Abstract: An embossing system for embossing at least a portion of a web is provided comprising a first embossing roll having male embossing elements, a second embossing roll having male embossing elements, wherein the first and second embossing rolls define a first nip for receiving the web, and a third embossing roll having male embossing elements, wherein the second and third embossing rolls define a second nip for receiving the web, and wherein at least a substantial portion of the embossing elements of at least one of the first, second, and third embossing rolls are substantially oriented in the cross-machine direction.

Abstract: A sheet electrode with a predetermined thickness for an electric double layer capacitor is made by carrying out a roller rolling step in which a long sheet intermediate is made from a material containing a carbonaceous powder, a conductive assistant and a binder and thereafter. The sheet intermediate is passed between a pair of rolling rollers to be wound up by a winding section while being drawn out of a drawing section. The roller rolling step includes drawing the sheet intermediate out of the drawing section under a predetermined tension applied to the sheet intermediate, and controlling a widthwise position of the sheet intermediate immediately before the rolling rollers by an edge position controller, and winding the sheet intermediate rolled by the rollers onto a winding section while the winding section is applying a predetermined pressure to a rolling side drive roller located adjacent to the winding section and rotated at a predetermined speed.

Abstract: A process for manufacturing a cellulosic paper product (e.g., paper hand towels) exhibiting reduced malodor upon wetting. The process comprises forming an aqueous suspension of papermaking fibers, depositing the aqueous suspension onto a sheet-forming fabric to form a wet web, drying the web at high temperature in an oxidative environment and topically applying a liquid glycol composition comprising a glycol compound selected from the group consisting of polyethylene glycol, triethylene glycol, glycerol and mixtures thereof to the web having a dry weight consistency of at least about 80%. The process of the present invention is particularly suited for reducing malodor released from cellulosic paper products made from through-air dried base sheet material.

Abstract: This invention is to provide a paper bulking promoter with which a highly bulky sheet can be obtained without impairing paper strength. Namely, this invention provides a process for producing a bulky paper, comprising the step of making paper from pulp in the presence of a bulking promoter comprising a cationic compound.

Abstract: A cellulose fiber having extended biostability and the method of its manufacture are described. While prior treatments of cellulose with biotoxic metal compounds have given improved resistance to decay, these treatments have not been entirely satisfactory where the fiber had to be refined before use. Refining energy was very high and fiber length loss was substantial. Treatment of cellulose fiber with dideyldimethylammonium chloride (DDAC) or bromide (DDAB), these materials in combination with low levels of copper, or low levels of copper alone, has given a product with very good biostability without a major increase in refining energy or loss of fiber length. The treated fiber is particularly advantageous as a reinforcing component for cement board products.

Abstract: Topically-applied binder materials for imparting wet strength to soft, absorbent paper sheets, such as are useful as household paper towels and the like, include an azetidinium-reactive polymer, such as a carboxyl-functional polymer, an azetidinium-functional polymer and, optionally, a component useful for reducing sheet-to-sheet adhesion (blocking) in the product. These binder materials can be cured at ambient temperature over a period of days and do not impart objectionable odor to final product when wetted.

Abstract: A method for producing a fiber molded article comprising the step of transferring a fiber molded article 10 formed in a papermaking mold 2 composed of splits 20 and 20? to a split 30? of a drying mold 3, in which the papermaking mold 2 is once opened while attracting the fiber molded article 10 to the inner surface of the split 20? by suction to separate the fiber molded article 10 from the inner surface of the split 20, the papermaking mold 2 is closed, the suction by the split 20? is stopped, the papermaking mold 2 is opened again while attracting the fiber molded article 10 to the inner surface of the split 20 to separate the fiber molded article 10 from the split 20?, the split 20 is joined with the split 30?, the fiber molded article 10 is attracted to the inner surface of the split 30? by suction, and the fiber molded article 10 is separated from the split 20.

Abstract: A dewatering system in a paper machine includes a dewatering fabric and a press. The dewatering fabric includes a woven permeable fabric and a polymeric layer having openings therethrough, the polymeric layer is connected to the permeable fabric. The press applying pressure to a portion of the dewatering fabric.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing and a papermaker's or industrial fabric, which includes the application of a polymeric resin material onto preselected discrete locations on a base substrate in a controlled manner in droplets having an average diameter of 10? (10 microns) to point bond yarns, bond spiral wound strips together or to bond layers of a fabric together.

