Abstract: The coating liquid for forming porous silica according to the present invention is characterized by preferably containing a partial hydrolysis-condensation product of an alkoxysilane compound, a surfactant and an organic ampholyte, and by having a metal content of not more than 50 ppb. Conventional coating liquids for forming porous silica have such a problem that porous silica films formed therefrom may have poor regularity in micropore alignment when the shelf life of the coating liquids are long. On the contrary, the coating liquid for forming porous silica of the present invention is excellent in self-life stability. Namely, the quality of porous silica formed therefrom is hardly affected by the length of self-life period of the coating liquid.

Abstract: The present invention relates to platelet-shaped pigments comprising (a) a layer obtained by calcination of a layer comprising SiOz wherein 0.03?z?2.0 and a metal, to a process for the production thereof, and to the use thereof in paints, text ink-jet printing, cosmetics, coating compositions, plastics, printing inks and in glazes for ceramics and glass. The aforementioned process makes available platelet-shaped pigments having a high degree of planeparallelism and a defined thickness in the range of ±10%, preferably ±5%, of the average thickness.

Abstract: A corrosion-inhibiting pigment comprising a rare earth element and a valence stabilizer combinded to form a rare earth/valence stabilizer complex. The rare earth element is selected from cerium, terbium, praseodymium, or a combination thereof, and at least one rare earth element is in the tetravalent oxidation state. An inorganic or organic material is used to stabilize the tetravalent rare earth ion to form a compound that is sparingly soluble in water. Specific stabilizers are chosen to control the release rate of tetravalent cerium, terbium, or praseodymium during exposure to water and to tailor the compatibility of the powder when used as a pigment in a chosen binder system. Stabilizers may also modify the processing and handling characteristics of the formed powders. Many rare earth-valence stabilizer combinations are presented that can equal the performance of conventional hexavalent chromium systems.

Abstract: A method of fabricating an orientation film for a liquid crystal display device is provided. An orientation film is formed on a substrate. An ion-beam irradiation apparatus having an ion generation element is provided. The substrate is placed on a stage in a vacuum chamber. The angle of the substrate is controlled such that the orientation film has a predetermined angle with respect to an ion beam of the ion-beam irradiation apparatus. An ion beam from the ion-beam irradiation apparatus irradiates a surface of the orientation film. The ion beam has an energy intensity of about 300 eV to about 800 eV and a predetermined dose.

Abstract: A silicon wafer made by the Czochralski method, including a ring-shaped OSF region and having nitrogen concentration ranging from 2.9×1014 to 5.0×1015 atoms/cm3 and oxygen concentration of 1.27×1018 to 3.0×1018 atoms/cm3 is heat-treated in a reducing-gas or inert-gas atmosphere, by increasing the temperature at the rate of 0.5° C./min to 2.0° C./min until the wafer is heated to a heat-treatment temperature of 1000 to 1200° C.

Abstract: A method and system for use in combination with a crystal growing apparatus for growing a monocrystalline ingot according to a Czochralski process. The crystal growing apparatus has a heated crucible including a semiconductor melt from which the ingot is pulled. The ingot is grown on a seed crystal pulled from the melt. A time varying external magnetic field is imposed on the melt during pulling of the ingot. The magnetic field is selectively adjusted to produce pumping forces in the melt to control a melt flow velocity while the ingot is being pulled from the melt.

Abstract: The invention is directed to apparatus and methods for measuring and for reducing dust in granular polysilicon. In one aspect, a system includes a process vessel having a vacuum port for pulling dust from the polysilicon. Another system of the invention includes a baffle tube for receiving a polysilicon flow. A measuring system includes a manifold and filter for separating and measuring the dust from a flow of polysilicon. The invention is also directed to methods of using the systems, to methods of manufacturing and packaging granular polysilicon, and to a supply of granular polysilicon.

Abstract: The present invention relates to layered organic structures in which anisotropic crystalline seed layers control crystalline structure of the subsequent epitaxial organic layers. The structure comprises in sequence a substrate, a globally ordered crystalline seed layer with intermolecular spacing of 3.4±0.3 ?, and at least one epitaxial layer of an organic compound. The seed layer is comprised of disc-shaped molecules of at least one polycyclic organic compound with conjugated ?-system. At least one layer of an organic compound is epitaxially deposited onto the seed layer. The present invention also provides a method for obtaining a layered organic structure. The method comprises forming of a globally ordered anisotropic crystalline seed layer on a substrate by means of the Cascade Crystallization Process. The seed layer has an intermolecular spacing of 3.4±0.3 ? and it is formed by rodlike supramolecules comprised of disc-shaped molecules of at least one polycyclic organic compound with conjugated ?-system.

