Abstract: Disclosed herein are nanostructures comprising distinct dots and rods coupled through potential barriers of tuneable height and width, and arranged in three dimensional space at well defined angles and distances. Such control allows investigation of potential applications ranging from quantum information processing to artificial photosynthesis.

Abstract: An apparatus for pulling single crystal comprises a quartz crucible provided in a chamber for storing raw melt of a single crystal, a heater that heats the raw melt of the single crystal, and a crucible driving unit that rotates the quartz crucible. A quartz crucible deformation prevention unit using an arm or gas blowout is provided in the chamber, whereby deformation of a wall part of the quartz crucible during manufacture thereof can be prevented, and a deformed quartz crucible can be repaired.

Abstract: Dotted seeds are implanted in a regular pattern upon an undersubstrate. A GaN crystal is grown on the seed implanted undersubstrate by a facet growth method. The facet growth makes facet pits above the seeds. The facets assemble dislocations from neighboring regions, accumulate the dislocations into pit bottoms, and make closed defect accumulating regions (H) on the seeds. The polycrystalline or slanting orientation single crystal closed defect accumulating regions (H) induce microcracks due to thermal expansion anisotropy. The best one is orientation-inversion single crystal closed defect accumulating regions (H). At an early stage, orientation-inverse protrusions are induced on tall facets and unified with each other above the seeds. Orientation-inverse crystals growing on the unified protrusions become the orientation-inverse single crystal closed defect accumulating regions (H).

Abstract: Patterned zinc-oxide nanostructures are grown without using a metal catalyst by forming a seed layer of polycrystalline zinc oxide on a surface of a substrate. The seed layer can be formed by an atomic layer deposition technique. The seed layer is patterned, such as by etching, and growth of at least one zinc-oxide nanostructure is induced substantially over the patterned seed layer by, for example, exposing the patterned seed layer to zinc vapor in the presence of a trace amount of oxygen. The seed layer can alternatively be formed by using a spin-on technique, such as a metal organic deposition technique, a spray pyrolisis technique, an RF sputtering technique or by oxidation of a zinc thin film layer formed on the substrate.

Abstract: A vapor transport growth process for bulk growth of high quality gallium nitride for semiconductor applications is disclosed. The method includes the steps of heating a gallium nitride source material, a substrate suitable for epitaxial growth of GaN thereon, ammonia, a transporting agent that will react with GaN to form gallium-containing compositions, and a carrier gas to a temperature sufficient for the transporting agent to form volatile Ga-containing compositions from the gallium nitride source material. The method is characterized by maintaining the temperature of the substrate sufficiently lower than the temperature of the source material to encourage the volatile gallium-containing compositions to preferentially form GaN on the substrate.

Abstract: A method for producing an optical information recording medium includes the steps of: coating a solution for forming a dye recording layer onto a surface of a rotating disc-shaped resin substrate; and discharging a cleaning solution from a nozzle onto a peripheral edge to remove the dye recording layer from the peripheral edge, wherein discharge of the cleaning solution is initiated 1.0 to 300 seconds after completion of the coating, and the nozzle is disposed on a plane that extends in a normal line direction of the substrate and includes a straight line representing a discharge direction of the cleaning solution, so that an angle defined by the discharge direction and the normal line is 0 to 60°.

Abstract: The apparatus has a feed apparatus (10) and an evening-out apparatus (100) placed underneath the feed apparatus. The feed apparatus (10) has a feed chamber (12) with an inlet opening (13a), an outlet opening (13b), and a nozzle plate (18) with holes (19) and communicating with the outlet opening (13b) of the feed chamber. The evening-out apparatus (100) has at least one inclined surface (110) which forms a downwards sloping flow path (L1) for the treating agent. Jets discharge from the feed chamber (12) outlet opening (13b) through the nozzle plate (18) holes (19) to form a first treating agent flow (F1). One inclined surface (110) of the evening-out apparatus (100) receives the first treating agent flow (F1) and a second treating agent flow (F2) formed into an even laminar treating agent flow on the flow path (L1) of the evening-out apparatus (100) is passed onto a moving surface (200).

