Abstract: A variable process for treating wastewater at a localized sewage treatment system positioned at the site of the wastewater generation is disclosed. Wastewater initially flows from a residence or business into a first operational area of the wastewater treatment system where a majority of the solid material in the wastewater is allowed to separate out of the wastewater. The wastewater is transferred from the first operational area to a second operational area. At a predetermined transfer time, if the wastewater in the second operational area is at least equal to a predetermined transfer volume, a batch of the wastewater is transferred from the second operational area to a third operational area. The batch of wastewater in the third operational area is aerobically treated for an amount of time based on the volume of the batch of wastewater. The treated wastewater is then transferred from the third operational area for dispersal.

Abstract: A method of recovering spilled hydrocarbon fluids from a body of water utilizing the increased oleophilic properties of reacted iron particles suspended in a magnetorheological (MR) fluid. The iron particles normally used to create MR fluids, are reacted with an organic compound containing an oleophilic chain end which attaches to the surface of the iron, prior to suspension in a liquid vehicle such as an organic oil. The reacted iron particles in the MR fluid are then applied to and mixed with a hydrocarbon spill on a body of water such as an oil spill, whereby subsequent exposure to a significant magnetic field provides for subsequent recovery of both the reacted magnetic particles and the hydrocarbon spill.

Abstract: A number of improvements relating to methods and apparatuses for kidney dialysis are disclosed.

Abstract: A method for separating aromatic hydrocarbons from a feed stream. The method includes flowing the feed stream through a first channel within a first wafer assembly that may contain an underflow distribution weir. Next, the feed stream is exposed to a first thin film polymer membrane. A stream permeates through the first thin film polymer membrane, and the permeate is produced from the first wafer assembly. The retentate is directed via a redistribution channel (such as a tube) to a second wafer assembly that may contain an underflow distribution weir. This retentate is exposed to a second thin film polymer membrane. A second permeate stream is created that permeates through the second thin film polymer membrane. The second permeate stream is conducted into the permeate zone and ultimately produced from the second wafer assembly. An apparatus for separating aromatic components from a feed stream is also disclosed. In the preferred embodiment, the apparatus includes a series of tandem wafer assemblies.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a fluid distributing device for distributing fluid into a column and to a fluid collecting device for collecting fluid from a column. The invention relates also to methods of using the devices of the present invention. The distributing device and/or the collecting device of the present invention can be used in fixed or fluidized bed reactors or columns, such as chromatographic separation columns, ion exchange columns, adsorption columns etc. A fluid distributing device comprises a) a first fluid conveying system; and b) a distributing plate, which comprises i) first means for fluid transfer for dividing the fluid flow coming from the delivering points into several partial fluid flows and for distributing the partial fluid flows into the column; and ii) first means for controlling of the partial fluid flows by differential pressure in the first means for fluid transfer.

Abstract: A filter medium capable of removing microorganisms from a fluid such as water. The filter medium includes particles of activated carbon, particles of a substantially insoluble inorganic material having an isoelectric point greater than the fluid being filtered. A low melt index binder, preferably with a melt index of less than about 1 gram per 10 minutes, binds the particles of activated carbon and particles of inorganic material, such that the binder will become tacky at elevated temperatures without becoming sufficiently liquid to substantially wet the particles of activated carbon and inorganic material. An antimicrobial material can be incorporated into the filter to prevent biofilm growth. The use of a biocidal material in combination with the high isoelectric point material provides a trap-and-kill mechanism for microorganism removal.

Abstract: An economically viable process for the microwave destruction of contaminated water-based liquids, such as by chemical and biological agents, employs carbonaceous materials to enhance the efficiency of the microwaves while keeping the bulk temperature down to only a modest rise. A second absorption reactor is used not employing microwaves. The cyclic microwave use of both reactors allows high efficiency for the total process of destruction—adsorption.

Abstract: A feedback control for a polymer dispensing system, which otherwise continuously adjusts the polymer feedrate so as to keep the measured streaming current of filtrate from a sludge dewatering process at one predetermined setpoint. The feedback control includes a video camera focused on sludge as it trails behind plows on a dewatering belt, a video image processing system for converting the video signal into single numbers known as “camera readings”, and a computer programmed both to compare them with a “camera reading” setpoint and to determine whether the filtrate charge is more positive or more negative than it normally is whenever the “camera reading” deviates from its setpoint by a threshold amount. A controller, activated by the computer, incrementally resets the polymer feedrate in such a direction as to restore the normal cationic charge of the filtrate.

