Abstract: In determining an endpoint of etching a substrate, light that is directed toward the substrate is reflected from the substrate. A wavelength of the light is selected to locally maximize the intensity of the reflected light at an initial time point of the etching process. The reflected light is detected to determine an endpoint of the substrate etching process.

Abstract: The present invention provides a used paper diaper processing method comprising: a swell suppressing step for immersing a used paper diaper in a swell suppressant solution to suppress the swelling of the polymer with high water absorbability; a breakup step for breaking up the paper diaper subsequent to the swell suppressing step while stirring the same immersed in a processing liquid, into a cover material breakup substance and an absorbing material breakup substance; a cover material breakup substance removing step for removing the cover material breakup substance; a filtering step for filtering the processing liquid containing the absorbing material breakup substance and excreta to separate and remove the absorbing material breakup substance; and a liquid discharging step for discharging the processing liquid containing excreta into a sewage treatment facility; and an absorbing material breakup substance recovering step for recovering the absorbing material breakup substance separated and removed by the fi

Abstract: The present invention is a method for producing pulp from fibrous lignocellulose material using a treatment step which exposes the material to oxalic acid, or oxalic acid and sodium bisulfite, prior to pulping. The pulping of the resulting product requires less energy input and provides a pulp having enhanced physical properties as compared to untreated materials.

Abstract: A method for application of compositions onto non-woven webs, such as paper webs, and to products made from the process. In general, the method includes applying a composition to a non-woven web using a non-impact printer, such as an ink jet printer. The composition is applied, in one embodiment, as droplets that remain as discrete shapes on the substrate. In this manner, treated areas and untreated areas are formed on the web. Through this process, the water absorption and control properties of the web can be adjusted as desired while simultaneously treating the web with a composition that improves the physical properties of the web, improves the chemical properties of the web and/or can provide a benefit to a user if transferred from the web.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for the production of paper from a suspension containing cellulosic fibres, and optional fillers, comprising adding to the suspension drainage and retention aids comprising a cationic organic polymer and anionic microparticulate material, forming and dewatering the suspension on a wire, wherein the cationic organic polymer has a non-aromatic hydrophobic group. The invention further relates to a cationic vinyl addition polymer comprising in polymerized form at least one non-cationic monomer having a non-aromatic hydrophobic group and at least one cationic monomer.

Abstract: Paper, board and cardboard are produced by shearing the paper stock, adding a microparticle system comprising a cationic polymer and a finely divided inorganic component to the paper stock after the last shearing stage before the head box, draining the paper stock with sheet formation and drying the sheets, by a process in which cationic polyacrylamides, polymers containing vinylamine units and/or polydiallyldimethylammonium chloride having an average molar mass Mw of in each case at least 500 000 Dalton and a charge density of in each case not more than 4.0 meq/g are used as cationic polymers of the microparticle system.

Abstract: Methods for reducing or inhibiting deposition on or within press felts to increase the effective life of the press felt and reduce or eliminate the need for batch cleaning are disclosed. The methods disclosed treat press felt while paper is being produced with compositions containing at least one enzyme. Additionally, the enzymes can be applied in combination with other non-enzymatic felt conditioning products either by blending and applying at the same application point or by applying the enzyme and the non-enzymatic felt conditioning product at two different locations along the felt. The treatments are applied continuously or intermittently.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to fabrics for paper making machines that are rendered contamination resistant and maintain good permeability as a result of a durable coating that lasts the entire life of the fabric. A fluoropolymer will render the fabric contamination resistant over the entire fabric lifetime.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a press felt, a press section, and a press felt. The press felt comprises a base structure (11), a batt fibre layer (12) being attached to a first, web-side surface (B) of the base structure. Further, the structure of the press felt is compacted by treating it with a polymer material at least on the side of the first felt surface (B). After the polymer treatment, the surface of the felt is ground smooth.

