Abstract: A liquid filter suitable for motor vehicles which includes a filter head (11), a vessel (12) and a filter element (16) disposed within the vessel (12) sealingly separating an inlet (14) from an outlet (15) such that liquid from the inlet must flow through the filter element to reach the outlet. The filter element (16) has guide projections (27, 28) positioning the filter element (16) within the vessel (12). Prior to installation, the filter element (16) is preassembled into the vessel (12) and fixed in position by pushing the filter element (16) into an element guide (29), after which the preassembly is screwed onto the filter head (11). When the vessel (12) is unscrewed from the filter head (11), the filter element (16) slides out of the element guide (29) and moves axially upwardly to free a volume V. Liquid flowing into the vessel (12) from the higher regions of the liquid filter (10) can flow into this volume, thus enabling drip-free replacement of the filter element.

Abstract: Disclosed is a portable micro blood separator, which has a blood separator including a main body including an upper substrate and a lower substrate; a blood introduction unit formed at one side of the main body for allowing blood to be introduced into the separator; a blood inflow unit including an inflow groove formed in the lower substrate, through which the blood introduced by the blood introduction unit flows; and a plasma extraction unit including extraction spaces extended from the blood inflow unit and having a height lower than that of the inflow groove of the blood inflow unit so that plasma can be separated from the blood flowing into the blood inflow unit, so as to separate the plasma and corpuscles from the blood and analyze ingredients in the separated plasma.

Abstract: A fluid filter, comprising: a housing defining an inner cavity; an end plate secured to the housing, the end plate having a plurality of inlet openings and at least one outlet opening; an end disk disposed within the housing, the end disk having portions in a spaced relationship with respect to the end plate and an interior surface of the housing; a filtration media disposed within the housing and secured to the end disk, the filtration media comprising a first layer of filtration media, the first layer of filtration media being thermoformed to have a plurality of channels with an upper surface and a lower surface; a second layer of filtration media, the second layer of filtration media being secured to the lower surface of the first layer to form a plurality of inlet openings at one end of the first and second layers of filtration media and a sealed outlet disposed at another end of the first and second layers of filtration media, the another end comprising a substantially flat configuration; and a strip of

Abstract: An improved method for fixedly binding particles of a solid, heat absorbing material or additive, especially polymer additives, to the surface of prepolymer and/or polymer particles.

Abstract: A method and system of treating wastewater that can provide operating flexibility is disclosed. The system is operated with a sequencing batch reactor, which is typically cycling to any of fill, react, settle, decant, and idle stages, to treat the wastewater. The system can further utilize a membrane filtration system to further treat water from the sequencing batch reactor and produce suitable water. A solids-reducing system can be connected to the sequencing batch reactor and reduce an amount of biodegraded solids by converting the character or distribution of microorganisms population in the biomass.

Abstract: This disclosure describes wastewater treatment systems and methods of treating wastewater. In one exemplary method, a wastewater is split into first and second wastewater fractions. The first fraction is delivered to a membrane bioreactor, which may produce an effluent with a low pollutant concentration, and the second fraction is delivered to a biological wastewater treatment system, which may yield a higher pollution concentration yet have a shorter solids retention time. Some implementations of the invention can routinely meet or even exceed pollution discharge standards quite economically during normal operation, yet retain significant flexibility for handling seasonal or sudden variations in the flow rate of wastewater into the system. In select adaptations, waste activated sludge containing heterotrophs, autotrophs, and (optionally) polyphosphate accumulating organisms is delivered from the membrane bioreactor to the biological wastewater treatment system.

Abstract: A method of recycling waste water is preferably provided in which hardness and gas are removed from the waste water. Additionally, salt and organic carbon are preferably removed from the waste water using high-efficiency reverse osmosis. The pH of the waste water can be controlled to optimize the processes. The recycled semiconductor waste water can then be made available for use as industrial water for performing a semiconductor fabrication process. As a result, a cost for manufacturing a semiconductor device may be reduced. The principles of the present invention also provide a more environmentally friendly manufacturing method, since it produces less semiconductor waste water when being performed than conventional methods.