Abstract: A deposition mask and a display unit and method of manufacturing same are provided. A red continuous organic layer, a green continuous organic layer, and a blue continuous organic layer are provided over two or more lines of a matrix configuration of organic light emitting devices in common. A film thickness distribution in the extensional direction of the red, green and blue continuous organic layer is dissolved, and an aperture ratio can be improved by just that much.

Abstract: A method of cleaning an contaminated surface on a head suspension with laser energy. A laser beam is patterned such that a single pulse extends across the entire contaminated surface. One or more pulses of the laser energy is applied to the contaminated surface sufficient to melt the contaminated surface. The melting serves to polish, smooth and/or reshape the contaminated surface.

Abstract: Devices and methods of cleaning are described. The methods, and devices formed by the methods have a number of advantages. Embodiments are shown that include cleaning using a supercritical fluid. Advantages include a combination of both chemical and mechanical removal abilities from the supercritical fluid. Mechanical energy for cleaning is transmitted in a homogenous manner throughout a carrier fluid. The mechanical energy provided in methods shown also can also be used with delicate surface features.

Abstract: Systems and methods for enhancing the cold-formability of Ti 6-2-4-2 sheet material are described herein. Embodiments of these methods comprise cold-forming a predetermined, pretreated Ti 6-2-4-2 alloy into a cold-formed shape; subjecting the cold-formed shape to a post-forming annealing cycle comprising: heating the cold-formed shape to about 1450±25 ° F.; holding the cold-formed shape at about 1450±25° F. for about 15±2 minutes; and cooling the cold-formed shape to room temperature. Embodiments of these methods further comprise subjecting the predetermined Ti 6-2-4-2 alloy to a pre-forming annealing cycle comprising: heating the predetermined alloy to a pre-forming annealing temperature of about 1550-1750° F.; holding the predetermined alloy at the pre-forming annealing temperature for about 30 minutes; and cooling the predetermined alloy to room temperature. These methods allow components comprising 90° bend angles, having a bend factor as low as about 6.2 T, to be achieved.

Abstract: A method of forming a member for joining to form a composite wiring board. The member includes a dielectric substrate. Adhesive tape is applied to at least one face of said substrate. At least one opening is formed through the substrate extending from one face to the other and through each adhesive tape. An electrically conductive material is dispensed in each of the openings and partially cured. The adhesive tape is removed to allow a nub of the conductive material to extend above the substrate face to form a wiring structure with other elements.

Abstract: An orientation equipment with multiple PCBs adapted for a SMT line has a rack module including a casing mounting a front of the SMT line; a visual orientation module having a visual orientation camera used for recognizing the PCB; a movable arm module capable of lateral/longitudinal, upward/downward, and partial rotational movement; an inhalation module arranged on the movable arm module with a planar inhaling plate; and a conveyer module including a conveyer belt with an input, an output, an orientation side and an adjustment side. The movable arm module can carry plural PCBs for orientation on a carrier. The PCBs are transferred in from a first side of the conveyer module and the carrier is transferred in from a second side of the conveyer module. The visual orientation module, the movable arm module, the inhalation module and the conveyer module mechanically connect to the rack module directly or indirectly.

Abstract: An apparatus for manufacturing cellular laminate structural panels includes one or more supply stations of a flexible strip material including folding rollers for sequentially folding the strip material into cellular structures and feeding the cellular structures into a conveyor where the cellular structures are held in compression. The apparatus further includes a laminating station where the folded cellular structures are laminated to an upper and/or lower sheet material to which lines of a bonding medium have been applied prior to engagement with the cellular structures. The folded cellular structures are heated before engaging the sheet material so as to enhance the bonding of the sheet material to the cellular structures and subsequent to bonding, the laminate is passed through a cooling station to set the bonding medium.

Abstract: A multi-microlayer thermoplastic film structure and methods of making the same. More specifically, this invention relates to a multi-microlayer film having a corrugated polymer layer and a thermoplastic elastomer layer. Filler materials may be included in either the corrugated polymer layer or the thermoplastic elastomer layer. The multi-microlayer films may be formed in a co-extrusion process.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for laminating a TFT panel with a glass support plate without the need to touch an active area of the TFT panel. To accomplish this result, a touchless vacuum lamination chuck secures the TFT panel by its outer margins that do not carry TFTs. To facilitate lamination of the TFT panel, a pressure chamber is formed within the laminating chuck to provide support to the center region of the TFT panel as it is brought into contact with the glass support plate.

