Abstract: The present disclosure relates to an apparatus and method for depositing coatings on the surface of a workpiece with sputtering material in an ion plasma environment. The apparatus may include a magnetron including a core cooling system surrounded by a magnet assembly and target material having a surface capable of providing a source of sputtering material. An RF plasma generation assembly is also provided in the apparatus including an RF antenna capable of providing an RF plasma and drawing ions to one or both of the workpiece surface and target material surface.

Abstract: A NOx gas sensor for measuring NO, NO2 and NOx gas content from automotive exhaust including a method for producing such a gas sensor. The NOx gas sensor generally includes a substrate, and a plurality of electrodes preformed and located on one side of the substrate. A platinum heater is located the other and opposite side of the substrate. A coating of nano-crystalline powders of a semi-conducting oxide material can be located and configured on the plurality of electrodes preformed on the substrate, thereby forming a gas sensor for the detection of NOx. The substrate may be composed of a ceramic material, glass, alumina and/or another type of high-melting material. The electrodes, along with the heater are preferably composed of platinum. The semi-conducting oxide material preferably comprises YMnO3 or doped YMnO3.

Abstract: A nanostructured working electrode of an electrochemical sensor wherein the working electrode is composed of a material in the form of a film and is inserted onto the sensor. The electrode can be prepared from materials the use of which was impossible in the working electrodes known in the art (e.g. metals of defined purity).

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a device for mixing micro-fluids while pumping them or a device for pumping and simultaneously mixing the liquids and bio-molecules and a method for mixing and simultaneously pumping the liquids, and more particularly to a device for mixing and pumping micro-fluids having electrode pairs, in which each pair consists of two electrodes: an electrode pair having a first electrode and a second electrode with a greater width than the first electrode are disposed in parallel, provided on at least one internal face of a liquid channel and a method for mixing and pumping micro-fluids by applying an alternating current voltage to the electrode pair. According to the present invention, an alternating current electro-osmosis occurs near an electrode pair comprising a relatively narrow electrode and a wide electrode to produce complicate flow characteristics so that liquids are effectively mixed and simultaneously pumped in the fields of a small medical device or a small fluid device, etc.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a high-density parallel channel design for a microfabricated capillary array electrophoresis chip, with vertical T or double T design for sample injection. An alternative embodiment of the invention includes a closed buffer reservoirs with integrated electrodes and buffer feeding ports. Also disclosed are novel sample loading and injection methods, including the use of using either a capillary array connected to an electrode, or an array of metal pens as the loader/electrode.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of the presence or absence of one or more peptide markers in a sample from a subject for the diagnosis of arteriosclerosis and to a method for the diagnosis of arteriosclerosis, wherein the presence or absence of the peptide marker or markers is indicative of the existence of arteriosclerosis.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention are directed to apparatus, methods, and applications involving the actuation of a semi-insulative working fluid by electromechanical forces based on electrowetting-on-dielectric (EWOD) and liquid dielectrophoresis (liquid DEP) mechanisms that are controlled by the frequency, but not the magnitude, of an AC voltage (i.e., ‘frequency-addressable). In the various apparatus embodiments of the invention, a single, frequency-addressable electrode pair includes at least one electrode that has a spatially-varying dielectric coating thickness and thus a spatially-varying electrode gap wherein at least a portion of which a volume of a working fluid can stably reside under no influence of an applied voltage. In an exemplary aspect, a frequency-addressable, bistable apparatus includes at least one wider gap and one narrower gap associated, respectively, with a thicker and a thinner dielectric coating thickness of the electrode(s).

