Abstract: A gas evolving bipolar electrolysis system is provided which includes multiple cells. Each cell further includes a cathode, an anode, at least one inlet and at least one outlet for flow of electrolyte and the cathode and the anode are configured to maintain a variable interelectrode gap between the cathode and the anode. In some embodiments, the cell includes a membrane disposed between the electrodes and in some other embodiments the electrodes are coated with electrocatalysts configured to provide uniform current density on the electrode surface.

Abstract: A personal hydrogen fueling station capable of producing hydrogen from solar radiation at a good efficiency via combined photovoltaic and thermal energy and then storing hydrogen safely at a home or business site. The station comprises a hydrogen-generating unit that includes primarily: a) a solar energy conversion subsystem to capture solar radiation, with the subsystem comprising a photovoltaic device to convert a portion of the captured solar radiation to electricity and a solar thermal device to convert another portion of the captured solar radiation to heat energy; and b) a fuel cell electrolyzer that uses the converted electricity and heat to split water into hydrogen and oxygen, wherein the fuel cell electrolyzer operates at a temperature between 80° C. and 300° C.

Abstract: An amperometric membrane sensor that utilizes redox-carriers to transfer the redox potential of an oxidizing or reducing species to an electrode. The sensor consists of a membrane containing a first redox carrier, and a second redox carrier in the internal electrolyte of a membrane amperometric sensor. One implementation of this sensor utilizes a quinone carrier in a liquid membrane, and a vanadate carrier in the electrolyte to produce a sensor that responds to chlorine and chloroamine containing aqueous solutions. This strategy for the construction of an amperometric sensor allows the detection and quantification of redox-active membrane impermeant species.

Abstract: Provided is a metal double-layer structure in which a modified metallic member modified from a flat plate metallic member is bonded to be stuck to a plate material, manufacturing method thereof, and a method of regenerating a sputtering target using the method. The method includes the steps of: overlapping the plate material with the metallic member; inserting a rotary tool having a rotor and a probe projecting from a bottom surface of the rotor into a surface of the metallic member while rotated; bringing a distal end of the probe to a position close to a mating plane between the metallic member and the plate material to generate friction heat and stir the distal end, and moving the rotary tool to form adjacent motion tracks on the surface of the metallic member; and forming stirred areas along the mating plane to bond the metallic member and the plate material together, and modifying the metallic member into a modified metallic member.

Abstract: A gas sensor which comprises an An+1BnO(3n+1)±? type material in which A is an alkaline earth metal or lanthanide and B is a transition element or a group 13 element, and O is oxygen, n is an integer greater than or equal to 1, and 0???0.2.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a protective coating for an electrode of a sensor is described, the protective coating comprising an annealed catalyst, said annealed catalyst comprising at least one metal that has been subjected to thermal energy that is at least equivalent to or greater than that received from calcining the at least one metal for 24 hours at a temperature of 930 degrees C. in air. In another embodiment, the annealed catalyst will comprise at least one metal that has been subjected to thermal energy that is equal to or less than that received from calcining the at least one metal for 24 hours at 1030 degrees C. in air. In one exemplary embodiment, the annealed catalyst will comprise at least one metal that has been subjected to thermal energy that is equal to that received from calcining the at least one metal for 24 hours at 980 degrees C. in air.

Abstract: This application relates to electrode assemblies (100) for use in an electrochemical sensor, the electrode assembly comprising: a first conductive layer (2) comprising a first electrode surface (8) and a first contact area (11), a second conductive layer (4) comprising a second electrode surface (9) and a second contact area (12), and a first dielectric layer (3) where said first dielectric layer is adjacent to said first conductive layer, wherein said second conductive layer and said first dielectric layer do not cover at least a part of the first and at least a part of the second electrode surface and do not cover at least a part of the first and at least a part of the second contact area. It also relates to methods of manufacturing such electrode assemblies.

Abstract: An ion sensor includes a sensor main body having a channel for a sample and an opening connected to the channel, a responsive portion which is filled in the opening and selectively responds to a specific ion, an electrode which has a ring shape, is set such that a central axis of the ring is substantially perpendicular to a central axis of the channel, and senses the response, and an output terminal which is formed out of one metal plate out of which the electrode is formed, has a pin shape, and is held by the sensor main body such that an axis extends along a direction substantially perpendicular to the central axis of the channel and the central axis of the ring.

Abstract: The present invention provides a microchip for performing electrophoresis with electrochemical means, such as by pulsed amperometric detection (PAD), for the separation and detection of underivatized carbohydrates, amino acids, sulfur-containing antibiotics, etc. The present methods permit the direct detection of amines, thiols, alcohols and carbohydrates and therefore is a useful technique for the development of electrochemical detection for microchip electrophoresis.

