Abstract: A pool filter cleaning device (1) which allows a person to thoroughly clean a filter cartridge (15) quickly and easily with minimal amount of splash back. The pool filter cleaning device (1) is comprised of a handle (2), an angled head section (12), a shield (6) and a nozzle (8). The device (1) is attachable to standard garden hoses (3) and utilizes water pressure to clean the cartridge filter (15). The handle (2) is attached to an angled head section (12) having a preferably transparent shield (6) attached therebetween. The head section (12) is angled so as to provide a more comfortable cleaning position for a user. The shield (6) has a duel purpose as it separates the pleats (16) on the cartridge filter (15) and prevents water and debris from splashing back onto the user.

Abstract: The present invention provides a fine particle separation treatment system containing: a storage tank for storing a solution; a solution circulating passageway for circulating the solution in the storage tank, a cyclone separator disposed in the solution circulating passageway for separating fine particles in the solution and a particle trap box for trapping the precipitated fine particles in the cyclone portion through a communication hole. An electrode rod is disposed at the center of the particle trap box, and the fine particles are electrically separated by applying a potential between the electrode rod and an electrode of the particle trap box.

Abstract: A polymer modified porous substrate for solid phase extraction or chromatography, comprising a porous substrate and a polymeric monolith formed thereon, wherein the polymeric monolith comprises C5-10 monocyclic or bicyclic aryl or heteroaryl, optionally substituted with -L-Qp-Rq; where q is 0-3, p is 0-5, Q is —NRC(O)—, —C(O)NR—, —OC(O)NR—, —OC(O)R—, —NRC(O)O—, —NRC(O)NR—, —NCO, —CHOHCHOH—, CH2OCHCH2O—, —(CH2CH2O)s—, —(CH2CH2CH2O)s—, —C(O)—, —C(O)O—, —CH2C(O)CH2—, —S—, —SS—, —CHOH—, —O—, —SO—, —SO2—, —SO3—, —OSO3, —SO2NR—, —NRq—, and —NRq+—, —CN, —NC, —CHOCH—, —NHC(NH)NH—, —NO2, —NO, —OPO3—, —OH; and R is hydrogen, C5-10 monocyclic or bicyclic aryl or heteroaryl, C1-12 branched, unbranched, or cyclic hydrocarbyl; L is a bond or a C1-12 branched, unbranched, or cyclic hydrocarbyl. Methods of preparing and using the polymer modified porous substrates are disclosed.

Abstract: Described is an affinity microcolumn comprising a high surface area material, which has high flow properties and a low dead volume, contained within a housing and having affinity reagents bound to the surface of the high surface area material that are either activated or activatable. The affinity reagents bound to the surface of the affinity microcolumn further comprise affinity receptors for the integration into high throughput analysis of biomolecules.

Abstract: A tank assembly is disclosed having a plurality of tank sections each capable of being connected to at least one other tank section, wherein each tank section has a dimension that enables the section to be accommodated at or within a predetermined width limit for transportation by public road, and wherein a dimension of the tank directly across the sections when the tank is assembled exceeds said predetermined width limit.

Abstract: A wall mount for attaching water treatment system to a wall plate consists of a platform and a vertical portion. The water treatment system rests on the platform. The water treatment systems extend through the back of the wall mount and extend through passages in the wall mount and into the water treatment system. The water tubes, when placed within the water treatment system, assist in maintaining the water treatment system on the wall mount.

Abstract: A water treatment device and method for treating a quantity of water is powered by gravitational flow. The device includes an upper collecting chamber (14) and a filtration chamber (18). The filtration chamber includes a set of reactance containg at least three components wherein one of the components is a polycation and another one of the components is a polyanion. The method includes subjecting the water to gravitational flow through the filtration chamber (18).

Abstract: A coupler for a spiral membrane filtration element having a spiral membrane enclosed within a rigid outerwrap includes a center support, a plurality of spokes extending outwardly from the center support, a circular rim coupled with the spokes, with the face of the rim being perpendicular to the axis of the overwrap. The rim includes a channel on its face for receiving a compressible seal, and a plurality of receptacles around its outer surface for joining two face-to-face adjacent couplers when a pair of aligned keepers is placed in each receptacle. Exemplary embodiments of the coupler and filtration elements and filtration assemblies are provided, as well as an associated method.