Abstract: Arrangement for separating suspension, in particular for treatment of wastewater. A flocculating suspension is separated from the liquid by filtration in a fluidized layer in a sludge blanket, wherein the flocks are created from the separated suspension and fluidization is maintained by the rising stream of liquid while liquid with suspension enters the fluidized layer from the bottom and the liquid freed from suspension is discharged above the surface of the sludge blanket represented by the interface between the fluidized layer and the liquid without suspension. Thickened separated suspension in the form of flocks from a sludge blanket is withdrawn from a zone of the fluidized layer the velocity of upward flow in the fluidized layer decreasing in the upward direction.

Abstract: An insert apparatus for placement in a rain gutter includes a porous insert body including a plurality of randomly arranged filaments attached to one another to form a mat. The insert apparatus is shaped to fit within an inside channel of a rain gutter. Optionally, the apparatus may include a cover panel, comprising a screen, attached to the top of the insert body. Additionally, the apparatus may include a panel provided with holes therethrough, covering the screen panel. In use, the insert apparatus is placed inside of the gutter channel so as to substantially fill part of the channel, blocking entry of debris into the gutter. When placed in the gutter channel, the insert apparatus substantially prevents foreign matter such as leaves, twigs, pine needles, etc, from collecting in the channel. The insert apparatus may be configured to leave an open flow path therebelow when installed in the gutter.

Abstract: A skimmer used to remove both heavy and light oil from a body of water or for the removal of either light or heavy oil and a method of operation of the skimmer. The heavier oil is removed from a first location on a rotating member and the lighter oil is removed from a second location on the rotating member. The oil removed at both locations is collected at a single location and a pump removes the oil from the skimmer.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a nozzle assembly, the method comprising the steps of depositing a first dielectric layer 18 on a substrate 16, depositing a first metal layer 102 at least partially on the first dielectric layer 18, depositing a passivation layer 20 at least partially on the first dielectric layer 18, depositing at least one sacrificial layer 108, 112, depositing a second metal layer 116, depositing a third metal layer 124, depositing at least one further sacrificial layer 120, 128, and a second dielectric layer 132, and, depositing a third dielectric layer 138.

Abstract: In a method for forming microlenses, an etching process is performed by using a processing gas on an object to be processed provided with a substrate, a lens material layer formed on the substrate and a mask layer of a lens shape formed on the lens material layer to etch the lens material layer and the mask layer, so that the lens shape of the mask layer is transcribed to the lens material layer. The processing gas is a gaseous mixture of a gas containing fluorine atoms but no carbon atoms and a fluorocarbon-based gas having a ratio of the number of carbon atoms to the number of fluorine atoms which is greater than or equal to 0.5, the gaseous mixture having no oxygen gas.

Abstract: A polishing method includes a slurry adjusting step for adjusting a polishing slurry containing silica particles so that the number of silica particles having a composition ratio of Si/O of 50–60 wt %/40–50 wt %, a modulus of elasticity of 1.4×1010 Pa or higher and a particle size of 1 ?m or larger is 3000 pcs/ml or less. A semiconductor wafer is polished using the polishing slurry adjusted in the slurry adjusting step.

Abstract: Piezoelectric ceramics of the formula Pb(1-z)Mz(Mg1/3Nb2/3)x(ZryTi1-y)1-xO3 where M can be either Sr or Ba or both, and x is between 0.3 and 0.6, y is between 0.2 and 0.5, and z is between 0.04 and 0.08. The piezoelectric ceramic is provided as a composite perovskite structure, and may additionally include materials or dopants such as: PbO, HfO2, TeO2, WO3, V2O5, CdO, Tm2O3, Sm2O3, Ni2O3, and MnO2. The piezoelectric ceramics can be used to fabricate piezoelectric elements for a wide variety of devices that can be fabricated to exhibit high power applications including miniaturized displacement elements, buzzers, transducers, ultrasonic sensors and ultrasonic generators, and the like.