Abstract: The present invention provides an assembly comprising two plates or covers, one of which being an outermost plate or cover, and both, at least in part having a perforation pattern over a surface area covering an open side of a crucible having a bottom and surrounding side walls containing raw materials, wherein said outermost cover is mounted at a distance farther from the said crucible than said cover covering said open side of a crucible, and wherein both covers are mounted versus each other, so that, when viewed through an axis in a direction perpendicular to the bottom of the crucible from a distance to said outermost cover of at least 10 times the distance between said two plates or covers, its contents cannot be observed as their perforations and the crucible are never forming one line, perpendicular to the plane formed by said bottom.

Abstract: A heat shield and a crystal growth equipment are provided, in which the length-adjustable and hybrid-angle heat shield is provided for the crystal growth equipments. The heat shield is adapted for not only guiding the inert gas flow but also speeding up the flow rate of the gas and the cooling rate of the crystal so as to raise the axial temperature gradient at the solid-molten interface, the growth rate of the crystal and the productivity. The heat shield further can also reduce the possibility of microdefect nucleation to improve the quality of crystal at the same time. In addition, the length of heat shield can be adjusted according to the distance between the heat shield and the semiconductor material melt in different crucibles in case that the crucibles are made by different factories. This can reduce the cost of the heat shield manufacturing.

Abstract: A progressive stencil printing system and method for applying encapsulant onto an inkjet printhead body is described. The system relates to a continuous stencil printing apparatus that can print encapsulant on different types of inkjet printhead bodies and clean the stencil during production.

Abstract: A processing equipment includes a chamber, an airflow generator which generates a downward airflow in the chamber, a stage in the chamber, a nozzle which is arranged above the stage. The nozzle has a protector which is arranged around a supply port of the nozzle. The protector protects the supply port form the downward airflow.

Abstract: A paint shield to enable one operator to efficiently and effectively spray paint interior room corners. The paint shield includes two rigid sheets of material which are joined in a perpendicular orientation. The angle of this joint matches the angle of an interior room wall to wall corner. The paint shield also includes an elongated handle mounted between the sheets and angling away from the joint. The handle may have a telescopic capability. The handle may also be positioned closer to a particular wall. The angle of the handle allows ambidextrous use of the paint shield, while providing unhampered excess for spray painting the ceiling or floor corner. A painter may single handedly hold the shield against a wall corner, while spray painting the exposed ceiling or floor and effectively masking the protected wall surfaces.

Abstract: A method of carburizing treatment is proposed in which if carburizing is carried out at a low temperature, carbon will not turn amorphose and deposit on the surface of a titanium metal but reliably penetrate into between metallic atoms. It is a method of surface treatment of a titanium metal comprising the steps of heating the titanium metal to a temperature of 400-690° C. in a cleaning gas atmosphere containing hydrogen gas, subjecting the surface of the titanium metal to cleaning by applying a DC voltage of 200-1500 V, and plasma carburizing in an atmosphere comprising a carburizing gas having an atomic weight ratio of hydrogen atoms (H) to carbon atoms (C) adjusted to 1?H/C?9 at a pressure of 13-400 Pa and a temperature of 400-690° C. Ionization reaction in the gas is suppressed suitably. Because there exists no excessive carbon which is not used for carburization but turns soot or glass-like carbon, in the atmosphere during carburization, carburizing reaction progresses smoothly.

Abstract: The present invention: relates to a grain-oriented electrical steel sheet and a double-oriented electrical steel sheet which are used as soft magnetic materials for electrical machinery and apparatus; and is a grain-oriented electrical steel sheet extremely excellent in film adhesiveness, characterized by: containing, in mass, 2.5 to 4.5% Si, 0.01 to 0.4% Ti, and not more than 0.005% as to each of C, N, S and O, with the balance substantially consisting of Fe and unavoidable impurities; and having films comprising compounds of C with Ti or Ti and one or more of Nb, Ta, V, Hf, Zr, Mo, Cr and W on the surfaces of said steel sheet, and a method for producing the steel sheet.

