Abstract: Process for transforming a gas oil fraction that makes it possible to produce a fuel that has a quality according to stringent requirements in terms of sulfur content, aromatic compound content, cetane number, boiling point, T95, of 95% of the compounds and density, d15/4, at 15° C. This process comprises a hydrorefining stage and a subsequent stage, whereby the latter uses a catalyst that is selected from the group that consists of hydrorefining catalysts and catalysts that comprise at least one mixed oxide, a metal of group VIB, and a non-noble metal of group VIII. The conversion of products that have a boiling point of less than 150° C. is, for the hydrorefining stage, between 1 and 15% by weight. The temperature, TR2, of the subsequent stage is less than the temperature, TR1, of the hydrorefining stage, and the variation between temperatures TR1 and TR2 is between 0 and 80° C.

Abstract: A process to prepare a waxy raffinate product by (a) hydrocracking/hydroisomerizing a Fischer-Tropsch derived feed, wherein weight ratio of compounds having at least 60 or more carbon atoms and compounds having at least 30 carbon atoms in the Fischer-Tropsch product is at least 0.2 and wherein at least 30 wt % of compounds in the Fischer-Tropsch derived feed have at least 30 carbon atoms; and, (b) isolating from the product of step (a) a waxy raffinate product having a T10 wt % boiling point of between 200° C. and 450° C. and a T90 wt % boiling point of between 400° C. and 650° C.

Abstract: A process for removing contaminants from the products of a Fischer-Tropsch synthesis reaction, said contaminants comprising (i) particulates having an effective diameter of greater than 1 micron and (ii) at least 5 ppm of aluminum in aluminum-containing contaminants having an effective diameter of less than 1 micron, said process comprising the steps of (a) passing the products of the Fischer-Tropsch synthesis reaction through a first particulate removal zone capable of removing particulates having an effective diameter of greater than 1 micron; (b) collecting from the first particulate removal zone a substantially particulate free Fischer-Tropsch feed stream containing 5 ppm or more of aluminum in aluminum containing-contaminants having an effective diameter of less than about 1 micron; (c) contacting the substantially particulate free Fischer-Tropsch feed stream in up-flow mode with an aluminum active catalyst in a guard-bed under aluminum activating conditions, whereby a feed stream mixture is formed which

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: A water filter assembly comprising a water filter arrangement and a water cooling arrangement in an integral unit. The cooling arrangements are concentrically configured with the cooling arrangement surrounding the filter arrangement.

Abstract: A water disinfection system using simultaneous multiple disinfectants includes a completely stirred tank reactor (CSTR) and a contact basin or clearwell acting as a plug flow reactor (PFR). The CSTR receives ammoniated water and free chlorine, and generates multiple disinfectants in primary disinfection water within the CSTR. The contact basin or clearwell receives primary disinfected water from the CSTR, the primary disinfected water containing the disinfectants. A method for water disinfection including mixing the non-disinfected treated water with ammonia to form ammoniated water, mixing the ammoniated water with free chlorine to form a primary disinfection water including multiple disinfectants, and maintaining the disinfectants in the primary disinfection water.

Abstract: In a vertical shaft bioreactor, improved devices and methods are provided for enhanced secondary and/or tertiary treatment of wastewater, including residential, municipal and industrial wastewater. The devices and methods of the invention are useful for enhanced secondary wastewater treatment, including BOD and TSS removal. Tertiary treatment can alternately or additionally be achieved in the bioreactor with nitrification of ammonia, with nitrification and denitrification, and with nitrification, denitrification, and chemical phosphorus removal. A vertical shaft bioreactor is also provided which achieves thermophilic aerobic digestion and pasteurization of sewage sludges, optionally to produce class A biosolids.

Abstract: A novel method and apparatus that takes advantage of both the aeration dynamics provided along with the free resulting hydro energy created by the flotation dynamics of the air bubbles and most importantly recover more energy than is required to operate the aeration basin as a result of the bonus hydro energy realized.

Abstract: The present invention is a floatation process and associated apparatus for removing heavy metal waste from various effluent water streams. The process and apparatus generally introduces a population of fine diameter air bubbles and one or more flocculating chemicals into an effluent stream to produce buoyant floc structures that include the heavy metals and that can be removed from the effluent stream. The present invention provides a reliable, cost-effective means of removing heavy metals from effluent water streams.

