Abstract: A method and system for material processing employing extracting equivalent fluxes of positive and negative ions at two surfaces from an ion-ion plasma without substantially altering the plasma potential. The extraction is achieved by applying a continuously applied bias to the substrate being processed, in order to attract the ions to the substrate surface to facilitate materials processing such as etching, deposition and chemical modification at the surface. The continuously applied bias is applied via a power source coupled to the plate, also referred to as a stage or chuck, holding the substrate.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and device for obtaining a determined flow resistance of a flow channel, especially an opening in a component. The method involves the following steps: a liquid flows through the flow channel; a characteristic depending on the flow resistance of the flow channel in the component is determined; and the flow channel is machined by means of a working method until said characteristic reaches a pre-determined nominal value.

Abstract: An end-block for electrically energising a rotatable tubular target in a vacuum coating installation is disclosed. The end-block has a rotary electrical contact that reduces the joule heating effects when operating in alternating current mode. When compared to known end-blocks, this is achieved by increasing the number of contact areas between a contacting ring and a series of circumferentially mounted contacting shoes. Also the contact shoes are being pressed radially outwardly by means of resilient elements against the contacting ring.

Abstract: A capacitance sensor comprises an asynchronous ring first in first out (FIFO) oscillator circuit having an electrode for receiving a sample for analysis. A sample placed into contact with the electrode causes a change in capacitance at the electrode which gives rise to a change in the oscillation frequency of the ring. This change in oscillation frequency can be used to identify the sample.

Abstract: A biosensor measuring an analyte contained in a sample is provided, including: an insulative lower substrate that has at least one electrode on which an enzyme reaction layer reacting with the analyte is formed; an upper substrate that faces the lower substrate and is made of a conductive material; and an adhesive layer that has a sample feed with a predetermined height on the enzyme reaction layer and attaches the upper and lower substrates to each other, where an end of the upper substrate acts as an electrode in which an electron-transfer mediator contained in the enzyme reaction layer is oxidized or reduced, and the other end acts as an electrical contact part that electrically contacts a measurement unit.

Abstract: A handheld sensor device is provided for measuring an ion concentration in a solution. The solution is in an electrochemical cell that includes a counter electrode, a working electrode, and a reference electrode. The sensor includes a control amplifier configured to provide a current through the counter electrode and the working electrode so as to maintain a predetermined voltage between the working electrode and the reference electrode. The sensor also includes a current amplifier configured to measure the current provided through the counter electrode and the working electrode. In one embodiment, the sensor also includes a direct digital frequency synthesizer (DDFS) including a phase accumulator. The DDFS is configured to selectively generate a waveform specified by an electrochemical technique such as square wave voltammetry, cyclic voltammetry, linear sweep voltammetry, differential-pulse polarography, normal-pulse polarography, or other known electrochemical techniques.

Abstract: The present invention represents a radical departure from most conventional macro-scale batch processing methods employed to synthesize and coat colloidal nanoparticles. Synthesis and coating are in series and in-situ, obviating the need for numerous cumbersome, and often expensive intermediate-processing steps. In one embodiment, the invention is a method and apparatus for synthesizing colloidal nanoparticles. In another embodiment, the invention is a method and apparatus for enabling coating of colloidal nanoparticles using an electrophoretic switch for contacting and separating said colloid nanoparticles.

Abstract: Devices are provided for separating and focusing charged analytes, comprising a separation chamber and two or more electrodes, for example, an electrode array. A membrane separates the separation chamber and the electrodes. The separation chamber of the device is configured, that is, the separation chamber has a shaped geometry, which serves to induce a gradient in an electric field generated by the electrodes in the electrode chamber. Optionally, molecular sieve is included in the separation chamber that is operative to shift the location at which a stationary focused band of a charged analyte forms under a given set of focusing process parameters. Methods are provided for separating and focusing charged analytes comprising introducing a first fluid comprising at least one charged analyte into the separation chamber of a device as just described, applying an electric field gradient to the charged analyte to focus the charged analyte in the electric field gradient.