Abstract: The invention relates to resource operating medium compositions containing additivated lubricants based on polyalkylene glycols and/or neopentyl polyol esters, which are additivated with alkylated triaryl phosphate esters which are suitable for lubricating refrigerators, air-conditioning systems, heat pumps and similar systems which are operated using carbon dioxide as an operating medium.

Abstract: Liquid crystal compositions that exhibit little or no toxicity with respect to cells include liquid crystals with chemical functional groups such as fluorine atoms, fluorophenyl groups, or difluorophenyl groups. Liquid crystals with little or no toxicity to cell lines may be added to cell culture media or added to components used in cell culture media. Cells may be grown in cell culture media that includes liquid crystals that exhibit little or no toxicity to cells.

Abstract: A process is provided for producing efficiently an optically active liquid crystalline polymer compound excellent in mechanical strength or optical characteristics at low cost, in which in that a liquid crystal polymer compound having in its main chain or side chain an ester bond is reacted with an optically active low molecular weight compound having a hydroxyl group so as to introduce the low molecular weight compound in the polymer compound as a unit having an optically active group.

Abstract: A light-emitting material includes a matrix section 12 and light-emitting sections 11 dispersed and buried in the matrix section. The matrix section 12 comprises a first material and the light-emitting sections comprise a second material showing a eutectic relationship with the first material.

Abstract: The object of the present invention is to provide a phosphor which is excellent in transparency, light transmittance, luminescence efficiency and luminescent intensity and at the same time, processes for producing the phosphor. Preferred embodiments of the invention include a phosphor characterized in that phosphor particles represented by the general formula [(L)a(M)b(N)cOd:Y] are covered with an organic compound bearing at least one functional group at a terminal or side chain, wherein L is a metallic element such as Zn; M is a metallic element such as Al; N is Si or Ge; O is oxygen; Y is at least one activating agent such as Mn2+, Eu2+, Cu2+ or Yb2+; and a, b, c and d are each a value satisfying the relationships 0<a?2, 0?b?2, 0?c?2 and 2a+3b+4c=2d.

Abstract: A thick film composition consisting essentially of: a) electrically conductive powder; b) an inorganic binder wherein the inorganic binder is selected from TiO2 and any compounds that can generate TiO2 during firing and any one of the following compounds: Sb2O3, CO3O4, PbO, Fe2O3, SnO2, ZrO2, MnO, CuOx and mixtures thereof; and c) an organic medium.

Abstract: A method for producing high-density, translucent, scintillator ceramics by way of a pressure-less sintering carried out at an elevated temperature. According to the method, particles of a MOS composition are prepared using a specific wet milling method whereby being reduced, in particular, to a particle size of less than 10 ?m. The particles are compacted to form compacted bodies with green densities of up to 50% and higher. The sintering may be carried out under specific sintering parameters.

Abstract: An optically clear structural laminate includes a thermosetting resin, a silane coupling agent and a filler. The laminate has a high weight to strength ratio and is capable of optical transmission over a wide range of temperatures. The laminate has increased tensile strength and is capable of being easily formed into complex shaped components. The structural properties of the laminate make it useful as aircraft canopies and windows.

Abstract: A provisional temperature estimating mathematical expression is set in accordance with which plasticizing conditions used as terms are to be multiplied by unknown coefficients. Then, a given number of experiments not smaller than the number of the unknown coefficients are conducted while the plasticizing conditions are varied, so as to acquire various experimental data. The unknown coefficients are converted into known coefficient in accordance with the acquired experimental data so as to provide a complete temperature estimating mathematical expression, on the basis of which a plasticized resin temperature and noise-outlet resin temperature are determined arithmetically.

Abstract: Defects in a blow molding process are reduced or eliminated by providing a small amount of a low molecular weight polyethylene glycol to the composition blow molded.