Abstract: Surface 12's hydrophobic region 26 is surrounded by hydrophilic region 28. Hydrophobic region 26 is coated with first electrical insulator fluid 10 (e.g. oil). Surface 12 and first fluid 10 are submerged in second fluid 14 (e.g. water) having a high dielectric constant value relative to the first fluid's dielectric constant value and/or having non-zero electrical conductivity. An electric field is selectably applied between second fluid 14 and spaced-apart sections of hydrophobic region 26 to form compact volume portions 10A, 10B of first fluid 10 between the spaced-apart sections. Elongated volume portions of first fluid 10 remain on the spaced-apart sections of hydrophobic region 26, fluidicly interconnecting compact volume portions 10A, 10B. If the electric field is sequentially applied to different sections of hydrophobic region 26 during successive time intervals the compact and elongated volume portions of first fluid 10 are redistributed moved to different sections of hydrophobic region 26.

Abstract: The invention provides a system for activating an electronic paint including at least two independently movable ultrasonic transducers (20,22), an electronic brush (30) including an electronic-brush ultrasonic transducer (32), and a controller (40). The controller (40) is operably coupled to the two independently movable ultrasonic transducers (20,22) and the electronic-brush ultrasonic transducer (32). An electronic-brush location with respect to locations of the independently movable ultrasonic transducers (20,22) is determined from ultrasonic signals communicated between the ultrasonic transducers (20,22) and received by the controller (40).

Abstract: A method of delivering a treatment substance to a target substance in a treatment zone is disclosed. The method comprises providing a treatment substance responsive to an electric or magnetic field such that the treatment substance experiences a kinetic force when disposed in said field, providing an electric or magnetic field extending through a treatment zone, and disposing the treatment substance in the electric or magnetic field such that the treatment substance moves towards the treatment zone and contributes to a reaction with the target substance. A corresponding system is also disclosed.

Abstract: A primer (16) for forming a resin frame (17) is formed on an outer end portion (16p) of a separator (1) of a fuel cell. An electrodeposition coating device (2) includes an upper frame (21) and a lower frame (22), and covers only the outer end portion (16p) of the substrate (11) with a center portion (12) of the substrate (11) left uncovered. When the substrate (11) is sandwiched between the upper frame (21) and the lower frame (22) of the electrodeposition coating device (2), an annular electrodeposition chamber (31) is formed with the outer end portion (16p) of the substrate (11) located in the electrodeposition chamber (31). Then, the electrodeposition chamber (31) is filled with an electrodeposition coating solution (32), and electrodeposition coating is performed. Then, cleaning is performed by using purified water, and drying is performed by using high temperature air.

Abstract: A multi step process, which forms a Group VIA material layer, such as a selenium (Se) layer, having a thickness greater than 500 nanometers. The process includes electroplating a Se material layer, which has an amorphous micro-structure and which exhibits high electrical resistivity, on a workpiece and subsequently annealing the Se layer. Annealing process transforms the amorphous structure of the Se layer into a crystalline structure which is conductive. After the annealing, another Se layer can be electroplated onto the annealed Se layer. The electroplating and annealing steps can be repeated until the desired Se layer thickness is reached.

Abstract: A slurry comprises suspended aluminium particles in a colloid having dispersed colloidal particles of a metal oxide such as a hydroxide. The metal oxide is reducible by metallic aluminium. The slurry has such a basic pH that dissolution of the aluminium particles in the slurry is inhibited so that when the slurry is subjected to a heat treatment, the undissolved aluminium particles are reactable with the colloidal particles to form an aluminium-based mixture resistant to chemical attack made of aluminium oxide, metal aluminium and the metal of the colloidal particles. The slurry can be used to form an aluminium-based protective coating on a component, in particular of an aluminium electrowinning cell or an apparatus for treating molten aluminium.

Abstract: An electrolytic cell is suitable for production of aluminium, and includes at least one collector bar made of first metal and at least one complementary bar made of a second metal having an electrical conductivity greater than the first metal and arranged adjacent to one of the side faces of the collector bar so that the external end of the complementary bar is at a specified distance from a specified end face of the block. The second end terminates so as to limit heat losses from said cell. The cell makes it possible to obtain significantly lower voltage drops while avoiding excessive heat losses through the collector bars.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for adapting a CNC milling machine for electroerosion machining. The apparatus includes a tubular electrode on the distal end of an adapter shaft. A tool holder on the proximal end of the adapter shaft is mountable in the chuck of a cutter spindle in the milling machine. The adapter shaft is rotatably mounted within a bearing and an electrical brush contact subassembly, both of which are supported by a bracket. The bracket is attached to the milling machine but insulates it from the tool electrode. The bearing supports the adapter shaft in alignment with the CNC spindle. An electrical power supply energizes the electrode and the workpiece for electroerosion in a gap between them. Electrolyte is circulated through the spinning tool electrode during operation. The CNC computer is configured to operate the machine, power supply, and electrolyte flow for electroerosion machining.