Abstract: A manufacturing method of an optical device includes an optical component housing operation S1 for housing a plurality of optical components in a casing body, an optical component positioning operation S2 for adjusting the positions of the optical components by shifting the optical components to position by positioning members at predetermined positions on an illumination optical axis of a light beam irradiated by a light source, and an optical component position fixing operation S3 for fixing the positions of the optical components on the casing body after the optical component positioning operation S2. The optical component housing operation further includes a positioning member inserting process for inserting the positioning members to holes on the casing body, an optical component housing process for housing the optical components in the casing body, and a positioning member abutting process by which the positioning members abut on the optical components.

Abstract: A method for hermetically sealing devices. The method includes providing a substrate which includes a plurality of individual chips. Each of the chips includes a plurality of devices and each of the chips are arranged in a spatial manner as a first array. The method also provides a transparent member of a predetermined thickness which includes a plurality of recessed regions arranged in a spatial manner as a second array and a standoff region. The method also includes aligning the transparent member in a manner to couple each of the plurality of recessed regions to a respective one of said plurality of chips. The method further includes hermetically sealing each of the chips within one of the respective recessed regions by using at least a bonding process to isolate each of the chips within one of the recessed regions.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to a method for attaching two surfaces to each other or coating a surface, comprising the steps of providing a bioadhesive composition consisting of a bioadhesive polyphenolic protein derived from a byssus-forming mussel, mixing the bioadhesive protein with a strongly alkaline solution before or simultaneously as applying the composition to the surfaces which are to be attached to each other or the surface to be coated. The surfaces are then joined and left for a sufficiently long time to allow curing to occur alternatively the surface coated by the composition is left for a sufficiently long time to allow curing to occur. The invention can be provided as a kit of parts comprising the bioadhesive protein solution and a preparation of a strongly alkaline solution.

Abstract: A driving mechanism and method are provided for driving a detachment tool adapted to detach a chip from an adhesive tape to which the chip is mounted. The mechanism includes a first actuator coupled to the detachment tool and operative to drive the detachment tool to move along a first axis substantially perpendicular to a surface of the chip, and a second actuator coupled to the detachment tool and operative to drive the detachment tool to move adjacent to a width of the chip along a second axis perpendicular to the first axis. The first actuator is configured for programmable movement along the first axis with respect to the chip in conjunction with the second actuator for movement adjacent the width of the chip to provide controlled lifting of the chip for propagation of delamination between the chip and the adhesive tape.

Abstract: Systems and techniques relating to etching vias in integrated circuit devices, in one implementation, include: providing a dielectric material and a conductive material, removing a first portion of the dielectric material to form a hole in the dielectric material, performing a tapering etch that removes a second portion of the dielectric material to form a via that touches down on the conductive material, and laterally expanding a bottom dimension of the via without a significant increase in a depth of the via. The technique can also include: providing a substrate with the dielectric material and the conductive material attached without an associated etch stop layer, removing the first portion at a high etch rate, controlling ion bombardment and plasma chemistry to form a sloped bottom of the via, and performing an intensive ion bombarding plasma etch, laterally expanding the via bottom.

Abstract: In a process of treating wood chips for reduction of the concentration of undesirable inorganic elements prior to cooking in a production line for chemical pulp, the wood chips, having entrapped air, are treated with an aqueous leaching liquor at elevated temperature and pressure, followed by draining at atmospheric pressure or below atmospheric pressure, the pressures being controlled to yield a moisture content in the wood chips as low as possible for adequate leaching result and behavior of the chips in a subsequent digester. The aqueous leaching liquor is e.g. pulp mill process water with a low content of undesirable inorganic components, such as bleach plant spent liquor or condensate. The aqueous leaching liquor drained from the treated wood chips may be purified and recycled back to the process.

Abstract: The present invention is generally directed to paper products having great softness and strength. The paper products are formed from one or more paper webs that can be made according to various methods. In one embodiment, the paper web is an uncreped through-air dried web. According to the present invention, at least one side of the paper web is treated with a bonding material according to a preselected pattern and creped from a creping surface. Through the process, a two-sided tissue web is formed having a smooth side and a textured side. In one embodiment, tissue webs made according to the present invention may also be splittable, allowing the web to be pulled apart in two substantially continuous webs with distinctly different properties.

