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: There is described a chromatographic separation member including a substrate carrying on at least one surface a thin layer of a chromatographically active capture material. Also described is a chromatographic separation method for separating a component of interest from a fluid utilizing the chromatographic separation member.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for continuous separation of dry matter from a fluid, comprising an enclosed environment capable of being under vacuum or under positive pressure, in which enclosed environment a number of rollers (1, 3, 4, 4?, 6, 6?, 20, 21, 22, 23) form a chamber which is divided into two or more compartments (12, 13, 24, 27, 25, 26) by filtration means (7, 8, 16, 29, 36, 37, 38, 40), wherein one or more filtrated chambers (9, 10) are placed on the pure side of the filter means. In order to allow for cleaning and/or maintenance of the filtrate chambers, additional filtrate chambers are provided, which are separated from the first filtrate chambers by a wall. One of the filtrate chambers at any time is placed under the filter, while the other filtrate chambers are situated outside the enclosure for maintenance/cleaning.

Abstract: A process of treating organic waste such as food wastes for anaerobic digestion including preparing a waste-slurry from organic waste such as food wastes, transferring the organic waste-slurry to a paddle pulper/finisher, processing the waste-slurry in the paddle pulper/finisher which reduces the particle size of the solids in the waste slurry and separates the waste slurry into a pulp slurry and pomace, and processing the pulp slurry in an anaerobic digester for the production of methane gas fertilizer and soil amendments. In a further process, the organic waste is slurried by dumping the organic waste in a slurry tank, adding a liquid and mechanically mixing the organic waste and liquid until consistent slurry is attained. In a still further process, the slurry from the slurry tank is processed by forming a macerator-slurry in an inline macerator unit which removes heavy solids and cuts other solids into smaller sizes which can be transferred by a slurry pump.

Abstract: In order to remove fluorine from a zinc containing solution before zinc electro-refining in lower cost, fluorine is removed by adsorption from a zinc containing solution (leached solution) utilizing the character of the predetermined iron compound or zinc compound which can adsorb fluorine in an acid solution and desorb fluorine in an alkaline solution. The fluorine adsorbent/desorbent having adsorbed fluorine is treated in an alkaline solution, to desorb the fluorine. This makes it possible to regenerate the fluorine adsorbent/desorbent. Further, an electrolytic solution for zinc electro-refining can be prepared in lower cost, thus total zinc refining costs can be reduced.

Abstract: A water treating system is provided with a membrane chamber having one or more membranes disposed therein for filtering water. To periodically clean the membranes, there is provided a series of cleaning fluid inlets that permit a cleaning fluid, such as a gas, to be injected through the inlets into the membrane chamber which results in the cleaning fluid cleaning the membranes therein. The cleaning fluid inlets are normally closed and are adapted to open in response to the pressure of the cleaning fluid reaching a certain pressure level.

Abstract: Anion exchange materials impregnated with oxygen-containing metal compounds within the exchange matrix as a sorbent, and a method for preparation. The materials remove arsenic and other ligands or contaminants from water and other fluid streams.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a procedure for elimination of boron from sea-water by reverse osmosis membranes characterised in that it comprises: adding to sea-water a composition consisting of at least one metal together with at least one antiscaling-dispersant agent, and a second phase in which an alkalinising agent is added until a pH of between 8-9.5 is achieved, which can furthermore consist of a third phase in which the fluoride content of the sea-water is increased following the second phase, or a third phase in which a high molecular weight alcohol is added to the water.

Abstract: This invention relates to a polymer membrane assembly for selective separation of permeate compositions by carbon weight. This invention also relates to a process for utilizing these polymer membrane assemblies in separation processes for selective carbon weight separation of hydrocarbon feedstreams components. More particularly, but not by way of limitation, this invention relates to the use membrane assemblies for the selective separation by carbon weight of aromatics from a hydrocarbon based feedstream.