Abstract: A filtration membrane and method of making the same wherein the filtration membrane comprises obstructions and/or spacers.

Abstract: The present invention relates to adsorption membranes comprising microporous polymer membranes in which adsorbent particles are incorporated. Furthermore, the present invention relates to a method of producing the inventive adsorption membranes as well as devices which comprise the inventive adsorption membranes.

Abstract: An inclined plate coupled membrane bioreactor for treating feed water having excessive level of nutrients in particular chemical oxygen demand and total nitrogen and suspended solids has an aerobic bioreactor for nitrification and aerobic biodegradation in which membranes are submerged for permeate extraction, and an anoxic bioreactor for denitrification within which the inclined plates are outfitted to confine as much anoxic sludge as possible. An air oxygenating and an air scouring are continuously provided to the aerobic bioreactor to maintain a desired aerobic environment and to mitigate membrane fouling while an intermittent air blowing is provided to the anoxic bioreactor to blow out gaseous content generated through denitrification and to rectify the uniformed flow along the inclined plates. The aerobic sludge is recycled to the lower compartment of anoxic bioreactor and the supernatant of anoxic bioreactor is collected as weir effluent and delivered to the downstream aerobic bioreactor.

Abstract: An apparatus for treating particulate biodegradable organic waste includes a thermal hydrolysis reactor receiving the particulate biodegradable organic waste for performing thermal hydrolysis at a temperature of about 130° C. at a pressure at or above the saturated water vapor pressure of the organic waste to produce a slurry including solubilized organic material and residual solids. A pH adjustment means for adjusting the pH of the particulate biodegradable organic waste as necessary to provide an acidic pH of greater than about 3.15 before thermo hydrolysis of the particulate biodegradable organic waste is provided. Separating means receive the solubilized organic material and residual solids for separating solubilized organic material from the residual solids. An anaerobic reactor is configured to receive the solubilized organic material.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for supplying oxygen to a water purification process, said method comprising providing an oxygen carrier of at least one copolymer of dimethylsiloxane, ethylene oxide and propylene oxide, adding said oxygen carrier to the water purifying process, and contacting said oxygen carrier with an oxygen containing gas. The invention further relates to the use of at least one copolymer of dimethylsiloxane, ethylene oxide and propylene oxide, as an oxygen carrier in a water purification process.

Abstract: According to the process for producing amino acid or salt thereof in the present invention, in the adsorption step, an amino acid-containing aqueous solution is fed into a pressure tight column so that a free amino acid is adsorbed on a carbonate-type anion exchange resin packed in the pressure tight column. Subsequently, in the elution step, eluent liquid containing a hydrogen carbonate ion and/or a carbonate ion is injected into the pressure tight column in a pressurized state to elute the amino acid adsorbed on the anion exchange resin and simultaneously to regenarate the anion exchange resin into the carbonate-type. In the case of purifying an acidic amino acid, an aqueous ammonium carbonate solution is employed as the eluent liquid. In the case of purifying a neutral amino acid, an aqueous carbonic acid solution, an aqueous hydrogen carbonate solution, an aqueous ammonium hydrogen carbonate solution or an aqueous ammonium carbonate solution is employed as the eluent liquid.

Abstract: In a process for the continuous recovery of free tartaric acid from raw materials containing potassium hydrogentartrate, the same are mixed with water and the potassium hydrogentartrate is dissolved. The process is improved in that the suspension is decanted, the clarified liquid is refiltered, the filtrate is cooled to crystallization temperature under a vacuum, the potassium hydrogentartrate crystals formed are dissolved, the solution is subjected to a cation exchange, and the tartaric acid solution obtained is evaporated.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for isolating constituents from organic material, comprising the following process steps: a) freeze-drying of the organic material; b) extracting the constituents with a polar solvent or solvent mixture (A) and an organic solvent or solvent mixture (B), it being possible for the extracts of the extraction with (A) and (B) to form one phase; c) combining the extracts (A) and (B) to give one phase; and d) carrying out an esterification/transesterification in the unpolar phase with an alcohol, the esterification/transesterification being carried out in the presence of a volatile acid; the process being a high-throughput process.