Abstract: A method for the determination of the amount of cholesterol in high density lipoproteins in a high density lipoprotein containing sample, the method comprising reacting the sample with a PEG-ylated protein to selectively complex non-HDL lipoproteins in the sample with the PEG-ylated protein, or with a PEG-ylated enzyme capable of selective reaction with high density lipoproteins, and subsequently measuring the amount of cholesterol in the high density lipoproteins, for example using an electrochemical technique.

Abstract: The invention relates to novel methods and compositions for the detection of analytes using the nuclear reorganization energy, ?, of an electron transfer process.

Abstract: A souvenir display design is described comprising a transparent or translucent housing, the housing having at least one flattened surface for supporting the housing on a planar surface and a recess in a surface of the housing for frictionally receiving and engaging a souvenir. In another embodiment, the souvenir display comprises a keychain type configuration.

Abstract: A jewelry holder has an elongate body with a top end, an upper region adjacent the top end, and a bottom end. The top end and the upper region have a cylinder dimension sized to receive ring shaped jewelry onto the body. An enlarged portion of the holder near the bottom end of the body has a cylinder dimension sized larger than the top end and the upper region to prevent the ring shaped jewelry from removal from the body at the bottom end. A cap is removable from and attachable to the top end of the body, the cap having a cylinder dimension sized greater than that of the top end and the upper region such that jewelry placed on the body is retained on the body by the cap.

Abstract: A package for holding a plurality of containers. The package has panels that extend at least partially around an interior of the package. The panels comprise a top panel, a bottom panel, and an intermediate panel. At least one bottom aperture in the bottom panel is for at least partially receiving a container of the plurality of containers. At least one intermediate aperture is in the intermediate panel for at least partially receiving the container. At least one retention flap foldably is attached to the intermediate panel adjacent to the at least one intermediate aperture. The at least one retention flap is for providing a retention force to the container to restrain the container from removal from the package.

Abstract: An assembly for adding powder to a bottle of liquid product is disclosed herein. The assembly includes a section of bellows extending along an axis between a first end and a second end. The section of bellows is operable to collapse along the axis in response to an axially-directed force. The assembly also includes a top neck portion unitary and integrally-formed with the section of bellows at the first end and defining a first opening. The assembly also includes a cap releasable engageable with the top neck portion to selectively close the first opening. The assembly also includes a bottom neck portion unitary and integrally-formed with the section of bellows at the second end and defining a second opening. The bottom neck portion defines inwardly-facing threads for engaging outwardly-facing threads on the neck of a bottle. The assembly also includes a membrane disposed across the axis between the bottom neck portion and the section of bellows.

Abstract: Vacuum packed absorbent articles including diapers, kits thereof, and retail packages including vacuum packed and non vacuum packed absorbent articles are disclosed.

Abstract: A component system kit for assembling a dispensing apparatus is disclosed. The kit includes one or more inlet fittings, the inlet fittings configured to deliver a fluid from a fluid source; a pump body configured to connect with the one or more inlet fittings; an outlet elbow configured to connect with the pump body; and one or more outlet fittings configured to connect with the outlet elbow.

Abstract: An event kit for facilitating planning of the event and/or carrying out the event comprising a plurality of components useful in planning or coordinating the event. The kit may include deliverable items such as invitations or announcements with appropriate envelopes, forms adapted to be used to generate a list of action items, address labels, and envelope seals wherein at least two of the components include a common theme, color scheme or indicia.

Abstract: A film wrapper (99) comprises a tear tape (30) and at least one weakening line (10, 12) next to the tear tape (30), the longitudinal axis of the at least one weakening line (10, 12) being substantially perpendicular to the tear tape (30) (perpendicular weakening lines (10, 12)). An article is wrapped into the film wrapper. A multi-bladed knife (100) used for producing the film wrapper comprises a U-shaped or V-shaped first blade (110) and a second linear blade (112) parallel to the longitudinal axis of said first blade (110) and a third linear blade (111) perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the first blade (110).

