installed at a central portion in the cylindrical tube, to be rotated for shifting a sample from the lower part to the upper part of the cylindrical tube, and a rotary operating unit fixed to the upper end of the screw for rotating the screw, wherein the cylindrical tube is provided with a scale formed on its outer circumference and a protective cap combined with the lower end for smoothly excavating the filter layer and preventing the damage of the cylindrical tube. The apparatus further lower case a fixed supporter on the upper end of the screw and a supporting hand lever protruding from one side of the fixed supporter to be pressed by a worker with force required for excavation.

Abstract: A water tub including a fluid delivery system utilizes a removeable carrier to provide fluids to the fluid delivery system. In some instances, the carrier is disposable such that depletion of the fluids within the container results in the carrier being thrown away and replaced by an unused carrier. In other instances, the carrier is re-usable and is removed from the fluid delivery system when the fluids within the carrier need to be replenished. In some instances, the carrier can be manually attached and removed from the fluid delivery system without the use of any tools. In some such instances it will include a latching mechanism temporarily coupling the carrier to the fluid delivery system. The carrier may include a plurality of fluid containers, each container containing a fluid used for different types of maintenance of the water tub. The delivery system may utilize a dosing engine.

Abstract: A method and system for separating a particulate contaminate from a contaminated liquid medium involves filtering the contaminated liquid medium with a filter element having an afflux surface made of plastic particles that are sintered together. The contaminated liquid medium is introduced into a vessel, brought into contact with the filter element, where the liquid medium is separated from the particulate contaminant, and the separated liquid medium withdrawn from the filter element.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for separating oil and debris from urban water run-off, the apparatus being made up of a chamber which is mounted in a storm drain system and has an inner basin with a tilted wire wedge wire screen filter in the path of flow of the run-off, an organic absorber floats on the water as it is collected in the basin, and a discharge plate has a series of slots which are sized to regulate the flow rate of discharge of the water from the basin for removal through an outlet at the lower end of the chamber. The method and apparatus are conformable for use with existing storm drain systems along curbs or gutters as well as parking lots, runways and the like.

Abstract: A fluid container and method for inhibiting the growth of microbes in liquid nutrient in a container, the container having an interior surface having a metal-ion sequestering agent for removing a designated metal ion from the liquid nutrient for inhibiting growth of microbes in the liquid nutrient.

Abstract: A fluid container and method for inhibiting the growth of microbes in liquid nutrient in a container, the container having an interior surface having a metal-ion sequestering agent for removing a designated metal ion from the liquid nutrient for inhibiting growth of microbes in the liquid nutrient.

Abstract: This application relates to a circular clarifier for separating and removing separable matter, such as suspended solids, from a liquid. The invention may be used, for example, for separating return activated sludge from clarified liquor using a gas flotation process. The clarifier includes a plurality of fluid feed ports for introducing influent into selected treatment cells of the clarifier in a timed sequence, thereby achieving batch flotation of solids or other separable matter in a continuous infeed process. A plurality of spaced-apart, rotating flocculent handling assemblies traverse the treatment cells for sequentially conveying flocculent into spaced-apart, radially extending collection troughs. All of the flocculent handling assemblies may be driven by a single drive means. Each flocculent handling assembly includes a submerged beach and a scraper assembly including a scraper blade which extends upwardly from the beach. The beaches provide a shear plane underneath the surface layer of flocculent.

Abstract: A filter for use in engines or transmissions is provided comprising an outlet-side cover having a first wave-like region along the periphery of the outlet-side cover, a filter media tray having a second wave-like region along the periphery of the filter media tray wherein the filter media tray second wave-like region is in a generally complementary alignment with the first wave-like region of the outlet-side cover, a filter media fixed in a non-planar configuration between the first wave-like region of the outlet-side cover and the second wave-like region of the filter media, and an inlet-side cover joined to the outlet-side cover, wherein the filter media and the filter media tray is between the inlet-side cover and the outlet-side cover.