Abstract: Systems and methods are described for removing biological pathogens using surfactant-modified zeolite (SMZ). A method for removing biological pathogens from a fluid or a fluid-based gel includes filtering the fluid or fluid-based gel using SMZs. A method for removing air-borne biological pathogens includes drawing air through a fluid layer or a fluid-based gel layer and filtering the fluid or the fluid-based gel layer using SMZs.

Abstract: The invention relates to processes and compositions for at least partially removing cations of one or more metals selected from the group consisting of caesium, strontium, lead, silver, transition metals, lanthanides and actinides from a liquid containing the cations. The process comprises contacting the liquid with a sorbent material in an amount and for a time sufficient to at least reduce the concentration of the cations, wherein the sorbent material is a metal oxide composition having the empirical formula Ax/n[ByM1-yO3+?]x.

Abstract: The invention concerns a water treatment method which consists in introducing coagulated water in a flocculation zone, to enable flocculation of microflocs in the presence and around a ballast; introducing the mixture in a decantation zone; separating the treated water in overflow and a mixture of sludge and the ballast in underflow; conveying at least part of said mixture to a sludge/ballast separating system and recycling into or upstream of the flocculation zone the ballast and part of the sludge introduced in said separation system.

Abstract: A lignocellulose-based anion-adsorbing medium (LAM) and process for making and using same for selectively removing phosphates and arsenic contaminants from aqueous solutions is disclosed. Making the LAM comprises (a) dissociating cations such as Fe and Al, from their counterions by adding a chemical compound containing said cations to water and acidifying; (b) pelletizing a lignocellulose; (c) adsorbing the cations to the lignocellulose by bringing the lignocellulose into contact with the solution of step (a) and incubating; and, (d) exposing the lignocellulose of step (c) to an alkaline fixing agent to replace hydrogens (H) of the hydroxyl groups of the lignocellulose with the adsorbed cations to produce the LAM with a positive charge. The LAM may be used to selectively and cost-effectively remove phosphate and arsenic contaminants from aqueous solutions by retaining them at the Fe or Al on the LAM.

Abstract: Systems and methods for removing perchlorate load off of ion exchange resins are disclosed. The systems and methods rely upon direct contact between the resin and a liquid product formed by the culturing of perchlorate-destroying microorganisms. These methods can be incorporated into methods for removing perchlorate from aqueous streams. A resin product comprising an anion exchange resin with a coating of perchlorate-destroying microorganisms on its surface is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method of treating wastewater, and more particularly stormwater runoff or domestic waste, wherein the wastewater is directed through a high carbon ash particulate. Contaminants such as phosphorus, nitrogen, BOD and COD can be removed. In addition, treatment of the stormwater runoff or domestic waste with ash will raise the pH of the wastewater, generally to above 10, killing bacteria contained in the wastewater.

Abstract: The invention relates to an adsorbent material, a method for cleaning blood and plasma and purifying albumin, and to a method for producing said adsorbent material. The inventive adsorbent material is embodied in the form of a highly cross-linked and porous spherical divinylbenzene copolymer which contains from 4 to 30 weight % of an imidazole derivative and at least 50 weight % of divinylvenzene incorporated by radical polymerization in the presence of air and/or oxygen. Said adsorbent material is embodied in such a way that it is biocompatible and suitable for removing free and albumin-bound toxic substances, drugs, pharmaceutical products, endogenic and exogenic toxins from blood, plasma, and external albumin circuits at a high rate and efficiency. The material is used in particular for adsorbing bilirubin and bile acids and is produced by suspension polymerization.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for separating ferrous metal particles from non-ferrous metal particles suspended in a liquid, such as a coolant from a machining operation, in which mixed particle containing liquid is discharged across a horizontal, non-magnetic separating surface; the magnetic ferrous metal particles are captured by a magnetic force exerted by an array of parallel magnets disposed underneath the separating surface, the non-magnetic non-ferrous metal particles are washed by the liquid into a collecting flume from where they can be passed to a filtering station for removal from the liquid, and the captured ferrous metal particles are scraped from the separating surface and conveyed to a ferrous metal discharge by a scraper conveyor which moves transversely to the discharge direction of the liquid.