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for electrochemical modification of liquid streams employing an electrolytic cell which utilizes an oxidation site defined by an anode, an anode compartment comprising liquid electrolyte anolyte where oxidation is effected, a cathode compartment comprising liquid electrolyte catholyte where reduction is effected, a cathode comprising conducting cathode particulates forming a cathode particulates bed and a current feeder device in at least intermittent contact with said cathode particulates where the cathode particulates are in motion and the particulates motion is substantially independent of bulk electrolyte flow, a separator which confines the cathode particulates to the cathode compartment, constrains electrolyte flow through the cathode particulates bed and permits ionic conduction of current between the anode and cathode, a cathode particulates conveyance system that manipulates cathode particulates motion.

Abstract: A single-sided electrowetting-on-dielectric apparatus, which is useful for microfluidic laboratory applications, is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a substrate, an array of control electrode elements disposed on the substrate, a first dielectric film disposed on, and overlaying, the substrate and tie array of control electrode elements, at least one ground electrode element disposed on the first dielectric film, a second dielectric film disposed on, and overlaying, the first dielectric film and the at least one ground electrode element, and an electrowetting-compatible surface film disposed on the second dielectric film. A method of making the apparatus is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a thin film magnetic head can suppress dulling of a magnetic pole tip portion of a write magnetic pole during ion milling carried out when forming the write magnetic pole, and can also suppress fluctuation and nonuniformity in the write core width of the write magnetic pole. The method includes a laminating process of successively laminating a lower magnetic pole layer, a gap layer on the lower magnetic pole layer, and an upper magnetic pole layer on the gap layer to produce a laminated film and an ion milling process of irradiating the laminated film produced by successively laminating the lower magnetic pole layer, the gap layer, and the upper magnetic pole layer from above with an ion beam to trim the laminated film to a narrow width and thereby form the lower magnetic pole layer, the gap layer, and the upper magnetic pole layer into a write magnetic pole.

Abstract: A trivalent chromium electroplating solution in accordance with the present invention contains at least one trivalent chromium salt for electroplating a chromium coating layer on a workpiece. By using the low toxic trivalent chromium to substitute highly toxic hexavalent chromium, an electroplating process of the present trivalent chromium electroplating solution has less pollution.

Abstract: A method of anodizing steel, wherein a steel object is connected to a positive terminal of a power supply, a counter electrode is connected to a negative terminal of the power supply, the steel object and counter electrode are placed into a solution of KOH or NaOH, and a voltage is applied across the terminals to anodize the steel object by forming a adherent blue-black or semi-adherent dichroic colored oxide coating thereon.

Abstract: Nanoplatelet forms of metal hydroxide and metal oxide are provided, as well as methods for preparing same. The nanoplatelets are suitable for use as fire retardants and as agents for chemical or biological decontamination.

Abstract: The present invention relates to process to prepare a chlorine-containing compound using an aqueous salt solution containing at least 100 g/l of sodium chloride and a contaminating amount of polyvalent cations comprising the steps of (i) preparing an aqueous salt solution containing at least 100 g/l of sodium chloride and at least 0.01 ppm of polyvalent cations by dissolving a sodium chloride source in water, (ii) adding an effective amount of at least one positive retention enhancing component to the aqueous solution, (iii) subsequently subjecting the solution to a nanofiltration step, thereby separating the solution into a retentate which is enriched for polyvalent cations and a permeate which is the purified aqueous salt solution, (iv) reacting the chloride anions in the permeate to a chlorine- containing compound by an electrolysis step, and (v) recycling at least part of the retentate to dissolution step (i).

Abstract: A water integrated photovoltaic (WIPV) system including a plurality of interconnected photovoltaic cells covering at least a portion of a body of water, wherein at least some of the photovoltaic cells have a solar collecting surface covered by the water, and a processing unit electrically connected to and powered by the photovoltaic cells, the processing unit comprising a fluid connection from the body of water for processing the water.

Abstract: A surface treatment device for applying a surface treatment medium to an article is provided with the surface treatment device having an application member for applying the surface treatment medium to the article and an electrode, which applies an electrical potential between the application member and the article. The device provides localised treatment to the article and can remove oxide layers or the like from metallic materials without removing or damaging the underlying metallic material.