Abstract: The invention relates to a sealed, sterile system for filtering fluids, in particular whole blood. The system comprises a first collapsible container for receiving the fluid to be filtered and a second collapsible container for receiving the filtered fluid, both containers interconnected by a fluid line, in which a filter and a third container, for deaeration, are located. The first collapsible container contains a predetermined quantity of air, which is sufficient to ensure that no blood remains in the filter and the adjacent tube line sections when the whole blood is transferred from the first container into the second container. The air that is present in the second container, after the whole blood has been filtered, is transferred to the deaeration container.

Abstract: An isocratic gradient profile is inserted into a gradient profile during a flash chromatographic run when TLC indicates that it will be difficult to separate the component being purified from its closest impurity by a gradient. TLC is utilized to determine at least two retention factors with two significantly different solvent strengths for the same solvent system. The two or more retention factors are used to determine a solvent strength in which the retention factor of a target component and the retention factor of a closest impurity are within 0.8 of each other. The isocratic gradient profile is started when this solvent strength is reached during the gradient chromatographic run.

Abstract: A filter, comprising: a housing defining an inner cavity; an inner sleeve disposed within the housing, the inner sleeve having portions in a spaced relationship with respect to the an interior surface of the inner cavity; a plurality of tab members extending away from the inner sleeve, the tab members being configured to be removably secured to a feature of a cap, the cap being configured to engage the housing to provide a first position and a second position with respect to the housing, wherein the first position seals the inner sleeve to the housing and a fluid filtration path from an inlet of the filter to an outlet of the filter is defined by the inner sleeve and the second position provides a fluid drain path through an opening in the cap, the fluid drain path being closed when the cap is in the first position; and a filtration media disposed within an interior area of the inner sleeve, wherein the filtration media is disposed in the fluid filtration path and fluid flow through the outlet opening must pa

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention generally provide a method and an apparatus for treating waste effluents from substrate polishing processes, such as from an electrochemical mechanical polishing (ECMP) process. In one embodiment, a method for treating a waste effluent mixture generated during a substrate process is provided which includes flowing a waste effluent comprising chelated metal complexes from a substrate process system, combining an oxidizing agent and the waste effluent to produce free chelators, flowing the waste effluent through an organoclay media and an activated carbon media to remove the free chelators, and flowing the waste effluent through an anion exchange resin to remove metal ions and produce a waste water.

Abstract: Water purification media contain an activated carbon having at least one of specific a particle size, surface area, and porosity; and a microcrystalline and/or amorphous titanosilicate at least partially coating the activated carbon. Methods of making the media of microcrystalline and/or amorphous titanosilicate coated activated carbon involve contacting activated carbon with titanosilicate precursors. Methods of purifying water involve contacting water containing both heavy metals and volatile byproducts with the media.

Abstract: A system and process is provided for optimizing chemical additions, mixing energy, mixing time, and other variables while treating a contaminated liquid stream. Samples from the contaminated liquid stream are tested to determine the optimal parameter for each variable, including type and amount of the chemicals to be added, chemical sequence, mixing energy, mixing time, temperature, and pressurization. A system of mixers, a flotation chamber, and a dewatering subsystem are designed to achieve optimal turbidity of the wastewater stream. The system can be modified in real-time in response to a continually changing contaminated liquid stream via a controller and set of sensors, valves, and ports.

Abstract: This invention provides a process for effecting biocidal activity in water used for hydrostatic testing. The process comprises blending a biocidally-effective amount of a sulfamate-containing bromine-based biocide with the water, and using at least a portion of the blended water for hydrostatic testing of at least a portion of an oil or gas pipeline. Also provided by this invention are compositions for use in hydrostatic testing. Such compositions comprise water blended with a biocidally-effective amount of a sulfamate-containing bromine-based biocide, where at least a portion of the composition is used for hydrostatic testing of at least a portion of an oil or gas pipeline.

Abstract: A microporous diffuser includes a first elongated member including at least one sidewall having a plurality of microscopic openings. The sidewall defines an interior hollow portion of the member. The diffuser has a second elongated member having a second sidewall having a plurality of microscopic openings, the second member being disposed through the hollow region of the first member. The diffuser includes an end cap to seal a first end of the microporous diffuser and an inlet cap disposed at a second end of microporous diffuser for receiving inlet fittings.