Abstract: A method and system for supplying an ultra-pure fluid to a substrate process chamber using point-of-use filtration and purification. The method and system provide ability to automatically monitor and control contamination levels in fluids in real time and to stop substrate processing when contamination levels exceed predetermined thresholds.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of monitoring a liquid fluid mixture and a system carrying out the method. The invention also relates to the use of the system for monitoring liquid fluid mixtures.

Abstract: The invention provides a control device for the separate collection of blood components in output from a blood centrifugation cell. The control device comprises: a support which comprises a recess for containing a duct; a visible-light emitter with a corresponding receiver, which are arranged on opposite sides with respect to the recess for containing the duct; an infrared-light emitter with a corresponding receiver, which are arranged on opposite sides with respect to the recess for containing the duct; and a processor to detect signals acquired by the two receivers, to calculate a ratio between the values of the signals, and to send signals to the means suitable to selectively send the fluid conveyed by the duct into separate collection bags, the means being able to change the bag in which the fluid is collected.

Abstract: In a method of forming a patterned thin film, first, an etching stopper film and a film to be patterned are formed in this order on a base layer. Next, a patterned first film is formed on the film to be patterned. Next, a second film is formed over an entire surface on top of the film to be patterned and the first film. Then, by removing the first film, an etching mask is obtained from the second film formed on the film to be patterned. The film to be patterned is selectively etched through dry etching using the etching mask. A patterned thin film having a groove is thereby obtained.

Abstract: Reactive atom plasma processing can be used to shape, polish, planarize, and clean surfaces of difficult materials with minimal subsurface damage. The apparatus and methods use a plasma torch, such as a conventional ICP torch. The workpiece and plasma torch are moved with respect to each other, whether by translating and/or rotating the workpiece, the plasma, or both. The plasma discharge from the torch can be used to shape, planarize, polish, clean and/or deposit material on the surface of the workpiece, as well as to thin the workpiece. The processing may cause minimal or no damage to the workpiece underneath the surface, and may involve removing material from, and/or redistributing material on, the surface of the workpiece. This description is not intended to be a complete description of, or limit the scope of, the invention. Other features, aspects, and objects of the invention can be obtained from a review of the specification, the figures, and the claims.

Abstract: A semiconductor manufacturing process wherein a low-k dielectric layer is plasma etched with selectivity to an overlying mask layer. The etchant gas can be oxygen-free and include a fluorocarbon reactant, a nitrogen reactant and an optional carrier gas, the fluorocarbon reactant and nitrogen reactant being supplied to a chamber of a plasma etch reactor at flow rates such that the fluorocarbon reactant flow rate is less than the nitrogen reactant flow rate. The etch rate of the low-k dielectric layer can be at least 5 times higher than that of a silicon dioxide, silicon nitride, silicon oxynitride or silicon carbide mask layer. The process is useful for etching 0.25 micron and smaller contact or via openings in forming structures such as damascene structures.

Abstract: A composition for softening an absorbent tissue having from about 10% to about 60% by weight of a quaternary ammonium softening active ingredient; free amine compounds at a level such that the softening composition has a tertiary to quaternary amine ratio of greater than about 0.06 and less than about 0.2; an aqueous vehicle in which said softening active ingredient is dispersed; and from about 0.01% to about 5% by weight of a high polymer; wherein the high polymer has a weight-average molecular weight of from about 2,000,000 to about 25,000,000.

Abstract: A ferrite sintered body is composed of an oxide containing, as metal element, at least Fe and Zn and at least one selected from Ni, Cu and Mn. This sintered body contain Fe of 42 to 50 mol % in terms of Fe2O3, and Zn of 15 to 35 mol % in terms of ZnO. When the Zn concentration in the sintered body interior is taken to be 1, the Zn concentration in the surface vicinity is 0.8 to 12. This increases the surface resistance of the ferrite sintered body and lowers its core loss.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a CMP polishing slurry comprising cerium oxide particles, an organic compound having an acetylene bond (triple bond between carbon and carbon) and water, and a method for polishing a substrate which comprises a step of polishing a film to be polished of the substrate with the polishing slurry. In a CMP (chemical mechanical polishing) technique for flattening inter layer dielectrics, insulating films for shallow trench isolation and the like in a manufacturing process of semiconductor devices, the present invention enables the effective and high-speed polishing.

