Abstract: An electrically regeneratable filter element comprises at least two flanks, each of these flanks comprising a stiff material layer. Each of these flanks has at least one thermally and electrically insulated side. The filter element comprises further a metal fiber fleece being pleated according to pleating lines providing an edge with pleat openings. The metal fiber fleece is mounted between the flanks, in such a way that the thermally and electrically insulated sides make contact with the edge, meanwhile these sides closing the pleat openings.

Abstract: A dirt filtering apparatus for a vacuum cleaner is disclosed. The dirt filtering apparatus includes a lid member having an exit opening defined therethrough, a sealing arrangement around the periphery of the lid member and adapted to engage a sidewall of a removable dirt cup, and a removable filter attached to the lid member in a covering relationship to the exit opening. The dirt filtering apparatus further includes a removable screen support attached to the lid member and surrounding the filter member. The dirt filtering apparatus yet further includes a horizontal opening defined through the screen support and a screen element covering the horizontal opening. A method of operating a filter assembly is also disclosed.

Abstract: Disclosed is a locking unit to fix a removable cyclone dust collector in a receiving portion of a main body of a vacuum cleaner. The locking unit comprises a locking recess formed at one side of a contact surface of the cyclone dust collector and the receiving portion. A lock element ascends and descends between a locking position and an unlocking position with respect to the locking recess and passes through a hole which is formed at another side of the contact surface of the cyclone dust collector and the receiving portion. An operating member selectively moves the lock element to the locking position and the unlocking position.

Abstract: An air filter, in particular for purifying combustion air for an internal combustion engine, composed of an essentially metal-free filter insert which forms a hollow cylinder having end disks arranged on the axial end faces of the filter medium of the filter insert, one end disk forming a closed end of the filter element and having a handle element extending axially away from the filter element, and the other end disk being constructed as a hollow cylinder having a concentric, elastic, radially-acting gasket.

Abstract: A polyurethane encapsulated, slow release fertilizer with a coating based upon an isocyanate component and an isocyanate-reactive component comprising a polyether polyol. The process for producing such particles comprises applying an isocyanate-reactive component comprising a polyether polyol onto fertilizer particles to form coated fertilizer particles, applying an isocyanate component onto said coated fertilizer particles; and forming the polyurethane encapsulated fertilizer particles.

Abstract: An ionizing particulate scrubber is provided for the removal of particulate from a gaseous exhaust stream, said scrubber including two sections: a charging section and a collection section. The charging or ionizing section includes one or more cylindrical tubular ground chambers each with a rigid threaded rod electrode extending through the center thereof. A transformer/rectifier (T/R) is provided to supply high voltage DC power to the electrode such that the cylindrical tubular ground chambers act as the ground to enable a corona to form on the threaded rod electrode. As the gas stream passes through the current flowing from the electrode to the cylindrical tubular ground chambers walls, the particulate contained within the stream is electrostatically charged. The collection system includes either a fixed or fluid bed packed section which is constantly irrigated from above. Ground rods in the packing and liquid sump allow the entire section to act as a grounded collector for the charged particulate.

Abstract: Disclosed are systems and methods that include providing a vessel having an adsorbent disposed therein, the vessel having an inlet and an outlet for communicating a carrier gas through the vessel; determining a differential pressure between the inlet and the outlet for a known flow rate at the outlet; and, determining a geometric measure for the vessel based on a ratio of the known flow rate and the differential pressure. In some embodiments, the methods and systems can include a viscosity in the ratio, determining a flow rate at ambient pressure using a factor based on a ratio of a gas pressure at the output and ambient pressure, and/or, determining a flow rate at ambient temperature using a factor based on a ratio of a temperature at the output and ambient temperature.

Abstract: An apparatus for regenerating an adsorbent includes an electrolytic cell filled with an electrolyte and an electrode unit that includes a first electrode made from the adsorbent in which a substance is adsorbed and a second electrode. The first electrode and the second electrode are soaked in the electrolyte. The apparatus also includes a power source that supplies a voltage applied between the first electrode and the second electrode.

