Abstract: Articles comprising a fibrous support of nanofibers and an interfacially polymerized polymer layer disposed on a surface of the fibrous support are useful, e.g., as fluid separation membranes.

Abstract: Systems and methods for injecting a fluid into a system are disclosed. The systems include a capillary tube having an inlet and an exit. The capillary tube being configured to release the fluid from a bladder when there exists a pressure difference between the inlet of the capillary tube and the exit of the capillary tube. The pressure difference being caused by a redirection attachment. The methods include causing a pressure differential within a first container. The pressure differential applies pressure to a bladder forcing the fluid to flow from the bladder through a capillary tube.

Abstract: The instant method involves intermittently infusing saline boluses into a patient's bloodstream during dialysis, and monitoring how long it takes for the bolus to complete a full circuit through the body. The concentrations versus time of one of more return flows as a result of the injected bolus are measured including a peak resulting from a fast circuit path, a peak resulting from a slow circuit path, and an average of the two aforementioned peaks. These parameters can be monitored over time in response to the injection of a plurality of boluses and their values over time used to determine the condition of the patient. Because of the rules governing abstracts, this abstract should not be used to construe the claims.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for separating a volume of whole blood into at least a plasma component and a red blood cell component comprising centrifuging a separation bag containing a volume of whole blood so as to separate therein at least a first component comprising plasma and a second component comprising red blood cells; transferring the first component into a plasma component bag during centrifugation of the separation bag; transferring into the separation bag a volume of wash solution from a wash solution bag during centrifugation of the separation bag; mixing the volume of wash solution with the second component; centrifuging the separation bag so as to separate therein a washed red blood cell component and a supernatant component; and transferring the supernatant component into a waste bag during centrifugation of the separation bag.

Abstract: Provided is a process for adsorptive separation of p-xylene from an aromatic hydrocarbon mixture comprising other isomers of xylene, and a device used therein. More specifically, the present invention provides a separation process employing simulated moving bed (SMB) adsorptive chromatography, characterized by subjecting the extracts eluted from a plurality of adsorption chambers arranged in parallel, to a crystallizer for additional separation, thereby improving productivity, and a device used therein.

Abstract: The present invention provides a surface-independent surface-modifying multifunctional biocoating and methods of application thereof. The method comprises contacting at least a portion of a substrate with an alkaline solution comprising a surface-modifying agent (SMA) such as dopamine so as to modify the substrate surface to include at least one reactive moiety. In another version of the invention, a secondary reactive moiety is applied to the SMA-treated substrate to yield a surface-modified substrate having a specific functionality.

Abstract: A mobile apparatus and method of operation for the pretreatment of wastewater to remove and concentrate fats, oils, grease and settled solids using vacuum flotation and a clarifier and returning the pretreated wastewater to the source structure, tank or sewer system. The vacuum flotation process is enhanced by injecting hydrogen peroxide to increase the dissolved oxygen concentration and a cationic emulsion polymer as a coagulant to the wastewater prior to removal into the vacuum flotation tank by vacuum pumping. The chemicals are completely mixed during the vacuum pumping and upon entering the flotation tank, the reduced partial pressure above the water surface causes the dissolve oxygen to come out of solution forming micron size bubbles that attach the coagulated oily solids and float to the surface.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for removing lignin from an aqueous solution. It is accomplished by adding a calcium compound and an aluminium compound to said solution. Said calcium compound is preferably calcium chloride and said aluminium compound is preferably a polymeric aluminium hydroxide salt.

Abstract: Composition and method of use for tannin based environmentally benign polymeric coagulants are disclosed. Tannin based coagulants are copolymers of naturally occurring tannins and a cationic monomer. One embodiment of the present invention provides for a composition of a tannin based polymeric coagulant which is comprised of N,N-(dimethylaminoethyl)methacrylate (MADAME) polymerized using t-butylhydroperoxide and sodium metabisulfite. The resulting polyMADAME is converted to hydrochloride and then blended/reacted in an aqueous medium with tannin to obtain a homogenous poly(MADAME)-Tannin composition. The method of use comprises adding an amount of the composition effective for the purpose of clarifying oily wastewater from food and beverage, steel, automotive, transportation, refinery, pharmaceutical, metals, paper and pulp, chemical processing and hydrocarbon processing industries.