Abstract: The invention provides a chemical-mechanical polishing system comprising a polishing component, a surfactant, and a liquid carrier. The invention further provides a method of chemically-mechanically polishing a substrate with the polishing system.

Abstract: An exemplary etching composition includes about 0.1 to 8% by weight of hydrogen fluoride, about 10 to 25% by weight of ammonium fluoride, about 0.0001 to 3% by weight of a non-ionic polymer surfactant, and water. Using the composition in a wet etching process, an oxide layer may be selectively removed while a pattern or storage electrode including polysilicon may be effectively passivated. The oxide layer may be removed with a high etching selectivity, while at the same time minimizing damage to the polysilicon layer.

Abstract: Novel phosphor systems are disclosed having the formula A2SiO4:Eu2+D, where A is at least one of a divalent metal selected from the group consisting of Sr, Ca, Ba, Mg, Zn, and Cd; and D is a dopant selected from the group consisting of F, Cl, Br, I, P, S and N. In one embodiment, the novel phosphor has the formula (Sr1-x-yBaxMy)2 SiO4:Eu2+F (where M is one of Ca, Mg, Zn, or Cd in an amount ranging from 0<y<0.5). The phosphor is configured to absorb visible light from a blue LED, and luminescent light from the phosphor plus light from the blue LED may be combined to form white light. The novel phosphors can emit light at intensities greater than either conventionally known YAG compounds, or silicate-based phosphors that do not contain the inventive dopant ion.

Abstract: Some embodiments of the present invention are directed toward nanocrystalline oxide-based phosphor materials, and methods for making same. Typically, such methods comprise a steric entrapment route for converting precursors into such phosphor material. In some embodiments, the nanocrystalline oxide-based phosphor materials are quantum splitting phosphors. In some or other embodiments, such nanocrystalline oxide based phosphor materials provide reduced scattering, leading to greater efficiency, when used in lighting applications.

Abstract: The present invention relates to 1,3,5-tricyano-2,4,6-tris(vinyl)benzene derivatives and method for preparing the same. The 1,3,5-tricyano-2,4,6-tris(vinyl)benzene derivatives can be prepared by refluxing 1,3,5-tricyanomesitylene with N-formylamine dimethylacetal or substituted benzaldehyde, or by the Wittig reaction of 1,3,5-tricyano-2,4,6-tris[(diethoxyphosphoryl)methyl]benzene with substituted benzaldehyde. The 1,3,5-tricyano-2,4,6-tris(vinyl)benzene derivatives exhibit large first hyperpolarizability in solution and significant second harmonic generation (SHG) in the powder state, and are useful as optical devices such as electro-optic modulators, optical switch, or the like for treating optical signal in optical communication industry.

Abstract: Embolization, as well as related particles and methods, are described.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a chemical-mechanical polishing (CMP) pad comprises the steps of (a) forming a layer of a polymer resin liquid solution (i.e., a polymer resin dissolved in a solvent); (b) inducing a phase separation in the layer of polymer solution to produce an interpenetrating polymeric network comprising a continuous polymer-rich phase interspersed with a continuous polymer-depleted phase in which the polymer-depleted phase constitutes about 20 to about 90 percent of the combined volume of the phases; (c) solidifying the continuous polymer-rich phase to form a porous polymer sheet; (d) removing at least a portion of the polymer-depleted phase from the porous polymer sheet; and (e) forming a CMP pad therefrom.

Abstract: A method for producing a glass-like carbon pipe is provided. The method comprises the steps of producing a plurality of thermosetting resin molded articles by centrifugal molding, said molded articles each having the shape of the sections of a pipe divided in the longitudinal direction and each provided with threaded or fitting portions; integrating these molded articles by joining at the threaded or fitting portions; and carbonizing the joined pipe to thereby produce a glass-like carbon pipe. This method is capable of producing a straight or bent pipe with excellent mechanical strength and gas sealability at the joint, and this method enables production of a pipe at a low cost since no machining is required for providing the threaded or fitting portions.

Abstract: Coffee bean residue is a primary constituent of new thermosetting polymer compositions and articles of manufacture. The articles are made by compression molding and curing of one or more thermosetting polymer resins blended with coffee bean residue. Other additives and fillers may also be included in the compositions.