Abstract: A controlled eutrophication system and process are disclosed. The system includes the combination of a partitioned aquaculture system in conjunction with an anaerobic digester. Wastewater containing pollutants, such as nitrogen and phosphorus, are fed to the partitioned aquaculture system. Algae within the system converts the pollutants into algal biomass. Fish populations, in turn, control the algal populations. The fish populations may then be periodically harvested for human or animal consumption. A polishing chamber is contained in the system in which aquatic organisms remove substantial amounts of the algae from batch fed additions of water. The water is then discharged to an external water source containing virtually no pollutants. In one embodiment, the biomass excreted by the aquatic organisms in the system are collected and fed to a digester.

Abstract: The pH value of excess sludge taken out from a biological oxidation tank (2) is adjusted to 8 to 14, and the pH-adjusted sludge is injected into a solubilizing device (3). The sludge taken out from the solubilizing device (3) is heated to 110° C. to 350° C. at a pressure higher than saturated steam pressure to solubilize the sludge to a state readily degradable by microorganisms. The solubilized sludge is returned to a biological oxidizing tank (2), and the pH value of the sludge in the biological oxidizing tank (2) to 5 to 9. The use of the above method of treating excess sludge and an apparatus therefore enables substantially reducing the volume of excess sludge with economic advantage.

Abstract: The method of providing for a fluid treatment, that includes providing a treatment zone containing granular activated charcoal, and providing a stream of water containing nutrients, contaminant degrading microbes and dissolved oxygen, and introducing the stream to a treatment zone to effect adsorption of nutrients and microbes onto the granular activated charcoal, thereby to provide a contaminant treatment matrix, whereby contaminant in fluid flow through the matrix is reduced.

Abstract: In a method and apparatus for treating an organic liquid waste with a biofilm, the organic liquid waste is dissolved with oxygen under a first pressure higher than an atmospheric pressure to prepare a pressurized oxygen-dissolved organic liquid waste. The pressurized oxygen-dissolved organic liquid waste is depressurized to prepare a depressurized oxygen-dissolved organic liquid waste. The depressurized oxygen-dissolved organic liquid waste contacts the biofilm to prepare a treated organic liquid waste.

Abstract: The present invention provides a production method with which a porous carrier can be allowed to evenly carry a polysaccharide derivative. That is, the present invention provides a method of producing an enantiomeric isomer-separating filler, including bringing a porous carrier and a solution of a polysaccharide derivative into contact with each other through a stirring operation in a stirring device, to allow the porous carrier to carry an optically active polymer compound, in which: a two-axis vertical stirring device is used as the stirring device; and the porous carrier is allowed to carry the polysaccharide derivative in a carrying amount of 23 mass % or more.

Abstract: A process and adsorbent for removing contaminants from silicone based solvents is disclosed. The process provides for cleaning a solvent for reuse, and regeneration of the adsorbent. The adsorbents are for adsorbing organic and inorganic compounds that have accumulated in the silicone solvents.

Abstract: The invention pertains to the use of a granulate for the removal of liquid, gaseous and/or dissolved organic constituents from a process stream, said granulate consisting of dimensionally stable, porous synthetic particles with an extracting agent having a boiling point higher than 350° C. at 1 bar immobilized therein, characterized in that the granulate is obtainable by suspension polymerization of a monovinyl compound in the presence of a polyvinyl compound, with at least 50% wt. % of the monomer units having an aromatic structure and with the solvent for the monomers acting both as a non-solvent for the copolymer and as an extracting agent.

Abstract: The present invention relates to processes for removing water and/or surfactants from lipophilic fluids, absorbent materials employed in such processes, and lipophilic fluids produced by such processes.

Abstract: A package plant for treating raw water to yield potable water. The package plant includes an inlet for raw water, followed by an ozonator for disinfecting the water. Next is provided an up flow roughing filter including a chemically active layer, on top. A slow sand filter follows, which is sized and shaped to promote growth of a biomass for water purification. The up flow roughing filter removes particulates, contributes to the removal of dissolved organics, and protects the slow sand biomass by removing disinfection residuals. In another aspect a method of maintaining the plant is provided, including washing the up flow roughing filter by draining water down through it, providing a vigorous up flow to agitate the top layer, and then washing the slow sand filter.

