Abstract: An improved mixed matrix membrane for the separation of gases comprises a nitrogen containing compound such as an amine, silicone rubber and activated carbon on a porous support. The membrane may also comprise a carbonate such as potassium carbonate and a plasticizer such as polyethylene glycol. Membranes of this design may be used in processing natural gas or other gases. The gases which may be separated by the membrane include mixtures of methane and carbon dioxide, mixtures of oxygen and nitrogen, and mixtures of carbon dioxide and nitrogen.

Abstract: An evaporative emissions filter for an engine air induction system. The evaporative emissions filter includes a hydrocarbon vapor-adsorbent member disposed within the air induction system outside the direct air flow path. A mechanism is provided for mounting the evaporative emissions filter within the air induction system. Hydrocarbon vapors present in the air induction system after engine shut-down are substantially retained in the adsorbent member until air flows through the air induction system after the engine starts.

Abstract: The invention provides tissue markings (such as tattoos) comprising magnetic particles, e.g., magnetite, and methods for making and altering, e.g., removing them.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for preventing skinning of a coating composition comprising adding an anti-skinning agents containing mixtures of organic compounds (combinations of additives), whereby the organic compounds are selected from the groups of organic hydroxylamines, and ?-dicarbonyl compounds and/or selected derivatives of formic acid to the coating composition.

Abstract: A novel lead zirconium titanate (PZT) material having unique properties and application for PZT thin film capacitors and ferroelectric capacitor structures, e.g., FeRAMs, employing such thin film material. The PZT material is scalable, being dimensionally scalable, pulse length scalable and/or E-field scalable in character, and is useful for ferroelectric capacitors over a wide range of thicknesses, e.g., from about 20 nanometers to about 150 nanometers, and a range of lateral dimensions extending to as low as 0.15 ?m. Corresponding capacitor areas (i.e., lateral scaling) in a preferred embodiment are in the range of from about 104 to about 10?2 ?m2. The scalable PZT material of the invention may be formed by liquid delivery MOCVD, without PZT film modification techniques such as acceptor doping or use of film modifiers (e.g., Nb, Ta, La, Sr, Ca and the like).

Abstract: The present invention relates to silver pigments based on transparent, low-refractive-index, platelet-shaped substrates which have a high-refractive-index coating consisting of TiO2 having a layer thickness of 5-300 nm and optionally an outer protective layer, and to the use thereof in paints, coatings, printing inks, security printing inks, plastics, button pastes, ceramic materials, glasses, for seed coloring, as dopants in the laser marking of plastics and papers, as additives for coloring in the foods and pharmaceuticals sectors, and in cosmetic formulations and for the preparation of pigment compositions and dry preparations.

Abstract: Titanium dioxide nanoparticles are formed using a dispersing agent to form nanoparticles with desired size, shape, and uniformity. The titanium dioxide nanoparticles are formed by reacting an inorganic titanium compound with water or ice to form an aqueous titanium compound. The aqueous titanium compound is reacted or combined with a dispersing agent. Titanium dioxide nanoparticles are precipitated to form a suspension. The formation of the titanium dioxide nanoparticles is influenced by the presence of bonding of the dispersing agent. The size of the nanoparticles can be advantageously controlled by selecting the ratio of titanium to dispersing agent. In addition, the titanium dioxide nanoparticles can be used in suspension form or filtered and dried to form a powder.

Abstract: A rapid setting, controlled low strength composition of Class C fly ash is provided having a quantity of hydrated lime and an iron chelating compound in an amount sufficient to accelerate the hydration and set time of the fly ash. In some examples, a filler material is added. A method for acceleration of the hydration and set time of a cementitious mixture is provided wherein hydrated lime is added to the cementitious mixture in an amount in the range of 0.1% to 15% by weight and an iron chelating compound in an amount in the range of 0.01% to 5.0% by weight of the cementitious material. Further, a calcium source and an iron chelating compound may be added to a Class C fly ash to accelerate the hydration and set time of the ash.

