Abstract: The present invention provides a skimmer and filter unit for use with a body of water. The unit comprises a housing, a basket for collecting debris, and a partitioning baffle with upper openings and optionally lower openings, and a microorganism eradication system within the housing. The baffle's lower opening is preferably positioned below the rim of the perforated basket and its upper, screened or gated opening is positioned above the rim of the basket for allowing water to pass in the event of debris clogging the first opening, overflow conditions, larger flow demand, and/or filter demand.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to novel water treatment compositions. More particularly, the invention relates to solid water treatment compositions in the form of a water soluble tablet containing at least one halogen source and at least a pH compensating source in a layered tablet in which each of layer is configured to be simultaneously exposed to the water being treated and wherein one layer comprises the halogen source and another layer comprises a pH compensating source. Methods for controlling water biofouling and disinfecting water systems, particularly swimming pools and spas, are disclosed.

Abstract: Apparatus for transferring slurry from a vessel having a plurality of slurry collection points. The apparatus includes a manifold having a plurality of inlets in flow communication with one or more outlets and a plurality of pressure-reducing cyclones. Each cyclone is associated with a respective one of the collection points and a respective one of the manifold inlets and each cyclone has an inlet port and at least one outlet port. In use, each duct being brings a respective one of the slurry collection points of the vessel into flow communication with an inlet port of a respective one of the cyclones, and/or each duct brings an outlet port of a respective one of the cyclones into flow communication with a respective one of the inlets of the manifold.

Abstract: Capsules and similar objects are made from materials having diamond (sp3) lattice structures, including diamond materials in synthetic crystalline, polycrystalline (ordered or disordered), nanocrystalline and amorphous forms. The capsules generally include a hollow shell made of a diamond material that defines an interior region that may be empty or that may contain a fluid or solid material. Some of the capsules include access ports that can be used to fill the capsule with a fluid. Capsules and similar structures can be manufactured by growing diamond on suitably shaped substrates. In some of these methods, diamond shell sections are grown on substrates, then joined together. In other methods, a nearly complete diamond shell is grown around a form substrate, and the substrate can be removed through a relatively small opening in the shell.

Abstract: A method for making a reusable mold for forming a microelectronic element package. The method including the steps of removing material from portions of a base to form recesses in the base and then depositing a mask material on at least some portions of the base.

Abstract: A process of selectively etching a sacrificial light absorbing material (SLAM) over a dielectric material, such as carbon doped oxide, on a substrate using a plasma of a gas mixture in a plasma etch chamber. The gas mixture comprises a hydrofluorocarbon gas, an optional hydrogen-containing gas, an optional fluorine-rich fluorocarbon gas, a nitrogen gas, an oxygen gas, and an inert gas. The process could provide a SLAM to a dielectric material etching selectivity ratio greater than 10:1.

Abstract: A substrate processing enables etching of a barrier metal film at around room temperature without application of a mechanical load and without excessive etching of a necessary portion of copper. The substrate processing flattens a copper film and a barrier metal film, both exposed on a surface of a substrate, by using an etching liquid capable of adjusting the etching rate ratio between the copper film and the barrier metal film.

Abstract: Provided is a piezoelectric ceramic with a wider operating temperature range capable of obtaining a larger amount of displacement and being easily sintered, as well as being superior in terms of ultra-low emission, environmental friendliness and ecology. A piezoelectric substrate 1 comprises a composition including a perovskite-type oxide (Na1?x?y?zKxLiyAgz)(Nb1?wTaw)O3 and a tungsten bronze-type oxide M(Nb1?vTav)2O6 (M is an element of Group 2 in the long form of the periodic table of the elements). The values of x, y and z are preferably within a range of 0.1?x?0.9, 0?y?0.2, and 0?z?0.05, respectively. The content of the tungsten bronze-type oxide is preferably 5.3 mol % or less. Thereby, a higher Curie temperature and a larger amount of displacement can be obtained, and sintering can be more easily carried out.

Abstract: A deicer comprises a mixture of a deicing agent and a radiation absorber. The radiation absorber results in an increased ice-melting capacity than using the deicing agent alone. The deicer can include a deicing salt such as sodium chloride, and the radiation absorber can include a dye, which can be water soluble. The deicer can also include a corrosion inhibitor and/or wetting agent. Further, a method of making a deicer includes mixing a deicing agent and a radiation absorber. The radiation absorber can be dissolved in a liquid, such as bittern, which can be sprayed on a solid deicing salt.