Abstract: A water softening system and process for softening water on an as needed basis is disclosed. The system and process softens water without the addition of a substitute metal exchange cation.

Abstract: A filter device for the clarification of contaminated liquids includes a vessel configured to contain the liquid to be clarified. A first carrying disk is arranged within the vessel and is rotationally driven about a rotational axis. Mounting rods are attached to and extend generally perpendicular from the carrying disk. A plurality of filter modules including spaced apart filter elements extend generally parallel to the carrying disk. Each of the filter modules is rotationally fixed relative to the carrying disk at least in part by the mounting rods. The filter modules have a radially inward end spaced radially from the rotational axis of the carrying disk. The ends of the filter modules circumscribe a cavity within the vessel having a longitudinal axis corresponding to the rotational axis of the carrying disk. The cavity is configured such that a cleaning fluid medium from within the cavity flows radially out from said cavity and between the filter elements to clean the filter elements.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and a water treatment system (2) for treating and/or keeping clean water (1), in particular from swimming facilities (4), whereby the water (1) is pre-cleaned in a first step in at least one mechanical cleaning device (5, 8) and in a second step is put through a biological cleaning process in at least one biological cleaning device (12, 13). The water (1) is transported between the cleaning steps by force of gravity and the cleaned water (1) is optionally returned to the swimming facility (4).

Abstract: A process and a device for biological treatment of a suspension in a bioreactor is described, which is made especially as a loop reactor with a central guide pipe (2) and gas injection (3). In order to be able to use the bioreactor for treatment of renewable raw materials as well, it is proposed that the treated suspension be removed from a zone of the bioreactor with a small solid concentration and the removed suspension be routed out of the bioreactor by way of a tilted discharge (4). In the tilted discharge (4), separation of gas and solids is produced, and at least a portion of the solids is returned against the main suspension flow in the discharge (4) to the bioreactor. In this way, even for treatment media with a high concentration of dissolved compounds and few suspended solids, the biomass is concentrated in the bioreactor.

Abstract: A multistage activated sludge process involving a predation effect caused by microorganisms realizes further improvement in treatment efficiency and further decrease in the amount of excess sludge generated while a stable quality of the treated water is maintained. This process includes a first biological treatment process for treating BOD in organic wastewater at a high load to convert the BOD to dispersed bacteria, and a second biological treatment process for forming the converted dispersed bacteria into a floc and allowing microorganisms to coexist. The second biological treatment process is performed under a condition of pH 5 to 6.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for the purification of an ?-hydroxy acid on an industrial scale, in which the method involves: (a) subjecting an aqueous stream containing mainly ?-hydroxy (1) to an extraction step, with the formation of an aqueous place containing mainly ?-hydroxy acid (2), (b) concentrating the aqueous phase containing mainly ?-hydroxy acid (2) by means of evaporation of water under reduced pressure, with the formation of a concentrated ?-hydroxy acid solution in water (3), and (c) subjecting the concentrated ?-hydroxy acid solution (3) to a crystallization, with formation of pure ?-hydroxy acid (4), where (i) the concentrated ?-hydroxy acid solution (3) is directly cooled in a melting crystallization device, and/or (ii) the concentrated ?-hydroxy acid solution (3) is diluted with water and crystallization is brought about in one or more cooling crystallization devices and/or evaporative crystallization devices, and/or (iii) crystallization is brought about in one or more adiabati

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of preparing a separation medium starting with an aqueous solution of spherical and preferably functionalised primary particles of defined size, comprising the following steps: a) inverse suspension dispersing said aqueous solution of primary particles as droplets in oil; b) evaporation to remove said aqueous solution and fusion between particles to form spherical aggregates; c) size fractionation of aggregates from step b); and optionally d) repeating steps a) to c) an optional number of times to form progressively larger spherical aggregates. The invention also relates to a separation medium produced by this method. The present separation medium can be used in chromatography in the form of essentially spherical aggregates in packed or expanded bed columns or in the form of assembled aggregates on a support for filtration purposes.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for monitoring and controlling the nano-scale flow rate of fluid in the operating flow path of a HPLC system without relying on a nano-scale sensor in the operating flow path. A main flow sensor is disposed in the main flow path between the pump and a flow-divider. A waste flow sensor is disposed in the waste flow path downstream of the splitter. The output signal of the waste flow sensor is subtracted from the output signal of the main flow sensor in a difference circuit. The difference signal is divided by the output signal from the main flow sensor in a divider circuit. The output of the divider circuit represents an empirical split ratio of the flow-divider and is independent of media composition.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for the removal of biological species, such as Cryptosporidium, from water using aluminium based media which contains surface Al—OH groups.