Abstract: For automating the operation of an electrophoresis apparatus and improving the throughput, the present electrophoresis apparatus has two platens capable of controlling temperature of electrophoresis plates placed thereon, a loading medium charging unit for sending a loading medium under pressure, a loading medium charging nozzle mechanism having a pair of nozzles connected to the loading medium charging unit, a pipetter mechanism for dispensing samples to sample dispensing openings of the electrophoresis plates placed on the platens, a stacker mechanism for storing sample plates, a loading buffer solution supplying mechanism, a loading buffer solution dispensing mechanism connected to the loading buffer solution supplying mechanism, a power unit for allowing electrophoresis separation for each electrophoresis plate placed on the platens, and a detector for optically detecting components migrating through each electrophoresis flow channel of the electrophoresis plates.

Abstract: A mandrel for electroforming printing screens, the mandrel comprising: a mandrel plate onto which metal is to be deposited to form a printing screen, the mandrel plate including a main deposition surface onto which metal is to be deposited to define a main body of the printing screen, at least one pair of edge sections at opposed edges of the main deposition surface which include edge deposition surfaces which extend out of a plane defined by the main deposition surface onto which metal is to be deposited to define attachment elements of the printing screen, and corner sections at respective corners of the deposition surface; non-conductive elements, as edge elements, which are disposed at the edge sections such as to define an extent of the edge sections; and non-conductive elements, as corner elements, which are disposed at the corner sections such as to shield the same and define an extent of the main deposition surface at the corner sections.

Abstract: An additive for copper plating comprising, as an effective ingredient, a nitrogen-containing biphenyl derivative represented by the following formula (I): [wherein X represents a group selected from the following groups (II)-(VII): and Y represents a lower alkyl group, lower alkoxy group, nitro group, amino group, sulfonyl group, cyano group, carbonyl group, 1-pyridyl group, or the formula (VIII): (wherein R? represents a lower alkyl group)], a copper plating solution formed by adding the additive for copper plating to a copper plating solution containing a copper ion ingredient and an anion ingredient, and a method of manufacturing on an electronic circuit substrate having a fine copper wiring circuit, which comprises electroplating in the copper plating solution using as the cathode an electronic circuit substrate in which fine microholes or microgrooves in the shape of an electronic circuit are formed on the surface.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a method for preparing an organic copolymer film on electrically conductive or semi-conductive surfaces in two steps. The first step includes electrolysis of an electrolytic solution containing an adhesion primer, in contact with a surface. The second step corresponds to the reaction, at the surface obtained previously, of a solution containing the following species: a protic solvent, and a “radically polymerizable” monomer. The polymerizable monomer is solubilized in micellar form. The surfaces obtained with the use of this method, and their applications apply to preparation of microelectronic components, biomedical devices or screening kits, as well as kits for preparing an organic copolymer film on an electrically conductive or semi-conductive surface.

Abstract: In a method for anodizing an aluminum alloy to form an anodic oxide film on a surface of the aluminum alloy using pulsed electric power, a short circuit is formed, after application of a positive pulse voltage, between an anode for anodic oxidation and a cathode for anodic oxidation for a short-circuit duration of not longer than 15 ?s during non application of the pulse voltage. The pulsed electric power has a waveform having a cycle composed, in the order, of a pulse voltage application duration (T+), a dead time (Td) and a short-circuit duration (Ts). Then, no or almost no negative current is allowed to flow, and the film formation rate can be increased to improve productivity.

Abstract: The invention relates to an effluent COD treatment procedure by anodic oxidation combining the use of two different types of anode with a suitable apportionment of current. The first type of anode comprises an anode based on diamond doped-synthetic diamond. The second type of anode comprises an anode with high oxygen overvoltage containing tin and antimony oxides.

Abstract: Hexavalent chrome is extracted from a film on a workpiece which film contains hexavalent chrome and reduced by contacting the contacting workpiece with a liquid or fine particle reducing agent.

Abstract: The present invention provides electrochemical detection devices useful for conducting diagnostic tests. The devices of the present invention can be used to detect a wide range of target agents, and is useful in analyzing biological samples (including blood and other bodily fluids), as well as air, water, soil and other environmental samples.