Abstract: Apparatus for forming fibrous filter elements such as tubular elements molded from borosilicate microfibers. Molding rigs are supplied with a slurry from a system including a holding tank and a reservoir. The reservoir is coupled to a water intake and also receives recycled aqueous liquid. The holding tank receives a mixture of fibers and aqueous liquid. A controller monitors volume levels in the holding tank and reservoir and allows for incremental pH changes.

Abstract: A process arrangement for distilling fuel grade ethanol includes a fermentation portion, a distillation portion, a condensation and dehydration portion, a separation and drying portion and an evaporation portion. The fermentation portion produces beer. The distillation portion, the condensation and dehydration portion and the separation and drying portion receives beer from the fermentation portion and produces hot ethanol vapor and thin stillage. In the evaporation portion, a set of first effect evaporators which are heated either by plant steam or hot ethanol vapor, concentrate thin stillage into mid stillage while producing first effect steam. The first effect steam from the first effect evaporators provides heat to a set of second effect evaporators which concentrate the mid stillage into a syrup for further drying. The second effect evaporators produce second effect steam which is used to heat the distillation portion of the process arrangement.

Abstract: By using a dephlegmator which conducts distillation concurrently with heat exchange within at least one distillation column, or a portion of one distillation column, of a distillation cascade, the quantity of liquid holdup within the distillation apparatus is reduced and the start-up time is shortened. Consequently, the operational costs associated with startup are reduced, and productivity is improved markedly.

Abstract: An acoustic system for applying vibratory energy including a horn connected to an ultrasonic energy source. The horn defines an overall length and wavelength, and at least a leading section thereof is comprised of a ceramic material. The leading section has a length of at least ? the horn wavelength. In one preferred embodiment, an entirety of the horn is a ceramic material, and is mounted to a separate component, such as a waveguide, via an interference fit. Regardless, by utilizing a ceramic material for at least a significant portion of the horn, the ultrasonic system of the present invention facilitates long-term operation in extreme environments such as high temperature and/or corrosive fluid mediums. The present invention is useful for fabrication of metal matrix composite wires.

Abstract: An electrochemical apparatus is provided which deposits material onto or removes material from the surface of a workpiece. The apparatus comprises a polishing pad and a platen which is in turn comprised of a first conductive layer in contact with the polishing pad and coupled to a first potential, a second conductive layer coupled to a second potential, and a first insulating layer disposed between the first and second conductive layers. At least one electrical contact is positioned within the polishing pad and is electrically coupled to the second conductive layer. A reservoir is provided which places an electrolyte solution in contact with the polishing pad and the workpiece. A carrier positions and/or presses the workpiece against the polishing pad.

Abstract: A deterioration detection apparatus for an oxygen sensor is able to detect an abnormality of the oxygen sensor constantly with high precision, without being affected by the temperature characteristic of the element impedance. The apparatus applies a voltage V to the oxygen sensor, and calculates an element impedance real value Rsr=V/1 of a sensor element based on the applied voltage and the current I caused to flow by the voltage. The apparatus calculates an element temperature estimated value Tex of the oxygen sensor from a factor that affects the temperature of the oxygen sensor. The apparatus determines whether the oxygen sensor has an abnormality on the basis of whether the relationship between the element impedance real value Rsr and the element temperature estimated value Tex can be regarded as a relationship that agrees with a normal temperature characteristic.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and device for the monitoring of a medical microsample in the flow measuring cell of an analyzer with regard to position and absence of bubbles by means of an alternating voltage applied to the measuring cell, the measuring cell being provided with a multitude of electrode systems placed one behind the other, each system comprising a number of single electrodes for measuring a substance contained in the microsample by means of a measurement voltage which essentially is a DC voltage. To monitor the exact position of the microsample and/or to detect air bubbles in the area of each electrode system, the alternating voltage and the measurement voltage are simultaneously and directly applied to the single electrodes of the corresponding electrode system, and the measured AC component respectively the measured impedance gives a measure for the position of the microsample and the absence of bubbles.