Abstract: A method for dehydrating an aqueous composition comprising lithium bis(pentafluoroethanesulfonyl)imide and at least one organic solvent, wherein a part of solvent is distilled off by distillation.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for stripping electro-deposited metal sheets from a cathode blank. The blank has opposite faces, upstream and downstream ends. At least one sheet is provided on at least one blank face to define upstream and downstream edges. The apparatus comprises a stripping assembly for stripping the electro-deposited metal sheets from the cathode blank, a discharge assembly and a metal sheet out-feed assembly. The discharge assembly is positioned downstream of the stripping assembly and includes opposite guide rollers adapted to engage the metal sheet exiting the stripping assembly. The metal sheet out-feed assembly is positioned downstream the discharge assembly for receiving the metal sheet. When the metal sheet has been stripped from the cathode blank, the guide rollers controllably feed the metal sheet to the out-feed assembly. The method comprises stripping the metal sheets from the cathode and controllably discharging the stripped sheets to an out-feed assembly.

Abstract: The present invention presents an adaptable processing element for use in a processing system having multiple configurations. The processing element comprises a primary component and at least one detachable component, wherein the at least one detachable component can be retained for one configuration and removed for another configuration. For example, the detachable component may include a punch-out or knock-out located on a right-hand side and a left-hand side of a processing element in order to permit access of a gas supply line to a processing chamber for either a right-hand orientation or a left-hand orientation, respectively. Additionally, for example, the detachable component, whether retained or removed, can permit flexible use with different size processing chambers.

Abstract: In a limiting current type oxygen sensor, a plane cathode layer and a plane anode layer are arranged on both sides of a solid electrolyte layer, and a porous diffusion layer for controlling gaseous diffusion rate is arranged on the other side of the cathode layer. Additionally, the cathode layer has a bonding pad portion for connecting electrically to an external lead wire. A part of the bonding pad is in contact with the solid electrolyte layer, and the other part of the bonding pad is exposed to an atmosphere of the sensor. A patterned gas barrier film is disposed in between a boundary between the part of the bonding pad being in contact with the patterned solid electrolyte layer and the other part of the bonding pad exposed to the atmosphere, and surroundings thereof so as not to expose the boundary directly to the atmosphere.

Abstract: EDI apparatus for demineralizing a liquid flow is assembled in a housing having a cylindrical shape, and includes two metal electrodes, and one or more leafs, each leaf comprising a pair of selectively ion-permeable membranes arranged parallel to each other and spaced apart by spacing elements that allow liquid to flow in the interstitial space between membranes, thus forming an arrangement of dilute and concentrate cells in a desired flow configuration. Spacing elements between membranes, as well as between leaves, can be formed of inert polymer material, ion exchange beads, ion exchange fibers, a combination of two or more these elements, or a porous media incorporating one or more of such elements as an intrinsic part. An inner or central electrode and an outer or perimeter electrode establish a generally uniform and radially-oriented electrical or ionic current between the inner and the outer electrodes, across the helical flow spaces defined by the membrane/spacer windings.

Abstract: A tank is utilized for containing a plating solution. A rotatable support assembly rotatably supports a combustion chamber component relative to the tank for providing partial immersion of the combustion chamber component within the plating solution. An anode is positioned within the tank proximate a surface of the combustion chamber component to be electroplated. A current source is connected to the anode and in electrical contact with the combustion chamber component. When the combustion chamber component is rotated, the submerged portions are deposited with metal from the plating solution.

Abstract: The invention provides electrolytes for the electrochemical generation of nitrogen gas by anodic oxidation of triazole and tetrazole derivatives. Electrolytic cells incorporating these electrolytes are also disclosed. The nitrogen gas so produced may be useful to actuate mechanical transducers in fluid dispensers.

Abstract: This invention provides a gas sensor including a proton-conductive polymer electrolyte layer and a method for measuring gas concentration, that are capable of measuring gas concentration at high accuracy notwithstanding the presence of water vapor.

Abstract: A delayed coking process for making substantially free-flowing shot coke. A coker feedstock, such as a vacuum residuum, is treated with an additive, such as a elemental sulfur, high surface area substantially metals-free solids, process fines, a mineral acid anhydride and the like. The treated feedstock is then heated to coking temperatures and passed to a coker drum for a time sufficient to allow volatiles to evolve and to produce a substantially free-flowing shot coke.