Abstract: A fiber-reinforced building material in one embodiment incorporates cellulose fibers that are chemically treated with a dispersant to impart improved dispersibility to the fibers. The fibers are treated with a dispersant which deactivates the hydroxyl sites of the fiber surfaces and in some cases, making the fiber surface more hydrophobic. The dispersant inhibits the hydroxyl groups on the cellulose fiber surface from bonding with hydroxyl groups of other fibers and from bonding with hydroxyl groups of the same fiber, thereby significantly reducing inter-fiber and intra-fiber hydrogen bonding. The treated fibers can be readily dispersed and uniformly distributed throughout a mixture without re-clustering or reclumping once the mechanical mixing action stops.

Abstract: A method of charging a crystal forming apparatus with molten source material is provided. The method includes the steps of positioning a melter assembly relative to the crystal forming apparatus for delivering molten silicon to a crucible of the apparatus. An upper heating coil in the melter assembly is operated to melt source material in a melting crucible. A lower heating coil in the melter assembly is operated to allow molten source material to flow through an orifice of the melter assembly to deliver a stream of molten source material to the crucible of the crystal forming apparatus. The invention is also directed to a method of charging a crystal puller with molten silicon including the step of removing an upper housing of the crystal puller defining a pulling chamber from a lower housing of the crystal puller defining a growth chamber and attaching the lower housing in place of the upper housing.

Abstract: The method for producing single crystals includes drying crystal raw material by removing water, reaction of impurities with a scavenger, preferably a metal halide, and homogenizing the melt. The method is performed with the raw material in a melt vessel with a variable-sized through-going opening, in which drying occurs at 100° C. to 600° C. for at least 20 hours with a geometric conductance value for the through-going opening of 2.00 to 30.00 mm2; the reacting occurs at 600° C. to 1200° C. for at least nine hours with a geometric conductance value of 0.0020 to 0.300 mm2 and the homogenizing occurs at above 1400° C. for at least six hours with a geometric conductance value of 0.25 to 1.1 mm2. Alternatively the geometric conductance value is the same during drying, reacting and homogenizing and takes a value between 0.25 and 1 mm2.

Abstract: To reduce the heat input to the bottom of the crucible and to control heat extraction independently of heat input, a shield can be raised between a heating element and a crucible at a controlled speed as the crystal grows. Other steps could include moving the crucible, but this process can avoid having to move the crucible. A temperature gradient is produced by shielding only a portion of the heating element; for example, the bottom portion of a cylindrical element can be shielded to cause heat transfer to be less in the bottom of the crucible than at the top, thereby causing a stabilizing temperature gradient in the crucible.

Abstract: A vapor-phase growth apparatus includes: at least a reaction furnace which is hermetically closable, a wafer container which is disposed in the reaction furnace, for disposing a wafer at a predetermined position, a gas supply member for supplying a source gas toward the wafer, and a heating member for heating the wafer, wherein the apparatus is designed to form a grown film on a front surface of the wafer by supplying the source gas in a high temperature state while the heating member heats the wafer in the reaction furnace through the wafer container. The wafer container is made of a single material or a single member, and has a ratio R2/R1, which is not less than 0.4 to not more than 1.0, where R1 is a heat resistance for a heat transfer route from a rear surface of the wafer container toward the front surface of the wafer, and R2 is a heat resistance for a heat transfer route from the rear surface of the wafer container toward a front surface of the wafer container.

Abstract: A rotationally-vibrated unidirectional solidification crystal growth system comprises a furnace, a crucible, a rotational-vibration device including a mounting holder, a motor and a vibrating apparatus. The furnace contains a high temperature portion, a thermal isolation portion and a low temperature portion. The crucible connected to the rotational-vibration device within the furnace has a seed well down to a crystal growth arena. The crystal is grown as the ambient temperature profile moving from high to low, which can be achieved through a relative movement between the furnace and the crucible. That is either the furnace or the crucible is undergoing a top-down movement. The rotational-vibration device offers the crucible the required rotation and angular vibration, with a vibrating frequency no less than 0.2 Hz.

Abstract: A method an apparatus for coating prostheses via contact patterning with an applicator. Applicators can include rollers, tampons, and ribbons. Coating materials include a variety of substances including polymers and therapeutic agents.