Abstract: The present invention includes a polymeric membrane assembly and method for selective separation of components of a feedstream utilizing the polymeric membrane assembly. The present invention is a novel concept for the manufacture and use of a polymeric membrane assemblies which require the use of fibrous backing materials for fabrication processes utilizing commercial membrane casting equipment. This invention involves as improved membrane assembly configuration and membrane separation process configuration resulting in improved flux and selectivity properties for a given polymeric membrane composition.

Abstract: A filter module utilizing a nano-porous ceramic membrane is provided for various applications including, but not limited to, enhanced hemodialysis performance, the removal (or separation) of cryoprotectant from biological materials, the separation of blood components (e.g., plasmapheresis), and controlling the concentration of cells in a biological fluid solution.

Abstract: A system for upgrading raw water using a filter, for eliminating intrinsic factors of such water. Optionally the system includes a device for facilitating sustained release of extrinsic factors supplied by one or more capsules. Optionally the system includes also a dosing device for prolonging the constant supply of extrinsic factors to the drinking water to a period of time beyond that which is facilitated by one capsule laden with the factors. The filter of the system forces the gravitationally trickling raw water to meander through a path in which it reacts with a set of reactants. Upgraded after having passed through the filter, the water is collected and made available for dispensing through a spout. Optionally, one or more capsules laden with health promoting, nutritive, remedies or other beneficial factors are added to the upgraded water. A number of techniques for facilitating a substantially constant addition of vitamins, minerals, and other beneficial chemicals is described.

Abstract: A catch basin insert arranged to help filter out trash and debris as water passes through the catch basin. One embodiment of a catch basin insert according to the present invention comprises a mounting frame and a skin mounted to the mounting frame, the skin having openings to allow water and other liquids to pass through. The insert further comprises a means for mounting the frame to a wall over an opening, and includes a top opening not covered by the skin. The top opening has one or more openings larger than said skin openings to allow a greater volume of water to pass.

Abstract: This invention relates to the composition of an integrally-layered polymeric membrane and a process for utilizing the integrally-layered polymeric membrane components of a feedstream. More particularly, but not by way of limitation, this invention relates to the composition of an integrally-layered polymeric membrane and a process for utilizing the integrally-layered polymeric membrane in the separation of aromatics from a hydrocarbon based feedstream. The polymeric membranes of the present invention are fabricated by chemically crosslinking adjacent polymer membrane layers of the same or differing copolymer solutions to produce an integrally-layered polymeric membrane with improved separations properties.

Abstract: This invention relates to the fabrication of a polymeric membrane and a process for utilizing the polymeric membrane for separating components of a feedstream. More particularly, but not by way of limitation, this invention relates to the fabrication of a polymeric membrane and a process for utilizing the polymeric membrane in the separation of aromatics from a hydrocarbon based feedstream. The membranes of the present invention possess low soft segment glass transition temperatures and improved separation characteristics.

Abstract: This invention relates to a polymeric membrane composition utilizing the non-hazardous compound 4-aminophenyl disulfide (“APD”), a method of making the polymeric membrane, and a process for separating components of a feedstream utilizing the polymeric membrane. More particularly, but not by way of limitation, this invention relates to utilizing the polymeric membrane composition in a process for the separation of aromatics from a hydrocarbon feedstream containing aromatics and aliphatic compounds.

Abstract: This invention relates to a polymeric membrane assembly which incorporates one or more layers of protective barrier films or protective barrier membrane layers to protect the susceptible polymer membrane from deterioration due to contact with water, oxygen or a combination of both. This invention also relates to a process for utilizing these polymeric membrane assemblies in separation processes involving hydrocarbon feedstreams. More particularly, but not by way of limitation, this invention relates to the use of these polymeric membrane assemblies in processes involving the separation of aromatics from a hydrocarbon based feedstream.

Abstract: This invention relates to a polymeric membrane composition comprising an associating polymer. The polymer coating is characterized as having hard and soft segments where the hard segment comprises TMPA, combined with HDPA. The membrane may utilize a porous substrate.