Abstract: A compact electrostatic precipitator is designed specifically for use in connection with eliminating particles from crankcase emissions of a Diesel engine. Such emissions may carry solid soot particles as well as suspended oil droplets. The electrostatic precipitator has an electrode housing in which a high voltage electrode is mounted, and the emissions from the crankcase of a Diesel engine are passed across the electrode to an outlet. A high voltage power supply is mounted in a separate housing, and the output of the high voltage power supply is connected to the electrode only when the electrode housing and the power supply housing are properly mated, to thereby disable the high voltage connection to the electrode when the power supply housing is removed.

Abstract: A plane type electric precipitator includes an electrode plate of plane shape, made of electricity-conducting material; a collecting plate, parallel to the electrode plate and made of electricity-conducting material; a plurality of electrode units, placed on the electrode plate and having tips; wherein direct electric voltage is applied between the electrode plate and the collecting plate, so that air passing through is exposed to high electric fields close to the tips of the electrode units, ionizing suspended particles and trapping ionized particles at the collecting plate, so that an air-cleaning effect results.

Abstract: Provided is a conductive paste capable of adjusting resistivity and forming a conductor film having high strength of bonding with a glass substrate and high mounting strength of a metal terminal. The conductive paste contains a conductive component, a glass frit having a composition containing a Bi2O3—B2O3—SiO2—Al2O3 or Bi2O3—B2O3—SiO2—Al2O3—ZnO primary component and about 0.5 to 5% by weight of NiO as a secondary component, and an organic vehicle. The conductive paste is applied on a glass substrate and then baked to form a conductor film. A glass circuit structure formed by using the conductor film can be advantageously used as a defogging glass for an automobile window.

Abstract: Preservative compositions for wood products are described. The compositions include at least one boron-containing material, such as but not limited to boric anhydride, and at least one silane-containing material, such as but not limited to methyltrichlorosilane. Optionally, at least one solvent, such as tetrahydrofuran, pentane, or water, may also be employed in the compositions. The compositions impart protection to the treated wood products, especially damage caused by exposure to water and insects.

Abstract: An ink obtained by dissolving at least one specific dye in an aqueous medium, wherein the dyes contained in the ink all have a solubility of 15 g or more in 100 g of water at 25° C. under atmospheric pressure; and an ink set formed from the ink. The dye is preferably a dye having an oxidation potential of 1.0 V (vs SCE) or more, more preferably a specific azo dye having a heterocyclic group of a specific structure or an aromatic group which is bound directly to an azo group, or a specific phthalocyanine dye having a water-soluble group as a substitunet. According to the present invention, an ink, specifically an inkjet ink, and an ink set, which can print an image without disorder or beading due to ejection failure and ensure excellent ejection stability and durability, is provided.

Abstract: An aqueous ink containing at least a water-dispersible coloring material and a water-soluble crystalline component, characterized in that the water-dispersible coloring material forms an aggregate around a crystal of the crystalline component formed as the content of the aqueous ink decreases, which ink may further contain a water-soluble coloring material.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide an aqueous ink which can form a more excellent image in bleeding resistance, character quality and print density than the image formed by using an aqueous ink containing a conventional self-dispersion pigment and a salt. The aqueous ink includes a self-dispersion pigment and a salt, in which the self-dispersion pigment is a pigment containing a pigment particle having a —R—(COOM1)n group bonded to a surface of the pigment particle, wherein R represents an alkylene group or an aromatic ring; M1 represents a hydrogen atom, an alkali metal, an ammonium or an organic ammonium; and n is an integer of 2 or more.

Abstract: The invention concerns compositions based on pullulan and a setting system for the use in pharmaceutical, veterinary, food, cosmetic or other products like films for wrapping food, aspics or jellies, preferably for predosed formulations like soft or hard capsules. The composition preferably further contains a surfactant. By using aqueous solution of the inventive compositions, the hard pullulan capsules are produced by a conventional dipping moulding process under the same process condition range than conventional gelatine capsules.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for regulating the porosity and printing properties of paper, in particular uncoated wood-containing paper such as SC-paper, wherein a sufficient quantity of colloidal PCC having a BET surface area of 10-100 m2/g is used as a filler in the paper to achieve a desired porosity of the paper; as well as paper containing colloidal PCC as filler, and a pigment mixture suitable for paper manufacture and containing colloidal PCC.