Abstract: A system for nano-imprint with mold deformation detector is disclosed for real-time monitoring of the deformation of the mold. An electrostatic plate capacitor is embedded in the mold, serving as the deformation detector. The capacitor includes two opposite metal film electrodes formed by silicon micromachining technique on opposite surfaces of the mold and connected by a metal lead. During imprinting, the mold is acted upon by an external force and deformation occurs, which induces change of distance between the metal film electrodes and thus variation of the capacitance of the capacitor. The amount of deformation of the mold can then be assessed by comparing the capacitance with a reference. Thus, real-time detection and monitoring of the deformation of the nano-imprint mold is realized. Also disclosed is a method for carrying out the real-time monitoring of the deformation of the mold.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a method of manufacturing lightweight ceramics by mixing several raw materials such as a powdered glass material, a powdered alkali silicate, and a water-soluble polymer in a certain proportion to form a dry substrate, and then adding water to mold the substrate into a desired shape; after the water in the substrate is baked dry, heat the substrate until the ceramic is formed. The oxide and hydroxide in the alkali silicate are used to lower the softening point of the powdered glass material, and when the powdered glass material is in the semi fluid state, the air and crystal water brought by the alkali silicate will expand and form air bubbles due to the high temperature.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are disclosed for providing a foam-filled thermoplastic spine board. An upper surface of the spine board has a cradle configuration to assist in more comfortably positioning a patient. The spine board includes hand holds for transporting the patient. Being free from metallic parts, the spine board is X-ray translucent and/or radio translucent.

Abstract: The manufacture of foamed polymer trim parts making use of physical blowing agents requires the diffusion and sorption of the blowing agent in the polymer melt. Said diffusion and sorption are achieved by intensive mixing. Therefore a statical mixing device is enclosed in a pressure chamber, which comprises a hollow porous cylinder, which has a surface suitable for contacting the melt with the blowing agent. The protrusions extending at least partially into the melt flow cause a multiple reorganisation of the polymer melt, which leads to thorough mixing and shortens the diffusion path. The statical mixing device, which may be of modular construction, increases mass transport and mixing by a small modification of a conventional injection molding machine.

Abstract: A method of processing lignocellulosic material includes the steps of comminuting the material to a size that it can be processed in a hydrothermal pressure vessel, drying the material in moving air to obtain a specific moisture content, packing the material into the vessel and subjecting the material within the vessel to steam under pressure, decompressing the vessel to return the temperature and pressure to ambient and drying the product to specific moisture content; the product so formed can be used for injection moulding or to form panel boards and the like.

Abstract: A super absorbent distribution system for homogenous distribution throughout an absorbent core is disclosed. A super absorbent material is injected into a stream of absorbent fluff at an opposite direction to that of the stream of absorbent fluff. The super absorbent is blasted into the peak and outer surface of a cone shaped super absorbent barrier. The oncoming absorbent fluff also contends with a similarly shaped absorbent fluff barrier. The super absorbent material slows down as it hits the super absorbent barrier and oncoming fluff, then stops, then reverses direction and flows with the absorbent fluff as a homogenous distribution of super absorbent material and absorbent fluff. The combination of super absorbent material and absorbent fluff may encounter baffle members to further distribute the super absorbent material and absorbent fluff.

Abstract: A molded article is produced by a method of compression molding employing a specially shaped billet of thermoplastic material which is positioned at a predetermined location in a predetermined orientation with respect to the mold cavity surfaces of a mold part. In a preferred embodiment, the billet has a generally egg shape and is located adjacent a mold surface defining a small mold cavity region between two larger cavity regions.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus and a method as well as a system for extruding continuously molded bodies for producing filaments or staple fibers from an extrusion solution, such as a cellulose solution containing water, cellulose and tertiary amine oxide such as N-methylmorpholine N-oxide. In comparison with the methods known from the prior art, profitability can be increased in the production of continuously molded bodies (3) if the extrusion rate v is set to a value v=B·T0.33·10,000·(1/r2). In a system, profitability can be enhanced if the number r of rows is r=[(B/v)·10,000·T0.33]1/2. T is here the fiber titer in T dtex, v the extrusion rate in m/min, r the number of the rows of extrusion duct orifices (12), and B an operational parameter which is not more than 4 and at least 0.5.

Abstract: A rotating mold roll defines an array of molding cavities. The mold roll is positioned adjacent a pressure device to define a pressure nip. At least one of the mold roll and the pressure device define a molding recess that is larger than the molding cavities. Resin is introduced to the rotating mold roll and pressed into the molding cavities and the molding recess to form discrete projections and a series of discrete, longitudinally spaced apart structural features. The projections and structural features are carried on a continuous sheet-form base. The resin is removed from the mold roll to expose a continuous preform sheet including the base, the projections, and the structural features. The structural features are arranged along the preform sheet in a longitudinally repeating pattern. The preform sheet is separated into multiple discrete products including an array of the projections and at least one of the structural features.