Abstract: There are provided a chemical treatment cartridge capable of executing various extraction processes with ease and a method of using the same. There are formed recesses, each in a predetermined shape, in the back surface of an elastic member. The recesses create empty spaces between the cartridge substrate and the elastic member, thereby making up a well for receiving a sample, a well for pre-removing unnecessary moisture, a well for accommodating the sample at the time of distillation, a well for storing impurities therein, a well for taking out an object constituent, a flow path interconnecting the side surface of the cartridge and the well, a flow path interconnecting the well and the well, a flow path interconnecting the well and the well, a flow path interconnecting the well and the well and a flow path interconnecting the well and the well.

Abstract: A system and method for treatment of wastewater containing heavy metals, oil products, detergents, phenols, dyes, complexions, complexionates, etc. are described. The system includes a static mixer configured for continuous mixing the wastewater supplied thereto with desired reagents; a feeder of a magnetic powder; at least one coagulator apparatus; at least one oxidizer apparatus; at least one flocculant apparatus; and a magnetic separator configured for applying a magnetic field across an effluent of the wastewater and separating the magnetic sludge from the water. The method includes introducing powder of a ferromagnetic particulate material into the wastewater; adjusting a value of a pH of the wastewater, to form a liquid effluent of the wastewater having an adjusted value of the pH; oxidizing the wastewater having an adjusted value of the pH; flocculating the wastewater, to form flakes of magnetic sludge in water; and separating the magnetic sludge from the water.

Abstract: Disclosed is a three-tank water treatment system. In operation, water flows through each tank in succession, with each tank performing one or more treatment operations. By allocating a separate tank for the copper/zinc redox alloy filtration medium, some embodiments of this system allow for a greater amount of the redox alloy to be deployed than is practical with existing systems. This increases the effectiveness of this type of filtering and increases the lifetime between necessary changes of the filtration media. In a preferred embodiment, the three tanks are placed in a vertical column. Each of the uppermost two tanks has one dome hole or bulkhead hole near its top and another near its bottom. When the time comes to exchange the filtration medium in a tank, the top and bottom holes are opened, and the media is easily drained out and replaced.

Abstract: A centrifugal micro fluidic system and a centrifugal magnetic position control device used in the centrifugal micro fluidic system for controlling the position of magnetic beads are provided. The centrifugal micro fluidic system comprising, a rotatable platform; a micro fluidic structure which is disposed in the platform; and a plurality of objects which include functional groups on surfaces thereof so as to capture a target material from the fluid and carry the target material while being suspended in and separated from the fluid in the micro fluidic structure, wherein the movements of the objects are controlled by a force affecting the objects differently compared to the force's effect on the fluid. When the objects are made of a magnetic material, the force may be a magnetic force applied by the centrifugal magnetic position control device.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions and their use for the treatment of water. In one embodiment, the invention provides for a compositions and their use for the treatment of microorganisms. This invention also provides compositions and their use to provide clean water in an environmentally-friendly manner. In another embodiment, the invention provides for compositions and their use in combination with common equipment for controlling the growth of micro-organisms, such as with an ozonator or UV-C lamp, in a water system such as in hot tub or pool. Additionally, the specification describes methods and compositions for controlling the growth of microorganisms in an aqueous system. Using the methods and compositions, one treats an aqueous system with an amount effective to control the growth of at least one microorganism.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for disinfecting water using ultraviolet light. An apparatus with an ultraviolet light source is floated in a water container such that the ultraviolet light source is suspended beneath the water surface and is capable of emitting ultraviolet light into the surrounding water.

Abstract: A method of determination of the conditions of exhaustion of a filtering cartridge for filtering carafes with replaceable cartridges is described, in which an initial identification of impedance of the water to be filtered is provided for in order to consequently calculate an important parameter for definition of the efficient lifespan on the filtering cartridge. Furthermore a carafe operating in compliance with such method is also described.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method, devices, and reagents which are are used for Fenton reaction-based wastewater treatment. According to the invention, the oxidation reaction of organic material with the oxygenated water is performed in the main oxidation reactor (12) in the presence of metallic catalysts. The Fenton reaction takes place in the reactor at absolute pressure of between 1 Kg/cm2 and 1.5 Kg/cm2 and at a temperature between 110° C. and 120° C. Once treated and cooled, the effulent is conveyed to zone D to a neutralising tank (6) in which the pH is increased to a value greater than seven, thereby causing a precipitation of the hydroxides. In addition, safety checks are carried out automatically.