Abstract: A gas detector with a compensated electrochemical sensor exhibits altered sensitivity in response to decreasing stochastic noise in an output thereof. A gain parameter can be adjusted to alter sensitivity. A life-time estimate can be made based on sensitivity.

Abstract: A microfabricated device employing a bridging membrane and methods for electrokinetic transport of a liquid phase biological or chemical material using the same are described. The bridging membrane is deployed in or adjacent to a microchannel and permits either ionic current flow or the transport of gas species, while inhibiting the bulk flow of material. The use of bridging membranes in accordance with this invention is applicable to a variety of processes, including electrokinetically induced pressure flow in a region of a microchannel that is not influenced by an electric field, sample concentration enhancement and injection, as well as improving the analysis of materials where it is desired to eliminate electrophoretic bias. Other applications of the bridging membranes according to this invention include the separation of species from a sample material, valving of fluids in a microchannel network, mixing of different materials in a microchannel, and the pumping of fluids.

Abstract: Capillary electrophoresis systems, reagents, and processes for analyzing a sample which includes at least one protein constituent are disclosed. The processes involve introducing the sample into a capillary tube containing a buffer system, wherein said buffer system includes at least one additive having a hydrophobic interaction with said at least one protein constituent and providing said at least one protein constituent with at least one negative charge thereby modifying the electrophoretic mobility.

Abstract: An electrokinetic method and apparatus for discretely collecting ionic contaminants from a variety of media, with an ionic current there across in which an ion collection compartment has been positioned. Each compartment preferably compromises of an anion or cation exchange membrane and a solution that provides an accumulation zone for ions that permeate into the compartment. After the collection period, the solution is extracted from the compartment, and the concentration of ionic contaminants is determined using standard analytical methods. The preferred apparatus embodiment for use in conjunction with such a method has a direct-push probe configuration. The apparatus can be used (a) to detect low concentrations of ionic contaminants, (b) to evaluate cleanup efficiencies, and (c) to monitor the transport of ionic contaminants.

Abstract: A method for altering the surface properties of a particle bed. In application, the method pertains particularly to an electrokinetic pump configuration where nanoparticles are bonded to the surface of the stationary phase to alter the surface properties of the stationary phase including the surface area and/or the zeta potential and thus improve the efficiency and operating range of these pumps. By functionalizing the nanoparticles to change the zeta potential the electrokinetic pump is rendered capable of operating with working fluids having pH values that can range from 2-10 generally and acidic working fluids in particular. For applications in which the pump is intended to handle highly acidic solutions latex nanoparticles that are quaternary amine functionalized can be used.

Abstract: A method of fabricating a sputtering target for sputter depositing material onto a substrate in a sputtering chamber is described. In one embodiment of the method, a preform having a surface is formed and a layer of sputtering material is electroplated onto the surface of the preform to form the target. The method can be applied to form a sputtering target having a non-planar surface.

Abstract: Disclosed is a disposable glucose strip sensor configured to rapidly and conveniently measure the concentration of glucose in blood and a glucose measurement method using the glucose strip sensor. In the glucose strip sensor, at least one checking electrodes are additionally provided at an electrode section including an operating electrode and a counter electrode. The checking electrode serves to check whether or not it is electrically connected with the counter electrode, upon measuring the concentration of glucose in a blood sample introduced in the sensor. Where two checking electrodes are provided, it may be checked whether or not an electrical connection is established between those checking electrodes. Based on the result of the checking, it is possible to determine whether or not a sufficient amount of blood sample is filled in the sensor. Accordingly, the measurement of glucose concentration can be accurately achieved.

Abstract: A fixed-bed reactor is described for carrying out reactions of fluid reaction mixtures in the presence of a particulate heterogeneous catalyst having a structured packing which forms interstices in the reactor interior, in which the quotient of the hydraulic diameter for the fluid flow through the structured packing and the equivalent diameter of the catalyst particles is in the range from 2 to 20, preferably in the range from 5 to 10, to such an extent that the catalyst particles are introduced into the interstices, loosely distributed and discharged under the action of gravity.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a method for processing a heavy hydrocarbon feed including: supplying the heavy hydrocarbon feed to a heater for heating the heavy hydrocarbon feed; supplying the heated heavy hydrocarbon feed to an atmospheric fractionating tower for fractionating the heated heavy hydrocarbon feed fed to the inlet of the atmospheric fractionating tower producing light atmospheric fractions and atmospheric bottoms; supplying the atmospheric bottoms to a further heater for heating the atmospheric bottoms and producing heated atmospheric bottoms; supplying the heated atmospheric bottoms to a vacuum fractionating tower for fractionating the heated atmospheric bottoms and producing light vacuum fractions and vacuum residue; supplying the vacuum residue to a solvent deasphalting (SDA) unit for producing deasphalted oil (DAO) and asphaltenes from the vacuum residue; supplying the deasphalted oil to a deasphalted oil thermal cracker for thermally cracking the deasphalted oil and producing a thermally

