Abstract: The invention relates to a process for fabrication of worked products made of an aluminium alloy of the Al—Cu, Al—Cu—Mg or Al—Zn—Cu—Mg type with high toughness and resistance to fatigue, which comprises between 0.005 and 0.1% of barium. Such an alloy has better toughness than a similar product without barium.

Abstract: [Problem]Mobile electronic equipment is often dropped during use or transport, and the soldered joints of electronic parts sometimes peel off due to the impact when dropped. In addition, they undergo heat cycles in which internal coils, resistors, and the like generate heat and soldered joints increase in temperature during operation of electronic equipment and cool off during periods of non-use. With a conventional Sn—Ag base lead-free solder, the impact resistance and resistance to heat cycles of minute portions such as solder bumps were not adequate. The present invention provides a lead-free solder alloy, bumps of which have excellent impact resistance and resistance to heat cycles. Means for Solving the Problem The present invention is a lead-free solder alloy comprising 0.1—less than 2.0 mass % of Ag, 0.01-0.1 mass % of Cu, 0.005-0.1 mass % of Zn, and a remainder of Sn, to which Ga, Ge, or P may be added, and to which Ni or Co may be further added.

Abstract: The present invention includes consolidated hard materials, methods for producing them, and industrial drilling and cutting applications for them. A consolidated hard material may be produced using hard particles such as B4C or carbides or borides of W, Ti, Mo, Nb, V, Hf, Ta, Zr, and Cr in combination with an iron-based, nickel-based, nickel and iron-based, iron and cobalt-based, aluminum-based, copper-based, magnesium-based, or titanium-based alloy for the binder material. Commercially pure elements such as aluminum, copper, magnesium, titanium, iron, or nickel may also be used for the binder material. The mixture of the hard particles and the binder material may be consolidated at a temperature below the liquidus temperature of the binder material using a technique such as rapid omnidirectional compaction (ROC), the Ceracon™ process, or hot isostatic pressing (HIP). After sintering, the consolidated hard material may be treated to alter its material properties.

Abstract: A problem is to carry out the removal of VOC and odor from VOC impregnated materials existing in a processed space without damaging interior materials and installed objects safely and with a low cost by controlling the humidity. The means comprise a humidification process wherein the inside of a processed space from which VOC should be eliminated is warmed to a high humidity within a range not being saturated, and hydrate complexes are formed between VOC absorbed/impregnated at impregnated materials and vapor-phase water molecules generated; and the second process wherein the VOC hydrate complexes formed inside VOC impregnated materials on said humidification process are radiated from the VOC impregnated materials into the processed space by lowing the humidity.

Abstract: A cleaning composition and method of use uses a solvent derived from an agricultural crop, one or more non-ionic surfactants, one or more anionic surfactants, an anti-oxidant, an optional hydrotrope, and hydrogen peroxide, with the balance being deionized or distilled water. The agricultural crop is preferably soybeans or corn and the solvent is preferably an ester derived from the crop.

Abstract: Material susceptible to degradation by biological activity, before all by microorganisms like bacteria and fungi, is treated with ozone. The ozone penetrates the material and not only deactivate the active organisms themselves, but also spores of bacteria and fungi. The ozonization is performed in at least one cycle consisting of subjecting the material to underpressure, e.g. of 500 mBar, in a vessel, then filling the vessel with ozone containing gas. In a preferred embodiment, the ozonization may be preceded by at least one steaming cycle, consisting essentially of applying vacuum, then filling the vessel with steam, notably with steam of about 80° C.

Abstract: Portable container for producing a disinfectant. The container includes an exterior wall made of a gas-permeable material and two or more chambers arranged adjacent to one another structured and arranged to separately hold ready-made solutions or dry substances for the production of a gaseous disinfectant. A wall arranged between the two or more chambers is impermeable to substances and is capable of being made permeable manually prior to the use of the disinfectant. This Abstract is not intended to define the invention disclosed in the specification, nor intended to limit the scope of the invention in any way.