Abstract: The present invention discloses an aqueous phenolates-containing liquid formulation having a solidification point of less than or equal to ?10° C. which is characterized by comprising the following components: a) 50-80% by wt. of one or more phenolates; b) 0.1-10% by wt. of at least one crystallization inhibitor; and water and optionally other components forming the balance.

Abstract: A coolant capable of enhancing corrosion inhibition includes a potassium formate solution having a first concentration of a polyphosphate salt and a second concentration of dicyandiamide. In one embodiment, such a coolant may provide corrosion inhibition that is especially effective for silicon and aluminum, among other materials. The corrosion protection may be enhanced for certain materials by adding benzotriazole in a third concentration to the potassium formate solution.

Abstract: A UV-emitting phosphor comprising SrB4O7:Eu phosphor particles that have been treated to yield a surface layer containing from greater than 0 to about 25 atomic percent aluminum. The holdover stability of the treated SrB4O7:Eu phosphor improves the 100-hour maintenance in a fluorescent tanning lamp to the extent that the treated phosphor may be subject to a holdover period of more than 25 days without a significant change in its 100-hour maintenance.

Abstract: The invention relates to a phosphor composition for lamps with a lattice of monoclinic crystal structure (monazite) of type (1?g)[((1?c?a)*Ln, c*Ce, a*A)PO4]×g*GeO2, in which Ln is at least one element selected from the group consisting of lanthanum La, gadolinium Gd and/or Yttrium Y and A is at least one activator selected from the group consisting of terbium Tb, praseodymium Pr and/or europium Eu, and 0?a?1.0; 0?c?1.0, and 0<g?0.2.

Abstract: An electrically conductive polymer available at low-cost and superior both in electrical conductivity and solubility. The electrically conductive polymer is solvent soluble and is obtained by imparting electrical conductivity to a pi-electron conjugated polymer by means of a dopant; the dopant comprises an alkylbenzenesulfonic acid or its salt having 2 or more alkyl substituent groups, wherein a total carbon number of the alkyl substituent groups is 10 to 37.

Abstract: A chain antimony oxide fine particle group comprising antimony oxide fine particles which have an average particle diameter of 5 to 50 nm, are connected in the form of a chain and have an average connection number of 2 to 30 and preferably used for forming a hard coating film. The fine particle group can be prepared by a process comprising treating an alkali antimonate aqueous solution with a cation exchange resin to prepare an antimonic acid (gel) dispersion and then treating the dispersion with an anion exchange resin and/or adding a base to the dispersion. Also provided is a substrate with a film comprising a substrate and a hard coating film. The hard coating film includes a chain inorganic oxide fine particle group, in which inorganic oxide fine particles of 2 to 30 on the average are connected in the form of a chain, and a matrix.

Abstract: Sample preparation device and method for desalting and concentrating samples prior to further analysis such as by MALDI TOF and/or electro-spray ionization (ESI) mass spectrometry. The device in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention contains a three dimensional structure preferably comprising a plurality of sorptive particles entrapped in a porous polymer matrix so as to form a device capable of carrying out solid phase extraction. The device is manufactured by introducing casting solution containing polymer and optionally particles into a housing, and subsequently exposing the device to a quench bath for a time sufficient to allow for solvent exchange and precipitation to form the composite structure in the housing. The present invention is also directed towards a method of sample preparation using the device of the present invention.

Abstract: This invention relates to compositions of cyclopentane, and a compound selected from the group consisting of hydrofluorocarbons, hydrofluoroethers, or fluorinated sulfur compounds. Specifically these compounds may be selected from the group consisting of tetrafluoroethane, hexafluoropropane, pentafluoropropane, tetrafluoropropane, trifluoropropane, difluoropropane, octafluorobutane, hexafluorobutane, pentafluorobutane, nonafluorobutane, difluorobutane, trifluoro-2-methoxyethane and bis(pentafluoroethyl)sulfide. The compositions, which may be azeotropic or azeotrope-like, may be used as refrigerants, cleaning agents, expansion agents for polyolefins and polyurethanes, aerosol propellants, refrigerants, heat transfer media, gaseous dielectrics, fire extinguishing agents, power cycle working fluids, polymerization media, particulate removal fluids, carrier fluids, buffing abrasive agents or displacement drying agents.

Abstract: A container suitable for storing and transporting photomasks and including a container body, a cover, first and second cushions and left and right channels disposed in slots formed in the container body. In one embodiment, the container of this invention is formed in a one-piece design by rotomolding. The cover is subsequently separated from the body and machined so as to provide a slidingly sufficient seal and disposed therein.