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a tube to dispense a pair of liquids, such as, for example, different colored gels or pastes that are combined to form a toothpaste to be applied to a toothbrush. First and second exit ports from which the pair of liquids are dispensed communicate with first and second fluid chambers that are created by a partition wall that extends completely across the interior of a hollow tube body. A flip-up end cap is integrally connected to the tube body by means of a thin, flexible hinge so that the end cap is rotatable from a closed position at which to cover the first and second exit ports to an open position at which the exit ports are uncovered. A pair of exit port closures project from the flip-up end cap to be received within and block respective ones of the first and second exit ports when the end cap is rotated to the closed position.

Abstract: A printed paperboard retainer for holding compact discs, DVDs and the like includes a front panel, a back panel, inner panels, and a spine. At least one inner panel has an alignment opening for receiving a retaining button to snap-engage a recording medium. The spine is formed by a gap disposed between the inner panels, wherein the gap can be wider or narrower according to the number of recording media the retainer is arranged to hold.

Abstract: A bi-parting golf bag comprises a positioning body and two bi-parting movable brackets, wherein the bi-parting movable brackets are coupled with the positioning body via several hinges so that the bi-parting movable brackets are unfoldable. The positioning body has a bottom support on the bottom for supporting the weights of the bi-parting movable brackets. The positioning body and the bi-parting movable brackets have several insertion trenches longitudinally formed on the lateral insides for holding the golf clubs. The bi-parting movable brackets can be unfolded to expose the golf clubs completely so the golf clubs can be picked and placed easily.

Abstract: An ornamental covering that is an extruded, injected or molded from a plastic material. The ornamental covering is supported by a handle attached to a toilet tool. The handle is inserted into the center of the trunk. The ornamental covering includes a skirt attached at a bottom of the trunk.

Abstract: The invention describes a storage receptacle (1) for a cleaning device (4) that features a handle (6) and a cleaning head (5), particularly a toilet brush, wherein the storage receptacle (1) comprises at least a main chamber (3) for inserting and storing the cleaning device (4) as well as a closing and sealing arrangement that is coupled to the outer walls of the storage receptacle (1) in such a way that it can be pivoted from an open position into a closed position. According to the invention, the closing and sealing arrangement is formed by two shell elements (28a, 28b) that can be pivoted relative to one another. The storage receptacle (1) of the invention is characterized by the simple handling of the cleaning device (4) during its insertion and removal as well as by its appealing visual appearance.

Abstract: A sharps container for safe storage of used pen needles comprises a housing within which is rotatably mounted a used pen needle receiving and ejecting means. Used pen needles are inserted into the receiving means. The receiving and ejecting means is rotated; during the rotation, cam follower means connected to the ejecting means engages cam means within the housing to cause the ejection of the used pen needle into the housing.

Abstract: Vacuum packed absorbent articles including diapers, kits thereof, and retail packages including vacuum packed and non vacuum packed absorbent articles are disclosed.

Abstract: Vacuum packed absorbent articles including diapers, kits thereof, and retail packages including vacuum packed and non vacuum packed absorbent articles are disclosed.

Abstract: A system is provided for creating a spa-like environment including a package adapted to be opened and closed; a spa-related product disposed within the package; and a sound generator associated with the package, wherein the sound generator is adapted to automatically generate sound when the package is opened and to automatically cease generating sound when the package is closed, and wherein the sound generator includes a power source, a power switch, a sound storage device, and a sound emitting component. Also provided is a method for creating a spa experience in a home environment including providing a package including at least one spa-related product; and providing a sound generator associated with the package, wherein the sound generator generates a soothing sound when the package is in an open condition, and wherein the sound generator generates no sound when the package is in a closed condition.

Abstract: A stackable collapsible container for flowable materials. The container has a flexible outer skin and rigid support, having a top frame and bottom frame connected by poles. The top frame and bottom frame are designed for mating engagement when the containers are stacked, as well as for mating engagement when the containers are broken down for transport. The top frame and bottom frame are provided with similar perimeters to prevent undesired movement and contact between adjacent top frame when the containers are filled and transported.

Abstract: Vacuum packed absorbent articles including diapers, kits thereof, and retail packages including vacuum packed and non vacuum packed absorbent articles are disclosed.

Abstract: A system for dispensing packages is provided. The system includes a dispensing container having a plurality of packages arranged vertically therein. The container has top and bottom panels and side panels extending upwardly between the top and bottom panels. The side panels have rear portions spaced apart from each other and converge forwardly towards a front apex. A dispensing opening is defined by an upper front portion of each of the side panels and a front portion of the top panel. Each of the packages has a height that is substantially larger than the package width and depth. The dispensing opening defines a mouth of the container sized to limit the number of packages that can be simultaneously withdrawn from the container.