Abstract: The invention provides a use of a material comprising antimony silicate as a sorbent in the removal of metal ions, e.g. radioactive metal ions, from an acidic liquid medium. The metal ions may be selectively removed from amongst other ions such as Na, K, Mg, and Ca ions. Strontium is particularly effectively removable in this way. There is also provided a method of preparing an antimony silicate material for use in removing metal ions. The invention further provides a material comprising antimony silicate doped with one or more elements selected from the group consisting of tungsten, niobium and tantalum. The doped material has been found to be particularly effective as a sorbent in the removal of metal ions from a liquid medium.

Abstract: Mercury is removed from solutions contaminated with mercury by filtration through a carbon filter consisting of electrode graphite.

Abstract: An insert for a storm water treatment system includes an elongated baffle member that is configured to be mounted within a substantially upright storm water drain basin so as to separate the interior space of the drain basin into a first compartment that communicates with an inlet opening of the drain basin and a second compartment that communicates with an outlet opening of the drain basin. A predetermined primary flow path is defined in the baffle number between the first and second compartments near a lower end of the baffle member. Treatment material is positioned, optionally in cartridge form, in a lower end of the second compartment so that storm water in the primary flow path will be directed through the treatment material in order to remediate possible contamination of the storm water. The system is designed in order to facilitate retrofitting of existing storm water drainage infrastructure and for original installation. A method of treating storm water is also disclosed.

Abstract: E and Z isomers of alkene alcohols and/or alkene alcohol derivatives are separated by substantially continuously contacting an ion exchange medium which is ion exchanged with silver and/or copper ions with the feed stream comprising the E and Z isomers of at least one alkene alcohol and/or at least one alkene alcohol derivative, then removing a product stream having a higher concentration of the E or Z isomer of at least one alkene alcohol or derivative of the alkene alcohol relative to the concentration of the E or Z isomer of the alkene alcohol or derivative of the alkene alcohol in the feed stream.

Abstract: An improved method of controlling a wastewater treatment plant, by identifying a condition and as a result of this apparent condition changing the treatment of the waste water. It especially relates to a method of improving the nutrient removal in wastewater treatment plants. The control method includes a cycle with two phases, a first and a second phase. In the first phase aeration continues until sufficient nitrification is obtained and an uptake of phosphate reaches a defined level based on the current load or capacity situation. Then the second phase continues until sufficient denitrification is obtained and until the storage of intercellular compounds in phosphorus accumulation organisms (PAO) reaches a defined level.

Abstract: A method comprises rendering a hydrocarbon industry servicing fluid biologically inert without using chemical biocides. One method of rendering a hydrocarbon industry servicing fluid biologically inert comprises irradiating at least one constituent of the servicing fluid to produce an irradiated fluid. Another method comprises irradiating a used hydrocarbon industry servicing fluid to produce a remediated fluid that is biologically inert. A fluid treatment system comprises an irradiation apparatus, inlet piping directing an untreated fluid into the irradiation apparatus, outlet piping directing an irradiated fluid out of the irradiation apparatus, and a connection to a hydrocarbon industry application.

Abstract: An oxidation process is described which involves subjecting a feedstock which contains oxidizable material to temperature, pressure and contact with an oxidant. Excess water and volatile oxidation products, such as carbon dioxide, formic acid and acetic acid, are removed in the vapor phase. A catalyst may be employed to increase the rate of reaction. Preferred catalysts include the transition metal ions. Advantageously, the process may be operated in a continuous manner wherein the feedstock is continuously introduced into a reactor and a vapor phase containing volatile oxidation products continuously removed. The process is particularly applicable to the treatment of consumer and industrial waste.

Abstract: A filtration medium is sealed within a housing. The filtration medium is sized and configured to define multiple filtration regions within the housing, through which independent, though concurrent, blood filtration can occur. Each filtration region is served by its own inlet path, which conveys blood into the filtration region. The filtration medium in each filtration region passes the blood to remove at least one undesired component, such as, e.g., leukocytes. After filtration, the multiple filter regions convey the blood into a single, centrally located manifold. A single outlet path communicates with the manifold.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for separating solid particles from a fluid. One preferred embodiment includes a tank for settling particles out of the fluid, a conical chamber at the bottom of the tank, an outlet connected to conical chamber, and a conical auger within the conical chamber. The tank may have a tangential inlet that creates a fluid circulation that exerts a centrifugal force on the solid particles to increase the settling of particles out of the fluid. The tank may have a static spiral on the inner wall that helps small particles coalesce into larger particles that settle faster out of the fluid. The fluid content of the solids removed from the tank may be controlled by varying the rotational speed of the conical auger. The rotational speed of the conical auger may be varied depending on the torque required to rotate the conical auger.