Abstract: A copper-nickel-silicon quench substrate rapidly solidifies molten alloy into microcrystalline or amorphous strip. The substrate is composed of a thermally conducting alloy. It has a two-phase microstructure with copper rich regions surrounded by a discontinuous network of nickel silicide phases. The microstructure is substantially homogeneous. Casting of strip is accomplished with minimal surface degradation as a function of casting time. The quantity of material cast during each run is improved without the toxicity encountered with copper-beryllium substrates.

Abstract: A process for producing a copper-nickel-silicon alloy having a yield strength above 90 ksi with an electrical conductivity above 50% IACS. The process includes melting and continuously casting raw material to obtain an alloy containing 1-3 wt. % nickel, 0.2 to 0.7 wt. % silicon, remainder copper and unavoidable impurities; cold delivering the alloy to form a cold-rolled alloy, solution annealing the cold-rolled alloy; cold rolling the annealed alloy; and precipitation annealing the cold-rolled annealed alloy at a temperature of 450-500 degrees C. for four to ten hours with a cooling rate of 10-20 degrees C. per hour.

Abstract: A process for applying a transferable image on a wall includes applying a transferable image onto a first surface of a transfer sheet, applying a sealant coating directly over the transferable image, applying an adhesive binder on the wall, placing the transfer sheet against the wall with the first surface in facing relationship with the adhesive binder on the wall, applying pressure to transfer the transferable image onto the wall, and removing the transfer sheet from the wall. The process protects the transferable image on the wall and controls the appearance of the transferable image for decorative purposes. The process is directly applicable to roughened and irregular surfaces of actual wall structures.

Abstract: An apparatus and a continuous process produce composite structural insulated panels (SIPs). Lower boards are placed on a conveying system through a foam application zone and then upper boards are applied. The foam material adheres to the upper and lower boards to form a structural insulated panel after passing through a curing apparatus.

Abstract: An electrical component with a printed circuit board. The printed circuit board has an upper face and a lower face. A microprocessor is mounted to the upper face. A capacitor is mounted to the lower face. The capacitor has a first face parallel to the printed circuit board and a second face opposite to the first face. First plates and second plates are in alternating planar relationship with a dielectric therebetween and arranged in a plane perpendicular to the plane created by the circuit board. Each first plate has a first coupling tab and a power tab on opposing edges wherein the first coupling tab terminates at the first face and the power tab terminates at the second face. Each second plate of the second plates comprises a second coupling tab and a ground tab on opposing edges wherein the second coupling tab terminates at the first face and the ground tab terminates at the second face. The first coupling tab and the second coupling tab are in electrical contact with the microprocessor.

Abstract: A method and a machine for producing a seam which is not susceptible to coming undone, with at least one interlooped and/or interlaced stitching thread and with stitching passes in or through at least one thickness of the material of an object, called the sewn object. The seam is produced with at least one stitching thread having a thermoplastic material at least on its exterior. At least one infrared laser beam is applied locally to the seam on the exterior of the sewn object, which laser beam is adapted to soften punctually the thermoplastic material present on the exterior of at least one strand of thread extending on the exterior of the sewn object and adjacent to at least one other strand of thread.

Abstract: A tire in which a tire manufacturer has determined the tractive capacity at numerous levels of tread wear, the tire having at least one visual warning indicator located at a tread depth corresponding to a percentage loss of tractive capacity. Also, a method of making the tire and a method improving traffic safety through use of such a tire combined with educating the consumer as to proper use of the tire.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a liquid crystal display panel is provided which includes bonding a pair of substrates to each other with a gap maintained therebetween and defining an intake between the substrates, injecting liquid crystal into a space between the substrates through the intake in an environment heated in comparison with room temperature, and sealing the intake by a sealant, with the environment kept heated from the injecting of the liquid crystal.

Abstract: High loft, low density nonwoven webs are produced by forming substantially continuous, spunbond, crimped, bicomponent fibers of A/B bilateral morphology in an unheated fiber draw unit. The fibers are then heated and cooled in the absence of impeding forces to achieve maximum crimp in the z-direction and produce a web of lofted material. The resultant material is particularly suitable for use as an insulator. Particulates may be added to the webs if desired.

Abstract: A thin ribbon spirally wound polymer conduit and method of forming, wherein a helical reinforcing bead is interposed adjacent overlapping layers of ribbon. Further, a method of continuously forming spirally wound conduit wherein a sacrificial layer, preferably having a different base polymer to that of the conduit, is first applied to the former before the conduit is formed overtop.