Abstract: A process for the selective hydrodesulfurization of naphtha streams containing a substantial amount of olefins and organically bound sulfur. The naphtha stream is selectively hydrodesulfurized by passing it through a first reaction zone containing a bed of a first hydrodesulfurization catalyst, then passing the resulting product stream through a second reaction zone containing a bed of a second hydrodesulfurization catalyst, which second hydrodesulfurization catalyst contains a lower level of catalytic metals than the first hydrodesulfurization catalyst.

Abstract: An improved catalyst activation process for olefinic naphtha hydrodesulfurization. This process maintains the sulfur removal activity of the catalyst while reducing the olefin saturation activity.

Abstract: A process for the autocatalytic production of organic hydroperoxides and ultra low sulfur diesel boiling range hydrocarbons is disclosed. The organic hydroperoxides react with sulfur compounds to produce sulfones, and the sulfones can be removed from the diesel boiling range hydrocarbons to provide ultra low sulfur diesel.

Abstract: Systems and methods for water extraction and purification are disclosed. In one embodiment of the invention, a system includes at least one water lifting unit that fluidly communicates with a groundwater source, and a gas generator that is fluidly coupled to the at least one water lifting unit to generate a gas that buoyantly moves water from the groundwater source to a water consumer.

Abstract: A mass transfer or energy transfer module is provided which includes a manifold, a cartridge and a bowl which houses the cartridge. The cartridge and bowl are connected to each other at least two flanges which fit into slots of the bowl to form a unitary construction.

Abstract: A pressure gradient dosing system is provided for a fluid supply system. A flow passage has first and second pressure zones having a pressure gradient therebetween. An additive reservoir in an additive delivery system responds to the pressure gradient to release additive to the flow passage.

Abstract: A mechanical release system and method for eliminating scale conditions in water are described. The mechanical release system may include a pressure vessel comprising a head that has a through hole extending from an inlet to an outlet on opposite sides of the head, the through hole divided by at least a circumferential partial rib into an inlet section and an outlet section. Implementations may work without restricting water flow or “water-starving” equipment and control water before it enters equipment and create a scale-eliminating environment within water for extended periods of time (e.g., up to six months or more).

Abstract: The coupling of a sewer treatment station to a treatment plant for the flocculation and flotation of water streams and the insertion of said treatment plant for the flocculation and flotation of water streams into a water treatment station. The sewer treatment station is installed upstream from the flocculation and flotation treatment station, in such a way that the outlet of said station is directly connected to the inlet of the flocculation and flotation treatment plant disposed next to the stream bed or next to and interconnected thereto by means of a varying flow canal. The insertion has dynamic introduction of the process of treatment for the flocculation and flotation of fluid beds, all in a closed canal, wherein the flow of secondary streams (E) is dynamically and continuously submitted to flocculation and flotation techniques in an induced flow canal (FE) in the water treatment station.

Abstract: A device for cleaning up oil spills attachable to a ship for cleaning up crude, has a pair of arms coupleable to a side of a hull of the ship at a water line level, each of the arms having a casing with a substantial semi-circular configuration, and an open top, and a front edge extending into a baffle positioned downwards and forwards to facilitate access to floating crude into the casing, a containment partition projecting upwardly forwardly with a sufficient height to prevent the crude from rising above each of the arms, a screw housed in the casing and with its movement causing the crude to move, a collection tank arranged on an end of each of the arms and into which the crude is caused to move by the screw, the collection tank being connectable to the hull of the ship from where the crude is aspirated toward an inside of the ship.