Abstract: In order to avoid problems caused by baseline drift, it is expedient in a method of an embodiment of the present application not to measure a signal rise in a detection space, but to allow a certain time period to elapse in order to enrich a detectable product (enrichment phase), then to measure a first detection signal, and to measure the baseline signal as second detection signal only after rinsing out the detection space and removing the enriched product. In at least one embodiment, the enriched product is not detected from a signal rise with reference to a baseline, but from a signal difference of first and second detection signals.

Abstract: A display container adjustable between an enclosed position and a display position is disclosed, having a tray and a cover. The cover includes a display panel, a base, and at least one positioning tab. The positioning tab is configured to engage a back wall of the tray so as to keep the display panel positioned at a predetermined downward angle relative to the back wall for easy reading of a display label having product information, when the display container is in the display position.

Abstract: A package of compressed blowing insulation includes a body of compressed blowing insulation, a bag encapsulating the body of compressed blowing insulation and a slit extending through the package to define a partially divided package.

Abstract: A carrier for one or a plurality of beverage containing cups such as those supplied to carry out customers of carry out restaurants, fast food restaurants and the like. The cup carrier constructed in accordance the present invention includes a one piece blank which can be folded to form a base with one or a plurality of openings for receiving a beverage cup to provide an easily set up cup carrier that stably suspends the cup or cups in an upright position when the carrier is supported by a handle structure positioned above the cups so that the force of gravity will maintain the cup or cups in an upright suspended position. A paddle insert is used to expand the number of cups that can be held by the cup carrier.

Abstract: A portable kit box for torch equipment comprising a lid, a tank compartment for holding at least one tank, and a base. The base defines a base surface for contacting and translating the kit box along a surface. The lid comprises a compartment for storing at least one tank and is movable between an open position and a closed position. The kit box has at least three positions relative to the surface. In the first position, the at least one tank is supported at an acute angle relative to the surface, in the second position the at least one tanks is supported approximately perpendicular to the surface, and in the third position, the at least one tank is supported approximately horizontal to the surface. The kit box further includes at least one storage compartment, a securing member for securing the lid to the base, and a handle.

Abstract: Disclosed is a disinfectant wipe dispenser. The dispenser may assist in the prevention of nosocomial infection transmission, such as staff and MRSA infections. Such a dispenser may comprise a housing for holding disinfectant wipes and a fastener. The fastener may be adapted to removably attach the housing to a medical implement and/or an article of clothing. For example, the housing may be attached to a stethoscope.

Abstract: A topping tool assembly comprises a bag support defining a tapered receptacle having an open bag receiving end and an open dispensing end narrower than the bag receiving end, a mounting bracket fixed to the bag support, and an anchor bracket, wherein the mounting bracket and the anchor bracket are adapted such that the mounting bracket removably mounts onto the anchor bracket. The topping tool assembly is installed in a kitchen or other food preparation area by attaching the anchor bracket to a suitable supporting surface, and it receives and supports a pastry bag in a generally vertical orientation such that a top of the pastry hag is exposed through the bag receiving end of the bag support and a bottom decorative tip of the pastry bag protrudes from the bottom dispensing end of the bag support.

Abstract: A side-opening hinge-lid container finding particular application as a side-opening hinge-lid pack for elongate smoking articles such as cigarettes comprises: a body portion having a front wall, a rear wall, a top wall and a bottom wall; a lid portion having a front wall, a rear wall, a top wall and a bottom wall, the lid portion being connected to the body portion along a hinge line for pivotal movement between a closed position, in which the interior of the body portion is inaccessible, and an open position, in which at least a portion of the interior of the body portion is accessible; a body portion liner having a front wall, a rear wall and a side wall, the body portion liner being mounted in the body portion and projecting sideways therefrom into a space covered by the lid portion in the closed position; at least one outwardly extending ear mounted on the body portion liner; and at least one inwardly extending flap hingedly mounted in the lid portion for pivotal movement relative thereto, wherein during

Abstract: A shirt box suitable for receiving one or more shirts is formed from a single substrate sheet that includes a plurality of fold lines formed in the sheet. The sheet defines a first set of generally parallel fold lines and a second set of generally parallel fold lines and a set of first panels each being separated from a next panel in the series by a respective fold line in the first set of fold lines. The first panels are foldable along the respective fold lines in a first direction to define a hollow central cavity for the shirt box. The shirt box also includes a set of second panels, each having a boundary along a respective fold line in the second set of fold lines to a respective first panel. One panel of the first set of panels has a first opening formed therethrough to permit touching of the shirt without jeopardizing the integrity of the box.