Abstract: A process for hydrodesulphurizing gasoline cuts is carried out in the presence of a catalyst comprising at least one group VIII element, at least one group VIB element, and a support with a specific surface area of less than about 200 m2/g, wherein the density of the group VIB elements per unit surface area of the support is in the range 4×10?4 to 36×10?4 g of group VIB element oxides per m2 of the support.

Abstract: A pump module includes a fuel pump, a fuel filter having a filter casing and a filter element, a fuel outlet, and a pressure regulator. The filter casing covers at least a part of the outer circumference of the fuel pump, and accommodates the filter element. The fuel outlet is disposed outside the outer circumference of the filter casing, and includes an outflow passage for flowing the fuel from a discharge opening disposed on a sidewall of the outer circumference of the filter casing. The outflow passage includes a retrieve passage extending from the discharge opening to the sidewall of the outer circumference of the filter casing. The pressure regulator is disposed outside the outer circumference of the filter casing, and includes a regulator inlet for introducing the fuel, the regulator inlet being opened to the retrieve passage.

Abstract: A water treatment system has a battery rechargeable by a manual generator, thus eliminating the need for an external power source. The water treatment system uses the rechargeable battery to power a pump and a UV lamp. After the water passes through a filter, the UV lamp treats the water being pumped through the apparatus. The system optionally includes a flashlight, also powered by the rechargeable battery.

Abstract: It is an object of the present teachings to provide a technique for effectively providing a packed region in a water treatment apparatus in which the packed region is provided in a path of water to be treated and is filled with biomembrane-deposited members. According to the present invention, a representative water treatment apparatus may include a packed region provided in a path of water to be treated, a first packed part arranged in the packed region, a block of first biomembrane-deposited members that are packed in the first packed part, a second packed part that is arranged under the first packed part, and a plurality of second biomembrane-deposited members that are packed in the second packed part. According to the invention, the first biomembrane-deposited members are configured to prevent the second biomembrane-deposited members from moving into the first packed part by pressing the second biomembrane-deposited members from above.

Abstract: A pool/spa skimmer includes a housing and a face plate opening into the housing. The face plate is dimensioned to allow water to flow in a vertical column between it and the housing. In one embodiment, a flexible weir gate is coupled to the face plate and flexes under draw of water by a pump to allow flow of water into the skimmer. The interior of the housing has a curved wall so that when a column of water passes the face plate into the housing, a whirlpool effect is realized.

Abstract: Circulation systems for ponds, lakes, or other bodies of water using a flotation platform, dish, and impeller. One embodiment has a connecting arrangement between the drive motor and the impeller that permits the two to be easily and quickly coupled and uncoupled. The connecting arrangement also is designed to accommodate slight misalignments between the shafts. An arrangement to adjust and calibrate the depth of the inlet to the draft tube is disclosed. The system further includes solar panels that can be pivotally swung outwardly to open positions, angularly adjusted about a horizontal axis, and mounted to face toward the central axis of the flotation platform rather than away from it. Arrangements are further provided to monitor and control the components of the system including remotely from shore.

Abstract: In a liquid chromatographic system, removing at least part of a volatile component from the liquid sample stream after separation by flowing it through a volatile component-removal device including a porous wall having a surface coating of a permeable polymer less than 10 ?m thick. A liquid chromatographic system suitable for performing the method. Also, a liquid chromatographic system in which volatile component is removed prior to separation across the same type of membrane or across a membrane made of a copolymer of perfluoro-2,2-dimethyl-1,3-dioxole.

Abstract: A fluid treatment system for reducing odor, bacteria, and biological oxygen demand from a fluid having at least one tube, a control box, and a pump. The at least one tube has a plurality of conductors in electrical communication with the control box. The control box controls the level of electrical communication to the plurality of conductors and the flow rate of the pump. The principle use is for biomass material derived from animals, however other fluids will benefit from this invention. For example, fluids derived from plants and humans will benefit from this application.