Abstract: A system and method for washing engines and for collecting and treating the waste water from engine washing operations. The system includes a collecting device for collecting waste liquid during a washing operation of the engine and a treatment device for treating waste liquid collected during the washing operation. The system may be advantageously arranged on a mobile cart having a chassis provided with wheels. The mobile cart also includes an adjusting device for adjusting the vertical position of liquid separating and collecting components relative to the engine.

Abstract: Systems and methods for removing lipids from a fluid, such as plasma, or from lipid-containing organisms. A fluid is combined with at least one extraction solvent, which causes the lipids to separate from the fluid or from lipid-containing organisms. The separated lipids are removed from the fluid. The extraction solvent is removed from the fluid or at least reduced to an acceptable concentration enabling the delipidated fluid to be administered to a patient without the patient experiencing undesirable consequences. Once the fluid has been processed, the fluid may be administered to a patient who donated the fluid, to a different patient, or stored for later use.

Abstract: This invention is directed to systems and methods for removing lipids from a fluid, such as plasma, or from lipid-containing organisms. These systems contact a fluid with an extraction solvent, which causes the lipids in the fluid to separate from the fluid or causes lipids in the lipid-containing organisms to separate from the lipid-containing organism, using at least one hollow fiber contactor. The separated lipids are removed from the fluid. The extraction solvent is removed from the fluid or at least reduced to a level below a particular threshold enabling the fluid to be administered to a patient without the patient experiencing undesirable consequences. Once the fluid has been processed, the fluid may be administered to a patient who donated the fluid, to a different patient, or be stored.

Abstract: Water treatment devices that include filtration media with specified grain size distributions are provided. In one arrangement, the device contains a volume of grains such that between about 1 and 15 vol % of the grains have a grain size in a range between a first grain size and a second grain size, a first portion of the grains have grain sizes smaller than the first grain size, and a second portion of the grains have grain sizes larger than the second grain size. The first grain size can be between about 50 and 100 ?m and the second grain size can be between about 100 and 150 ?m. In other arrangements, the first grain size can be between about 70 and 90 ?m and the second grain size can be between about 100 and 130 ?m. The difference between the first grain size and the second grain size can be at least 20 ?m. In other arrangements, the difference between the first grain size and the second grain size can be at least 10 ?m.

Abstract: The present invention provides a water treatment system, such as a water softener, with a resin tank having a top distributor with a preliminary screen and second screen. The preliminary screen provides added protection by reducing the chance of larger particles from entering the various valves and screens. Prior to the regeneration cycle, an additional back wash and fast rinse cycle are added to rinse sediment to the drain and to clean the preliminary screen.

Abstract: A backwash strainer is equipped with a mechanism for enhancing performance of a backwash operation by imparting a cyclonic flow to liquid to be filtered. The backwash strainer includes a generally cylindrical filter element that defines an interior chamber having an inlet through which liquid to be filtered can flow. A backwash arm is rotatably mounted within the interior chamber of the filter element. An impeller ring is positioned proximal the inlet for imparting cyclonic flow to a liquid flowing therethrough.

Abstract: A screen apparatus for improved separation of particulates from a fluid stream. The screen is configured and arranged to filter relatively large particulates from the fluid stream as the fluid stream passes from a storage chamber of the tank to a tank outlet. The screen is removably affixed to a diverter, such as a baffle, used to divert a portion or all of the fluid into the storage chamber. The screen is preferably shaped to substantially conform to the shape of the diverter to aid in the smoothing of the fluid flow within the retention section of the tank. The screen may be entirely porous, or it may be non-porous at its leading edge to minimize particulate build-up at the transition from the tank interior wall to the screen. The apparatus may optionally include a second screen to provide additional filtering of floating particulates as the fluid level in the tank exceeds the crown elevation of the inlet.

Abstract: An oil-sorbing filter element for removing oil from an aqueous flow such as the bilge water of a watercraft. The element includes a first stage which is formed of a consolidated permeable mass of a oleophilic polymeric material such as styrenic mid-block copolymer.