Abstract: A filter device is configured to filter a liquid. The filter device includes a drum sized to receive the liquid and a plurality of filter panels coupled to the drum to define a plurality of discs. The liquid passes through at least a portion of one of the discs. Each filter panel includes a perimeter frame that defines a panel normal flow area and a filter media coupled to the perimeter frame. The filter media may be adapted to include a plurality of pleats.

Abstract: A system and method for separating particles using an elutriation or low density fluid wherein a re-circulation line is provided to re-circulate the elutriation or low density fluid for re-use in the separation system and method.

Abstract: A coalescer is used in series with a hydrocyclone to enhance the removal of a dispersed phase from a continuous phase by first using a coalescer that lacks removal of any separated dispersed phase prior to cyclonic action in the hydrocyclone. The coalescer has no oil outlet and serves to coalesce the droplets or particles of the disperse phase together thereby increasing contaminant size distribution. The second hydrocyclone functions as a separator operating at higher removal efficiency. The method and apparatus are useful to clarify produced water from hydrocarbon recovery operations.

Abstract: An apparatus, system, and method for a quick-drain filter includes a filter housing, a clean fluid passage disposed axially in the housing, and a service drain passage disposed at an axial end of the housing and spaced radially away from the clean fluid passage. A protrusion extending radially from a stand pipe defining the clean fluid passage, disposed axially in the housing, defines the inner radius of the drain passage, and a housing member defines the outer radius. A plug extends axially from a filter cartridge to plug the drain passage when the cartridge is installed in the housing.

Abstract: A device for loading computer equipment is composed of an assembly framework which is constituted by a first, second, third, and fourth vertical beams having a plurality of positioning holes; a rack, which is locked into the positioning holes and a bottom of which is provided with a support plate; a connection plate, which is screwed with bolts, and the other board of which is provided with a plurality of through-holes; and a computer casing, two sides of which are provided with connection holes. Bolts are screwed into the through-holes of connection plate and into the connection holes of computer casing, such that bottoms of the computer casing can be carried by the support plates. Therefore, the computer casing can be effectively fixed on the assembly framework through the connection plate, which further increases a space exterior to a rear side of the computer casing.

Abstract: A slidable pull-out tray for displaying merchandise in a very neat and attractive manner while making it very easy for the customers to remove a package from the display and very easy for the store proprietor to restock the merchandise. In one embodiment, the trays are self supported by cantilever brackets attached to a gondola bracket fixture. No shelves are required, thereby maximizing the total amount of goods that can be stocked within a given vertical height. In one embodiment, the floor of each tray is an open grid thereby greatly facilitating cleaning of the fixtures. Pusher paddle assemblies engage the open grid and slide along bars forming the grid.

Abstract: A tool holder includes a holding member for supporting tool members, one or more magnetic members attached to the rear portion of the holding member for attracting and attaching the holding member to a supporting surface, and an anti-slip member also attached to the rear portion of the holding member for frictionally engaging with the supporting surface. The holding member includes a tool carrier for engaging with and for supporting tool elements or tool members or tool devices which may be quickly obtained by the workers particularly when the workers are worked beneath the chassis of the vehicle, and for avoiding the workers from moving into and out of the tiny space beneath the chassis of the vehicle.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a support rack for a container whereby consumers can access items stored within the container. The support rack comprises an arrangement of frame members, namely a first side frame member, a second side frame member, a front cross member extending between the first and second side frame members, and a rear cross member extending between the first and second side frame members. The support rack also includes an internal receiver that removably receives the container. The receiver is defined by an extent of each of the first and second side frame members, as well as a front internal member and a rear internal member, wherein both the front and rear internal members extend between the first and second side frame members. The rear cross member includes at least one connector that couples with a mounting structure, such as an open top cooler found in grocery stores.