Abstract: A liquid container includes: a liquid containing chamber that is accommodated in a pressure space and is pressurized by a pressurized fluid to be introduced into the pressure space so as to discharge a liquid stored in an inside thereof; and a liquid detection portion for detecting the liquid in the liquid containing chamber, the liquid detection portion includes: a liquid detection chamber that has a liquid inlet port communicating with the liquid containing chamber and a liquid outlet port communicating with an external liquid consuming apparatus, and a volume of which changes according to a liquid pressure between the liquid inlet port and the liquid outlet port; a detection unit that is provided on one of first and second walls opposite to each other, a distance between the first and second walls changing in accordance with the change in volume of the liquid detection chamber, for detecting a vibration wave form of the liquid; and a space forming portion that, when the volume of the liquid detection chamb

Abstract: The invention relates to a throughflow device for measuring platelet function of primary hemostasis, aggregation and/or coagulation and/or viscosity of the blood. A reservoir (8), from which blood can be taken for measurement and transported through an aperture (7), is arranged in a housing (2). A stirring device (10,11,12,13) is provided in the reservoir (8) and can be moved in such a way that a stirrer part (11) of the stirring device (10,11,12,13) mixes the blood which is located in the storage chamber (8) during measurement and maintains it in a state of motion.

Abstract: The fluidic system of the preferred embodiment includes a sheath pump to pump sheath fluid from a sheath container into an interrogation zone, a sheath volume measurement device to measure the fluid in the sheath container, a waste pump to pump the sheath fluid and a sample fluid as waste fluid from the interrogation zone into a waste container, and a waste volume measurement device to measure the fluid in the waste container. The system also includes a controller connected to the sheath pump, the waste pump, and the volume measurement devices. The sheath pump and/or the waste pump draw sample fluid from a sample container into the interrogation zone, which functions to provide a location for the fluidic system and an optical system of the flow cytometer to cooperatively facilitate the analysis of the sample fluid.

Abstract: A gas detector includes a predetermined amount of a sensor material having at least one optical property which changes as a result of reaction with a target gas and a photometric device operable to measure the intensity of said at least one optical property of the sensor material. The reaction is such that there is a one-to-one relationship between the magnitude of the intensity of at least one optical property and the concentration of the target gas in the gas sample whereby the concentration of the target gas in the gas sample may be determined from the measured magnitude of the intensity of said at least one optical property after the passage of the predetermined volume of gas sample over the given area of sensor material.

Abstract: In one embodiment the present invention provides for a sulfur detector 8 that comprises a gaseous flow 2, and a zeolite material disposed in the gaseous flow. Although various types of sulfur can be detected, the present invention is particularly suited for dimethyl sulfide and organic sulfur. The zeolite material changes color in the presence of sulfur by physically binding sulfur from the gaseous flow 2, which is also referred to as physical adsorption. The zeolite material is regenerable, and regenerating the zeolite material releases sulfur and returns to an original color.

Abstract: A micro-scale heating module for heating a micro-fluidic chip is provided. The micro-fluidic chip typically includes an inlet, an outlet and a working region between the inlet and the outlet. The micro-scale heating module includes a preheating part and a heating part. The preheating part is correspondingly disposed on the inlet of the micro-fluidic chip. The heating part connects with the preheating part and surrounds the working region of the micro-fluidic chip in order to make the temperature distribution in the working region uniform. The advantages of the micro-scale heating module include simplicity in design, large flow rate in the working region and large working surface. Therefore, the micro-scale heating module can be used in cell culture, cell-to-pharmaceutical test, biochemical test and so on.

Abstract: The invention is related to methods and apparatus that manipulate droplets in a microfluidic environment. Advantageously, embodiments of the invention manipulate droplets by controlling the electro-wetting characteristics of a surface with light, thereby inducing a gradient in the surface tension of a droplet. The gradient in the surface tension propels the droplet by capillary force. A variety of operations, such as transporting, joining, cutting, and creating can be performed. Advantageously, embodiments of the invention obviate the need to create a relatively large and complex control electrode array. A plurality of photoconductive cells or a layer of a photoconductive material selectively couples an electrode carrying an electrical bias to otherwise floating conductive cells in response to a beam of light. The electrical bias applied to the conductive cell generates a localized electric field, which can change the contact angle of the droplet, thereby permitting the droplet to be propelled.

Abstract: There is provided a microchip having an introduction portion introducing a liquid, a valve, and an ejection portion ejecting the liquid. The valve connects the introduction portion and the ejection portion, and retains the liquid such that surface tension of the liquid prevents the liquid from being ejected to the ejection portion. The liquid can be ejected from the introduction portion to the ejection portion by applying to the liquid centrifugal force larger than the surface tension of the liquid. Such a microchip according to the present invention has a simple configuration and allows easy control of retaining and flowing of a liquid.

Abstract: A deodorizing filter (1) characterized by comprising a first deodorizing filter (2) regulated so as to have a high-pH environment and a second deodorizing filter (3) regulated so as to have a low-pH environment. The first deodorizing filter and/or second deodorizing filter preferably comprises an active-carbon-filled paper and, supported thereon, a cobalt phthalocyanine complex and an iron phthalocyanine complex.