Abstract: Dislocation of processing liquid pouring nozzles is prevented, smooth carrying of the processing liquid pouring nozzles is achieved, and the positional accuracy of the processing liquid pouring nozzles, processing accuracy and yield are improved. A substrate processing apparatus includes a spin chuck (50) for holding and rotating a wafer (W), a plurality of processing liquid pouring nozzles (60) for pouring processing liquids on a surface of the wafer (W), a solvent bath (70) for holding the processing liquid pouring nozzles at their home positions, and a nozzle-carrying arm (80) for detachably gripping desired one of the processing liquid pouring nozzles (60) held on the solvent bath (70) and carrying the desired processing liquid pouring nozzle (60) to a working position above the wafer (W).

Abstract: A fixture is provided for holding a hollow, cylindrical device from an inside surface that includes a plastic collar component and a main frame fixture insert molded into the plastic collar component. The fixture may include a cross-wire adapted to: loop over a section of the main frame fixture; traverse a space between the main frame fixture and the plastic collar component; and loop over a section of the plastic collar component. An apparatus is provided for holding a cylindrical device having an open interior and at least one open end. The apparatus includes an engagement arrangement including at least two activatable projections on a distal end and a base attached to a proximal end of the engagement arrangement. The projections move radially when activated.

Abstract: An improved scale conditioning composition and method is disclosed that results in improved dissolution and disruption of tube scale, hardened sludge and other deposits composed primarily of highly densified magnetite such as those found in heat exchange vessels, particularly steam generators. After treatment with the advanced scale conditioning composition, these magnetite rich deposits are more easily removed using known and commercially available high pressure hydro-mechanical cleaning techniques. The present invention further provides effective cleaning in a short period of time and at relatively low temperatures, while reducing the amount of waste produced and reducing the resulting corrosion of carbon and low alloy steel components within the steam generator during the cleaning process.

Abstract: Polysilazane is treated with a single or mixed solvent comprising one or more members selected from the group consisting of xylene, anisole, decalin, cyclohexane, cyclohexene, methylcyclohexane, ethylcyclohexane, limonene, hexane, octane, nonane, decane, a C8-C11 alkane mixture, a C8-C11 aromatic hydrocarbon mixture, an aliphatic/alicyclic hydrocarbon mixture containing 5 to 25% by weight of C8 or more aromatic hydrocarbons, and dibutyl ether, wherein the number of 0.5 micron or more fine particles contained in 1 ml of the solvent is 50 or less. As the treatment of polysilazane, there are illustrated, for example, edge-rinsing and back rinsing of a polysilazane film formed by spin coating polysilazane on a semiconductor substrate. The water content of the solvent is preferably 100 ppm or less.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a LED and a lighting apparatus, which employs a LED as a light source of low power and high efficiency for an optical projection system. The lighting apparatus comprises a reflection part together with the LED, and enhances light emitting directionality of the LED, thereby generating parallel light or focused light suitable for the light source of the optical projection system. The LED comprises a negative electrode and a positive electrode formed on an identical plane with different stack constructions, thereby reducing the number of wires between the electrodes occupying a predetermined volume. In addition, the substrate and the electrodes are made of a transparent material to transmit light therethrough, so that the light source using the LED radiates light in all direction as in the light source using the arc discharge, without shielding the light at a rear side by the electrodes.

Abstract: An anisotropic exchange spring magnet powder complexing a hard magnetic material and a soft magnetic material, wherein a rare earth metal element, a transition metal element, boron and carbon and the like are contained, and the hard magnetic material and soft magnetic material have crystal particle diameters of 150 nm or less. A method of producing an anisotropic exchange spring magnet powder comprises treating a crystalline mother material containing a hard magnetic material and soft magnetic material or the crystalline mother material having amorphous parts, in a continuous process composed of an amorphising process and the following crystallizing process, repeated once or more times. An anisotropic exchange spring magnet is obtained by treatment, in an anisotropy- imparting molding process and a solidification process, of an anisotropic exchange spring magnet powder.