Abstract: An improved apparatus and method which eliminates rotating impellers and air plates. And, as a result, less horse power per unit can be used to achieve smaller entrained air bubbles resulting in increased residence time and enhanced lateral oxygen transfer to replace oxygen consumed by aerobic bacteria during the biodegradation process. It may be used on industrial waste water sources of all types which are biodegradable by aerobic bacteria.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a water purification system for use in a water dispensing apparatus. The water purification system comprises an adapter adapted to mount to a top opening of the dispensing unit of the water dispensing apparatus, the adapter including a dispensing unit locking mechanism that is adapted to secure the adapter to the dispensing unit, and a filter connected to the adapter, the filter being adapted to filter impurities from the water that passes through the adapter from the container.

Abstract: Wastewater is treated on at least one apparatus positioned at a location on the surface of a body of seawater wherein a wastewater intake system takes in wastewater into the apparatus, the wastewater is treated on the apparatus to yield treated wastewater and sludge, and the treated wastewater and/or sludge is diluted with seawater prior to being discharged into the body of seawater. The wastewater treatment systems and methods can also be combined with desalination and/or power generation. In combination with desalination, the concentrate produced from the desalination process is mixed with treated wastewater or sludge prior to discharge to bring the resulting mixture to a salt concentration closer to the body of seawater than the unmixed concentrate, treated wastewater, or sludge.

Abstract: A device for antibacterially treating, in particular decontaminating and/or sterilizing water and for killing microorganisms in water, which device is developed to work together with a container designed for holding a quantity of water intended for treatment, and has an electrode arrangement set up for pulsing the quantity of water in the container, the electrode arrangement being connectable to and operable with an electrical signal-generating device, and the device having a discoid housing, which is preferably provided in the container in detachable or removable form, and having the electrode arrangement on at least one flat outer side of the housing, and the electrical signal-generating device in the interior of the housing.

Abstract: A method for treating metal-working fluid comprises reducing a concentration in the metal-working fluid of at least one metal by passing the metal-working fluid through an ion-exchange filter. The at least one metal may comprise cobalt or one or more other metal(s). The ion-exchange filter may include an ion-exchange resin, and the resin may comprise a sulfonated divinyl-benzene-cross-linked polystyrene ion-exchange resin. The metal-working fluid may be recirculated through the ion-exchange filter, from a holding vessel, from a sump or reservoir, or from any other container of the metal-working fluid.

Abstract: Tangential flow filtration device is provided wherein liners are provided between the filtration element and the top and bottom holders or manifolds. The liners incorporate the flow channels and inlet and outlet ports that were previously present in the manifolds. The liners are made of an inexpensive material and therefore are disposable after a single use, making it more cost effective to dispose of them than to clean the conventional manifolds. In addition, the liners can be pre-sterilized.

Abstract: A shaftless rotor includes at least two recessed portions. The portions are shaped to enable the rotor to rotate by the application of fluid flow to the rotor. The centre of mass of the rotor is substantially at the centre of the volume of space occupied by the rotor.

Abstract: Novel porous PTFE membranes are described possessing a unique combination of high strength, low flow resistance, and small pore size. Additionally, unique constructions with superior filtration and venting properties incorporating porous PTFE membranes are described.

Abstract: A cyclone-type separator comprises a hollow cylindrical main body in to which liquid containing foreign matter is introduced, a clean room provided in an upper end of the main body, a communication pipe which connects the clean room to an interior of the main body, and a porous separating pipe arranged in the clean room. As the liquid swirls in the main body, an eddy stream is generated. A columnar air layer and a clean liquid layer are formed, both aligned with the centerline of the eddy stream. The air layer and the liquid layer are guided via the communication pipe into the separating pipe. At the bottom of the clean room, there are provided a first reservoir for storing the liquid coming through the separating pipe, a second reservoir for storing the liquid flowing from the first reservoir, and a coolant outlet port for discharging the clean liquid.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for removing settleable solids and unsettleable solids from a partially closed flush system in a diary milking operation whereby a first processing tank bottom removes settleable solids contained therein where the net current flow vertically in the process tank is less than the settling rate of the settleable solids contained therein. The process tank batch feeds a plurality of thickening tanks that are each allowed to settle for a period of time before transferring fluid is to a second separator. The method and apparatus is particularly conductive for feeding a digester.