Abstract: This invention is a method for cleaning and maintaining a membrane filtration element/system used in a continuous feed stream wherein an oxidizing agent that does not cause membrane damage is used as a cleaning agent. The cleaning agent used to maintain and clean the membrane is a biocide that is preferably an oxy-chloro species and most preferably a stable chlorous acid.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to porous composite materials comprised of a porous base material and a powdered nanoparticle material. The porous base material has the powdered nanoparticle material penetrating a portion of the porous base material; the powdered nanoparticle material within the porous base material may be sintered or interbonded by interfusion to form a porous sintered nanoparticle material within the pores and or on the surfaces of the porous base material. Preferably this porous composite material comprises nanometer sized pores throughout the sintered nanoparticle material. The present invention is also directed to methods of making such composite materials and using them for high surface area catalysts, sensors, in packed bed contaminant removal devices, and as contamination removal membranes for fluids.

Abstract: This invention is directed to systems and methods for removing lipids from a fluid or from lipid-containing organisms from a fluid, such as plasma. These systems combine a fluid with at least one extraction solvent, which causes the lipids to separate from the fluid or from the lipid-containing organisms. The separated lipids are removed from the fluid. The at least one extraction solvent is removed from the fluid or at least reduced to a concentration enabling the fluid to be administered to a patient without undesirable consequences. Once the fluid has been processed, the fluid may be administered to a patient who donated the fluid or to a different patient for therapy.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method and system for removing contaminants from seawater by an evaporation/condensation process. The method and system utilize alternative energy sources, such as geothermal, solar, and wind energy. The system may include a water separation unit powered by a geothermal system to sufficiently vaporize source water. The system may further include a first input line configured to receive the source water for distillation by the water separation unit. A first heat exchanger coupled to the first input line is powered by a plurality of energy harnessing devices. The first heat exchanger is configured to preheat the source water. At least one second heat exchanger powered by the plurality of energy harnessing devices is configured to condense the vaporized source water into a distilled water product. The plurality of energy harnessing devices are electrically connected to a roadway system electricity grid.

Abstract: A gas/liquid (e.g., air/oil) separator assembly. The assembly has a vessel having a top plate, a separator element within the vessel, an aperture in the top plate for receiving the separator element therethrough, and a lid fitted to seal with the top plate and cover the separator element in the vessel. The lid may be configured for threaded attachment to the top plate. Methods of use and servicing are also provided.

Abstract: To provide a quartz glass tool, for silicon wafer heat treatment, having a transparent grooving face, which is free from the deposition of particles of a transition metal element foreign material derived from glass dust or diamond blade produced by breakdown of acute irregularities based on opening of very small concaves and convexes and microcracks, causes no significant change in dimension also in cleaning with hydrofluoric acid, and can maintain a high degree of cleanness even after use of a long period of time, and to provide a process for producing the same. A quartz glass tool for silicon wafer heat treatment, comprising a wafer mounting member having a grooving face formed by machining, characterized in that the whole grooving face of the wafer mounting member is transparent, the surface roughness is 0.03 to 0.3 ?m in terms of center line average roughness (Ra) and 0.2 to 3.

Abstract: Merchandising devices are described for holding, displaying, dispensing, and organizing different types of products typically found in the rough electrical aisle of a retail store.

Abstract: A rack apparatus (100) includes a frame (110) and a plurality of retaining members (160) mounted on the frame. Each retaining member includes a plurality of retaining elements (166). Each retaining element includes a bracket (1662) and at least two arms (1664), an arm being respectively attached to each corresponding end of the bracket. Each arm includes a retaining portion (1668) bounding at least one opening (1669) therein.