Abstract: A sensor for measuring electrochemical corrosion potential includes an electrical conductor, a metal-oxide layer disposed on the electrical conductor, and a zirconia-containing layer disposed on the metal-oxide layer, wherein the zirconia-containing layer is disposed about the electrical conductor using thermal spraying, wire arc, ion plasma cathodic arc deposition, laser ablation, chemical vapor deposition, physical vapor deposition, electroplating, electroless plating, electrochemical oxidation, chemical oxidation, electrophoretic deposition, or radio-frequency sputtering.

Abstract: A bilirubin sensor has a working electrode with a first chemical matrix disposed thereon that contains a binder, a substrate electrode with a second chemical matrix dispose thereon that contains a binder and a chemical agent that consumes bilirubin, a reference electrode, a sample chamber containing the working electrode, the substrate electrode and the reference electrode, and a method of measuring bilirubin in a body fluid.

Abstract: Described herein is a portable storage device that stores a hydrogen fuel source. The storage device includes a bladder that contains the hydrogen fuel source and conforms to the volume of the hydrogen fuel source. A housing provides mechanical protection for the bladder. The storage device also includes a connector that interfaces with a mating connector to permit transfer of the fuel source between the bladder and a device that includes the mating connector.

Abstract: A soap dish includes an open first container including parallel slits on a bottom; and a second container fitted in the first container and including rows of conic top projections, the rows of projections being adapted to support a soap bar, and rows of apertures each row of apertures being disposed between two adjacent rows of projections. Water stored in the second container is adapted to flow to the first container by passing the apertures, water stored in the first container is adapted to carry off through the slits, and outside air is adapted to reach a bottom of the soap bar via the slits and the rows of apertures. This can maximize air flow around the soap bar. In one embodiment, the aperture is shaped as a funnel. Also, the apexes of the rows of projections are either flush with each other or shaped as a concave curve.

Abstract: Devices, methods and kits are disclosed for both providing antiseptic and adhesive to a skin surface in one step. Various kits are presented to contain the combination adhesive-antiseptic solution. The applications of the kit include the prepping of a penis prior to the fitting of an external condom catheter.

Abstract: The invention teaches an apparatus and method for using an apparatus that protects golf clubs carried in an angled presentation type golf bag from contact with other golf clubs. It is emphasized that this abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract that will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims.

Abstract: The invention relates to a golf bag for receiving golf clubs, comprising a tubular housing part and a storage space for golf clubs forming an inner rotating device which is rotatably arranged inside the tubular housing about the longitudinal axis thereof, wherein an outer rotating device is also provided as a storage space for other golf clubs and/or golf utensils, such that the inner rotating device is arranged inside the annular outer rotating device. The outer rotating device, which is arranged inside the tubular housing part and which can be rotated relative thereto about a common longitudinal axis, and the tubular housing part are respectively provided with a longitudinal opening which extends along the length thereof, enabling golf clubs to be removed laterally from the rotating device or to be inserted into said rotating device(s).

Abstract: A golf bag has an extensible stand which incorporates legs having a compound bend. The legs provide increased stability when deployed, without increasing the splay angle of the leg pivots. The compound bend in the legs also permits the legs to fold compactly against the golf bag body.

Abstract: A block molded from a polymeric material has a through passageway to contain a percussive shock wave. Angularly related channels communicate with the containment passageway for receiving arcuate segments of detonation cord. Alignment of a plurality of blocks provides a convenient packaging setup for the cord. A percussive signal traveling along the cord can be short-circuited in the packaging setup. A diode version of the block can react to the signal in a given direction of travel.