Abstract: The present invention provides a phase shift mask and fabricating method thereof, by which a critical dimension of a semiconductor pattern can be accurately formed in a manner of compensating a boundary step difference between an active area and an insulating layer. The present invention includes a transparent substrate and at least two halftone layers on the transparent substrate to have light transmittance lower than that of the transparent substrate, each comprising front and rear parts differing in thickness from each other.

Abstract: A method for reducing noise in a lapping guide. Selected portions of a magnetoresistive device wafer are bombarded with ions such that a magnetoresistive effect of lapping guides is reduced. The device is lapped, using the lapping guides to measure an extent of the lapping.

Abstract: Process for protectively coating against aggressive liquids hydraulic microcircuits made in a resin, particularly for an ink jet printhead, consisting of: disposing of a silicon substrate comprising a sacrificial layer of copper, deposited on the substrate and defining the inner shape of the hydraulic microcircuits; depositing on top of the outer surface of the sacrificial layer, by means of an electrochemical process, at least one protective, metallic coating layer; applying on the sacrificial layer a non-photosensitive epoxy or polyamide resin, having a predetermined thickness and suitable for completely covering the sacrificial layer; effecting a polymerization of the resin to increase its mechanical resistance to mechanical and thermal stresses and performing a planarization of the outer surface of the resin, by means of a mechanical lapping and simultaneous chemical treatment; removing the sacrificial layer through a chemical etching in a highly acid bath; and depositing a metallic, protective layer on t

Abstract: One aspect of the present invention relates to a permanently linked, rigid, magnetic chain of particles prepared by sol-gel methods. A second aspect of the present invention relates to a method of preparing a permanently linked, rigid, magnetic chain of particles comprising: coating a core material with one or more polyelectrolyte layers resulting in a coated particle; further coating the coated particle with a layer of magnetic nanoparticles resulting in a magnetic particle; coating the magnetic particle with a layer of a polycationic polyelectrolyte resulting in a coated magnetic particle; and applying a magnetic field to the coated magnetic particle in the presence of a metal oxide or metal oxide precursor capable of undergoing hydrolysis.

Abstract: An apparatus and method wherein potential ozone layer-damaging dichlorodifluoromethane (Refrigerant R-12) is substituted with a mix of less environmentally damaging refrigerants Chlorodifluoroethane and Tetrafluoroethane in dichlorodifluoromethane-based air-cooling systems, in particular HVAC and refrigeration applications. While less environmentally damaging than dichlorodifluoromethane, the substitute refrigerant is less flammable than presently available refrigerants, yet still has a temperature-pressure relationship close enough to that of dichlorodifluoromethane, making the substitute refrigerant suitable for use with dichlorodifluoromethane-based air-cooling systems. In this event, it is mixed with a lubricating oil that is compatible with both the unit refrigerant and typical R-12 system design.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions for use in refrigeration and air conditioning systems comprising 1,1,1,2,2,4,5,5,5-nonafluoro-4-(trifluoromethyl)-3-pentanone and at least one chlorocarbon, alcohol, ketone, ether, ester, N-(difluoromethyl)-N,N-dimethylamine, 1,1,1,2,2-pentafluoro-2-[(pentafluoroethyl)thio]ethane or mixtures thereof, and which are also useful in systems employing a centrifugal compressor. The compositions of the present invention may be azeotropic or near azeotropic and are useful in processes for producing refrigeration or heat or as heat transfer fluids.

Abstract: Disclosed is a CMP slurry comprising a first colloidal particle having a primary particle diameter ranging from 5 nm to 30 nm and an average particle diameter of d1, the first colloidal particle being incorporated in an amount of w1 by weight and a second colloidal particle having a primary particle diameter larger than that of the first colloidal particle and an average particle diameter of d2, the second colloidal particle being formed of the same material as that of the first colloidal particle and incorporated in an amount of w2 by weight, wherein d1, d2, w1 and w2 are selected to concurrently meet following conditions (A) and (B) excluding situations where d1, d2, w1 and w2 concurrently meet following conditions (C) and (D): 3?d2/d1?8??(A) 0.7?w1/(w1+w2)?0.97??(B) 3?d2/d1?5??(C) 0.7?w1/(w1+w2)?0.9.