Abstract: Ink jet printing paper capable of providing, by using a low permeablity or a nonpermeable supporting sheet, a high surface glossiness and a high dot reproducibility of a silver halide photograph level, an excellent absorptivity of ink, and a high recording density, and preventing cockling by ink solvent, comprising the low permeablity or the nonpermeable supporting sheet, at least one ink receiving layer coated on the supporting sheet, and a luster layer coated on the ink receiving layer, the ink receiving layer in contact with the luster layer comprising pigment, as a main component, having a specific surface area-based mode diameter of pore distribution of 100 nm or less and an average secondary particle size of 1.3 ?m or less, and the luster layer comprising pigment, as a main component, having an average primary particle size of 5 to 100 nm.

Abstract: A process for rendering a polyamine-epihalohydrin resin storage stable, is described. The process entails treating a polyamine-epihalohydrin resin composition, where the resin is formed in a reaction having a molar ratio of epihalohydrin to secondary amine group of less than about 0.5 and where the composition has a solids content of at least 15 wt % and includes CPD-forming species, with at least one enzymatic agent under conditions to inhibit, reduce or remove the CPD-forming species to obtain a gelation storage stable reduced CPD-forming resin so that the composition containing the reduced CPD-forming polyamine-epihalohydrin resin when stored for 24 hours at 50° C. and a pH of about 1.0 releases less than about 100 ppm dry basis of CPD.

Abstract: A sizing agent includes a vinyl copolymer having a repeating unit (i) having a quaternary amino group and a repeating unit (ii) derived from acrylic monomers having a hydrophilic polyoxyethylene, the ratio by mass, (i):(ii), of the repeating unit (i) to the repeating unit (ii) being 60:40 to 90:10. A recording sheet having the sizing agent is also provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for the production of a cellulosic product which comprises (i) providing an aqueous cellulosic suspension; (ii) adding to the suspension a clay having 3R2 stacking; and (iii) dewatering the obtained suspension. The invention also relates to a process for the production of a cellulosic product which comprises (i) providing an aqueous cellulosic suspension; (ii) adding to the suspension a cationic clay; (iii) adding to the suspension one or more drainage and retention aids comprising at least one cationic polymer; and (iv) dewatering the obtained suspension. The invention further relates to a cellulosic product comprising clay having 3R2 stacking.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for conditioning a fabric being advanced in a machine direction in a papermaking machine. The fabric has an outer side adapted to engage a paper web and an opposing inner side. Such an apparatus comprises a fluid-emitting device configured to wet the fabric with a fluid so as to clean the fabric. An arcuate member disposed downstream of the fluid-emitting device is configured to engage the outer side of the fabric. More particularly, the arcuate member is configured to have the fabric wrapped at least partially thereabout such that the advancing fabric is centrifugally dewatered. Associated systems and methods are also provided.

Abstract: A laminated substrate or base structure comprising separately formed layers with warp knitted or stitch bonded yarns joining the layers together wherein at least one of the layers is a reinforcing layer and at least one of the layers is for inhibiting resin flow through the substrate. A method for forming the substrate or base structure into a coated papermaker's process belt product is also described.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for forming a chemical hydride is described and which includes a pseudo-plasma-electrolysis reactor which is operable to receive a solution capable of forming a chemical hydride and which further includes a cathode and a movable anode, and wherein the anode is moved into and out of fluidic, ohmic electrical contact with the solution capable of forming a chemical hydride and which further, when energized produces an oxygen plasma which facilitates the formation of a chemical hydride in the solution.

Abstract: A glass coated with a heat reflecting colored film, which is excellent in the uniformity of the film thickness and composition, which is free from a unfavorable whitish coloration in ceramic color printing and which is excellent in a silver print coloration, is presented. A glass coated with a heat reflecting colored film, obtained by heat treatment of a glass having a first layer containing iron oxide, chromium oxide and nickel oxide and a second layer containing cobalt oxide, laminated sequentially by a sputtering method, on one side of a glass substrate.