Abstract: An anisotropic bonded magnet is produced at a low cost by avoiding various problems caused by remanence. Also, the unit weight and density of a compact is increased by filling even a cavity, having no easily feedable shape, with a magnet powder just as intended. An anisotropic bonded magnet is produced by feeding the cavity of a press machine with a magnetic powder (e.g., an HDDR powder) and compacting it. After the magnetic powder has been positioned outside of the cavity, an oscillating magnetic field (e.g., an alternating magnetic field) is created in a space including the cavity. The magnetic powder is transported into the cavity while being aligned parallel to the oscillating direction of the oscillating magnetic field. Thereafter, the magnetic powder is compressed within the cavity to make a compact for an anisotropic bonded magnet.

Abstract: Chromate-free treatments and compositions, for applying a conversion or passivation coating to zinc coated metal surfaces. The compositions comprise a polyamidoamine/epihalohydrin polymer or cationic polyamine/epihalohydrin polymer component, fluoacid, H3PO4, and a film forming polymer latex component. The requisite metal surfaces are contacted by the compositions and dried. Rinsing is optional.

Abstract: A substrate (33) is clamped into a fixture (32) and material is deposited thereon to form a complex article (40). The article (40) produced is packed, using ceramic inserts (42) and a coating (41). The packing (42) ensures that the article (40) maintains its true shape and allows for expansion during the subsequent heat treatment process. The packed article (40), mounted on the fixture (32), is then placed in a box (44), encased in a granular material (43) and heated. It is heated to a temperature sufficient to relieve stresses and is maintained at this temperature for a time period such that the stresses in the article (40) are relieved.

Abstract: This invention provides methods of treatment for work products of materials such as steel, bronze, plastic, etc. and particularly welded steel bodies by pulse impact energy, preferably ultrasonic, to relax fatigue and aging and extend expectant life. The treatment may occur (a) at original production, (b) during the active life period for maintenance or (c) after failure in a repair stage. The ultrasonic treatment improves the work product strength. In welded products residual stress patterns near the weld sites are relaxed and micro-stress defects such as voids and unusual grain boundaries are reduced. The basic method steps are non-destructive in nature, inducing interior pulse compression waves with ultrasonic transducers and accessory tools impacting an external product surface with enough impulse energy to heat and temporarily plasticize the metal interior and relax stresses.

Abstract: Sulfur free propellant compositions for use as a blackpowder substitute in firearms, munitions, and pyrotechnics to form combustion byproducts that are water soluble and are free of corrosive sulfur compounds. Formulations include an ignition aid of a gluconic acid salt or an alkali metal nitrobenzoate salt or a mixture of the two salts in combination with various known oxidizing and reducing agents and with various known propellant additives. The oxidizing and reducing agents may be selected from the group consisting of carbon, lactose, potassium nitrate, potassium perchlorate, sodium benzoate, and mixtures thereof. The propellant additives may be selected from the group consisting of binders, burning rate modifiers, flow agents, colorants, coating agents, moisture retardants and mixtures thereof.

Abstract: A method of joining two components of a vinyl frame provides first and second components each having an end and having surfaces defining at least one channel open at the end and extending into the associated component. A coupling structure is provided and has at least a first member and a second member and includes energy receiving structure. The first member is inserted to extend at least partially into the channel of the first component and the second member is inserted so as to extend at least partially into the channel of the second component so that the energy receiving structure is generally adjacent to certain surfaces defining the associated channel. Energy is directed to the coupling structure to cause the energy receiving structure to fuse with the certain surfaces, thereby joining the first and second components together. Improved component sealing and water pathways are also provided.

Abstract: A production method of a multilayer electronic device, comprising the steps of forming a lower side green sheet 10a including at least a ceramic powder on a supporting body 20; forming an electrode pattern layer 12a on a surface of the lower side green sheet; forming a green chip by stacking multilayer units U1 including at least the lower side green sheet and an electrode pattern layer; and firing the green chip; wherein the lower side green sheet 10a formed on the supporting body 20 includes a binder of a curable resin, and the curable resin in the lower side green sheet 10a is cured before forming said electrode pattern layer 12a on the lower side green sheet.