Abstract: A method of crimping a varied diameter graft is includes the steps of (i) providing a flat-woven tubular graft having an enlarged woven bulbous portion disposed between flat-woven tubular ends, wherein the flat-woven diameter of the bulbous section is greater than the flat woven diameters of the tubular ends; (ii) providing a mandrel shaped and sized to the woven bulbous section and having a curved crimping surface; and (iii) positioning the curved crimping surface within the bulbous woven section so that the bulbous woven section contours to the curved crimping surface.

Abstract: A fluid container and method for inhibiting the growth of microbes in liquid nutrient in a container, the container having an interior surface having a metal-ion sequestering agent for removing a designated metal ion from the liquid nutrient for inhibiting growth of microbes in the liquid nutrient.

Abstract: A moulding method, in particular a blowing or vacuum moulding method produces a dispensing container filled with a medium for dispensing. A moulding method for production of a dispensing container (1), filled with a medium for dispensing, involves introduction of an extruded plastic tube (6) into an open mould with moving main mould sections (8) and mould sections (10), cutting the plastic tube (6), spreading the plastic tube (6) into contact with the mould walls of the main mould sections (8), filling the container (1) in the mould with the medium for dispensing, introduction of a sealing unit (3), closure of the secondary mould sections (10) and subsequent moulding of the section of plastic tube (6) running through the secondary mould sections (10) to form a protective sleeve (5) which encloses a cannula (11) in the sealing unit (3) as second component of the securing device (5, 17).

Abstract: A lightweight remote controlled carriage apparatus having a frame means composed of a first frame member and a second frame member interconnected by a transverse frame member having a transverse frame member axis; the transverse frame member having a pivot point intermediate a first transverse frame member end and a second transverse frame member end allowing rotation or pivoting, about the axis, of the first frame member relative to the second frame member. Wheel frame means extending orthogonally from the first frame member and the second frame member toward a surface. The wheel frame means receiving remotely controlled motor driven magnetic wheels. The magnetic wheels having a middle plate having at least one magnet on at least one side received into a recessed pocket; at least one outer plate on each side of the middle plate. The middle plate having a circumference providing a traction means.

Abstract: A sintered sprocket for a silent chain is obtained from a material with few addition elements by a simple densifying method. The sintered sprocket is made of an ferrous material having an ovarall composition containing Cu at 1 to 2%, C at 0.5 to 0.8%, Mn as an inevitable impurity at 0.10% or less, and balance of Fe and other inevitable impurities by mass and has a density of 7.1 Mg/m3 or higher, 65 HRA or higher as a hardness in the gear teeth, and a martensite, sorbite, bainite, or their mixed structure as a cross-sectional microscopic structure in at least the gear teeth and the peripheral area of the gear teeth.

Abstract: A sintered cemented carbide body (e.g., a cutting tool) and a method of making the same. The sintered cemented carbide body includes tungsten carbide, a binder phase of at least one metal of the iron group or an alloy thereof, and one or more solid solution phases. Each one of the solid solution phases has at least one of the carbides and carbonitrides of a combination of zirconium, niobium, and tungsten. The method includes the steps of providing a powder mixture that contains tungsten carbide, a binder metal powder comprising at least one metal of the iron group or an alloy thereof, and at least one of the carbides and carbonitrides of both zirconium and niobium including a powder of the carbides or carbonitrides of zirconium and niobium, forming a green compact of said powder mixture, and vacuum sintering or sinter-HIP said green compact at a temperature of from 1400 to 1560° C.

Abstract: A fluidic micro electro-mechanical system (MEMS) device is described. In one aspect, at least one at least partially covered fluidic channel is formed between a polymer layer and a polymer substrate as the polymer layer is deposited on the substrate. The partially covered fluidic channel is fabricated as a unitary polymer layer structure. In one implementation, a strong exposure process is applied to the polymer layer to create a deep cross-linked polymer region. A weak exposure process is applied to the polymer layer to create a shallow cross-linked polymer region.

Abstract: A collection container and a method for collecting a biological sample, particularly whole blood, that includes at least one stabilizing agent in an amount effective to stabilize and inhibit protein degradation and/or fragmentation. The stabilizing agent is able to stabilize proteases in the biological sample, particularly at the point of collection, by inhibiting protein degradation and/or fragmentation in the sample when the sample is stored. The stabilizing agent includes one or more protease inhibitors.

Abstract: A collection device comprising an open-ended vessel for receiving and holding a fluid substance and a cap configured to position a specimen retrieval device along an inner surface of the vessel when the cap is fixedly associated the vessel.