Abstract: Preparation of dispersions of zero-valance nanoscale iron particles and one of soy protein, soy milk, or other soy derivative. The dispersions can be used to treat contaminated soil or water.

Abstract: Methods and systems are presented for treating groundwater in a groundwater well using one or more portable devices including a body having an air inlet port, an ozone/air mixture outlet port, an ozone generator, and a high-voltage power supply, wherein air from the atmosphere is mixed with ozone generated by the ozone generator and the mixture is expelled into the groundwater well. A diffuser and/or diffusion chamber may be provided with some systems.

Abstract: This invention provides a tool for recovering biological samples for realizing more simple and accurate clinical testing with the use of a trace amount of the blood sample, a kit comprising the same, and a method for recovering and separating biological samples using the same. Such tool comprises: a recovery container body composed of an upper container portion having a medium-accommodating portion, provided with an upper opening, for accommodating and conserving an absorption medium to be impregnated with the recovered biological samples and a lower container portion for accommodating the biological samples separated from the medium; and a lid for closing the upper opening of the medium-accommodating portion, the bottom of such medium-accommodating portion being provided with an open area in communication with the lower container portion.

Abstract: A drawer unit of storage racks comprises a base frame and roller conveyer portions attached to both sides of the base frame and in which a plurality of rollers are arranged rotatably in parallel on each conveyer frame so that an article storage tray is movable in a back and forth direction. A drawer slider on which an article storage tray is to be placed is disposed movably in a back and forth direction of the base frame, and an actuator for driving the drawer slider in a back and forth direction is provided on the base frame. In this drawer unit, an article storage tray for storing articles is placed on the drawer slider and when an instruction for picking out is issued, the drawer slider is moved in a forward direction by an operation of the actuator in such a way that the article storage tray is pulled out of a storage section of the racks in a forward direction.

Abstract: A first engagement part 4 removably engaged with an engagement part 1c of a panel 1 is disposed at an upper end of a main body part 3 of an engagement member 2. A second engagement part 5 is disposed at a lower end of the main body part 3. An elastic element part 5b is engaged with the engagement part 1c by its own elasticity, thereby the second engagement part 5 is removably engaged with the engagement part 1c. A control part 3c extending downwardly is disposed at the lower end of the main body part 3. For removing the engagement member 2 from the panel 1, the lower end of the main body part 3 is moved in a direction away from the panel 1 by hooking a finger on the control part 3c.

Abstract: A suspension display rack has a board, a rail, and multiple brackets. The board has a back-strip. The back strip has two first positioning holes. The rail is mounted on a front surface of the board and has an upper lug and a lower lug formed respectively on a top and a bottom of the rail. The brackets are mounted on the rail and each bracket has a bar engaging with the board, a holder (21) and a seat. When the board is mounted securely on a wall or a tool car, tools can connect to the seats of the brackets for positioning.

Abstract: The present superstructure involves, for each upright, a spacer section bar (3), a hinge-bearing section bar (6), a hinge (8), a piston (13) that helps to lift the pane (1), and is completed by a gripper (9) for supporting the pane (1), a closing section bar (11) and a gasket; the section bar (3) has a box section so that it can be adjusted to be joined together with the section bar (6); each hinge (8) is fixed to the section bar (6) and at its end to be fixed to the gripper (9), bears conical guides (8.1) suitable for fitting the conical arms (9.1) situated on the gripper (9) itself; a gasket (12) is fixed to the gripper (9); where spherical panes (1) are involved, hinges (15) are used containing a body (15.1) and a connecting piece (15.2) that can be rotated with respects to the body (15.1) so that the panes (1) can be fitted on at different lengths of the circular arc.

Abstract: A self-locking hook for supporting a load on a substantially horizontal surface is disclosed. The hook has a relatively rigid C-shaped body which includes a surface defining an opening for accommodating a substantially horizontal component and a support having a load bearing or attachment point. The surface of the opening includes a first contact area and a second contact area. The load bearing or attachment point is attached to the body relative to the opening such that application of a load at the load bearing point while the first contact area is contacting a component rotates the body about the first contact area until the second contact area abuts the component. This self-locking feature allows the hook to be used effectively on both component surfaces which are slightly angled or sloped and with loads which are not perpendicular to the component surface.