Abstract: A rope bag comprising: a rope compartment with a top end and a bottom end; an adjustable shoulder strap attached to the top end and bottom end; a plurality of loops attached to the interior of the rope compartment generally near the top end; a feed hole located at the bottom end; a rope with an attachment end and a bag end, with the bag end removeably attached to the top end and the attachment end removeably attached to the bottom end; and where the rope is configured to be stored in the rope compartment in a plurality of coils, with at least one coil snugly held in each one of the plurality of loops, such that when the attachment end of the rope is attached to a generally stationary object, the rope feeds out of the feed hole while still being attached to the top end.

Abstract: A system for assisting in communication of the state of a patient's condition is disclosed. In an embodiment, a plastic container of washcloths includes two labels. The first label is mounted on the container and occludes an entry into the container. The second label also is mounted on the container via attachment to the first label. The second label includes a template that is mounted face down. In operation, the second label may be removed and observations regarding the patient's skin condition that are made during use of the washcloth can be marked on the template provided on the second label. The second label then may be communicated from one care provider to another care provider.

Abstract: A packaging system for wine and other beverages is provided. The packaging system includes a plurality of cartons or boxes with each carton or box containing a single beverage serving and each box being formed with a dispensing element so that the beverage can be dispensed or poured from the carton or box. Also provided is a sleeve that is sized for packaging the plurality of cartons or boxes in an abutting stacked relationship with one another in order for the plurality of cartons or boxes to be marketed as a multi-pack unit. Significantly, the packaging sleeve has a side wall along which a bottle design corresponding to the wine or other beverage contained within the individual cartons or boxes is visibly displayed.

Abstract: A combination product/napkin package is provided. The combination package includes a product wrapper and a napkin. The product wrapper comprises a sheet of flexible film that is foldable around the product and has edges sealable around a periphery to enclose and seal the product therein. The napkin is affixed to the wrapper at a position outside the sealed product.

Abstract: A dental hygiene kit is disclosed which is particularly useful for small children and traveling adults, and which includes a package having one large initially-sealed compartment for storing a handle and a plurality of smaller, initially-sealed compartments for storing disposable pre-pasted brush heads. The compartments are sterile in the initially seated condition. The handle comprises a fork and with two spaced-apart shaped prongs. Each brush head comprises a plurality of bristles connected to a body. The bristles are coated with toothpaste thereby avoiding wasted toothpaste and mess. Each brush head body comprises a shaped hole with sidewalls for frictionally and releasably receiving the prongs of the handle. After each use, the brush heads are discarded. The disclosed kit helps children learn good brushing habits while avoiding wasted and swallowed toothpaste.

Abstract: A kit of one or more disposable absorbent articles and a package, and in another embodiment, a package suitable for disposable absorbent articles are claimed, said package comprising secondary information, conveying to the wearer or caregiver how to apply the article and showing said article, and said article of the kit and shown on the package comprising at least primary serviceable indicium to aid the wearer or caregiver with the application of said article and to ensure proper use and optimal performance of the article.

Abstract: An all-in-one packaging system is provided for holding a computer and a liquid crystal display (LCD) together. The computer has four standoffs. The LCD includes a screen and a board protruding from a back of the screen. The packaging system includes a pair of opposite first cushions, second cushions, and a carton. Each first cushion defines a window for receiving one end portion of the computer. A recess is defined in a top edge of each first cushion adjacent the window for receiving the screen of the LCD on the computer. The second cushions sits atop the pair of first cushions respectively. Accessory boxes are disposed on the second cushion. Each second cushion includes a bottom surface with a shape configured to fit the back of the LCD. The carton defines a housing for receiving the assembled first and second cushions, computer, LCD and accessory boxes therein.