Abstract: A U-valve apparatus including a bidirectional check valve for controlling the flow of liquid from a vessel while preventing inadvertent discharge from the vessel. The check valve allows passage of a fluid such a gas into the vessel, for purposes of agitating the liquid or for other purposes, and also permits the evacuation of the liquid from the vessel. The U-valve apparatus is advantageously included in a universal fluid exchange device including upper and lower reaction vessel supports which include pressure sealed injection and evacuation ports for each supported reaction vessel. Reaction vessels matingly engage through the injection and evacuation ports with fittings which are connected through flexible tubing to respective supplying and receiving vessels. Each of one or more reaction vessels may suitably be connected by a U-valve apparatus including a check valve to a corresponding receiving vessel.

Abstract: An apparatus for producing ethylenically unsaturated aliphatic halogenic hydrocarbons by thermal cleavage of saturated aliphatic halogenic carbons using an apparatus that introduces an educt gas stream into a reactor which includes at least one supply conduit which opens into the reactor, the supply conduit feeds a heated gas formed from cleavage promotors and radicals produced by a nonthermal plasma device which permits an increased in the yield of the cleavage reaction.

Abstract: A sterilization system for dental and orthodontic tools is provided with a transport rack dimensionally sized to hold a plurality interchangeable cassettes. The interchangeable cassettes are designed and intended to hold kits of dental or orthodontic tools and are provided with top opening, double-hinged covers which lay flat on the surface when opened and used at a dental workstation.

Abstract: Sulphidation method for a UO2 powder, in which said powder is sulfurated by bringing it into contact with a gaseous sulphidation agent. Method for manufacturing nuclear fuel pellets based on uranium oxide, or mixed oxide of uranium and plutonium, from a load of totally or partially sulfurated UO2 powder or UO2 powder and PuO2 powder, by lubrication, pelletizing and sintering, in which: the load of powder subjected to the lubrication, pelletizing and sintering is prepared by the following successive steps: sulphidation of a UO2 powder by the above sulphidation method; optionally mixing, said sulfurated powder in a matrix comprising a UO2 powder, or of a UO2 powder and a PuO2 powder; and, subjecting said load, formed from said sulfurated powder or said mixture, to lubrication, pelletizing and sintering operations.

Abstract: A solvent extraction composition is comprised of one or more orthohydroxyarylaldoximes and one or more othohydroxyarylketoximes, and one or more equilibrium modifiers in an amount providing a degree of modification of the orthohydroxyarylaldoximes from about 0.2 to 0.

Abstract: A process of making aluminum oxynitride powder including the steps of: forming a powder mixture by mixing alumina powder and aluminum nitride powder according to the following formula: ((4?x)/3) alumina and x aluminum nitride wherein x is in mole percent and ranges between about 0.31 and about 0.61; adding between about 0.1 mole percent and about 1.0 mole percent of pure aluminum powder to the powder mixture; and reacting the powder mixture containing aluminum at a temperature between about 1600° C. and about 1900° C. for a duration between about 2 hours and about 24 hours in a flowing nitrogen atmosphere so as to form aluminum oxynitride.

Abstract: Novel diamondoid-based components that may be used in nanoscale construction are disclosed. Such components include rods, brackets, screws, gears, rotors, and impellers. Subassemblies (or subsystems) may comprise one or more diamondoid components. Exemplary subassemblies include atomic force microscope tips, molecular tachometers and signal waveform generators, and self-assembling cellular membrane pores and channels.

Abstract: A single crystal diamond grown by microwave plasma chemical vapor deposition annealed at pressures in excess of 4.0 GPa and heated to temperature in excess of 1500 degrees C. that has a hardness of greater than 120 GPa. A method for manufacture a hard single crystal diamond includes growing a single crystal diamond and annealing the single crystal diamond at pressures in excess of 4.0 GPa and a temperature in excess of 1500 degrees C. to have a hardness in excess of 120 GPa.

Abstract: A solid state reaction method for the production of tetrabasic lead sulfate includes the steps of mixing a stoichiometric mixture of 3PbO.PbSO4.H2O and PbO and heating the stoichiometric mixture of 3PbO.PbSO4.H2O and PbO at a temperature between 500 and 700° C. for 3 to 8 hours. The method also includes the steps of deagglomerating and sieving resulting tetrabasic lead sulfate.

Abstract: The present invention provides unsupported and supported cobalt oxide catalysts and preparation method thereof, and its application for hydrogen generation from a metal borohydride solution. More particularly, provided are an activation method of a newly prepared catalyst and a regeneration method of a deactivated cobalt oxide catalyst.