Abstract: A shelving system having a plurality of shelving support units spanned from each other in a parallel fashion along a wall with each support unit having a pair of extensions which project laterally outward from the wall and aperture panels extending therefrom. The aperture panels are configured with a plurality of apertures and a small securing hole positioned adjacent to an outermost aperture. A plurality of cylindrical pipes are coupled between the shelving support units, the pipes being inserted through the apertures and coupled to the shelving support units via a locking mechanism.

Abstract: A rack for an appliance comprises a main section including a support frame having a front wire, rear wire, and opposed side wires. A plurality of intermediate wires are attached to the support frame and at least one cross member is provided across a portion of the intermediate wires. The rack also includes a recessed section defined by a portion of the intermediate wires and adapted to removably receive a baking stone. In one example, the recessed section has a depth sufficient to accommodate a baking stone substantially completely therein. In addition or alternatively, an arrangement for supporting items within an appliance includes a rack having a main section and a recessed section, and a baking stone adapted to be received substantially completely within the recessed section of the rack.

Abstract: A rack for an appliance is adapted to stack upon another rack. The rack includes a support platform having a support frame and a plurality of elongated support wires that form a support surface. The rack also includes a plurality of downwardly depending leg sections that can include a shoulder portion and a foot portion located below the shoulder portion. The rack also includes at least one cross member that can cooperate with the support platform to form a reception area adapted to receive a foot portion of a superjacent rack. In addition or alternatively, at least one reception area can be located vertically above a foot portion. In addition or alternatively, each foot portion includes an upturned portion. In addition or alternatively, the shoulder portion is adapted to enable the rack to be supported by a subjacent rack located within an interior cavity of an appliance.

Abstract: A side loading rack for holding multiple components, which rack includes a rigid open frame, a matrix of side loading storage bins and a flexible curtain for protecting the contents of the bins from dust and contamination. The flexible curtain drops down from the top of the frame and includes multiple spaced guide assemblies, the ends of which are movable within guide tracks located on vertical members of the rigid frame. A flexible strap attached to the top of the curtain is used to affect vertical movement of the curtain.

Abstract: Modular system for platform and shelving structures. In an assembled configuration, a module has a central vertical member hingedly-coupled to a second vertical member extending perpendicular to a first side of the central member, and a horizontal member hingedly-coupled to the central member and extending perpendicular to a second side of the central vertical member. The upper edges of the central vertical member and the second vertical member of a first module provide support to a horizontal member of a second module, whereby various structures can be formed from a plurality of modules. Each module is stowable by rotating the second vertical member and the horizontal member about their hinged edges toward the central vertical member. One or more of the members can include key portions adapted to interlock with a member of an adjacent module when in an assembled configuration.

Abstract: A running gear, for example, a single-rail lower-flange running gear for hoisting equipment, includes several wheels running on a rail, at least two of which are arranged one behind the other in the direction of travel of the running gear and adapted to be driven by an electric motor. The driven wheels are joined to at least two shafts, which are oriented coaxially to the axis of rotation of said at least two driven wheels.

Abstract: The invention relates to a telescopic crane jib part (1) with a top profiled part (10) and a bottom profiled part (20) comprising curved cross-sectional portions (12 to 19; 22 to 28), and the top profiled part (10) and the bottom profiled part (20) on a side of the cross-section, which is symmetrical with respect to the vertical mid-plane (3), each comprise, starting from the joining point (2) of the profiled parts (10, 20), a less pronounced outwardly curved segment (14, 24) and a more pronounced outwardly curved segment (16, 26), and the mutually adjoining end segments (12, 22; 14, 24) at the joining point (2) extend outwards at an angle.

Abstract: A bottle made of at least a first chamber and a second chamber which are produced separately and secured to each other, characterized in that at least the second chamber is nestable such that the height of two chambers when nested is from 51% to 99% of twice the height of one nestable chamber.

Abstract: Disclosed is a metal bottle seal that is disposed on the curl of the metal bottle. The bottle seal may be held in place by crimping of the curl. In addition, adhesive may be used to hold the bottle seal on the curl. Adhesives can be used that fill discontinuities that may exist in the curl as a result of substantial drawing and ironing of the metal. Further, the metal bottle seal can be made of a material or laminated with a material that is soft enough to fill the discontinuities. The seal can be preformed as a continuous annulus for easy application to the top of the metal bottle. The metal bottle seal can also be used in conjunction with a cap seal to ensure an adequate and reliable seal.