Abstract: A blister pack comprising a plurality of spaced blister cavities each configured to receive and store an individual dose of medicament for inhalation by a user is disclosed. The pack includes a foil layer and an outer polymer layer and each blister cavity, or a number of blister cavities, are separated from an adjacent blister cavity, or number of adjacent blister cavities, by a region of weakness formed by substantially removing or displacing a portion of the outer polymer layer from the foil layer.

Abstract: Vacuum packed absorbent articles including diapers, kits thereof, and retail packages including vacuum packed and non vacuum packed absorbent articles are disclosed.

Abstract: Extravascular system packaging systems are adapted to facilitate opening of the package and to facilitate one or more auxiliary uses of the packaging systems. Auxiliary uses include the use of at least a portion of the packaging system as a pre-insertion table and as a temporary disposal receptacle. In its use as a pre-insertion table, the packaging system is adapted to provide a stable temporary storage tool where the extravascular system is readily accessible to the medical practitioner. In its use as a temporary disposal receptacle, the packaging system is adapted to provide a stabilized receptacle adapted to temporarily receive a deployed needle assembly until the needle assembly can be properly disposed of in a sharps container.

Abstract: A combination golf tool apparatus that includes a case for receiving an adjustable shaft member. The adjustable shaft member including a helical groove for receiving a protrusion disposed within the case that guides and controls the linear positioning of the shaft member within the case. The adjustable shaft member further includes a convex surface opposite a head, the convex surface defines an upper end of a cavity defined within the case. The cavity is for insertion of an upper golf tee portion, such that rotating the shaft member adjustably positions the shaft member in the case thereby defining a distance in the cavity. The head includes a magnet disposed in a recess for receiving a metallic ball marker. The case further includes a divot tool clearance and means for storing a divot tool.

Abstract: Trays for securing an article of manufacture within a container include a recess for receiving at least a portion of the article of manufacture therein. The trays also may include one or more sidewalls extending from an edge of the tray towards a container-bearing surface of the tray. At least a portion of the sidewalls may comprise a plurality of generally curved regions defining a plurality of steps leading from the edge of the tray towards the container-bearing surface of the tray. Methods of packaging an article of manufacture include providing such a tray into a container, causing a surface of the tray to abut against a corner or edge of the container, and inserting the article of manufacture into the recess in the tray. Packages for shipping and/or storing such articles of manufacture may include one or more of such trays disposed within a container.

Abstract: A product carrier strip (1) comprising a transponder circuit (2, 3). When the product carrier strip is used, it is possible to trace back medicaments from a patient to a manufacturer, for example, for each individual product strip which is usually sold in an external packaging, together with several other product carrier strips. Product carrier strips with metallic extruded films (7) comprise a recess (8) whose edge is used as an antenna. a non-metallic extruded film is provided according to one varient of the invention.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a packaging, storage and display system for articles, such as small tools, like drill bits and the like. An index for holding the articles is pivotably mounted in a case. A rack, which may be selected from a variety of rack structures, is mounted within the index, for holding articles having particular sizes and shapes. A frame structure is resistively pivotably mounted on the index, so that the frame structure may be pivoted to a particular position relative to the index, and will tend to remain in that position, until a force in excess of a particular amount is exerted on the frame structure. The index and/or the frame structures may be interchangeably mounted.

Abstract: A process is disclosed for converting distillate to gasoline-range hydrocarbons using a two-stage catalyst system including a first catalyst containing platinum, palladium, or platinum and palladium, and an acidic support, and a second catalyst containing iridium and an inorganic oxide support, and optionally nickel.

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 and has a micro-carbon residue content of at most 90% of the micro-carbon residue content of the hydrocarbon feed.

Abstract: A process for slurry hydroprocessing, which involves preconditioning a slurry catalyst for activity improvement in vacuum residuum hydroprocessing units Preconditioning the slurry catalyst raises its temperature, thereby reducing shock on the catalyst slurry as it enters the hydroprocessing reactor.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for thermally cracking a hydrocarbon feed in an installation comprising a radiant section (6) and a convection section (7), wherein a hydrocarbon feed stock is fed to a feed preheater (1) present in the convection section (7), the heat pick-up of the feed preheater (1) is controlled by regulating the heat exchange capacity of an economiser (9), said economiser (9) being located in the convection section (7) between the feed preheater (1) and the radiant section (6), and wherein the feed heated in the preheater (1) is thereafter cracked in the radiant section. The invention further relates to an installation for cracking a hydrocarbon feed.