Abstract: A method for laminating glass sheets wherein laminating film (1) is placed over one surface of a first glass sheet (2) and the film (1) is heated with short wave radiation (4) to a bonding temperature. Heated areas (8) of the film (1) are successively pressed to the glass sheet (2) in a continuous manner for purging air from between the film (1) and the first glass sheet (2) and for applying bonding pressure. The pressed film areas (8) are then cooled whereby an appropriate bond is attained between the film (1) and the first glass sheet (2). Thereafter the first glass sheet (2) with its bonded film is subjected to a partial vacuum and a second glass sheet (10) is positioned on the film (1) and the second glass sheet (10) is pressed (11) to the film (1).

Abstract: A method for applying a breaker or other reinforcement layer to a carcass strip by strip includes the steps of calculating an end gap based upon a nominal strip width, the size of the carcass, and the end count desired; calculating a distributed gap required to distribute the calculated end gap substantially equally between each strip; and applying the breaker strip by strip with each strip being separated from an adjacent strip by the distributed gap spacing.

Abstract: A charge roller that includes a metal core, an elastic member configured wrapped around the metal core, and film members is disclosed. Each of the film members is wrapped around each end of the elastic member in a circumferential direction of the metal core such that at least a part of each of the film members exists at every position around the ends of the elastic member in an axial direction of the metal core. Portions of the film members do not overlap each other in an radial direction of the metal core.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for welding two container walls of plastic film (1, 2) to a plastic tube (3) having a substantially circular cross section, wherein the plastic tube (3) is arranged between two parallelly arranged plastic films (1, 2). The two plastic films (1, 2) are made to extend along the outer surface of the plastic tube (3) and to abut each other along a joint face (7) between two welding jaws (5, 6) in an area (8) adjoining the plastic tube (3). The plastic films (1, 2) are welded by means of welding jaws (5, 6) to the outer face of the plastic tube (3) and welded together in the area (8) adjoining the plastic tube (3). The plastic tube (3) is deformed during welding by means of a compressive force applied by the welding jaws (5, (5) to provide the outer surface of the plastic tube (3) with a substantially plane portion (9) extending on both sides of the joint face (7) and substantially perpendicular thereto.

Abstract: This invention provides novel nanofibers and nanofiber structures which posses adherent properties, as well as the use of such nanofibers and nanofiber comprising structures in the coupling and/or joining together of articles or material.

Abstract: This invention relates to an adhesive article which provides air egress. Air egress is provided by supplying a route, such as areas of no initial adhesion for the air to flow out from under the construction. The invention relates to an adhesive article comprising a facestock having a front surface and a back surface, a continuous layer of adhesive having an upper surface and a lower surface wherein the upper surface of the adhesive layer is adhered to the back surface of the facestock, and a plurality of spaced-apart non-adhesive material which is in contact with the lower surface of the adhesive layer wherein the lower surface of the adhesive layer has a Sheffield roughness of at least about 10 and the adhesive article provides air egress. The invention also relates to methods of preparing the adhesive articles. These articles have usefulness as industrial graphics images, as well as decorative coverings, etc. The articles provide air egress and optionally repositionability and slideability.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of making a water repellent laminate including applying a hot melt moisture cure adhesive to a primary substrate and bonding the primary substrate with a secondary substrate that has been treated with a water repellent material prior to the lamination. The adhesive composition includes a hot melt moisture cure polyurethane prepolymer formed from a polyol component and a polyisocyanate component. The polyol component includes a first polyether polyol having a number average molecular weight of from about 500 to about 8,000, a first polyester polyol having a melting point of less than about 40° C. or a second polyether polyol having a molecular weight of from about 200 to about 1,000, and a crystalline polyester polyol having a melting point of from about 40° C. to about 120° C.