Abstract: Improvements in product water throughput from a reverse osmosis (RO) membrane achieved by thinner feed spacers in the RO element (22), enhanced recovery (ratio of permeate to feed), pressure recovery of the retentate fluid pressure opposing the feed water pressure, and fluid pulsing of the RO element feed stream. These features are preferably combined to optimize the performance and cost per unit volume of water produced. The system of the invention preferably comprises a dual head reciprocating pump (20), an RO element (22) with a housing, and a differential pressure activated (“DPA”) valve (24). The DPA valve (24), in combination with offsetting fluid pressures on the two pump heads (28, 30), generate energy recovery. The frequency and amplitude of the reciprocating pump (20) create a pulse wave in the RO element (22) that improves permeate quality and throughput.

Abstract: This invention relates generally to filtration cassettes, and, more particularly to methods of fabricating cross-flow filtration cassettes. Cassettes of the invention are characterized, in part, by a series of sealing channels which selectively seal the filtrate and retentate ports to prevent undesired flow. The sealing channels have formed barriers on either side thereof which create side-walls for precisely controlling the flow of the sealant during the cassette formation. Filtration cassettes of the present invention can be manufactured from conventional membrane and flow screen components and can utilize both injection molding and vacuum assisted resin transfer molding fabrication processes.

Abstract: A filter for an extracorporeal blood circuit including a bundle of hollow fibers having an end section encased in a potting material, wherein the end section of potting material has an end surface with open ends of the fibers distributed throughout the end surface, and a filter header cap having an inlet connectable to a blood line and an open end sealed around a side surface of the end section of the bundle of hollow fibers.

Abstract: Provided are a porous sintered compact suitable for a filter, a power feeder in a polymer electrolyte membrane type water electrolyzer, a current collector in a solid polymer fuel cell and in addition a liquid dispersion plate, especially an ink dispersion plate for an ink jet printer ink and the like. A titanium powder sintered compact made of a plate-like porous compact is obtained by sintering spherical powder made of titanium or a titanium alloy produced by means of a gas atomization method. A void ratio in the range of from 35 to 55% is realized by filling without applying a pressure and sintering without applying a pressure.

Abstract: A separation apparatus and method are employed using a separation channel for rotation about an axis. Such channel includes radially spaced apart inner and outer side wall portions and an end wall portion. An inlet conveys fluid into the channel. A barrier is located in the channel intermediate of the inner and outer side wall portions. A first flow path communicates between upstream and downstream sides of the barrier. A collection region may be located downstream of the barrier for communication with the first flow path. An outer side wall section of the channel may be positioned radially outward of an upstream section thereof. The barrier may join the outer side wall portion along a substantial portion of an axial length of the channel. First and second exit flow paths may allow communication with the channel either upstream or downstream of the barrier or both.

Abstract: A method of biological treatment is developed for completely removing the compost remaining after decomposing the dissolyed organic matter (COD) in wastewater by the bacteria or fungi.

Abstract: An apparatus for the fixed-film anaerobic digestion of flushed livestock manure includes an enclosed digester tank (fixed or flexible roof), internal media for biofilm development, a biogas collection and flare system, various pumps, and hydraulic control systems. The preferred media has substantially vertically-oriented, uninterrupted channels to promote enhanced bacterial attachment and biofilm development. The immobilization of microbial biomass within the reactor as a biofilm allows effective treatment of the wastewater at ambient and higher temperatures, as well as reasonable hydraulic retention times. The composition and concentration of bacterial groups in the biofilm developed on the media in the fixed-film digester result in a significantly enhanced anaerobic degradation process. This novel fixed-film digester design expands the potential application of anaerobic digestion to dilute livestock waste with significant levels of suspended solids.

Abstract: The present invention has an object to provide a biomembrane filtration apparatus which can treat a nitrate nitrogen and nitrite nitrogen in an anaerobic state to stably remove them together with SS with efficiency and, simultaneously, can biologically remove the residual hydrogen donor as well remaining in the water to be treated in one and the same biomembrane filtration apparatus by a fixed bed biomembrane filtration method and a method therefore. As the means to achieve such an object, one embodiment of the present invention provides a biomembrane filtration apparatus having a packed layer packed with a particulate packing material to which microorganisms are to attach; an inlet for a liquid to be treated arranged above the packed layer to feed the liquid to be treated; and a gas feed opening arranged under the packed layer to feed a substantially oxygen-free gas or a gas containing trace amounts of oxygen.