Abstract: The present invention describes a system and method for accurately measuring the concentration of a substance within a filter housing. A concentration sensor and a communications device are coupled so as to be able to measure and transmit the concentration of a particular substance within the filter housing while in use. This system can comprise a single component, integrating both the communication device and the concentration sensor. Alternatively, the system can comprise separate sensor and transmitter components, in communication with one another. In yet another embodiment, a storage element can be added to the system, thereby allowing the device to store a set of concentration values. The use of this device is beneficial to many applications. For example, the ability to read concentration values in situ allows integrity tests to be performed without additional equipment.

Abstract: An air purifier has an air flow cavity bounded by cavity walls and a source of ultraviolet light emitting ultraviolet light within the cavity. The cavity walls have an ultraviolet light reflective coating. A plurality of photocatalytic particles are associated with the reflective coating. The photocatalytic particles are of a type which leads to production of oxygen and hydroxyl free radicals when illuminated with ultraviolet light in the presence of water.

Abstract: Excessive generation NO2 by oxidation catalyst arrangement upstream of a selective reduction catalyst is suppressed to prevent falling of NOx reduction rate. A selective reduction catalyst 4 capable of selectively reacting NOx with ammonia even in the presence of oxygen is incorporated in an exhaust pipe 3 from an engine 1. A pair of oxidation catalysts 5A and 5B are arranged in parallel with each other and upstream of the selective reduction catalyst. In an operation condition with low exhaust temperature, amounts of the exhaust gas 2 distributed to the oxidation catalysts 5A and 5B are adjusted so as to make NO/NO2 ratio in the exhaust gas 2 to about 1-1.5.

Abstract: A substrate system for use in an internal combustion engine. The substrate system includes a metallic substrate which is arranged within a thin walled inner tube. The substrate system also includes an outer tube arranged over the inner tube.

Abstract: An apparatus for analyzing biologic fluid is provided that includes a first planar member, a second planar member, and at least three separators. At least one of planar members is transparent. The separators are disposed between the members, and separate the members to form a chamber having a height. At least one of the members or separators is sufficiently flexible to permit the chamber height to approximate the mean size of the separators. During use, the biologic fluid to be analyzed is disposed within the chamber.

Abstract: A process for the production of alumina trihydrate by alkaline digestion of bauxite using the Bayer process in which aluminate liquor and insoluble residues are separated using a solid/liquid separation device (E; W2; DC) characterised in that the said slurry (21a; 41; 230?) is at least partially passed through a hydrocyclone (H1; H21; H22; H3) to improve and accelerate the separation of the sodium aluminate liquor from the insoluble residues in the slurry (21a; 41; 230?) containing the said liquor and the said residues and that supplies or is derived from the said liquid—solid separation device. In a first embodiment, at least one hydrocyclone is used at the upstream side of the settler—thickener, as clarifier of the pregnant liquor. In a second embodiment, at least one hydrocyclone is used as a thickener of insoluble residue mud. In a third embodiment, a hydrocyclone is used in combination with the causticisation settler.

Abstract: The invention is related to a system for removal of moisture and contaminants from recirculated flue gas which is used for combustion in fossil fuel power plants. The system includes a spray tower having an inlet at one end of the housing and an outlet at an opposite end of the housing for channeling the flue gas into and out of the housing. Sprayers are located in the housing for spraying the flue gas with a liquid reagent to remove contaminants, including SO2, from the flue gas. A heat exchanger is integrally connected to the housing. The heat exchanger cools the liquid reagent before the reagent is sprayed onto the flue gas stream. The sprayers quench the flue gas stream with the cooled liquid reagent. The cooling of the liquid reagent to a temperature below the flue gas water vapor dew point improves the condensation of the water vapor in the flue gas during the spraying process. The flue gas exits the system with a lower moisture content and is redirected to burner for combustion.

Abstract: Active temperature areas of selective reduction catalysts are expanded more than ever before so as to obtain high NOx reduction ratio in a larger exhaust temperature range. Disclosed is an exhaust emission control device with selective reduction catalyst incorporated in an exhaust pipe 9, the catalyst having enhanced reaction selectivity so as to selectively react NOx with ammonia even in the presence of oxygen, urea water 16 being added as reducing agent upstream of the catalyst by urea water adding means (urea water tank 13, urea water supply pipe 14, supply pump 15 and injection nozzle 17) so as to reduce and purify NOx. The catalyst comprises two or high- and low-temperature-active catalysts 11 and 12 with different active temperature areas. The catalysts are arranged in series in such a manner that the catalysts 11 and 12 with relatively high and low active temperature areas are positioned upstream and downstream, respectively.