Abstract: An ultrasonic sonotrode for irradiating ultrasonic energy into fluid or pasty media, wherein the ultrasonic sonotrode in the longitudinal direction (z) includes: a coupling section for coupling an active ultrasonic system which excites longitudinally in the longitudinal direction (z); a base section, wherein the largest dimension of the base section transverse to the longitudinal direction (z) is larger than the length of the base section in the longitudinal direction (z), wherein the dimensions of the base section transverse to the longitudinal direction in the border region to the transition section are always ??/4 and the shortest length of the base section in the longitudinal direction (z)<?/4; a transition section for the reduction of the cross section in at least one cross-section with respect to the base section; and a flat section with an end-face region as an irradiation surface, wherein the flat section is divided by way of at least one slot into several tongues which are unconnected in the end-f

Abstract: A paper additive composition comprising an amide compound (a) obtained by reacting a polyamine and a carboxylic acid or a salt of the amide compound (a) is provided. The polyamine is shown by formula (1): R—(NH—R1)n-NH2??(1) (wherein R is H2N—R1 or R2, and each R1 is independently an alkylene group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms, R2 is an alkyl group or alkenyl group having 12 to 22 carbon atoms, and n is an integer of 1 to 3); the number of carbon atoms of the carboxylic acid is 10 to 24; the amide compound is obtained by reacting the carboxylic acid at a ratio of 0.5 to 4.3 moles per 1 mol of the polyamine; and the ratio of a tertiary amine value to a total amine value of the amide compound (a) is 0.60 to 0.99.

Abstract: A pyrolysis process and reactor converts various hydrocarbons such as waste materials, for example, scrap polymers, tires, etc., into various chemical components or amounts thereof, not otherwise produced by conventional pyrolytic processes. A large reactor size is utilized in association with a low heat input per unit weight of charge. A thick pyrolyzate/“char” layer is formed during pyrolysis. The product or various components thereof can be utilized as a fuel or octane additive.

Abstract: A system and method are described for radially positioning a workpiece for electrochemical machining. In one embodiment, a pressurized air chamber is configured to contain pressurized air. In addition, an expandable diaphragm is configured to position the workpiece radially relative to an electrode assembly in response to the pressurized air being released into the pressurized air chamber.

Abstract: A cathode plate and method for electro-refining or electro-winning of metal. The cathode includes a cathode blade and hanger bar. A quantity of electrically conductive material is wrapped around the hanger bar and along the cathode blade to a position, in use, proximate the level of electrolyte in the electrolytic bath. The provision of a deeper and preferably thicker coating of electrically conductive material, as compared with conventional cathode plates, reduces power consumption in the electrolytic circuit.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a handling device for an anode connector provided with at least two side trunnions and a tightening screw. The connector is generally capable of cooperating with attachment hooks of an aluminum production cell used in fused bath electrolysis production operations so as to enable connection of anodes onto the cell. The handling device has a tightening device capable of tightening the connector screw and affecting the tightness of the connector. The present invention also has a locking system that can lock the connector in a desired position in the handling device, by loosening the connector using the tightening device. The handling device also has at least one mobile member which typically has a support to support the connector in a closed position. The support can also displace the mobile member from its closed position to an open position, and vice versa.

Abstract: Detection of abnormal signal traces in electrochemical measurements generated using an electrochemical test strip to which a potential is applied allows for an indication of an erroneous analyte determination. The current trace has an expected shape in which a peak current is observed a time tpeak after which there is a decrease in current. To detect abnormal signal traces, the time tpeak is determined experimentally and compared with an expected value, t?peak, and if the difference between the two values to over a predetermined threshold, an error message is provided to the user instead of a test result. The value of t?peak is determined as a function of a mobility term that is determined during a potentiometry phase following the amperometric measurements.

Abstract: A flowing junction reference electrode comprising a liquid junction member matched with a filter. The junction member and the filter are situated between a reference electrolyte solution and a sample solution. An array of nanochannels spans the junction member and provides fluid communication between the electrolyte solution and the sample solution. The filter is configured to allow a greater flux of electrolyte than that associated with the junction member. Preferably, the number of pores is greater than the number of nanochannels. The filter is preferably configured to have pores with an inner diameter that is the same or less than the inner diameter of the nanochannels. In some embodiment, the resistance of the filter is made lower relative to the resistance of the junction member by selecting suitable length, number, and inner diameter size for the pores of the filter relative to the nanochannels of the junction member.