Abstract: A structure of housing is to be arranged in such a way as not to involve a complication of a manufacturing process or damage to a sealing rubber, and moreover, not to involve a decrease in a mounting area of an electronic substrate, either.

Abstract: A component carrier tape having a longitudinal flexible strip; a plurality of pockets longitudinally positioned on the longitudinal strip and configured for receiving a component therein, each of the pockets separated from an adjacent pocket by a crossbar; wherein at least one crossbar includes at least one release feature.

Abstract: Provided are a carrier tape and a method of wrapping semiconductor devices using the carrier tape. The carrier tape may include a frame tape having perforation portions, and a pocket having a recessed bottom on which the semiconductor device may be received. The stopper may prevent the semiconductor device received in the recessed bottom from escaping from the pocket. The stopper may be capable of being attached/detached into/from the perforation portion. The carrier tape may be recyclable to be more environmentally friendly. In addition, even if a defective portion is generated on the pocket, the corresponding portion may be more easily replaced with a new one. Thus, it may be economically advantageous to use the carrier tape.

Abstract: Solid acid catalysts for use in alkylation processes are described. The solid acid catalysts include a multimetallic (e.g. bimetallic, trimetallic or tetrametallic) component that performs a hydrogenating function for the reactivation (or regeneration) of the catalyst in the presence of hydrogen. The multimetalic catalyst includes a noble metal such as platinum or palladium. The invention also relates to alkylation processes using the multimetallic solid acid catalysts having a multimetallic component for hydrogenation.

Abstract: Systems and methods for producing a crude product are described herein. Systems include an upstream contacting zone and a downstream contacting zone coupled to the upstream contacting zone. The upstream contacting zone and the downstream contacting zone include one or more catalysts. Contact of a hydrocarbon feed with the one or more of the catalysts produces a hydrocarbon feed/total product mixture having a molybdenum content of at most 90% of the molybdenum of the hydrocarbon feed. Contact of the hydrocarbon feed/total product mixture in downstream with one or more downstream catalysts produces a crude product having a molybdenum content of at most 90% of the molybdenum content of the hydrocarbon feed and at most 90% of the residue content of the hydrocarbon feed. Methods of producing a crude product using said systems are described herein. Compositions of said crude product produced from said systems and methods are described herein.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an iron-containing crystalline aluminosilicate, a hydrocracking catalyst comprising the same and a process for hydrocracking utilizing the catalyst, and employing the catalyst in hydrocracking for heavy oil results in easy production of great quality kerosene and gas oil having low contents of sulfur and nitrogen as well as increased production thereof.

Abstract: The invention relates to a hydrocarbon hydroconversion catalyst comprising a carrier based on refractory oxide, a metal of the group VIII, and a metal of the group VIB. Said catalyst is characterised in that it also comprises at least one organic compound selected from the alkene diols of formula (I) wherein R1 represents a C2-10 alkenylene group, preferably C2-4 alkenylene, a C6-18 arylene group, or a C7-18 alkylene-arylene group, and each R2 independently represents a hydrogen atom or a C1-18 alkyl group, a C1-18 alkenyl group, a C6-18 aryl group, a C3-8 cycloalkyl group, or a C7-20 alkylaryl or arylalkyl group, or the two groups R2 together form a divalent C2-18 group, the carbonated chain of the R2 groups containing or carrying at least one heteroatom selected from S, N and O. The invention also relates to a method for preparing one such catalyst, and to the use of said catalyst for hydrotreatment or hydroconversion.

Abstract: Methods for conversion of a hydrocarbon feed to a total product are described. Contact of the hydrocarbon feed with one or more catalysts produces the total product. The total product includes a crude product that is a liquid mixture at 25° C. and 0.101 MPa having a Ni/Fe/V content between 80% and 120% of the Ni/Fe/V content of the hydrocarbon feed, a molybdenum content of at most 90% of the molybdenum content of the hydrocarbon feed, a residue content of at most 90% of the residue content of the hydrocarbon feed, a C5/C7 content of at most 90% of the a C5/C7 content of the hydrocarbon feed. Hydrocarbon compositions of said crude products are described herein.

Abstract: A mixed matrix adsorbent is found for use in the removal of light alkanes from a gasoline stream. The mixed matrix comprises two adsorbents with one adsorbent having an LTA type structure and the other adsorbent having an MFI structure.