Abstract: A stabilizer composition comprising (A) a compound of the formula (I) wherein R is (CH2—CH2—O—)n, —R2; —CH2—CH(OH)—CH2—O—R2; or —CH(R3)—CO—O—R4; n is 0 or 1; R2 is C1-C13alkyl or C2C20alkenyl or C6-C12aryl or CO—C1-C18alkyl; R3 is H or C1-C8 alkyl; R4 is C1-C12alkyl or C2-C12alkenyl or C5C6cycloalkyl; and (B) one or more compounds selected from benzotriazoles of the formula (IIa), 2-hydroxybenzophenones of the formula (IIb), oxalanilides of the formula (IIc), 2-hydroxyphenyltriazines of formula (IId), cinnamates of formula (IIe), and benzoates of formula (IIf) as defined in claim 1, is especially effective towards stabilizing organic materials against degradation induced by light, heat or oxidation.

Abstract: The present invention provides a light-emitting device having an excitation source which emits a light having a wavelength of from 420 to 500 nm and a phosphor in combination, and having a high luminance. A light-emitting device having a first illuminant which emits a light having a wavelength of 420 to 500 nm and a second illuminant which emits a visible light when irradiated with the light from the first illuminant, characterized in that the second illuminant contains a phosphor, and the object color of the phosphor satisfies L*?90, ?22?a*??10, and b*?55, in the L*, a*, b* color system.

Abstract: The present invention relates to organic conductive polymer compositions adapted to produce touch panel input devices that hardly undergo resistance degradation even after prolonged and repeated usages, and represent remarkably improved reliability and lifetime in particular.

Abstract: There is disclosed a method for preparing a thin ceramic and/or metallic solid-state composition consisting of three phases: a material (A), a material (B) and pores. The concentration of each phase varies continuously from one face of the article to the other in a continuous and controlled gradient. The porous matrix of material (A) has a porosity gradient of 0% to about 80%, the pores being completely or partly filled with material (B). The concentration of material (B) in the article therefore varies from 80% to 0% of small thicknesses.

Abstract: A thermally color-developing reversibly thermochromic pigment which shows a uniform color density in the coloring temperature range and also shows an optimal ?H value within a range of from 3 to 40° C. Thermally color-developing reversibly thermochromic pigments of a three component system having a ?H value within a range of from 7 to 40° C. in which at least essential three components including (a) an electron-donating chromic organic compound, (b) a specified compound selected from the gallic acid esters and (c) a reaction medium selected from alcohols, esters, ketones and hydrocarbons; which reversibly generates color reactions of both of the compounds within a specified temperature range and has a melting point of less than 50° C., are microencapsulated, and of a four component system having a ?H value within a range of from 3 to 25° C. in which a compound (d) selected from monomer compounds having a melting point of 50° C. or more or polymer compounds having a softening point of 70° C.

Abstract: An annular insert (4) is arranged in the optical component molding cavity of a mold to surround an outer periphery of raw material resin in a direction in which the resin is distributed in the cavity to limit the distribution of the raw material resin and define an outer profile of a lens (L). With this arrangement, it is only necessary to provide raw material resin only by a quantity equal to the volume of the region surrounded by the molding surfaces of upper and lower mold inserts (14, 24) and the inner peripheral edge of the annular insert (4) of the mold, so that the required volume of the raw material resin can be reduced. Since the pressure is preserved at the outer periphery of the distributed resin by the presence of the annular insert (4), the residual strain of the resin is minimized to prevent generation of sink mark, thereby providing excellent optical characteristics on the lens (L).