Abstract: A method of preparing a building material is provided. An aggregate material, water, a hydraulic binder material, and one or more hydraulic activators are mixed. The hydraulic binder material comprises slag material. The mixture is allowed to harden. A building material is also provided. The building material includes a slag material, and one or more hydraulic activators.

Abstract: Group IV nanocrystals, such as, for example, silicon nanocrysals and germanium nanocrystals, with chemically accessible surfaces are produced in solution reactions. Group IV halides can be reduced in organic solvents such as 1,2-dimethoxyethane (glyme), with soluable reducing agents to give halide-terminated group IV nanocrystals, which can then be easily functionalized with alkyl lithium, Grignard or other reagents to synthesize group IV nanocrystals having air and moisture stable surfaces. Synthesis can occur at ambient temperature and pressure.

Abstract: A coating apparatus for a traveling web comprising two coating heads and a traveling path changing roller is disclosed. A bar coater is arranged close to a pass roller. The bar coater is fixed at such a position as to contact the web when the pass roller is moved down. An extrusion coater is arranged below a backup roller in such a manner as to move up and down. If the pass roller moves up and bends up the traveling path of the web, the web separates from the bar coater. Then, if the extrusion coater moves up, the web is coated with the coating solution by the extrusion coater. If the pass roller and the extrusion coater move down, the web is coated with the coating solution by the bar coater.

Abstract: A resin block has a treating solution channel extending between and opening at front and back surfaces thereof. Heat conductive members are face-bonded to the front and back surfaces of the resin block, respectively, for closing the channel. Consequently, no air is present between the resin block and heat conduction members, thereby improving the efficiency of heat exchange. A nozzle of simple construction is realized only by face-bonding the two heat conductive members to the open front and rear surfaces of the resin block. Temperature control plates hold the heat conductive members along with the resin block to effect a temperature control, whereby the temperature of a treating solution in the treating solution channel is controlled effectively through the heat conductive members. The treating solution adjusted to a desired temperature is delivered from a discharge opening to a substrate for performing substrate treatment with high accuracy.

Abstract: A dividing plate for a thin-film deposition apparatus divides the interior of the vacuum reaction chamber into a plasma discharge space and a film deposition process space, by fixing or connecting a plurality of laminated plates together by securely bonding them over the entire area of their interfacial surfaces, or a large portion thereof.

Abstract: A thin-film deposition apparatus includes a reaction chamber, a substrate transfer chamber, a susceptor having a radially-extending step portion, a ring-shaped separation wall for separating the reaction chamber and the substrate transfer chamber at a processing position where the susceptor is positioned inside the ring-shaped separation wall, and a conductive sealing member which is interposed between the radially-extending step portion and the separation wall to seal the reaction chamber from the substrate transfer chamber when the susceptor is at a processing position.

Abstract: A method for cleaning a semiconductor device has the steps of securing a wafer (16) with a modified chuck (11) and applying a cleaning solution (18) to the backside (20) of the wafer (16). The cleaning solution (18) is formulated to remove PTFE from the wafer (16). The cleaning solution (18) is applied to the edge (14) of the wafer (16) because of the characteristics of the modified chuck (11) to remove PTFE impurities that gather on the edge (14) of the wafer (16).

Abstract: Method for processing an article with a dense processing fluid in a processing chamber while applying ultrasonic energy during processing. The dense fluid may be generated in a separate pressurization vessel and transferred to the processing chamber, or alternatively may be generated directly in the processing chamber. A processing agent may be added to the pressurization vessel, to the processing chamber, or to the dense fluid during transfer from the pressurization vessel to the processing chamber. The ultrasonic energy may be generated continuously at a constant frequency or at variable frequencies. Alternatively, the ultrasonic energy may be generated intermittently.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system and method for cleaning and/or treating a surface, preferably surfaces such as ceramic, steel, plastic, glass and/or painted surfaces such as the exterior surface of a vehicle. The system and method utilize a cleaning composition that contains at least one water-soluble or water dispersible copolymer. The method may also include a step of applying to the surface a treating composition which contains non-photoactive nanoparticles.