Abstract: A compaction unit (100) includes (a) an elongated open-ended ramming chamber (50) having a fill port opening (51). A ramming head (20) pushes material within ramming chamber (50) to add a new lift to a continuous homogeneous block (40) comprised of all previously compressed material. As the ramming head (20) moves forward, it closes off the fill port opening (51). A shearing chamber (60) fractures the blocks to any desired length, while a support platform (70) supports and stores the blocks until utilized. The shearing chamber (60) moves transverse to the ramming chamber to form the fracture.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for producing a three-dimensional composite structure and a method for producing the mold for the three-dimensional composite structure. The mold is formed of at least one rigid die member and a second thermoplastic die member. The second thermoplastic die member is formed by coupling a rubber flexible pattern to a surface of the first die member. Vacuum or pressure is applied to a heated thermoplastic sheet to cause the heated thermoplastic sheet to deform about the flexible pattern, thereby forming the second die. Strips of reinforced polymer thermoset pre-preg material are then positioned within the cavities formed by the flexible pattern and are allowed to cure. Optionally, heat, pressure, and vacuum may be applied to the mold construction to facilitate the curing of the thermoset materials.

Abstract: A method for fabricating a pool mold comprising the steps of creating a recess, the recess having the general shape and contour of the desired finished pool and is installed with support materials and surface references. A layer of forming material is place over the support materials and surface references and formed to desired contour and grade. The forming material has substantially uniform coefficients of thermal expansion and heat transfer. The surface of the recess is sealed and coated with a release agent. A mold is then fabricated within the recess.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a tool (1a, 1b, 2)for injection moulding of an opening arrangement (20) of plastic in a hole in a packing material (9), the hole defining a hole edge (8) and the tool displaying a mould cavity (7) which surrounds the hole edge (8) together with a part of a first side (9a), as well as a part of a second side (9b) of the packing material in connection with the hole edge, the mould cavity (7) displaying an inlet (10) for molten plastic and, opposing the inlet, an end gap (11) for the extension of the packaging material (9) out of the tool, the inlet (10) displaying a deflection from a first flow direction (F1) in a flow gap (5) to a second flow direction (F2) into the mould cavity (7). According to the invention, the tool (1a, 1a) displays, at said inlet (10), a throttle lip (12) which projects in a direction which substantially coincides with said first flow direction (F1).

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for processing and producing a surface of a material with a reproducible degree of lustre and to a press for carrying out said method. The aim of the invention is to increase the stability of the press. To achieve this, a press is provided with a coating that consists of carbon with diamond-like layers and that adheres to the surface of the press. Said coating has a layer thickness of between 0.1 and 10 ?m and a surface hardness in excess of 1800 HV (Vickers). The attrition of the surface of the press is thus significantly reduced during the processing of abrasion-resistant materials.

Abstract: A metallic shell used, for example as a mold, is formed by spray deposition connected to a base by rods or other supports connected to mounting elements which are incorporated in the shell during the deposition process. The shell can incorporate different metals to provide different thermal conductivity in various regions.

Abstract: A process for foaming around a peripheral edge area of a cover (10) for a motor vehicle roof, the cover being placed on or in a foaming tool and the foam mass (18) being fed into the foaming tool such that two foam mass fronts are formed which run around the peripheral edge in the peripheral direction and merge with one another or meet one another in the merging area at a side opposite that at which the foam was introduced. The foaming tool is made such that, in the merging area, the cross section of the foam mass is reduced on the side opposite the ventilation side (40) of the foaming tool that is vented relative to the areas (42, 142) which border the merging area in order to prevent inclusion of gas bubbles in the merging area. Furthermore, a cover for a motor vehicle roof is produced which has a foamed peripheral edge area in which two foam mass fronts, which are formed during the peripheral foaming in a foaming tool, merge with one another.

Abstract: A post cure inflator for expansion-cooling a vulcanized tire is provided with a vulcanized-tire holding mechanism for holding the vulcanized tire and a rotating mechanism for rotating the vulcanized tire at a high speed via the vulcanized-tire holding mechanism such that a forced convection becomes more dominant than a natural convection in an air flow around the vulcanized tire.