Abstract: A blood vessel preservation device is disclosed comprised of a vessel cannister, cannister cap, vessel alignment insert, pulsatile pump and both inlet and outlet tubing. The vessel canister is advantageously configured as a hollow tube-like structure with a central bore having one open terminus—the proximal terminus—and a closed distal terminus—similar to a large test tube—. Integrated embodiments of the device are disclosed wherein blood is provided from natural circulation and returns thereto. Non-integrated embodiments are also disclosed wherein sufficient blood is provided to the device and thereafter the device functions separate and apart from a patient's circulatory system.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a composition comprising from about 0.1% to about 10% of a hydrophobic structuring agent; from about 0.1% to about 10% of a hydrophilic surfactant; from about 0.01% to about 5% of a non-crosslinked water-soluble polymer; and water, wherein the composition has a viscosity above about 15,000 cps, and has a highest G? below about 15,000 dyne/cm2 and a highest tan ? above about 0.4 in the angular frequency range of from about 0.1 rad/sec to about 1 rad/sec. The present invention also relates to a cosmetic product comprising a) a composition comprising from about 0.1% to about 10% of a hydrophobic structuring agent, from about 0.1% to about 10% of a hydrophilic surfactant; from about 0.

Abstract: Dunnage for storing and handling parts, such as automotive steering wheels, comprises identical vacuum-formed dunnage sections having tapering walls enabling the sections to be nested in each other. Sections may also be stacked upon each other and are provided with parts receiving pockets whereby when the sections are stacked to form a closed container, the pocket in the stacked sections cooperatively hold the parts separated from each other, thereby avoiding damage to the parts. Two or more of the dunnage containers may be stacked on each other and projections and cavities on the stacked containers interfit to prevent lateral movement and collapse of the stack.

Abstract: The invention relates to an active package and/or an active package closure having different formats, made of metal and/or synthetic and/or natural associated or not materials. According to said invention, at least one element and/or component of said packages contains and distributes one or several dietary additives and complements and/or ingredients and technological auxiliaries used for producing foods an cosmetics. The inventive bioactive packages and closures are provided with novel specific functions such as additive and/or technical and/or antimicrobial functions with respect to a packed product. Said bioactive packages and closures confer to packed products sanitary, organoleptic and nutritional characteristics and are used for controllingly preserving the products during packaging, storage, transportation and distribution thereof.

Abstract: Packaging for an article of manufacture, which includes a base with a ledge formed on its interior, a holder disposed within the base for holding an item, and a lid above the base. The holder, base, and lid may be transparent. The holder may suspend the item above a surface to give the item the appearance that it is floating within the packaging.

Abstract: A portable workstation for beadcrafting operations is provided. The workstation includes a base including at least one receptacle for holding parts such as beads, preferably in a desired pattern. A cover interfittable with the base includes a seal portion that engages and surrounds the receptacle so as to maintain the parts in their desired position, despite movement of the workstation.

Abstract: A packaged kit for storing an instant fragrance dispensing assembly includes a storage container having a sealed interior chamber containing porous reeds in a fragranced liquid. The porous reeds and the fragranced liquid are put in the storage container, placed in contact with each other, and the storage container is sealed. The packaged kit provides instant and continuous fragrance to a room by opening the sealed storage container and transferring the porous reeds and the fragranced liquid from the storage container to a holding container. A portion of the porous reeds extend from the holding container and release the fragrance from the exposed fragrant liquid into the surrounding area.

Abstract: A method for treating crude or residual fuel oil includes extracting vanadium from the fuel oil by contacting the fuel oil with an adsorbent and a solvent. The adsorbent may be modified with a compound having both acidic functionality and basic functionality. The method provides effective removal of vanadium from crude or residual fuel oil at moderate temperatures.

Abstract: A process and composition for removing heavy oil and bitumen from oil sands is disclosed. The composition comprises an emulsion of d-limonene and water, with an anionic surfactant as an emulsifying agent. The emulsion is contacted with an oil sand slurry until the aqueous and hydrocarbon phases separate. The process may take place at temperatures less than about 80° C.