Abstract: Plural composite panels are aligned in multiple horizontal rows. Each composite panel includes a titanium panel (anode), an electrical insulating member and a stainless-steel band member. The titanium panels (also, stainless-steel band members) of horizontally adjacent panels overlap each other to be in face-to-face contact. The stainless-steel band members are horizontally connected at different levels to form long negative electrodes (cathode) extending in seawater-flowing direction in an inlet channel. Each stainless-steel band member is exposed to seawater through a gap between vertically adjacent composite panels.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for the electrochemical treatment of an aqueous solution in an electrolytic cell. Output solution having a predetermined level of available free chlorine is produced by applying a substantially constant current across the cell between an anode and a cathode while passing a substantially constant throughput of chloride ions through the cell.

Abstract: A metal coil or an elastic cushion formed by winding the metal coil around a corrosion-resistant frame is sandwiched between an electrode and an electrode collector or a cell wall or is used as an electrode. The elasticity of the metal coil or the elastic cushion enables the easy handling and the uniform contact between the electrode and another electrolysis element. The metal coil or the elastic cushion can be also used as an elastic cathode. The elasticity of the elastic cathode also enables the easy handling of the electrode itself and the uniform contact between the ion exchange membrane and the current collector.

Abstract: Systems and methods for electrochemically processing. A contact element defines a substrate contact surface positionable in contact a substrate during processing. In one embodiment, the contact element comprises a wire element. In another embodiment the contact element is a rotating member. In one embodiment, the contact element comprises a noble metal.

Abstract: Multilayer structures are electrochemically fabricated from at least one structural material (e.g. nickel), that is configured to define a desired structure and which may be attached to a substrate, and from at least one sacrificial material (e.g. copper) that surrounds the desired structure. After structure formation, the sacrificial material is removed by a multi-stage etching Operation. In some embodiments sacrificial material to be removed may be located within passages or the like on a substrate or within an add-on component. The multi-stage etching Operations may be separated by intermediate post processing activities, they may be separated by cleaning Operations, or barrier material removal Operations, or the like. Barriers may be fixed in position by contact with structural material or with a substrate or they may be solely fixed in position by sacrificial material and are thus free to be removed after all retaining sacrificial material is etched.

Abstract: A delayed coking process for making substantially free-flowing coke, preferably shot coke. A coker feedstock, such as a vacuum residuum, is heated in a heating zone to coking temperatures then conducted to a coking zone wherein volatiles are collected overhead and coke is formed. A metals-containing additive is added to the feedstock prior to it being heated in the heating zone, prior to its being conducted to the coking zone, or both.

Abstract: An aquarium drainage system having a filter, funnel, clear tube, sensor housing, light sensor, light beam generator, waste indicator light, primary valve, secondary/safety valve, safety cap and safety switch, as well as the other components shown in the drawings, wherein the filter comprises a vented plate that is placed under the gravel at the bottom of the tank to allow the waste to travel downward under the force of gravity to the funnel where waste is directed to the clear tube connected to the bottom of the funnel. The sensor sends a signal to the waste indicator light when blocked causing the special primary valve to open allowing the waste to drop and be collected in a bucket.

Abstract: A water filtration system includes a filter for receiving water to be filtered and having an output. A water storage vessel is connected to receive water from the filter output; and water is removed from the storage vessel and supplied back to the input of the filter, whereupon filtered water to be utilized is obtained solely from the output of the filter.

Abstract: A hemodialysis apparatus that carries out hemodialysis treatment by controlling dialysis conditions, wherein the hemodialysis treatment is carried out under dialysis conditions determined by defining the course of said chronological target blood indication level as a target control line, measuring the blood indication level at each measurement point (controlling point) in said chronological course, calculating the dialysis conditions with the use of said measured blood indication level and the target blood indication level at the next measurement point (controlling point) of said measurement point (controlling point) in the hemodialysis apparatus carrying out hemodialysis treatment by controlling dialysis conditions with the use of blood volume (BV level) or blood volume change as an indication level (hereinafter also referred to as blood indication level), to attain the target blood indication level at the next measurement point (controlling point).