Abstract: A system and method of reducing SO2 emissions of a carbonaceous fuel fired hot gas stream in a system including a precipitator by injecting trona into the hot gas stream prior to the gas stream being cooled by an apparatus such as an air heater.

Abstract: The present invention provides an improved process for the synthesis and methanolysis of ammonia borane and borazine.

Abstract: Provided is a method for manufacturing hydroxylamine. In this method, an aqueous reaction medium containing acidic buffer agent and nitrate ions in the presence of a limited amount of metal impurities such as Fe or Cu is introduced into a hydroxylamine synthesis reactor in the presence of catalyst to proceed hydroxylamine synthesis by reduction of nitrate ions with hydrogen gas as reducing agent in the aqueous reaction medium to produce hydroxylamine. The reaction is processed in the aqueous reaction medium with a limited amount of metal impurities or even without metal impurities, such that the selection rate of the hydroxylamine product is increased.

Abstract: Process, apparatus, compositions and application modes are provided that relate to nanofiber spinning without the use of superacids in the spinning solution. The methods employ either acids or bases for a flocculation solution. The advances disclosed therein enable the use of nanofibers, including carbon nanotubes, for a variety of applications including, but not limited to, electromechanical actuators, supercapacitors, electronic textiles, and in devices for electrical energy harvesting.

Abstract: The present invention provides a photorefractive potassium niobate (KNbO3) crystal including a first impurity added substitutionally to the niobium (Nb) site and a second impurity added substitutionally to the potassium (K) site, wherein the first and second impurities are different. There is also provided a method of making the codoped potassium niobate crystal (KNbO3) of the present invention wherein the method includes adding at least one of the impurities to a melt composition during crystal growth, adding at least one of the impurities into an existing crystal using thermal diffusion, and/or adding at least one of impurities into an existing crystal using electrically assisted diffusion.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for preparing thermodynamically unstable products of the oxidative gas-phase reaction of molecular compounds comprising hydrogen and at least one atom other than hydrogen by stabilized autothermal reaction in a porous medium.

Abstract: Reactors and methods that generate hydrogen from fuel, such as naturally-occurring or synthesized hydrocarbon fuel. One embodiment of the reactor comprises a CO2/H2 active membrane piston disposed inside a cylinder that provides for highly efficient and scalable hydrogen generation from hydrocarbon fuels. This embodiment may function in a two or four stroke modes. Another embodiment of the reactor comprises a dual piston configuration having CO2 and H2 active membrane pistons inside a single cylinder. Other embodiments of the reactor comprise flexible membranes or diaphragms that operate in a manner similar to pistons with or without regeneration of residual reaction products.

Abstract: A process for producing hydrogen gas is disclosed. In one embodiment, the process for produces hydrogen gas from biofuel reformation. The process includes the step of reacting a biofuel with a naturally occurring base.

Abstract: The effective pore diameter of ETS-4 can be controlled without thermal treatment by selecting various combinations of cations to exchange into ETS-4. The effect that any cation mixture has on the ETS-4 can be reduced to the weighted average of the effects of each cation present.

Abstract: A tissue sealant for use in surgical and medical procedures for sealing the tissues of a living mammal is provided. The tissue sealant comprises a hydrogel which is formed by gelation of a premix disposed on the tissue to be sealed. The premix comprises an alkylated chitosan, a polybasic carboxylic acid, a dehydrating reagent, and a carboxyl activating reagent in an aqueous medium. A preferred use of the tissue sealant is in the repair of the dura mater after brain surgery to prevent leakage of cerebrospinal fluid. The tissue sealant may include a therapeutic or protective agent such as an antibiotic or an anti-inflammatory drug.

Abstract: A tissue sealant for use in surgical and medical procedures for sealing the tissues of a living mammal is provided. The tissue sealant comprises a hydrogel which is formed by gelation of a premix disposed on the tissue to be sealed. The premix comprises alkylated chitosan or a gelatin, and a polybasic carboxylic acid or an oxidized polysaccharide, in an aqueous medium. The premix can also include a dehydrating reagent, a carboxyl activating reagent, or both. A specific use of the tissue sealant is in the repair of the dura mater after brain surgery to prevent leakage of cerebrospinal fluid. The tissue sealant may include a therapeutic or protective agent such as an antibiotic or an anti-inflammatory drug.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to a vehicle useful for delivering a pharmaceutically active compound including a genetic molecule or composition. More particularly, the present invention provides microemulsions for transdermal delivery of pharmaceutically active agents to a subject.