Abstract: A magnetic circuit is shaped to generate an essentially uniform magnetic field parallel across the length of a container, and an essentially uniform magnetic field gradient along the length of the container as well. The dot product of the magnetic field and magnetic field gradient, known as the relative force density, is substantially uniform over the entire container, thereby causing particles to uniformly separate throughout the container.

Abstract: A waste water treatment system and process for treating waste water received in a batch tank. The waste water is discharged in a headwork screen for removing large solids in the water. The solids are into a sludge drying bin. The screened water is transferred into a top of an influent surge tank with an oil/water separator. The oil/water separator includes a plurality of coalescing plates for separating free oil from the waste water. Heavy solids in the surge tank are drained into the sludge drying bin. The waste water is now dropped into a containment pan. From the containment pan, the waste water is pumped into a water treatment tank. The water treatment tank includes two or more electrodes mounted in the top thereof. The electrodes are separated using insulating support spacers for providing proper electrode spacing and insulation between the electrodes. The electrodes are used for providing current to the waste water and separating the contaminates in the water by electrocoagulation.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for reducing DI water consumption by delivering the DI water at an elevated processing temperature when demanded. The DI water is passed through a heater for heating the DI water to a processing temperature in a single pass. The DI water is circulated through a recirculation loop, including the heater, until demanded. The DI water is monitored for contaminants and bubbles or voids. Detected contaminants or voids are discharged through vents of the system. Turbulence or biocides can be introduced into the recirculated DI water for inhibiting biological contamination.

Abstract: A system for reducing or preventing the growth of organisms in the process water used to coat glass fibers with a formaldehyde-free binder composition. One or more biocides is added to the process water that mitigates the growth of microbes in the water. The biocides are added in an amount sufficient to minimize growth of organisms without adversely affecting the application of the binder composition to the glass fibers.

Abstract: An apparatus for a programmable self sanitizing water dispenser apparatus with a digital computer as well as a programmable method for generating ozone for cleaning the reservoir and the water contained within it.

Abstract: A fluid container and method for inhibiting the growth of microbes in liquid nutrient in a container, the container having an interior surface having a metal-ion sequestering agent for removing a designated metal ion from the liquid nutrient for inhibiting growth of microbes in the liquid nutrient.

Abstract: A micro-needle protrudes from a support member. The needle has a needle body portion, a closed pointed tip portion, and an inner lumen extending through the support member and into the protruding needle. The needle body portion has at least one side opening communicating with the inner lumen. The method of making the needle comprises providing a mask on the front side of an etchable wafer such that the vertical projection of the mask at least partially covers the extension of a hole made in the back side. The mask is isotropically underetched to remove wafer material. An anisotropic etch forms a protruding structure. Optionally a second isotropic etch on the protruding structure exposes the blind hole. Optionally a final anisotropic etch extends the needle without forming side openings.

Abstract: A method of fabricating a diaphragm of a capacitive microphone device. First, a substrate is provided, and a dielectric layer on a first surface of the substrate is formed. Than, a plurality of silicon spacers are formed on a surface of the dielectric layer, and a diaphragm layer is formed on a surface of the silicon spacers and the surface of the dielectric layer. Subsequently, a planarization layer is formed on the diaphragm layer, and a second surface of the substrate is etched to form a plurality of openings corresponding to the diaphragm layer disposed on the surface of the dielectric layer. Thereafter, the dielectric layer exposed through the openings is removed, and planarization layer is removed.

Abstract: A transition metal substituted, amorphous mesoporous silica framework with a high degree of structural order and a narrow pore diameter distribution (±0.15 nm FWHM) was synthesized and used for the templated growth of GaN nanostructures, such as single wall nanotubes, nanopipes and nanowires. The physical properties of the GaN nanostructures (diameter, diameter distribution, electronic characteristic) can be controlled by the template pore diameter and the pore wall chemistry. GaN nanostructures can find applications, for example, in nanoscale electronic devices, such as field-emitters, and in chemical sensors.