Abstract: An organizer that is intended to hold multiple items that are used during outdoor cooking on a deck. The organizer includes a groove along the bottom surface adapted to fit snugly over the top of a deck rail, so that the organizer is self-supporting and easily accessible to a barbeque grill. The organizer also includes one or more hooks extending from the outer surface for hanging cooking utensils. Desirably it also includes a handle pivotally mounted thereon.

Abstract: The present invention provides a new decorative concrete rod device for material hanging & display which will allow the user to hang a variety of material goods including but not limited to, curtains, drapes, towels, and tapestries for decorative as well as practical purposes. The decorative concrete rod device is manufactured in such a manner to accept end point attachments for decorative needs while offering reinforced stone strength, beauty and integrity within its composition. The present invention is permanent in material yet versatile in finish as to allow color, design and shape variations.

Abstract: An infant feeding tray prevents an infant from pushing a dish from the eating surface of the tray. The tray includes a dish that is removably locked in an opening in the tray. A cup well is also provided to retain a conventional “sippy” cup therein. The dish is designed with a lip to aid the infant in maneuvering food with a eating utensil. A clamping arrangement permits the tray to be secured to a highchair or to a tabletop. A cover tray having an imperforate surface is disposed over the feeding tray to provide a play surface.

Abstract: A protector for a structural member includes a body having a front portion and opposite side portions that extend from at least part of the front portion to define a channel. The protector is locatable over the structural member so that at least a portion of that member is received within the channel. In one form, the side portions include an inwardly turned lip that defines a constricted throat of the channel. The protector may also include bearing members which are arranged to clamp onto the front base of the structural member. A two part protector is also disclosed with one part forming a base assembly for the structural member. The protector has particular application in storage racking systems and also disclosed are assemblies for use in the support structure of a storage racking system that incorporates the protector, and associated storage racking systems including such assemblies.

Abstract: A truss assembly apparatus includes a plurality of movable fastener securing devices. A controller moves the fastener securing devices to position the fastener securing devices in a selected pattern to provide for assembly of a truss. The apparatus includes a powered conveyor arrangement that moves the trusses through the apparatus during the assembly process.

Abstract: A vehicle-mounted collapsible game hanging assembly is provided that includes a storage receptacle and a game hanging apparatus. The game hanging apparatus has a configuration enabling it be collapsed and stored in the storage receptacle that may be mounted to a vehicle.

Abstract: A product packaging comprises a cap on a transparent bottle to seal in a protected product. The cap includes an RFID chip and antenna that can report a serial number and product identification code to a nearby scanner. Reports from several such scanners in the distribution chain from manufacturer to retailers are logged and used to validate legitimate products by their movements. The caps are designed such that when opened the RFID antenna will break away from its associated RFID chip. The cap is molded of cross-linked polymers with a memory that makes it impossible to reseat it properly to the bottle once removed. A hologram target is placed backwards under a label on the side of the bottle so a laser beam can be directed through the backside of the bottle, through the contents, and to the hologram. The reflected laser light will have a signature that is very sensitive to the exact chemistry of the contents.

Abstract: A bottle cap having a substance retained therein. The bottle cap engages threadedly a bottle containing a beverage therein. Such bottle cap includes a cylindrical member closed at a first end thereof and open at a second end thereof. There is a threaded portion disposed on an inner surface of the cylindrical member for engaging a threaded end of such bottle. A capsule like device is disposed inside the cylindrical member adjacent the closed end for retaining a substance to be dispensed into a beverage in such bottle. A device for piercing the capsule engages each of the threaded portion of the bottle cap and the capsule for piercing the capsule as the bottle cap is threaded onto such bottle thereby releasing contents of the capsule into such beverage for mixing therewith.

Abstract: An assembly comprising a container and a closure. The container has a neck, the neck having an interior surface and an exterior surface, the exterior surface having (a) a thread(s), (b) at least two sets of sloping teeth.

Abstract: A container closure system including a container cap and a container closure may be frictionally mated such that projections in the container closure removably lock interior projections of an opening in the container cap in spaces defined in the container closure projections to hold the container cap on the container closure.