Abstract: A shelving system can include adjustable drying racks. The shelving system, which can be in the configuration of a shower caddy or shower organizer, can have a hinged clamp mechanism configured to secure the drying racks to a central support member hanging from a shower head or to another vertical support.

Abstract: A clothes line with a central frame member (8). Outwardly extending end members (4) and (6) supporting clothes line therebetween, and legs (10) and (12) at each end of the member (8) which are supported to be foldable, between a position where they lie alongside the member (8) to a position providing support for the member (8). And there are means between the legs (10) and (12) and the member (8) which provides a locking strut effect.

Abstract: A crane to be fitted in a window opening or the like, between two opposing surfaces, has a strut (14) which is first braced between the surfaces (20a, 20b), and a boom (13) which extends away from the strut. A winch (5) on the crane winds up a lifting cafe (12) which runs over a pulley (3) at the outer end of the boom (13). The top and bottom ends of the strut have end plates (15, 7) which are designed to hold the crane rigidly between the two surfaces, but without damaging any surface finish on either surface. The boom (13) can be swung about the axis of the strut (14) to bring the load carried by the crane in towards the position of the operator.

Abstract: An articulated coupling apparatus utilized in connecting together, in a substantially semi-permanent fashion, adjacently disposed ends of a pair of railway cars includes male and female connection members. A front and rear followers, each having a spherical cavity, are positioned within the female connection member. First and second lubricating liners are positioned within such spherical cavities and a spherical member is operably caged between such lubricating liners. A shaft is attached to the spherical member and extends outwardly from the female connection member for secure connection to the male connection member. A pair of wedges are mounted adjacent the rear surface of the rear follower and exert a force onto such rear follower moving it toward the spherical member and further toward the front follower to compensate for wear of the mating spherical surfaces during service and to prevent formation of a gap between the mating surfaces.

Abstract: A dual chamber nursing bottle includes a first, relatively larger, storage chamber and a second, relatively smaller feeding chamber. A soft rubber nursing nipple is connected to the second chamber for feeding an infant. The first and second chambers are connected by a threaded closure. A transfer valve is mounted on the threaded closure to allow the transfer of selected quantities of milk from the first chamber into the second chamber.

Abstract: The present invention provides a child-resistant closure for a container. The closure comprises a dispensing nozzle, a cap for the dispensing nozzle, inter-engaging formations and a resiliently deformable element. The inter-engaging formations provided on the closure hold the cap to the nozzle in an interengaged assembly thereof. The resiliently deformable element biases the cap and the nozzle apart. The inter-engaging formations comprise a retaining slot for receiving a retainer and a retainer for engagement with the retaining slot. The retaining slot, retainer and resiliently deformable element are arranged so that the cap and the nozzle are retained interengaged in the interengaged assembly by bias from the resiliently deformable element. The release of the interengaging formations is achieved by applying sufficient pressure axially to the assembly to overcome the bias of the resiliently deformable element, and sufficient turning force to move the retainer out through the opening of the retaining slot.

Abstract: A closure device (11) for a bottle comprising an attachment means (14) which attaches to the neck (21) of a bottle and comprises a sleeve portion (33) having an inner surface (20) with a thread configured to engage with an external thread on the neck of the bottle and a main body (25) having a pump portion with a pump (26), whereby the device is able to attach to the bottle by screwing the attachment means onto the bottle neck to enable the pump to be used to extract air from the bottle. In another embodiment instead of a pump, the main body may include a pour portion to assist in pouring of contents of the bottle including a cover portion for covering the opening to the mouth of the bottle.

Abstract: A stopper for closing a bottle, with a sealing body and with a handle cap, onto which a connecting mandrel penetrating into the sealing body is integrally formed, the sealing body being relatively resilient as compared with the handle cap, shall enable, with relatively simple manufacture and relatively great freedom of choice of the material, a reliable sealing, avoiding an impairment of the contents, even after frequent re-closing of a bottle. For this purpose, according to the invention, the handle cap includes an enclosure for the sealing body, whose free cross-section is smaller than the cross-section of the sealing body, the handle cap being firmly connected with the sealing body through a frictional connection between the connecting mandrel and the sealing body surrounding it, as well as by a frictional connection between the enclosure and the sealing body.