Abstract: Injection molding of a product and compressive decoration molding of a surface of the molded product are performed using individual cavity molds. A decorative film can be molded efficiently with a thermosetting coating material under suitable temperature control regardless of the shape of the molded product. An injection cavity mold and a decoration cavity mold are employed. The injection cavity mold is set at a hardening temperature of a thermoplastic resin. The decoration cavity mold is set at a thermosetting temperature of a coating material. A molded product is injection-molded in the cavity mold for injection molding and released from the mold. A decorative coating material composed of a liquid thermosetting composition is mounted at least on a part of the top of the injection-molded product. The molded product is located within the cavity mold for decoration molding.

Abstract: A method of forming a valve assembly for delivering a fluid from a fluid bag to an animal caging system for housing an animal can include injection molding an upper member having a piercing member and injection molding a sealing member. The upper member has a fluid channel defined therethrough and forms, in an injection molding machine, a unitary member with the sealing member. The method can also include injection molding a base having a flange member and a base fluid channel defined therethrough. The base is designed to be matingly coupled to the upper member. The method can further include injection molding a stem member constructed and arranged to be disposed in part within the base fluid channel. The stem member has an actuation portion extending through a spring element. The stem member has a top portion having a lower surface.

Abstract: A cross member is arranged so as to extend in a width direction of a vehicle body. The cross member has both ends fixed to side framework structures of the vehicle body. The cross member includes a base frame extending in the width direction and reinforcing frame parts formed in integral with the base frame to cover the circumference of the base frame within its limited ranges in the width direction of the vehicle body. The base frame and the reinforcing frame parts are made from the same resinous material or plural resinous materials belonging to engineering plastic system.

Abstract: A horizontal casting tray with one or more slidable blocks for sealing at least one open end of the tray is provided to accommodate the casting of solidifiable separation media in variable lengths for use in electrophoresis. Methods for using the casting device to prepare solidified medium having a concentration gradient are disclosed.

Abstract: A two-sided inmold molding method utilizing continuous film passing between a stationary mold and a movable mold, which thereby prevents cut scraps from being mixed into a molded product and prevents striking pock from being formed on the molded product, and which is capable of enhancing the yield of the molded product.

Abstract: A pair of form keys and a method for forming reverse drafts in foam parts are disclosed. A male form key is reciprocally mounted in a first mold half in a retracted position. A female form key is rotatably mounted in a second mold half in a neutral position. The first mold half includes a first drive pin that when engaged, moves the male form key into engagement with a foam sheet to form an undercut as the first and second mold halves are closed. The first mold half also includes a second drive pin that engages the female form key as the first and second mold halves close rotating the female form key into engagement with the foam sheet and the male form key. After closure of the mold and the product is formed, the mold is opened. As this occurs, the drive pins are disengaged and the male form key retracts and the female form key rotates to their neutral positions. The formed product may then be stripped from the mold while maintaining the reverse draft or undercut.

Abstract: A space 12 is formed at a tip portion of a nozzle 1 so as to decrease a thermal transfer of the nozzle 1. Alternatively, a center portion of one of a semi-spherically protruded surface of the tip portion of the nozzle 1 and a semi-spherically recessed surface of a sprue bush protrudes so that the radius of curvature of one semi-spherical surface is the same as the radius of curvature of the other semi-spherical surface. As a result, since the nozzle 1 and the sprue bush 2 are surface-contacted, heat of the tip portion of the nozzle 1 absorbed to the sprue bush 2 is increased. Thus, the temperature of the tip portion of the nozzle 1 can be lowered easily. After the resin material injected into the molding cavity 11 is cooled, when the sprue portion is removed from the fixed die, a tip portion of a rod-shaped protrusion portion of the sprue can be properly cut.

Abstract: A disk-shape resin molded article such as a gear comprises a rim, a boss, a web having a disk configuration for connecting the rim and the boss, and gear teeth formed on the rim. The molded article is produced by an injection-compression molding process which comprises injecting a molten resin into a cavity of a metal mold, and pressing a web site and at least one site selected from the group consisting of a boss site and a rim site in a thickness direction. The cavity may have a capacity larger than the solidified products by contraction amount of the injected molten resin.