Abstract: A bonded part such as a rubber to metal bonded part and process for producing a bonded part including a rubber and metal part, and particularly for producing an automotive torsional vibration damper, comprising the steps of placing uncured elastomer composition comprising an elastomer, at least one curative, and preferably, at least one rubber-to-metal adhesive adjuvant into a shape-forming mold, and curing the elastomer in two stages, wherein in the first curing stage the elastomer composition is less than fully cured and in the second curing stage, preferably performed with the elastomer composition in contact with a metal surface of the rubber and metal part, the elastomer composition is at least substantially fully cured. According to one embodiment, the present invention allows for the elimination of the step of applying an adhesive to the metal surface prior to application of the elastomer composition.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods and systems for selective inhibition of sintering in 3D fabrication. The disclosure provides methods and systems that use selective heating arrangements to selectively sinter areas during fabrication thereby reducing waste improving efficiency.

Abstract: The device to join a sheet of smooth cardboard (N4) to a sheet of corrugated cardboard (N1; N2; N3), comprises a series of heated plates (3) aligned according to a longitudinal direction of feed (F) of the cardboard and, above said heated plates, pressure elements (53) to press the cardboard against said heated plates, which are fastened by elastic elements to a supporting structure (41). The supporting structure comprises a plurality of frames (41) aligned according to the longitudinal direction (F) and the inclination of the frames is adjustable to modify the pressure profile applied by said pressure elements to the cardboard (C).

Abstract: Methods for conveying, mixing, leveling, and flaking dewatered pulp to produce pulp flakes suitable to be used in a dryer. Methods for producing a consistent flow rate of pulp, and, for producing uniform pulp flakes in terms of pulp flake size and pulp flake moisture content. A method includes introducing a dewatered pulp to a rotating shaftless screw conveyor. The pulp is deposited from the screw conveyor onto a moving belt conveyor through a chute. The pulp is leveled with a rotary doctor located above the belt conveyor to produce a substantially even rate of mass flow of pulp along a length of belt conveyor. Uniform and consistent quantities of pulp per unit time can then be fed from the belt conveyor to a pulp flaker that then translates into an even rate of pulp mass flow to the dryer.

Abstract: The improved process is achieved by introducing depuration of green liquor and lime before causticization and two special causticization steps in causticization procedure of conventional chemical recovery processes. It not only avoids the generation of waste residue (lime mud) from the beginning and saves the re-burning and filling land of lime mud, but also can directly produce a series of precipitated calcium carbonate products with various particle sizes by regulating process conditions while alkali is recovered. The CaCO3 products include CaCO3 wherein ?50% of CaCO3 has a particle size below 2 ?m, CaCO3 wherein ?90% of CaCO3 have a particle size below 2 ?m, and a superfine CaCO3 having an average particle size <1 ?m. The CaCO3 obtained by this process can be directly used for papermaking and other industrial applications.

Abstract: The invention relates to liquid board comprising one or more layers of material containing cellulose, one or more of said layers comprising an additive that has the capacity to react with or decompose a disinfectant with which said liquid board is treated, so that a gas is formed that acts as a barrier and thereby prevents the penetration, especially edge penetration, of said disinfectant into the paperboard layer/layers.

Abstract: A process for bleaching high bulk cellulosic fiber and producing a durable elevated curl index includes: (a) concurrently bleaching, heat treating and convolving cellulosic fiber pulp at elevated temperature and pressure at high consistency generally under conditions selected so as to preclude substantial fibrillation and attendant paper strength and fiber bonding development; and (b) recovering the pulp wherein the length weighted curl index of the treated fiber is at least about 20% higher than the length weighted curl index of the fiber prior to the heat treatment and convolving thereof. Preferably, the curl imparted to the fiber persists upon treatment for 30 minutes in a laboratory disintegrator at 3000 rpm at 1% consistency at a temperature of 125° F. Moreover, the curl may be imparted to the fiber in a disk refiner at very short residence times, on the order of several seconds or less.

Abstract: A dewatering member for a paper or board machine has a composite body (13) and a hard surface layer (12). The composite body (13) is manufactured in a pultrusion process. An adhesion layer (11) is formed on desired outer surfaces of the composite body (13) such that reinforcements passed to the adhesion layer (11) have been passed to the pultrusion process through a separate resin bath, to which an adhesion improving agent has been added such that the hard surface layer (12) can be applied directly onto it, and reinforcements forming the inner portion of the composite body (13) have been passed to the pultrusion process through a second resin bath. The composite body (13) is coated with a hard coating layer (12) produced by thermal spraying, and the coating (12) is ground.