Abstract: A cap (2) suitable for use with a PET beverage bottle has an integral gas barrier provided by a plastics-coated aluminium foil disc (30) having its peripheral edge (32) embedded into the plastics internal or external surface (40) of a top panel (4) of the cap or of a valve (20). A plastics component (28) from which the cap (2) can be produced is described. The component (28) has a recess (48) defined by a sacrificial wall (50) formed inwardly of a resealing valve (20).

Abstract: A container, in particular a bottle, made of thermoplastic material produced by blow molding or stretch-blow molding of a heated preform, the container designed to contain a liquid being flat and having a substantially domed base with outward-facing cavity defining a substantially planar peripheral annular seat for being set on a support, the base being provided with several grooves radiating from the base center. Each groove in its zone of intersection with the annular seat, has a portion of substantially increased width and the two edges of that portion of the groove are curved with relatively large radii of curvature and with respective concavities facing one another.

Abstract: An apparatus for forming a container generally comprises a first mold part having an injection mold portion and a blow mold portion and a second mold part having a core pin. The core pin is configured to cooperate with the injection mold portion in a first position to define an injection mold cavity for forming a preform and an integral cap. The core pin is also configured to cooperate with the blow mold portion in a second position to define a blow mold cavity for forming a receptacle from the preform. The cap may be closed at the blow mold portion to seal the receptacle. One or more threads may be formed on a neck of the container.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus for spraying an etchant and a method for manufacturing a printed circuit board. In one exemplary embodiment the apparatus includes a manifold, a plurality of feed pipes in fluid communication with the manifold, each of the feed pipes having a plurality of spray nozzles mounted thereon, the feed pipes cooperatively constitute a spray region, and a pressure-boosting device configured for increasing a spray pressure of the spray nozzles which are located at a central area of the spray region. The apparatus can overcome “the puddle effect” on an upper surface of the printed circuit board.

Abstract: In a method for forming a lens according to the present invention, a digging step of digging a depression includes a depositing substep of depositing a pattern film on a surface of a base film, the pattern film being made of a second material and in an inverted shape of the depression, a forming substep of forming an embedding film to flatten the surface of the pattern film, the embedding film being made of a third material and embedding therein the pattern film, and an etch-back substep of conducting etch-back on a surface of the embedding film toward the base film to dig the depression, and an etch rate of the second material is higher than an etch rate of the third material.

Abstract: An exhaust assembly is described for use in a plasma processing system, whereby secondary plasma is formed in the exhaust assembly between the processing space and chamber exhaust ports in order to reduce plasma leakage to a vacuum pumping system, or improve the uniformity of the processing plasma, or both. The exhaust assembly includes a powered exhaust plate in combination with a ground electrode is utilized to form the secondary plasma surrounding a peripheral edge of a substrate treated in the plasma processing system.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for improving the critical dimension performance during a plasma etching process of a photolithographic substrate having a thin film. A passivation film is deposited onto the photolithographic substrate using a first set of process conditions. The deposited film is etched from the photolithographic substrate using a second set of process conditions. An exposed surface of the photolithographic substrate is etched using a third set of process conditions. During the plasma processing of the photolithographic substrate, the critical dimension performance of the photolithographic substrate is monitored to insure that the target uniformity and feature widths are obtained by adjusting the deposition and etch plasma processing of the photolithographic substrate.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for providing an etching gas source for etching one or more microstructures located within a process chamber. the apparatus has a gas source supply line attached to a gas source and one or more chambers for containing an etching material. In use, the etching material is transformed into an etching material vapor within one or more of the chamber and the gas supply line provides a supply of carrier gas to the etching material vapor and also supplies the etching material vapor transported by the carrier gas to the process chamber. Advantageously, the apparatus of the invention does not require the incorporation of any expansion chambers or other complicated mechanical features in order to achieve a continuous flow of etching gas.