Abstract: A process (10) for treating sulphate-containing water (28) includes feeding the water into a biological sulphate reduction stage (12) containing a complex carbon source (18). The water is subjected to biological sulphate reduction in the presence of an electron donor source, thereby to reduce sulphates in the water to sulphides and to produce alkalinity. The complex carbon source is contacted with water containing higher sulphide and alkalinity concentrations or levels than the sulphate-containing feed water, thereby converting complex carbon molecules to electron donors. The, or another, electron donor source is regularly added to the biological sulphate reduction stage (12).

Abstract: The present invention describes novel biological systems for efficiently reducing nitrate levels and otherwise conditioning aquarium water and water in similar environments.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method having a high productivity for preparative separation by simulated moving bed chromatography. That is, in a filler for enantiomeric isomer separation by simulated moving bed chromatography, which has a porous carrier carrying a polysaccharide derivative thereon and has a TS coefficient in a range of 0.55 to 1.20, the TS coefficient being defined by the below-shown formula (I), and obtained by using an enantiomeric isomer separation column for simulated moving bed chromatography in which the filler is filled in a column tube by a slurry filling method: TS coefficient=[Vc?[t(TS)?t(blank)]×FR]/[t(TS)?t(blank)]×FR,??(I) wherein Vc (cm3): a column volume; FR (ml/min.): a flow velocity; t(TS) (min.): an elution time for tetrakis(trimethylsilyl)silane (=TS); and t(blank) (min.): an elution time for TS in the state where the column is not connected.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of removing contaminants from water which includes the steps of first providing a water feed exposed to at least one hydrocarbon or chemical process. This water feed is set in-line with a reverse osmosis system which includes an inlet, at least one reverse osmosis membrane, a permeate outlet, and a reject outlet. Then, pressure is applied to the water feed, or where the pressure of the water feed is higher than desired, the pressure is controlled or reduced. The pressure of the water feed serves to force the water feed through the reverse osmosis system. The reverse osmosis system then separates the water feed into a permeate and reject which includes at least one of the contaminants. The permeate is then directed to the permeate outlet and the reject is directed to the reject outlet.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus are provided for preventing retrograde flow of fluid, e.g., blood products, into a source of sterile substitution fluid (50). The apparatus of the present invention includes a controllable pinch valve member (110) that is placed on a section of a conduit (90) which carries sterile substitution fluid to an extracorporeal circuit (30). In one embodiment, control over the valve member (110) is based on a control unit (120) using fluid pressures that are sensed upstream and downstream of the valve member (110) by upstream sensor (121) and downstream pressure (122) respectively. The valve member (110) is preferably opened only when the upstream pressure is greater than the downstream pressure. This assures that the substitution fluid flows only in a single direction when the pinch valve member (110) completely occludes the conduit (90) when in a closed position. Therefor, blood will not contaminate the sterile fluid by being drawn into the conduit (90) due to pressure differences.

Abstract: A method of inactivating pathogens contaminating water and sludge, such as sewage sludge from wastewater treatment plants by exposing the contaminated material to an intense alternating mechanical field, at sonic and/or ultrasonic frequencies, producing and sustaining cavitation along spiral-shaped like paths between two or more disks, where at least one disk rotates or more than one disk rotates or the disks counter-rotate at high RPM. Alkaline material may be added to enhance the inactivation of pathogens. Heavy metals, which may also be present in the sewage sludge may be extracted from the sludge by adsorption.

Abstract: There is provided a method for deionizing a decomposition produced solution resulting from decomposition of a polyester by ethylene glycol. The ester interchange reaction and hydrolysis reaction along with cation removing treatment of a decomposition product resulting from decomposition of a polyester by ethylene glycol are suppressed. Thereby, a method for deionizing the decomposition produced solution with small reductions in yield and purity can be provided.