Abstract: A catalyst that can be used for the production of hydrogen from hydrocarbon fuels in steam reforming processes contains an active metal of, e.g., at least one of Ir, Pt and Pd, on a catalyst support of, e.g., at least one of monoclinic zirconia and an alkaline-earth metal hexaaluminate. The catalyst exhibits improved activity, stability in both air and reducing atmospheres, and sulfur tolerance.

Abstract: The present invention relates to photostable compositions that provide protection from ultraviolet radiation (“UVR”). The invention particularly relates to the sunscreens avobenzone, octocrylene and oxybenzone, forming a triplet combination. Compositions of the present invention are free of diesters or polyesters of naphthalene dicarboxylic acid and also are substantially free of substantial amounts of other sunscreens and substantial amounts of optimizing agents. Sunscreens of the invention may be essentially free of, or free of, lower monohydric alcohol and/or acrylates/C12-22 alkylmethacrylate copolymer in an effective non-pilling amount used to gel a C1-C4 alcohol. The triplet combination surprisingly provides and substantially maintains the initial SPF value of the sunscreen composition throughout the period of UVR exposure. Compositions of the invention are photostable such that each of sunscreen active in the triplet combination does not appreciably photodegrade.

Abstract: The disclosure provides a sunscreen formulation comprising a peptide-based metal oxide sunscreen agent, such as titanium dioxide nanoparticles, and a fluid vehicle.

Abstract: The invention provides for therapeutic compositions as well as a method of blocking blood vessel growth, a method of promoting neovascularization, a method of promoting the growth or differentiation of a cell expressing the TIE-2 receptor, a method of blocking the growth or differentiation of a cell expressing the TIE-2 receptor and a method of attenuating or preventing tumor growth in a human.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to compositions and methods used to ascertain if putative antibiotics trigger a cell envelope stress response in bacterial organisms. In one aspect of the invention, three two-component systems are described: LiaR & LiaS (formerly YvqCE); YvcP & YvcQ; and BceR & BceS (formerly YtsAB). These systems, for example, can be used to analyze antibiotics such as vancomycin, bacitracin, nisin, and ramoplanin, which interfere with the lipid II cycle in the cytoplasmic membrane.

Abstract: Oligodendrocyte-myelin glycoprotein (OMgp)-specific binding agents are used to reduce OMgp-mediated axon growth inhibition. Mixtures of axons and OMgp and mixtures of Nogo receptor (NgR) and OMgp are used in pharmaceutical screens to characterize agents as inhibiting binding of NgR to OMgp and promoting axon regeneration.

Abstract: The present invention discloses protocols for HER cancers that are also endocrine dependent in a manner that provides dual action by using both HER antibodies and endocrine blockers/downregulators and insures function of S-Phase cytotoxics by administration of endocrines prior to administration of the S-Phase cytotoxic.

Abstract: The invention discloses multiple genes related to age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and/or phagocytosis by RPE cells of the eye, and methods and compositions for detecting and treating AMD and other retinal degenerative conditions based on these phagocytosis-related and/or AMD-related genes. Also provided are animal models useful for testing therapeutic compounds and treatment protocols for AMD, and gene arrays including polymorphic variants of phagocytosis-related and/or AMD-related genes, useful for genetic screening of nucleic acid samples from subjects to obtain profiles of polymorphic variant sequences in a plurality of genes associated with AMD.

Abstract: An adsorbent which comprises a water-insoluble carrier and a compound, which is immobilized on said carrier, having a binding affinity for an antibody against ?1-adrenoceptor and/or an antibody against M2 muscarinic receptor exhibits a remarkably large adsorptive capacity.

Abstract: There is disclosed a polypeptide (CD40-L) and DNA sequences, vectors and transformed host cells useful in providing CD40-L polypeptides. More particularly, this invention provides isolated human and murine CD40-L polypeptides that bind to the extracellular binding region of a CD40 receptor.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods for vaccine priming, using co-treatment, at a temporally similar or at a previous time, with a priming antibody capable of priming, or enhancing, or potentiating the effects of a vaccine, or vaccine composition. Also disclosed are methods of using this process to prevent or treat disease.

Abstract: Hybrid antigens comprising at least one antigenic domain, at least one heat shock protein binding domain, and at least one improved peptide linker there between are described which are useful for the induction of an immune response to the antigenic domain when administered alone or in a complex with at least one heat shock protein. The hybrid antigens and complexes can be used to treat infectious diseases and cancers that express an antigen of the antigenic domain.

Abstract: Compositions and methods comprising “lymphotoxin-? receptor blocking agents” which block lymphotoxin-? receptor signaling and are useful for altering immunological diseases, and particularly antibody mediated immune responses.