Abstract: A soft magnetic low-carbon steel has a chemical composition having a C content of 0.05% by mass or below, Si content of 0.1% or below, a Mn content in the range of 0.10 to 0.50% by mass, a P content of 0.030% by mass or below, a S content in the range of 0.010 to 0.15% by mass, an Al content of 0.01% by mass or below, a N content of 0.005% by mass or below, and an 0 content of 0.02% by mass or below. In the soft magnetic low-carbon steel, Mn/S mass ratio is 3.0 or above, ferrite grain size is 100 ?m or above, ferrite grains contain precipitated MnS grains of grain sizes of 0.2 ?m or above in a density in the density range of 0.02 to 0.5 grains/?2m and the precipitated MnS grains have a mean grain size in the range of 0.05 to 4 ?m. The soft magnetic low-carbon steel is excellent in cold-rollability and machinability. Steel parts of the soft magnetic low-carbon steel having complicated shapes can be produced at a high yield.

Abstract: A ferrite stainless steel for an automobile exhaust system member superior in thermal fatigue strength comprised of, by wt %, C: 0.020% or less, Si: 0.02 to 0.15%, Mn: 0.05 to 0.20%, P: 0.040% or less, S: 0.010% or less, Al: 0.005 to 0.10%, N: 0.020% or less, Cr: 15 to 18%, Mo: 1.5 to 2.0%, Ti: 3×(C+N) to 0.25%, Nb: 0.4 to 0.8%, B: 0.0003 to 0.0050%, the C and N satisfying the relationship of C+N: 0.030% or less, and the Al, Si, and Mn satisfying the relationship of Al×(Si+Mn): 0.001 to 0.020, and a balance of Fe and unavoidable impurities. The 0.2% proof stress at 900° C. before heat treatment in the atmosphere at 900° C. for 300 hours is at least 15 MPa, and a difference of the 0.2% proof stress before and after the heat treatment is not more than 5 MPa.

Abstract: A method of fabricating a three-dimensional microstructure provides data corresponding to information relating to the structure of a three-dimensional microstructure design. A sample is processed in accordance with the provided data by irradiating the sample with a charged-particle beam while controlling processing conditions of the charged-particle beam. Dimensions of the processed sample are compared with the provided data to identify differences between the structure of the processed sample and the structure of the three-dimensional microstructure design. The sample is then irradiated again with a charged-particle beam to correct the identified structural differences while adjusting the processing conditions of the charged-particle beam to thereby fabricate a three-dimensional microstructure having a structure substantially the same as the structure of the three-dimensional microstructure design.

Abstract: There is provided a method for manufacturing steel parts for an automotive automatic transmission in which a desired joint portion of each steel part is copper-brazed at a high temperature while chromium in an alloy steel for machine structural use forming the steel part for an automotive automatic transmission is kept in a reducing atmosphere and without removal of carbon, and the part is successively reheated continuously with the copper brazing by utilizing residual heat at the time of copper brazing, by which the temperature of the part is increased to perform quench hardening. In the above-described manufacturing method, the heating treatment for copper brazing of the part and the heating treatment for quenching thereof are connected to each other via an intermediate cooling treatment in which the temperature of the part is decreased to a temperature below the Ar1 point, and these heating treatments are performed in an atmosphere of a neutral gas such as nitrogen gas supplied into a graphite muffle.

Abstract: A copper base alloy, which is resistant or immune to carburization, metal dusting and coking, and resistant to oxidation, the alloy having the following composition (all contents in weight %): Al >0-15 Si 0-6 Mg 0-6 one or more of the group of Rare Earth Metal (REM), yttrium, hafnium, zirconium, lanthanum, cerium) up to 0.3 wt. % each; Cu balance; and normally occurring alloying additions and impurities. Related articles of manufacture and methods are also described.

Abstract: An aluminium alloy sheet suitable for use as lithographic plate support, wherein the aluminium alloy has the composition (in wt. %): Si 0.05-0.20 preferably 0.06-0.14; Fe 0.15-0.40 preferably at least 0.2; others up to 0.05 each and up to 0.15 total; Al balance, wherein the aluminium alloy sheet is non-grain refined.