Abstract: In a bottle 1 having a waist groove 61 and a grasping recess 63 nearly in the center of the height direction of a body portion 4 for imparting the sloped surface of a waist portion with necessary strength and restoring capability so that the denting and deformation of the sloped surface of the waist portion are prevented and for forming an easily graspable container even if it is a thin-wall container of which the weight has been decreased, a finger receiving recess 62 having the form of a convex curved surface toward an inside of the container is formed in a region including a container bottom portion side connecting face 61c of the waist groove 61.

Abstract: A device that has combined the function of a beverage or storage container with the function of a mobile phone and or music player holder into one unit. The device's utility is to provide the user with the benefit of not having to carry two or more items simultaneously (Container and phone/music player holder). With the integrated stretch band(s) and indented pocket(s) securing system, the device can simultaneously carry a beverage and phone and or music player. While the phone and or music player is attached to the device, the user has access to the controls on the phone or music player. While the phone or music player is attached, the device is able to slide in and out of common bottle and cup holders. The stretch band(s) and indented pocket(s) system allows for quick attachment and removal of the phone or music player.

Abstract: A substrate holder that forms a concavo-convex pattern on recording layers of both of front and back sides of a magnetic recording media is provided. The substrate holder includes an insulator member having a concave portion that holds the etching substrate and a through-hole formed just below the concave portion, and a conductive member having a convex portion that is engaged with the through-hole. A gap is defined between a front side of the convex portion and the bottom surface of the substrate in a state where the etching substrate is mounted on the concave portion, and a thickness of the gap is equal to or higher than 0.5 mm and equal to or lower than 1 mm, and a thickness of the insulator member is equal to or higher than 1 mm and equal to or lower than 15 mm.

Abstract: A composition and associated method for the chemical mechanical planarization (CMP) of tungsten-containing substrates on semiconductor wafers are described. The composition contains an anionic fluorosurfactant, a per-type oxidizer (e.g., hydrogen peroxide), and iron. The composition and associated method are effective in affording greatly reduced levels of tungsten etching during tungsten CMP. In some embodiments, certain aspartic acid compounds are also present in the composition and are effective in affording even lower levels of tungsten etching during tungsten CMP.

Abstract: Line edge smoothness in a hardmask etch process is improved by widening the chamber pressure process window by applying VHF power and increasing the chamber pressure to near the maximum value of the widened process window.

Abstract: Pitch multiplication is performed using a two step process to deposit spacer material on mandrels. The precursors of the first step react minimally with the mandrels, forming a barrier layer against chemical reactions for the deposition process of the second step, which uses precursors more reactive with the mandrels. Where the mandrels are formed of amorphous carbon and the spacer material is silicon oxide, the silicon oxide is first deposited by a plasma enhanced deposition process and then by a thermal chemical vapor deposition process. Oxygen gas and plasma-enhanced tetraethylorthosilicate (TEOS) are used as reactants in the plasma enhanced process, while ozone and TEOS are used as reactants in the thermal chemical vapor deposition process. The oxygen gas is less reactive with the amorphous carbon than ozone, thereby minimizing deformation of the mandrels caused by oxidation of the amorphous carbon.

Abstract: An apparatus and process for producing a porous particulate media, such as nano-porous silicon (npSi). The apparatus has a rigid etching chamber configured to contain an etching reagent, an inlet for introducing the etching reagent into the etching chamber, and an outlet for outflow of the etching reagent from the etching chamber. One or more porous filter bags contain powders of a starting material for the porous particulate media, and are secured apart from each other within the etching chamber to enable contact between the etching reagent and the powders within the filter bags. Each filter bag is characterized by a pore size sufficiently small to confine the powders within the filter bag but sufficiently large to enable the etching reagent to flow through the filter bag. The etching reagent is flowed through the filter bags to etch the powders within each bag and produce the porous particulate media.