Abstract: A multi-layer filter of cotton, plastic mesh and burlap with top and bottom metal mesh is sandwiched between two sections of wooden frame and mounted on a wind chamber. An even non-deflected steady stream of air under the filter produces an electro dynamic charge in the filter to attract fine particles of gold, silver, platinum, or mercury to the filter from a steady stream of earth material, containing fine particles, flowing over the downwardly angled filter.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for separating granular material, especially a light grain selector for cereal crops or similar, comprising a sieve cage with at least two sieve layers that are provided with perforated plates. The sieve layers can be penetrated by air from below. The sieve cage is equipped with at least one oscillating drive unit while each sieve layer (2 to 5) encompasses a final separation zone.

Abstract: A device for presorting separated thin postal items to sorting final position areas of a postal item sorting machine according to the read distributing information and to the assigned sorting final position area includes at least two inputs for streams of postal items and at least two outputs each leading to a sorting final position area. All connecting paths with intersections are provided in a multiple manner between each respective input and each respective output. The postal items are distributed via corresponding switches to the multiple connecting paths from an input to an output in such a manner that, at the intersections, gaps develop that are required for postal items in the intersecting path and in the junctions.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for sorting a gas-driven stream of generally flat and light-weight articles of varying dimensions execute a, preferably optical, inspection and upon so finding a non-conforming article remove the latter from the stream. In particular, the inspection and the sorting are executed during a substantially straight movement of the articles. The removing is executed through gas driving in a direction substantially transverse to the straight movement. Advantageously, the inspection is preceded by orienting the articles through a centrifugal force that orients said articles against an inclined wall in a transition to the vertical movement. Also airflow means (83,84) can be used to confine the articles in a thin layer.

Abstract: An improved actuator for use in a microfluidic particle sorting system utilizes a staggered packing scheme for a plurality of actuators used to selectively deflect a particle in an associated sorting channel from a stream of channels. An actuator block may be provided for housing a two-dimensional array of actuators, each configured to align with an actuation port in an associated sorting chip containing a plurality of sorting channels. The actuator block may include a built-in stressing means to pre-stress each actuator housed by the block. An actuator comprising a piezo-electric stack may employ contact-based electrical connection rather than soldered wires to improve packing density. The actuator may be an external actuator. That is, the external actuator is external to the substrate in which the sorting channels are formed.

Abstract: A device for sorting particles. The device may include a channel structure that defines a channel having an inlet and first and second outlets. The device also may include first and second transport mechanisms. The first transport mechanism may be configured to create a particle stream of first particles and one or more second particles. Each particle may move along the channel from the inlet toward the first outlet and may be disposed in a fluid supported by the channel structure. The second transport mechanism may be configured to be pulse-activated to selectively move at least one of the second particles from the particle stream and toward the second outlet.

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 drainless reverse osmosis (RO) water purification system provides relatively pure water for on-demand dispensing, while recycling brine to a domestic hot water system. The drainless purification system includes a pre-filter catalyst cartridge for removing chlorine-based contaminants from a tap water supply upstream from an RO membrane. The catalyst is regularly refreshed by a high through-flow of water to a conventional cold water dispense faucet, thereby significantly prolonging the service life of the RO membrane. The RO membrane is incorporated into a multi-cartridge unit adapted for facilitated slide-out removal and replacement as needed. A control valve recycles brine from the RO membrane to the hot water system during pure water production, and recirculates tap water through the RO membrane when a pure water reservoir is substantially filled. The multi-cartridge unit may further include an air filtration system for providing a flow of filtered air.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system and method for transmitting information between a device within a housing to a second device, preferably a test or monitoring unit, outside of the housing. There are numerous issues associated with transferring information from within a sealed housing to an external device. In some cases, the use of wires inside the housing may be impractical, due to internal conditions, such as fluid flow, pressure or temperature. In one embodiment, the antenna of the external RF reading device is electrically connected to the dome of the housing. In another embodiment, the device within the housing is electrically connected to a housing component. In another embodiment, the gasket is used to pass information from within the housing to an external device.