Abstract: Disclosed is a prefab waterproof structure and method for fabricating the waterproof structure according to a dry process. The prefab waterproof structure comprises a base sheet layer including a plurality of base sheets, a hard sheet layer including a plurality of hard sheets, and a cover sheet layer including a plurality of cover sheets. The base sheet layer, the hard sheet layer and the cover sheet layer are spread in order on the base surface of concrete. And the sheet layers may be formed by arranging and binding the pre-made sheets. The present invention can improve durability, toughness, chemical resistance, etc significantly, shorten a work period by omitting a hardening process and resolve many environmental problems.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of joining dissimilar materials, particularly a non-ferrous component to a ferrous component to form an assembly. In an overlapping configuration, the parts are held together under a clamping force while a self-piercing rivet is driven through the assembly by a welding electrode. The rivet pierces and passes through the non-ferrous component and then at least into contact with the ferrous component to thereby form a mechanical interlock. An electrical current is then applied to this mechanical retention to melt a portion of the rivet as well as a portion of the ferrous metal in the joining region. The flow of electrical current is then stopped after several welding cycles where the now melted material is allowed to solidify upon cooling, thereby forming a weld.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus and method for applying preselected dye images to three dimensional objects, having plastic outer surfaces, utilizing flexible carrier sheets bearing dyes in the mirror images of the preselected images, where the sheets are overlaid in registration with the objects and maintained in pressurized engagement therewith while the sheets and the objects are heated. The present invention includes a bed for receiving at least one three-dimensional object member thereon with a flexible dye bearing carrier sheet placed in registration on the object and a resiliently flexible membrane, which is positionable over the sheet on the member. A vacuum assembly of the apparatus is operable to evacuate the area between the membrane and the bed in order to draw the membrane into pressurized engagement with the flexible sheet on the member thereby drawing the flexible sheet around the various surfaces of the three dimensional object.

Abstract: A synthetic material and articles incorporating the same are disclosed. The synthetic material includes a base material, which is at least partially tacky. Preferably, a powder is dispensed upon the base material for providing a substantially non-tacky surface to the synthetic material.

Abstract: The apparatus and method for eliminating ground water infiltration while stabilizing the ground and repairing underground pipe/conduit and connections is taught in this art. The steps are to first inject, under pressure, expandable structural foam in the space adjacent and outside the pipe while blocking any infiltration of the foam into the interior of the pipe, conduit or connection. Concurrently or separately the inside diameter of the pipe is receiving a structural repair. The result is stabilized ground, elimination of ground water infiltration and repair of the host pipe conduit or connection. The invention also teaches a novel method of utilizing a tensioned and compressive support on the outer pipe surface.

Abstract: A vehicle vibration-damping device including a rigid housing and an independent mass member housed in the housing and having a metallic mass of circular shape in section and a rubber elastic body layer adhered to the metallic mass. A distance of a gap between opposing surfaces of the housing and the metallic mass in the radial direction, with the housing and metallic mass disposed coaxially, is set to between 0.5 and 2 mm. The rubber elastic body layer is formed around an entire outer peripheral surface of the metallic mass by a vulcanization molding of a rubber material filling the gap, and thermal contraction is used both to cause the rubber elastic body layer to peel from the housing and to cause it to adhere onto the outer peripheral surface of the metallic mass to thereby fabricate a small gap of no more than 0.1 mm. A method of manufacturing the same is also disclosed.

Abstract: Silicon carbide components of a plasma processing apparatus, methods of making the components, and methods of using the components during processing of semiconductor substrates to provide for reduced particle contamination of the substrates are provided. The silicon carbide components are made by a process that results in free-carbon in the components. The silicon carbide components are treated to remove the free-carbon from at least the surface.

Abstract: An etching apparatus includes a chamber containing an etching solution including first and second components and water, a concentration of the water in the etching solution is at a specified level or lower; a circulation path circulating the etching solution; a concentration controller sampling the etching liquid from the circulation path and controls concentrations of the etching solution respectively; and a refilling chemical liquid feeder feeding a refilling chemical liquid including the first component having a concentration higher than the first component in the etching solution.

Abstract: Waxes prepared from hydrogenated plant oils, such as castor, palm, and soybean, are used to prepare water based emulsions. The inventive waxes, obtained from naturally derived, renewable resources, were emulsified under anionic, cationic and nonionic conditions, producing emulsions having a solids content up to about 45% solids. When used to coat fibrous cellulosic articles, such as paperboard, the emulsions' performance was similar to emulsions containing petroleum-derived waxes. The inventive waxes have a low iodine value (between 2-5), and melting points between approximately 120-200 degrees F. (Mettler Drop Point). These waxes comprise a triglyceride whose fatty acids are predominantly stearic acid or ricinoleic acid.