Abstract: A confinement assembly for a semiconductor processing chamber is provided. The confinement assembly includes a plurality of confinement rings disposed over each other. Each of the plurality of confinement rings are separated by a space and each of the plurality of confinement rings have a plurality of holes defined therein. A plunger extending through aligned holes of corresponding confinement rings is provided. The plunger is moveable in a plane substantially orthogonal to the confinement rings. A proportional adjustment support is affixed to the plunger. The proportional adjustment support is configured to support the confinement rings, such that as the plunger moves in the plane, the space separating each of the plurality of confinement rings is proportionally adjusted. In one embodiment the proportional adjustment support is a bellows sleeve. A semiconductor processing chamber and a method for confining a plasma in an etch chamber having a plurality of confinement rings are provided.

Abstract: Apparatuses are provided for controlling flow conductance of plasma formed in a plasma processing apparatus that includes an upper electrode opposite a lower electrode to form a gap therebetween. The lower electrode is adapted to support a substrate and coupled to a RF power supply. Process gas injected into the gap is excited into the plasma state during operation. The apparatus includes a ground ring that concentrically surrounds the lower electrode and has a set of slots formed therein, and a mechanism for controlling gas flow through the slots.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for processing a photolithographic substrate, comprising the placement of the photolithographic substrate on a support member in a chamber wherein the photolithographic substrate has an initial temperature of about zero degrees Celsius to about fifty degrees Celsius. A heat transfer fluid is introduced into the chamber to cool the photolithographic substrate to a target temperature of less than about zero degrees Celsius to less than about minus forty degrees Celsius. The cooled photolithographic substrate is subjected to a plasma process before the temperature of the cooled photolithographic substrate reaches the initial temperature.

Abstract: A substrate processing apparatus that can accurately control the temperature of a focus ring without causing abnormal electric discharge and the back-flow of radio frequency electrical power during the application of radio frequency electrical power. A wafer is mounted on a mounting stage disposed in a housing chamber. An annular focus ring is mounted on the mounting stage in such a manner as to surround the peripheral portion of the mounted wafer. The pressure in the housing chamber is reduced, radio frequency electrical power is applied to the mounting stage, and the focus ring generates heat by itself.

Abstract: A method for producing a porous flow-through element for use in an electrokinetic infusion pump is provided and generally includes providing a porous membrane that is entirely porous along both its length and width, treating the membrane by selectively inactivating portions of the membrane in a desired pattern to define active regions that allow fluid flow therethrough and inactive regions that do not, and laminating the treated membrane. Various techniques can be used to treat the membrane including, for example, applying a heated embossing die to the membrane, contacting selected portions of the membrane with laser energy, applying a pore-penetrating chemical to the membrane, and cutting and removing selected portions of the membrane. The resulting treated membrane can be laminated between opposed films having one or more perforations therethrough with each perforation being aligned with an active region to define a fluid flow pathway therebetween.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for MIG welding is disclosed. When in an ac mode the output is unbalanced, or the balance may be controlled. The balance may be controlled to provide a desired deposition rate and/or to obtain a desired dilution. The frequency may be any frequency, for example 30 Hz, 60 Hz, 90 Hz, or more. The weld path may have groove with angle of less than 50 degrees. A consumable, cored, wire may be used, and provide at rates of 30 or 35 pounds per hour using a single arc. In various embodiments the balance may have a negative portion of at least 1.5 times the positive portion. The process may be started using an extended negative portion, for example 0.5 or 0.75 seconds.

Abstract: The invention provides a driving unit of welding equipment capable of steadily implementing rotation-stop of a pressure application shaft without enlarging the diameter of a hole of a rotary shaft of the motor while the entire length of the welding equipment is shortened and an entire gun is rendered downsized, lightweight and compact.

Abstract: A system, in some embodiments, includes a multi-torch power supply. The power supply has a first circuit configured to control output to a first electrical torch, and a second circuit configured to control output to a second electrical torch. The power supply also has a power source configured to supply power to the first and second circuits to enable both independent and simultaneous operation of the first and second electrical torches.