Abstract: Plastic bottle having a body (2) with a polygonal cross section, with three or four sides, and a tapered part (5) which extends between said body (2) and the neck (7) of the bottle having surface of revolution form or cross section similar to that of the body (2), but less accentuated. The bottle is particularly suitable to be covered with a heat-shrinkable plastic film.

Abstract: A bottle for containing liquids for a rider. The bottle includes a hollow container sized to be held in one hand of a rider having opposed top and bottom ends, and a continuous side wall extending between the top and bottom ends. The bottom end is closed, the top end has a filling means, and the side wall has an opening near the bottom end of the container. The opening has a closable spigot for drinking the liquid contained in the container without having to tip the bottle. The rider can hold the bottle in a generally upright position while pedaling the bicycle without having to remove his or her eyes from the road, thus improving riding safety.

Abstract: The plastic container includes a hollow body of plastic material having a lower supporting base, a sidewall extending upwardly from the base, a shoulder extending upwardly from the sidewall, and an upper neck portion with an opening therein extending upwardly from the shoulder. The sidewall includes two handle portions on opposed sides thereof, and the neck portion is generally centrally located, whereby, the contents of the container can be dispensed by holding either of the handle portions.

Abstract: Methods are provide for fabricating a microchip device having containment reservoirs. In one embodiment, the method includes providing a substrate; forming a plurality of reservoirs in the substrate, each reservoir having an opening in a surface of the substrate; fabricating a plurality of metal reservoir caps, each of which closes off one of said openings; and sealing each of said reservoirs. The method may further include loading chemical molecules, such a drug, into each of said reservoirs before said sealing of the reservoirs.

Abstract: A method for forming a bump of a probe card is disclosed. In accordance with the method, a bump having a high aspect ratio for supporting a probe tip and a probe beam is formed using a semiconductor substrate as a mold eliminating a need for a photoresist film.

Abstract: A first main face 1a of a substrate 1 of a dielectric single crystal is etched to form recesses 4 in the substrate 1. A second main face 1b of the substrate 1 is mechanically processed to form a slab 10, so that the recesses 4 pass through the substrate 1 to form through holes 11.

Abstract: A method of forming an array of selectively shaped optical elements on a substrate, the method including the steps of providing the substrate, the substrate having an optical layer placed thereon; placing a layer of particles on the optical layer; performing an etching cycle. The cycle includes the steps of: etching the layer of particles, using a first etching process so as to reduce the size of the particles within the layer, then; simultaneously etching the optical layer and the layer of particles, using a second etching process, the further reducing particles forming a mask over areas of the optical layer to create discrete optical elements from the optical layer.

Abstract: The invention provides a method to form a pattern of a functional material on a substrate for use in electronic devices and components. The method uses a stamp having a relief structure to transfer a mask material to a substrate and form a pattern of open area on the substrate. The functional material is applied to the substrate in at least the open area. The mask material is removed from the substrate, forming the pattern of functional material on the substrate. The method is suitable for the fabrication of microcircuitry for electronic devices and components.

Abstract: A textured surface and oxidation layer coating on a metallic material is accomplished through the chemical and/or electrochemical etching of the surface to modify the surface texture and an in-situ oxidation procedure. The surface is useful for the fabrication of prosthetic devices, particularly medical implants, due to the corrosion and wear resistance imparted by the oxidation layer and the ability to enhance grafting of the implant onto bone imparted by the surface texture.

Abstract: A process for producing a structure containing silicon oxide includes a step of forming a first layer of organic spin-on glass on a substrate and a step of forming a second layer of inorganic spin-on glass on the first layer. Thereafter, the first layer is etched by using a pattern formed on the second layer as a mask and then the first layer and the second layer are calcined to prepare the structure containing silicon oxide.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for machining a material with high-power density electromagnetic radiation. The radiation has its wavelength selected material-specifically, such that the radiation penetrates inside the material without substantial surface absorption. The radiation is focused on a spot inside the material and/or in the proximity of a penetration surface and this spot is moved along a desired machining path. The electromagnetic radiation can be provided by laser light and the focusing can be effected by means of optics. The method is particularly useful in cutting glass and the method offers benefits, including only slight heating of the machined workpiece, smoothness of the fracture plane and no vaporization of harmful alloying elements.