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and devices for producing particles with an average diameter less than about 15 ?m using the precipitation with compressed fluid-antisolvent (PCA) process and the carbon-dioxide assisted nebulization with a bubble dryer (CAN-BD) process. In the methods and nozzles of the invention, at least one jet of supercritical or near-supercritical fluid and at least one jet of solution interact to mix the supercritical or near-supercritical fluid and the solution within a chamber. The solution contains at least one solvent and at least one solute. At least one of the jets is a swirling jet. To form particles, the solvent and supercritical or near-supercritical fluid are then injected into a PCA or a CAN-BD process chamber. The degree of mixing depends in part on the power input into the mixing chamber. Power inputs of about 6.5×109 W/m3 enhance the degree of mixing and allow production of nanoscale particles with the PCA process.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for forming a densified carbon-carbon composite. The apparatus includes: a green part molding station for forming a green part; a carbonization station for carbonizing the green part; and an impregnation station for impregnating the carbonized part with a substantially curing by-product free, high carbon yield resin. The impregnation station includes a mold forming a sealed enclosure configured in the shape of the carbonized part for receiving the carbonized part and a vacuum source for evacuating the mold. At least one resin injection port is in the mold and a supply of substantially curing by-product free, high carbon yield resin is connected to the resin injection port for injection into the mold. In the preferred embodiment, the substantially curing by-product free, high carbon yield resin is a cyanate ester having a viscosity of less than about 100 cps at 250° F. and a carbon yield value of greater than about 60 wt. %.

Abstract: Method for the production of a biocompatible polymer-ceramic composite material with a predetermined porosity, designed and determined a priori, which includes a first phase (a) of the production of a suspension of a bioceramic material in distilled water, a second phase (b) in the which a compact of the bioceramic material containing a desired quantity of water is obtained from the suspension, and a third phase (c) in the which the compact is mixed with a polymeric material and/or a liquid monomer.

Abstract: A continuous process for manufacturing a sound absorbing tile made from a slurry including, quick setting cement, water, fibers and foaming agent, the process including the steps of (i) mixing cementitious material, water, foaming agent but without incorporation of prefabricated foam with fibers into a slurry; subsequently; (ii) injecting and distributing air into the slurry of step (i) to form a cellular slurry; subsequently; (iii) forming tiles or precursor products of tiles from the cellular slurry; and finally; (iv) allowing the cellular slurry to set into the desired tile or a precursor thereof.

Abstract: A composite material for vehicle hulls and a hull molding process comprising a gel coat, a skin coat, a bulk fiberglass layer and adhesive applied to a top mating surface and a bottom mating surface within a top mold and a bottom mold, wherein the adhesive forms a connector. The two molds are placed together, and after the adhesive sets, foam is introduced into at least one cavity formed when the molds are brought together. The molds remain closed while the foam is introduced.

Abstract: A process for providing pores in a structure according to any selected physical characteristics. Generally pins or pore forming members may be positioned in a laminate preform and the laminate preform formed into a laminate structure including the pins therein. The pins generally include a size, density, distribution, angle, or other characteristic that is desired in the final laminate structure. After the laminate is formed the pins are then removed from the laminate according to a process which does not harm a selected physical characteristics of the laminate structure.

Abstract: A high strength hydrogel having a constant swelling pressure upon implantation and thereafter is formed by preparing a hydrogel solution and then injecting the solution into a mold and cause to gel. The molded gel is then washed in a saline solution from about one day to twelve weeks, after which the gel is irradiated for sterilization purposes, dehydrated and packaged. The pre-treatment with the use of a physiologic solution results in an implant which exhibits a constant swelling pressure profile after implantation.

Abstract: The vibration damping system, especially for use in the damping of vibrations e.g. from trains, tramcars, other traffic and damping of ground borne vibrations in general, comprises an anti-vibration plate in the form of a plate having a first and a second major surface. The anti-vibration plate comprises mineral fibers, a non-foamed polymeric material and/or a polymeric foam. The anti-vibration plate can further be provided with one or more hollow spaces, i.e. cavities. The anti-vibration plate is obtainable by a method comprising the step of subjecting an area of the opposite surface of the plate to a compression treatment in one or more steps, which compression treatment is sufficient to reduce the static and/or dynamic stiffness of the plate.

Abstract: Structures can be formed from a composition, which can be referred to as a biopolymer, that includes fermentation solids and thermoactive material. Methods of making biopolymer products include for example extruding, injection molding, or compounding fermentation solid and thermoactive material. Structures formed from biopolymer can include lumber replacements, window components, door components, siding assemblies, and other structures.

Abstract: A process for making a molded running board assembly for installation on a vehicle includes blow molding the body of the running board and incorporating one or more additional components such as a step plate or a trim strip. The process involves placing the insert into the blow mold cavity in a subcavity, holding the insert by vacuum pressure and then extruding and blow molding a parison to simultaneously mold the running board and integrate the insert.