Abstract: A filtering device includes a hollow casing and a plurality of tubes. The casing includes an interior defined by a surrounding wall. The casing further includes a plurality of through-holes defined in the surrounding wall and in communication with the interior of the casing. Each tube extends through an associated one of the through-holes of the casing into the interior of the casing. In another embodiment, a filtering device includes a first hollow casing and a second hollow casing received in the first hollow casing. Each of the first hollow casing and the second hollow casing includes an interior delimited by a surrounding wall. A plurality of through-holes are defined in each of the surrounding walls of the first hollow casing and the second hollow casing.

Abstract: The invention relates to a grate for closing a drain and similar. The inventive grate comprises an internal elastically deformable grid (2) provided with a locking pin (8) arranged on the free end thereof. Said locking pin is used for connecting the deformable grid to a frame (7) and is arranged under the external solid edge (9) of the grid in such a way that it is invisible from outside when it is incorporated into the frame (7). Said invention is used for a road network.

Abstract: What is disclosed are compositions, devices, and methods for use in environmental remediation. The compositions are for use in a variety of environmental remediation barriers including fiber rolls, blankets, and berms. Applications for the use of the compositions, devices, and methods include remediation of runoff water, of livestock waste, of eutrification of waterways, and for the revetment of banks.

Abstract: A flow-through ion exchange medium comprising a monolithic stationary phase having interconnecting pores defined by pore walls, and fine ion exchange polymeric layering particles irreversibly bound directly or indirectly to the pore walls, and methods of making such medium and its use on chromatographic separators.

Abstract: A liquid/solid separator system mounted on a mobile cart and connected to a process tank for reducing the rate at which fluids are consumed in manufacturing processes. The system may include automation and also may include a shear-stepped screen including tilted wire wedge wires arranged at varying cant angles. The system may include a fine screen basket received in a settling box.

Abstract: A high-pressure spin-on filter assembly is provided that utilizes a two-piece cover assembly to hold or sandwich the housing in place once the housing is folded over the inner cover member. This design allows for the outer cover member to be interchanged to fit multiple applications while making little or no change to the other components. Suitable gaskets are provided between the housing and two-piece cover assembly and the filter and cover assembly. The outer cover member may be changed to accommodate thread changes or gasket location changes.

Abstract: There is disclosed a process and device for Forward Osmosis (FO) Pressurized Device (FOPD) in general and one hydraulically coupled to a reverse osmosis (RO device for a FOPRO (Forward Osmosis Pressurized Reverse Osmosis). Specifically, there is disclosed a passive device (that is, not needed energy input) for using forward osmosis to generate significant hydraulic pressure that can be used to drive a reverse osmosis process, wherein the reverse osmosis process (not needed external energy to run pumps) can separate salt from salt water to generate potable water from water with high salt content (such as sea water, urine, sweat, brackish water and the like).

Abstract: A method for preventing osmotic blistering in spirally-wound elements of semipermeable membrane sheet material (14) by applying an effective coating of a sealant (41, 43, 45) to the upstream surface of such membrane material in regions where such potential for blistering exists and thereby preventing the permeation of liquid into the surface of the semipermeable membrane in these regions.

Abstract: A membrane supported biofilm reactor uses modules having fine, hollow fibres, for example, made from melt spun thermoplastic polymers treated after spinning to increase their permeability to oxygen, used, for example, in tows or formed into a fabric. In one module, one or more sheets of the fabric are potted into a module to enable oxygen containing gas to be supplied to the lumens of the hollow fibres. Various reactors and processes, for example to treat wastewater, using such modules are described. Mechanical, chemical and biological methods, for example endogenous respiration, are used to control the thickness of the biofilm.

Abstract: A membrane supported biofilm reactor uses modules having fine, hollow fibres, for example, made from melt spun thermoplastic polymers treated after spinning to increase their permeability to oxygen, used, for example, in tows or formed into a fabric. In one module, one or more sheets of the fabric are potted into a module to enable oxygen containing gas to be supplied to the lumens of the hollow fibres. Various reactors and processes, for example to treat wastewater, using such modules are described. In one process, oxygen travels through fibers, optionally through an attached biofilm, to oxygenate surrounding water. Mechanical, chemical and biological methods, for example endogenous respiration, are used to control the thickness of the biofilm.