Abstract: A wafer etching and impurity analysis method is presented in which a wafer is held in a vessel having gas introduction and exhaust ports, a solution including a mixture of hydrofluoric acid and nitric acid alone or together with sulfuric acid is bubbled with a carrier gas without being heated, which generates a gas containing vaporized hydrofluoric acid and nitric acid, and the inside of the vessel is purged so that the amount of gas supplied is kept constant at all times. All or a specific portion of the wafer is cooled to a specific temperature. Consequently, the gas is condensed on the surface of the wafer, which allows the required portion of the wafer to be etched. The method reduces the amount of liquid needed for residue recovery, the amount of admixed silicon during impurity analysis, and the concentration time.

Abstract: This invention relates to methods and devices for the production of micro-structured substrates and their application in natural sciences and technology, in particular in analysis and detection systems based on artificial and biological lipid membranes. The structure is preferably a hole or a cavity or channel and is obtained by spark perforation. Energy, preferably heat, is applied to the region to be structured so as to reduce the amplitude of voltage required and/or soften the material. The electrical parameters of the spark perforation are feedback-controlled.

Abstract: A method of measuring a taper angle in a wire electric discharge machining apparatus comprises, the steps of: providing a measuring tool (2) having lower and upper edges (27, 23) being spaced by a given height (H); moving a vertical wire electrode (EV) from a reference position (R) in one direction by a first movement (X1) to the lower edge (27); moving the vertical wire electrode from the reference position in the one direction by a second movement (X2) to the upper edge (23); moving an inclined wire electrode (EI) from the reference position in the one direction by a third movement (X3) to the lower edge; moving the inclined wire electrode from the reference position in the one direction by a fourth movement (X4) to the upper edge; and calculating a taper angle (?) of the inclined wire electrode based on the following equation: ?=tan?1?/H ?=|(X3?X1)?(X4?X2)|

Abstract: The invention relates to a device and a method for electrical discharge machining of a work piece by means of a working electrode. A sequence of working pulses is applied on the work gap between the working electrode and the work piece. The working pulses comprise eroding pulses for eroding material off the work piece and measuring pulses during which an ignition voltage is applied on the work gap in order to initiate a discharge within the work gap and to measure the corresponding ignition delay time. The ignition voltage and/or the gap width are adjusted such that the ignition delay time is smaller than an oscillation time of the working electrode oscillating within the work gap due to the electrostatic attraction force and the mechanical restoring force.

Abstract: A plurality linkages, preferably a robot holding either a spot welder with welding guns or the workpiece. The plurality of linkages move a spot welder with open tongs toward a first spot weld position. The welding guns are then closed on the workpiece and welding is performed at the first spot weld position. While the welding is being performed, parts of the plurality of linkages are advanced toward a second weld position while the welding guns remained closed at the first spot weld position. When the welding at the first position is finished, parts of the linkages are already advanced towards the second position, and the remaining linkages are then advanced to the second position. This allows the linkages or robot to move faster from one spot weld position to another.

Abstract: Process and apparatus for joining at least two elements, in particular an electronic component such as an LED with a substrate, such as a PCB. An imaging means divides a light beam into a plurality of partial light beams and images these partial light beams, forming a plurality of discrete light spots, which form a plurality of discrete material joining portions. The light beam is divided using a diffractive optical element (DOE) also enabling a beam shaping and beam processing. A plurality of material joining portions can be formed simultaneously enabling a high process rate. The method is suited for laser soldering of components, which are not exposed to high thermal loads, e.g. for forming electrical contacting portions of LEDs. These discrete light spots can also be used for material processing, in particular for simultaneously forming a plurality of preweakened material zones or perforations in a substrate.

Abstract: Articles having multiple surface depressions and process and apparatus for making the same. The invention is useful in making, inter alia, glass plates having a surface depression array which can be used in semiconductor and electronics manufacture, drug discovery and display devices.