Abstract: This invention provides a process for treating chemical woodpulp, or chemical cellulose including cotton linter, including the step of applying an electron processing technology (EPT) step to chemical woodpulp, or chemical cellulose, as the case may be, on an in-line basis to provide control of pulp viscosity or degree of polymerization (DP). The invention also provides a method of process control in treating the aforementioned woodpulp or cellulose, including the step of using radiation dose-viscosity relationship curve for applying an EPT step on an in-line basis. The in-line EPT step may, in one form of the invention, replace and hence eliminate a chemical DP reduction step.

Abstract: A paper makers felt comprising a fibrous outer layer formed of inter-engaged fibers of between 3.0 and 67 dtex inter-engaged preferably by needling, and a web layer formed of fibers which are between 200 and 600 dtex and are inter-engaged preferably by point bonding. The outer layer is engaged with the web layer, preferably by needling, forming a composite paper makers felt.

Abstract: A control apparatus and control method for controlling the separation in a dividing wall distillation column of at least two feeds into at least three products is disclosed. The apparatus uses a temperature measuring device to measure the temperature of fluid in the column, a controller, and a means for adjusting the temperature of fluid in the column. The temperature measuring device may be on either side of the dividing wall or above or below the dividing wall, and more than one such device may be used. The apparatus and method may be used in the production of alkylaromatic hydrocarbons by alkylating aromatic hydrocarbons with olefinic hydrocarbons.

Abstract: A vacuum distillation system and method utilizing a low capacity vacuum producing ejector operated in parallel with a primary ejector during the Winter months enables significant reduction in the absolute pressure of a vacuum distillation column. Operation of a vacuum distillation tower at lower absolute pressures results in increased yield of desirable vacuum distillation products.

Abstract: A coated article is provided, where a coating is supported by a substrate. The coating may include at least one infrared (IR) reflecting layer of or including Ag, Au or the like. The IR reflecting layer(s) may be sandwiched between first and second dielectric layers in certain example embodiments of this invention. It has been found that properties of the IR reflecting layer can be improved by reducing the distance between the substrate and the sputtering target(s) used in forming the IR reflecting layer(s).

Abstract: A processing container (610) for providing a flow of a processing fluid during immersion processing of at least one surface of a microelectronic workpiece is set forth. The processing container comprises a principal fluid flow chamber (505) providing a flow of processing fluid to at least one surface of the workpiece and a plurality of nozzles (535) disposed to provide a flow of processing fluid to the principal fluid flow chamber. The plurality of nozzles are arranged and directed to provide vertical and radial fluid flow components that combine to generate a substantially uniform normal flow component radially across the surface of the workpiece. An exemplary apparatus using such a processing container is also set forth that is particularly adapted to carry out an electroplating process.

Abstract: A biosensor comprising: an electrically insulating base plate; an electrode system comprising a working electrode and a counter electrode formed on the base plate; a cover member which is joined to the base plate to form a sample solution supply pathway for supplying a sample solution to the electrode system between the cover member and the base plate; and a reagent system comprising at least an oxidoreductase and an electron mediator disposed in the sample solution supply pathway, wherein the electron mediator is provided on the base plate and the oxidoreductase is provided on the cover member such that the electron mediator and the oxidoreductase are not in contact with each other.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to devices and methods for carrying out and/or monitoring biological reactions in response to electrical stimuli. A programmable multiplexed active biologic array includes an array of electrodes coupled to sample-and-hold circuits. The programmable multiplexed active biologic array includes a digital interface that allows external control of the array using an external processor. The circuit may monitor, digitally control, and deliver electrical stimuli to the electrodes individually or in selected groups.

Abstract: Rapid, size-based, deposition of particles from liquid suspension is accomplished using a nonuniform electric field created by coplanar microelectrode strips patterned on an insulating substrate. The scheme uses the dielectrophoretic force both to distribute aqueous liquid containing particles and, simultaneously, to separate the particles. Size-based separation is found within nanoliter droplets formed along the structure after voltage removal. Bioparticles or macromolecules of similar size can also be separated based on subtle differences in dielectric property, by controlling the frequency of the AC current supplied to the electrodes.