Abstract: An apparatus for the manufacture of a structured fiber web including an imprinting fabric, a first pressure field device, a second pressure field device and a drying cylinder. The fiber web is formed and carried on the imprinting fabric with an initial dry content of less than 35%. The first pressure field device applies a first pressure field to the imprinting fabric and the fiber web, thereby pressing the fiber web onto the imprinting fabric, thereby pre-imprinting the fiber web. The second pressure field device applies a second pressure field to the imprinting fabric in the fiber web, thereby again pressing the fiber web onto the imprinting fabric, drying the fiber web and fixing a three-dimensional surface structure in the fiber web. The drying cylinder has the fiber web delivered thereto by the imprinting fabric.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a vacuum distillation plant and a process for concentrating organic aqueous solutions, especially spissum extracts, using said plant. The vacuum distillation plant of the invention comprises a flash evaporator, a means for vapor concentration and a multi-stage condenser positioned down-stream of said means for vapor concentration, means for recycling at least part of the condensate from a condensation stage into the bottoms product being provided. In addition, the present invention relates to a process for concentrating organic aqueous solutions such as concentrated extracts using said plant.

Abstract: A method of making a coated article is provided, where the coated article may be used in a window or the like and may have at least one infrared (IR) reflecting layer in a low-E coating. The IR reflecting layer may be of silver or the like. In certain example embodiments, at least krypton (Kr) gas is used in sputter-depositing a silver inclusive IR reflecting layer. It has been found that the use of Kr gas in sputtering Ag targets results in an IR reflecting layer having improved resistance and emittance properties.

Abstract: Steel cabinet parts and other steel objects are electrocoated in a cationic resin-containing bath. The steel objects are chromium-coated, free of phosphate and preferably free of chromium oxide. The products are not significantly subject to filiform corrosion, and the process is economically beneficial because throwpower is more easily controlled than in previous processes.

Abstract: The 3-mercaptopropylsulfonic acid (MPSA) breakdown product of the bis(sodiumsulfopropyl)disulfide (SPS) additive used in acid copper plating baths accelerates copper electrodeposition and can be detected by cyclic voltammetric stripping (CVS) analysis. In the presence of oxygen, MPSA decomposes rapidly in acid copper sulfate baths so that the CVS stripping peak area (Ar) decreases on successive cycles. The slope of a plot of Ar vs. CVS cycle number (or time) or logarithm of the CVS cycle number (or time) provides a measure of the initial MPSA concentration.

Abstract: Treatment of substrates, formation of structures, and formation of multilayer structures using contact masks are disclosed where a non-parallel or non-simultaneous mating of various mask contact surfaces to a substrate surface occurs. Some embodiments involve bringing a relative planar mask contact surface and a relative planar substrate surface together at a small angle (but larger than an alignment tolerance associated with the system). Some embodiments involve flexing a mask to make it non-planar and bringing it into contact with a substrate such that progressively more contact between the mask and substrate occur until complete mating is achieved. Some embodiments involve use of gas or liquid pressure to bow a flexible or semi-flexible mask and use a linear actuator to bring the mating surfaces together and to bring the mask into a more planar configuration.

Abstract: High-purity hydrogen is recovered from a pyrolysis gas, composed mainly of hydrogen and carbon monoxide, produced by pyrolysis of an organic material such as biomass. A method for producing such high-purity hydrogen includes supplying a reducing gas produced by pyrolysis of an organic material to an anode side of a high-temperature steam electrolyzer having a diaphragm comprising solid oxide electrolyte; and supplying steam to a cathode side of the high-temperature steam electrolyzer to produce hydrogen and oxygen by electrolytic action. The oxygen produced in the cathode side of the high-temperature electrolyzer passes through the diaphragm and reacts with the reducing gas to create concentration gradient of oxygen ion, thus lowering electrolysis voltage.

Abstract: Mediator stabilized reagent compositions and methods for their use in electrochemical analyte determination assays are provided. The subject reagent compositions include an enzyme, a redox mediator and a mediator-stabilizing buffer. Optionally, the reagent compositions may further include one or more of a wetting agent, detergent, enzyme cofactor and combinations thereof. Also provided are electrochemical test strips that include the subject reagent compositions, systems and kits that include the same as well as methods for using the same in analyte detection assays. The subject invention finds use in a variety of different applications, including glucose concentration determination applications.