Abstract: A high-power BGA includes a printed circuit board with a through hole, connection pads formed on the bottom of the printed circuit board, matrix solder balls surrounding the through hole and adjacent to the connection pads, a heat spreader on the top surface of the printed circuit board that includes an insulating layer of a high thermal conductivity, a semiconductor chip mounted within the through hole on the bottom surface of the heat spreader that includes a number of contact pads for bonding with the connection pads using gold wires, and a passive film filling the through hole and around the semiconductor chip. By interposing a ceramic insulating layer between the semiconductor chip and the heat spreader, charge generation between the semiconductor chip and the heat spreader is sharply reduced, and defects such as ESD (electrostatic discharge) is reduced during testing and mounting of the package.

Abstract: An etching process is employed to selectively pattern the top magnetic film layer, the tunnel barrier, and the pinned bottom magnetic layer of a magnetic thin film structure. The pinned bottom magnetic film layer has an antiferromagnetic layer or a Ru spacer formed thereunder. The etching process employs various etching steps that selectively remove various layers of the magnetic thin film structure stopping on the antiferromagnetic layer or the Ru spacer. The progress of this etching process can be monitored by measuring the electrochemical potential difference of a part or wafer containing a magnetic structure with respect to a reference electrode simultaneously with the selective etching process.

Abstract: A textured surface and oxidation layer coating on a metallic material is accomplished through the chemical and/or electrochemical etching of the surface to modify the surface texture and an in-situ oxidation procedure. The surface is useful for the fabrication of prosthetic devices, particularly medical implants, due to the corrosion and wear resistance imparted by the oxidation layer and the ability to enhance grafting of the implant onto bone imparted by the surface texture.

Abstract: A wafer stage including an electrostatic chuck and a method for dechucking a wafer using the wafer stage are provided, wherein, the wafer stage includes an electrostatic chuck support, an electrostatic chuck, a lifting means, and a grounding means including a device for connecting the interconnections for grounding the lifting means. According to the method for dechucking a wafer, when a lifting means is in contact with a rear side of the wafer, the lifting means is grounded. Then, an electrostatic chuck is neutralized by supplying power to electrostatic electrodes, and the wafer is neutralized by supplying plasma to the wafer.

Abstract: A compound magnetic material having high heat resistance is provided. A fabrication method of a compound magnetic material includes the step of preparing mixed powder including an organic resin and compound magnetic particles. The long-period heat resistance temperature of the organic resin is at least 200° C. The containing ratio of the organic resin to the compound magnetic particles exceeds 0 mass % and not more than 0.2 mass %. The compound magnetic particle includes a metal magnetic particles, and a coat layer containing metal oxide, directly bound to the surface of the metal magnetic particle. The fabrication method of a compound magnetic material includes the steps of forming a compact by introducing mixed powder into a die having a lubricant applied to its surface and conducting warm-compacting, and applying heat treatment to the compact.

Abstract: Refrigerant compositions are provided which include: (a) pentafluoroethane or trifluoromethoxydifluoromethane or hexafluorocyclopropane or mixtures thereof, in an amount from about 60 to about 70% by weight based on the weight of the composition; (b) 1,1,1,2- or 1,1,2,2-tetrafluoroethane or trifluoromethoxypentafluoroethane or 1,1,1,2,3,3-heptafluoropropane or mixtures thereof, in an amount from about 26 to 36% by weight based on the weight of the composition; and (c) an ethylenically unsaturated or saturated hydrocarbon, optionally containing one or more oxygen atoms, having a boiling point from ?12° C. to +10° C., or a mixture thereof, or a mixture of one or more of the hydrocarbons with one or more other hydrocarbons or ethers, said mixture having a bubble point from ?12° C. to +10° C., in an amount from about 1% to 4% by weight based on the weight of the composition.

Abstract: The present invention provides a coolant composition having a glycol as a main component, which prevents iron and aluminum from being corroded, and in particular, has excellent corrosion preventing properties for aluminum and aluminum alloys at high temperatures, and the coolant composition is characterized by containing: (a) 0.1-10 % by weight of at least one component selected from among aromatic monobasic acids and the salts thereof; (b) 0.0001-0.1 % by weight of at least one component selected from among strontium compounds, magnesium compounds and calcium compounds; and (c) 0.01-1.0 % by weight of 2-phosphonobutane-1,2,4-tricarboxylic acid or the salt thereof.