Abstract: The present invention is a capillary electrophoresis device, comprising a substrate; a first channel in the substrate, and having a buffer arm and a detection arm; a second channel in the substrate intersecting the first channel, and having a sample arm and a waste arm; a buffer reservoir in fluid communication with the buffer arm; a waste reservoir in fluid communication with the waste arm; a sample reservoir in fluid communication with the sample arm; and a detection reservoir in fluid communication with the detection arm. The detection arm and the buffer arm are of substantially equal length.

Abstract: An apparatus to treat an influent solution comprising ions to obtain a selectable ion concentration in an effluent solution. The apparatus comprises an electrochemical cell comprising a housing comprising first and second electrodes. A water-splitting ion exchange membrane is between the first and second electrodes, the membrane comprising ananion exchange surface facing the first electrode, and an cation exchange surface facing the second electrode, or vice versa. The housing also has an influent solution inlet and an effluent solution outlet with a solution channel that allows influent solution to flow past both the anion and cation exchange surfaces of the water-splitting ion exchange membrane to form the effluent solution. A variable voltage supply is capable of maintaining the first and second electrodes at a plurality of different voltages during an ion exchange stage.

Abstract: A method for electroplating small workpieces includes the steps of: (A) providing a rotatable barrel which has an axis of rotation and a plurality of spaced-apart partition plates disposed one above the other; (B) mounting the barrel in a plating tank with the axis of rotation being inclined with respect to a horizontal line; (C) feeding a batch of the workpieces into the barrel; and (D) allowing the workpieces to fall down by gravity from one of the partition plates to the other one of the partition plates by rotating the barrel.

Abstract: Fischer-Tropsch hydrocarbon synthesis using a noncobalt catalyst is used to produce waxy fuel and lubricant oil hydrocarbons from synthesis gas derived from natural gas. The waxy hydrocarbons are hydrodewaxed, with reduced conversion to lower boiling hydrocarbons, by contacting the waxy hydrocarbons, in the presence of hydrogen, with an unsulfided hydrodewaxing catalyst that has been reduced and then treated by contacting it with a stream containing one or more oxygenates.

Abstract: A process for producing alkyl ethers, by etherification of tertiary C4-7 olefins with an alkanol, comprising carrying out the etherification in reactor train system primarily configured for dimerization of isoolefins. In the etherification, the ratio of alkanol-to-olefin is 0.5 to 2, calculated from the amount of tertiary C4-7 olefins of the fresh feedstock. The invention makes it possible to change the product of the process from dimer to ether and vice versa merely by adjusting specific flows within the process. The present kind of process is therefore readily adaptable to fluctuating market demands for various gasoline octane-boosters (isooctane or MTBE).

Abstract: A process to prepare a base oil having a saturates content of more than 90 wt %, a sulphur content of less than 0.03 wt %, and, a viscosity index of between 80 and 120 from a solvent refined base oil feedstock, which process comprises: (a) contacting the solvent refined base oil feedstock in the presence of a hydrogen containing gas in a first reaction zone containing one or more fixed beds of a catalyst, which catalyst comprises at least one Group VIB metal component and at least one non-noble Group VIII metal component supported on a refractory oxide carrier; and (b) contacting the effluent of step (a) in the presence of a hydrogen containing gas in a second reaction zone containing one or more fixed beds of a catalyst, which catalyst comprises a catalyst comprising a noble metal component supported on an amorphous refractory oxide carrier, wherein the oil feedstock in step (a) flows counter-current to the up flowing hydrogen containing gas.

Abstract: A reactor apparatus and process for contacting hydrocarbons with catalyst. The reactor apparatus comprises a plurality of tubular reactors each having a first end into which a catalyst is fed and a second end through which the catalyst and product exit the tubular reactor. A catalyst retention zone is provided to contain catalyst and feed catalyst to the tubular reactors. A separation zone is provided to separate the catalyst from products of a reaction conducted in the apparatus. A transport conduit having a first end in fluid communication with the second ends of at least two of the tubular reactors and a second end extending into the separation zone transports product and catalyst to the separation zone. A catalyst return in fluid communication with the separation zone and the catalyst retention zone returns catalyst to the catalyst retention zone.