Abstract: A method comprising treating a potato wastewater stream containing suspended free starch particles with a potato starch-complexing emulsifier to form agglomerated starch particle-emulsifier complexes, and separating the complexes from the remainder of said wastewater stream. Also the separated starch complex suitable for human or animal consumption alone or in combination with other food ingredients. In various embodiments, the products comprise (a) at least about 2000 mg/100 g, BDS, glutamic acid; and/or (b) at least about 2500 mg/100 g, BDS, aspartic acid; and/or (c) at least about 10 g/100 g, BDS, total protein.

Abstract: System and methods for collecting and preparing fat for autologous fat transplantation. The system includes a centrifuge, syringes, and filtering and transferring assemblies coupled with the syringes. Substances, including oil, fat, and denser substances (tumescent fluid, connective tissue, and other non-fat substances), are harvested into a syringe. A dye is provided or injected in the syringe. Centrifugation of the syringe stratifies the substances into a top oil stratum, a middle fat stratum, and a bottom denser substance stratum. A superficial layer of less viable fat tissue in the middle stratum is highlighted by the dye. Denser substances are filtered out of the syringes during centrifugation. Oil and the less viable fat tissue are removed through a port in the plunger head of the syringe plunger. More viable fat tissue is transferred into smaller syringes through an adapter in the assembly coupled with the syringe and the smaller syringes.

Abstract: A flexible, disposable centrifuge bag for receiving and holding a fluid sample, comprising one or more tubes and upper and lower flexible sheets having doughnut shaped configurations. The upper and lower sheets are superimposed and completely sealed together at their outer perimeters to define an outer perimeter of the centrifuge bag. The inner perimeter of the bag defines a central core. The tubes are sandwiched between the upper and lower sheets and extend from the central core of the centrifuge bag. The upper and lower sheets are sealed together at their inner perimeters such that the tubes are sealed between said upper and lower sheets at the inner perimeter. The bag may be used to harvest platelet rich plasma from whole blood in either a batch method or while simultaneously infusing additional aliquots of whole blood into the bag during centrifugation.

Abstract: A template 1 is brought close to or in contact with a surface to be patterned 111 and patterns are formed with liquid 62 on the surface 111. This method comprises the steps of: bringing the template 1 close to or essentially in contact with the surface 111, supplying liquid 62 to a plurality of through holes 12 established in the pattern transfer region 10 of the template 1 for supplying the liquid 62, and separating the template 1 from the surface 111 after the liquid 62 is adhered to the surface 111 via the through holes 12.

Abstract: A recording medium includes a substrate, and a recording layer formed on the substrate having (a) a recording track band, and (b) recording cells regularly arrayed in the recording track band to form a plurality rows of sub-tracks. The recording cells included in each sub-track are formed apart from each other at a pitch P in the track direction. Nearest neighboring two recording cells, each positioned on adjacent two sub-tracks in the track band, are formed apart from each other at a pitch P/n in the track direction, where 2?n?5.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a nozzle plate 2 is disclosed. The nozzle plate 2 has a plurality of nozzle openings 22 through each of which a droplet is adapted to be ejected. The method includes the steps of: preparing a processing substrate (silicon substrate 10) constituted from silicon as a main material, the processing substrate having two major surfaces; providing a supporting substrate 50 for supporting the processing substrate onto one major surface of the processing substrate 50; and forming the plurality of nozzle openings 22 on the other major surface of the processing substrate by subjecting the other major surface of the processing substrate to an etching process while the processing substrate is supported by the supporting substrate 50.

Abstract: A workpiece is processed in a chamber by striking a plasma in the chamber, treating the workpiece by cyclically adjusting the processing parameters between at least a first step having a first set of processing parameters and a second step having a second set of process parameters, wherein the plasma is stabilized during the transition between the first and second steps. These steps may comprise cyclic etch and deposition steps. One possibility for stabilizing the plasma is by matching the impedance of the plasma to the impedance of the power supply which provides energy to the plasma, by means of a matching unit which can be controlled in a variety of ways depending upon the step type or time during the step. Another possibility is to prevent or reduce substantially variation in the pressure in the chamber between the first and second steps.