Abstract: An arc detector is provided for a plasma processing system including a HF power source, a plasma processor, and a voltage/current signal detector. The arc detector includes a calculator for the phase difference between the AC voltage signal and the AC current signal, a calculator for an effective voltage based on the AC voltage signal, a calculator for an effective current based on the AC current signal, an FFT processor for the frequency spectrum of the AC voltage or current signal, and an arc analyzer connected to the phase difference calculator, effective voltage calculator, effective current calculator, and FFT processor. The arc analyzer calculates the plasma processor's impedance based on the calculated phase difference, effective voltage, and effective current. The arc analyzer monitors arcs in the plasma processor, based on the fluctuation rate of the calculated impedance and the output level of a frequency component in the spectrum. (FIG.

Abstract: A system for laser microperforated fresh produce trays for use in modifying or controlling the flow of oxygen and carbon dioxide into and/out of a fresh produce container, where the microperforations are specifically tailored such as by size, location and number for the specific produce. The packaging system tailors microperforated trays for particular produce to optimally preserve the produce, using a method of making registered microperforations on the trays using at least some of the following: a conveyor, a thickness measuring devise, a sensor mechanism, and a laser system including optics.

Abstract: A positioning device of the type described characterised by the incorporation of the puck into a closed circuit gas system from which the puck establishes the flow of fluid to provide the fluid cushion. Typically the positioning device is characterised by the provision of a heat transfer mechanism incorporated in the closed circuit to provide for heat exchange between the heat transfer mechanism and gas flowing around the system. The puck is coupled to a lens and a mask to provide for close following of a surface of a work-piece so as to keep a magnified image of the mask stable; the combination of puck, lens and mask forming a unit counterbalanced by a counterweight acting to provide for adjustment of focus of the laser beam relative to the surface of the work-piece.

Abstract: An arc start control method is provided for consumable electrode arc welding. According to this method, a welding wire, supplied through a welding torch, is brought into contact with a work. Then, an initial current is applied to the welding wire and the work that are held in contact with each other. Then, an initial arc is generated by moving the welding wire away from the work with the application of the initial current maintained, and thereafter the initial arc is changed to a steady arc. The initial current is increased gradually with a predetermined increase rate for a predetermined period of time starting at beginning of the application of the initial current.

Abstract: A system and method for identifying, recording, and storing specific settings for an interface device of a welding-type system includes a bezel forming a marking surface that extends about a portion of a periphery of the interface device to display user markings and allow the markings to be selectively erased. The marking surface may be designed to receive color-coded markers that engage the marking surface through suction, magnetism, or peg-and-receptacle couplings to indicate desired settings of the interface device to perform a specific welding-type process. Additionally, if the interface device is a dial, a pointer may be coupled with the dial that is movable independently from the dial to indicate a desired dial setting.

Abstract: A system and method for determining a wear condition of a welding consumable includes a welding torch having a consumable component and a wire delivery system configured to deliver wire to the welding torch during a welding process. The welding system also includes a power source configured to deliver power to the welding torch to perform the welding process. A controller is included that is configured to monitor at least one operational characteristic of the delivery of wire to the welding torch over a selected period, determine a wear condition of the consumable component from the at least one operational characteristic, and generate a signal indicating detection of the wear condition.

Abstract: An apparatus for forming a bag assembly includes opposing die members. Each die member has a perimeter-welding portion for forming a perimeter-weld of the bag assembly and a tube-welding portion for forming a tube-weld of the bag. During operation, first the perimeter-welding and tube-welding portions weld the bag assembly simultaneously, then the perimeter-welding portions are moved to increase the distance between them. When the perimeter-welding portions are moved apart, welding by the perimeter-welding portions is generally suspended while welding by the tube-welding portions may continue.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling a welding-type power supply includes providing a current wave form having an arc current portion and a short circuit current portion. An arc state is entered by retracting a welding wire, and a short circuit state is entered by advancing the wire. The current enters the arc current portion prior to the creation of the arc and the current enters the short circuit current portion prior to the creation of the short, by coordinating the wave form with the wire retraction. This may be preformed on a wire having a diameter of 2.4 mm or more to a weld and applying a welding current of less than 100 amps, or of less than 35 amps. One current waveform during the arc state includes at least three segments, and the last segment is entered into prior to the short circuit state being entered, and is the same current magnitude as the current magnitude at the start of the short circuit state.