Abstract: A melt transfer device for an injection molding apparatus includes a first shut off valve coupled to a first nozzle having a first melt channel. The first melt channel delivers a melt stream of moldable material to a second melt channel of a second nozzle, which is movable relative to the first nozzle. A second shut off valve is coupled to the second nozzle. The first shut off valve and the second shut off valve are retractable to open a melt transfer channel of the melt transfer device to allow melt to flow between the first melt channel and the second melt channel.

Abstract: Method of glazing ceramic articles, consisting of preparing a glaze compound in liquid suspension, preferably aqueous; feeding the glaze compound in liquid suspension, preferably aqueous, into the forming cavity of a porous mould, for the time required to create a glaze film of desired thickness on the surface of the cavity by absorption of the liquid phase; feeding the slip into the same cavity for the time required to create the wall of the article by absorption of the liquid phase.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of making a sintered body comprising one or more hard constituents in a binder phase by injection molding or extrusion. According to the invention, the binder system comprises 30-70 wt % poly(ethylene-co-vinylacetate) and balance (Polyethylene)-blend-(Poly(oxy-1,2-ethanediyl), .alpha.-hydro-.omega.-hydroxy)-based wax. The solids loading of the feedstock, ?, is 0.51<?<0.53, calculated using the equation: ? = ? f - ? b ? s - ? b where ?s is the density of the material as sintered, ?b is the density of the binder system and ?f is the density of the feedstock, measured with a helium pycnometer. Debinding is performed by heating in a furnace in flowing hydrogen atmosphere.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing oriented arrays of ceramic or metal oxide nanostructures, such as titania (TiO2) nanofibers. The nanofibers are formed on the surface of a body that is first sintered at a temperature in the range of about 1,100 to about 1,400 degrees Celsius. Subsequently, the surface is exposed to an H2-bearing gas, such as H2 and N2 in a ratio of about 5:95 at about 700 degrees Celsius for about 8 hours. During heat treatment in the gas phase reaction, sintered titania grains transform into arrays of nanofibers oriented in the same crystallographic direction.

Abstract: A composite material and method of making the same are disclosed. An example method for fabricating a composite material forms a core layer between opposing outer layers. The core layer includes a mixture of at least one metallic powder and at least one expanding agent. The example method removes moisture and gasses from the core layer by applying a first vacuum pressure to at least the core layer. The example method compresses the core layer to bond the core layer to the outer layers while a second vacuum pressure is applied to at least one of the outer layers. The resulting composite material has a compacted core layer that is substantially free from moisture and imbedded gasses. Additionally, the outer layers are substantially free from perforations enabling the escape of gas and moisture during foaming of the core layer. The composite material may be reshaped to form semi-finished products which, in turn, may be heated to foam the core material to form finished products.

Abstract: An automated slide processing apparatus includes a plurality of work stations arranged in a stack, and a transport/elevator for transporting slides between the various work stations.

Abstract: A system employing an integrated analyte test strip including a biosensor and lancet is disclosed. The integration of lancet and the sensor elements eliminates the need to align the sensor to the biologic fluid sample after a lancet and lancing device are used in combination to pierce the skin. The system preferably includes a device comprising two body portions that slide relative to each other to both cock and fire a test strip at a target site. Meter reading and test strip disposal may be accomplished by removing the device from the target site. The device preferably employs a magazine loaded with test strips, with one strip being taken from the magazine each time the device is actuated. It preferably also includes a magazine in a cap to store spent test strips for disposal. The device may be turned on an off simply by removal and return of the cap.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for delivering fluidic materials to sample destinations, including mass spectrometers for analysis are provided. In preferred embodiments, sample aliquots are electrosprayed from tapered spray tips of capillary elements into the orifices of mass spectrometric inlet systems. In certain embodiments, fluidic samples are orthogonally sprayed from capillary elements or other fluid conduits, whereas in other embodiments samples are sprayed after devices are rotated or otherwise translocated from sample sources to sample destinations. In still other embodiments, samples are sprayed from flexed or deflected capillary elements at selected sample destinations.