Abstract: A method of imaging apoptosis in vivo, using radiolabeled annexin, is described.

Abstract: Disclosed are cannabimimetic aminoalkylindole compounds and methods for their manufacture. The disclosed compounds are surprisingly potent and selective cannabinoids. The disclosed compounds may include radioactive atoms. Also disclosed are methods of using the disclosed compounds, including use of the disclosed compounds to stimulate a cannabinoid receptor, to provide a physiological effect in an animal or individual, to treat a condition in an animal or individual and for use in radioimaging.

Abstract: A method for treating intrauterine growth retardation in an animal, such as a human being, is disclosed comprising administration of a lysine composition.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to compositions useful as imaging agents for use in MRI, CT, Gamma-scintigraphy, or optical imaging techniques. Methods and compositions of using the same are described.

Abstract: Methods are disclosed to rapidly form and load cells and cell-derived vesicles. Loaded materials can include imaging agents, drugs and magnetic particles. Methods are also presented to additionally target the loaded cells or vesicles, leading to new forms of imaging, treatment, diagnosis, and detection by a large number of techniques. The preparation and use of reduced sized cells that retain subset characteristics of the parent cell are also described.

Abstract: A composition for ultrasonic imaging is described having a microparticle population of controlled fragility. A method of using such composition for imaging a fluid filled cavity, vessel or tissue is described.

Abstract: The invention provides compositions and methods for therapeutic and diagnostic applications.

Abstract: A pharmaceutical composition is provided which contains a water soluble acid salt of a sympathomimetic amine, e.g., pseudoephedrine, and an additive, e.g., a volatile amine or other odorant, that is co-distillable, e.g., by steam distillation, with the sympathomimetic amine and/or its derivatives, e.g., its free base.

Abstract: A mucosal or cutaneous medicinal or hygiene system, comprising (a) a gas-driven foam dispenser; and (b) a fluid composition comprising (i) as the only foaming agent one or more polysaccharides, gelatins, synthetic polymers selected from the group consisting of ethylene oxide homo- and copolymers having a weight average molecular weight of at least 10,000, and homo and copolymers comprising in polymerized form acrylic acid, an acrylic acid salt, acrylamide, vinylalcohol, vinylacetate, vinylpyrrolidone or vinylpyridine, or a combination thereof; (ii) a liquid diluent, and (iii) an active ingredient for mucosal or cutaneous medicinal treatment or hygiene.

Abstract: A composition applied to exposed dentin of a tooth comprising hydroxyethylmethacrylate or HEMA, glutaldehyde, and a thickening agent in aqueous solution. The thickening agent or viscosity enhancing material increases the viscosity of the composition, preventing the composition from moving out of position or dripping on a vertical surface. The present invention helps the composition from contacting or irritating soft tissue in the mouth of a patient. The composition decreases tooth sensitivity and improves bonding.

Abstract: A cosmetic composition comprising Backbiting Silicone Polymer in a cosmetically acceptable carrier.

Abstract: The present invention provides an external preparation that contains processed pueraria flower. When the external preparation of the present invention is applied to skin or mucous membranes, then skin quality improving effects (skin beautifying effects) such as preventing chapped skin or preventing wrinkles, the effect of strengthening mucous membrane elasticity, and the effect of preventing gingivitis and periodontal disease, for example, are obtained. The external preparation of the present invention can develop new use of the pueraria flower.

Abstract: The present invention relates to surface-modified nanoparticulate metal oxides where the metal is chosen from the group consisting of aluminum, cerium, iron, titanium, zinc and zirconium, wherein the surface modification comprises a coating with a copolymer P of A) 60 to 99 mol % of an N-vinyllactam and B) 1 to 40 mol % of a monomer chosen from the group of b1) C8-C30-alkyl esters of monoethylenically unsaturated C3-C8-carboxylic acids b2) N-alkyl- or N,N-dialkyl-substituted amides of acrylic acid or of methacrylic acid with C8-C8-alkyl radicals, or b3) vinyl esters of aliphatic C8-C30-carboxylic acids, or mixtures of these monomers.

Abstract: The invention relates to the use of vitamin K1 as energizer in cosmetic formulations and to specific cosmetic formulations containing vitamin K1.