Abstract: A process where the need to circulate hydrogen through the catalyst is eliminated is provided. This is accomplished by mixing and/or flashing the hydrogen and the oil to be treated in the presence of a solvent or diluent in which the hydrogen solubility is “high” relative to the feed. The type and amount of diluent added, as well as the reactor conditions, can be set so that all of the hydrogen required in the hydroprocessing reactions may be available in solution. The oil/diluent/hydrogen solution can then be fed to a plug flow reactor packed with catalyst where the oil and hydrogen react. No additional hydrogen is required, therefore, hydrogen recirculation is avoided and trickle bed operation of the reactors is avoided. Therefore, the large trickle bed reactors can be replaced by much smaller tubular reactor.

Abstract: A process for concurrently fractionating and hydrotreating a full range naphtha stream.

Abstract: Processes are disclosed for removing sulfur, including cyclic and polycyclic organic sulfur components such as thiophenes and benzothiophenes, from a hydrocarbon feedstock including fuels and fuel components. The feedstock is contacted with a regenerable sorbent material capable of selectively adsorbing the sulfur compounds present in the hydrocarbon feedstock in the absence of a hydrodesulfurization catalyst. In one embodiment, the sorbent can be an active metal oxide sulfur sorbent in combination with a refractory inorganic oxide cracking catalyst support. In another embodiment, the sorbent can be a metal-substituted refractory inorganic oxide cracking catalyst wherein the metal is a metal which is capable in its oxide form, of adsorption of reduced sulfur compounds by conversion of the metal oxide to a metal sulfide. The processes are preferably carried out in a transport bed reactor.

Abstract: A skimmer for a pool includes a skimmer guard that is installed by friction only, and without the use of separate fasteners. The skimmer guard includes a perforated plate which acts as a strainer, preventing debris from the pool from entering the skimmer. The skimmer guard is inserted into gap between heads of a double-headed screw which is permanently screwed into the pool wall. The skimmer guard can be removed, and re-installed, simply by sliding the skimmer guard out of, or into, the gap. The skimmer guard can therefore be removed and re-installed without the use of separate fasteners, and without the use of tools. The skimmer guard can be removed and replaced with a non-perforated cover, at the end of the swimming season.

Abstract: This is a device which will make the monitoring and regulation of chemicals in a pool easy and convenient. It will also make it as automatic as possible for the user to accurately monitor the chemical levels and add the appropriate chemicals. The user may preset the amount and time of the specific chemicals to be added and may adjust for factors such as usage and time of year.

Abstract: The invention provides a runoff water purification system for removing pollutants which accumulate on road surfaces, thereby reducing the workload of the sewage water treatment plants and preventing environmental water pollution. The system 1 is installed under the ground of the side of the road 2. Runoff water runs into the system 1 through a curb inlet 120, is purified and discharged to a sewage pipe 56. The system is made up of a concrete box 11, in which a wall 10 separates the box into a maintenance tank 7 and a treatment tank 9, both of which are connected to each other at their lowest ends. Runoff water flows into the maintenance tank 7 and to the treatment tank 9, through the connecting conduit where pollutants are removed, and discharged to the sewage pipe.

Abstract: A separation element is provided for use in a chromatographic analysis system for the separation of a mixture using a stationary phase and a mobile phase. The separation element comprises a fluid transmissive fiber rod comprising a plurality of fibers entangled to provide a tortuous path through which a mobile phase may flow as part of a separation process. The plurality of fibers provides a stationary phase for the separation process.

Abstract: An improved oil conditioning filter, for use with an internal combustion engine, includes a mechanically active filter element and a chemically active filter element containing a beneficial additive therein. The beneficial additive is provided to extend the useful life of lubricating oil in an internal combustion engine. The beneficial additive may include an antioxidant, an anti-wear agent, and/or a basic salt. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the chemically active conditioning agent is provided in a plurality of particles disposed within the oil filter housing. The particles may be bonded together to form an integral porous filter element having spaces defined between the particles thereof. The particles are made either by a hot extrusion process or by a solvent process.

Abstract: A bioremediation system using inorganic oxide-reducing microbial consortia for the treatment of, inter alia coal mine and coal yard runoff uses a containment vessel for contaminated water and a second, floating phase for nutrients. Biodegradable oils are preferred nutrients.