Abstract: A vibrating screening machine for grading bulk materials and the like, with a housing and two sidewalls on which at least one screen deck is mounted on which a screen lining is retained, and a drive means to cause the screen deck to vibrate. Via a material feed, bulk material to be screened is fed and via at least one fine-grain discharge, fine-grain bulk material, and via at least one coarse-grain discharge, coarse-grain bulk material is discharged. The mounting points provided on the sidewalls for mounting at least one screen deck are aligned with a defined grid.

Abstract: A screening machine for screening bulk material and the like comprising a housing and two sidewalls at which a screen deck is disposed, the screen deck comprising cross-members mounted on the sidewalls and longitudinal members which are mounted on the cross-members and receive an exchangeable screen lining. Said longitudinal members are clamped to the cross-members by means of removable mounting ties from two different directions.

Abstract: Device for classifying products such as fruits, comprising: a number of product carriers for carrying the products in a transport path of a conveyor with classification outlets, radiating means for irradiating the products, one or more radiation receiving elements for receiving a radiation sample of radiation emitted by the radiating means once it has irradiated the product during transport of the products by the conveyor.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method to separate particles having a first granulometry, between some hundredths of a millimeter and about 6 tenths of a millimeter, from an incoherent mass of woody material consisting of particles of wood and contaminants, having a second granulometry between some hundredths of a millimeter and about 10 mm. The apparatus has fixed screening elements, substantially tubular in shape, inside which rotary members are mounted rotatable, which impart to the mass a determinate centrifugal force. The fixed screening elements are provided with a plurality of through apertures through which the particles having the first granulometry pass. The apparatus also has command members which impart to the rotary members a determinate peripheral velocity such as to apply to each unitary quantity of mass a centrifugal force sufficient to expel the contaminants having the first granulometry through the through apertures.

Abstract: A liquid filter assembly including a first liquid filter; a second different liquid filter element; a housing and a relief valve. The liquid filter assembly forms a first liquid flow path having the first liquid filter element therein, and a second liquid flow path having the second liquid filter element therein. The first liquid filter element forms a mixing chamber in a center of the first liquid filter element for mixing the liquid filtered by the first liquid filter element and the liquid filtered by the second liquid filter element. The relief valve is configured to allow liquid to bypass the second liquid flow path to mix with liquid filtered by the first liquid filter element in the mixing chamber.

Abstract: A filter assembly (10) for a floor drain including a strainer (11) adapted to be located in the floor drain and a filter basket (13) detachably secured to the strainer (11) on the underside thereof to extend into the floor drain to filter liquid passing through the strainer (11). The strainer (11) includes an upper set of slots (19) and a lower set of slots (18) and may be secured to the strainer (11) by a fastener (29) or frictionally engaged with the strainer (11).

Abstract: Circulation systems for ponds, lakes, or other bodies of water. In one set of embodiments, water is drawn up from the depths of the body for exposure to the atmosphere and to generate an overall, high flow circulation pattern throughout the entire body. In other embodiments, the circulation in the body of water is primarily limited to an upper aerobic zone with only small and controlled volumes from a lower anaerobic zone being brought up. Each system preferably includes a flotation platform, dish, impeller, and draft tube with specific modifications to the various systems to adapt them for use in a variety of environments.

Abstract: A pumping/dispensing system is disclosed that is able to efficiently pump and dispense resist solution, anti-reflective coating (ARC) solution, or other solutions, with less bubbles, such as micro-bubbles, and/or less dissolved gas. The system has a pump that separates bubbles from the solution prior to dispensing the solution outside of the system. A circulation loop is provided in which the solution passes through a filter before being pumped. A pressure drop across the filter is sufficient to induce bubbles at the back end of the filter, and these bubbles are separated and removed by the pump before dispending. Accordingly, little or no further bubbles are formed at the pressure drop of the outlet when dispensing the solution.

Abstract: An upflow bioreactor includes a vessel having an inlet and an outlet configured for upflow operation. A septum is positioned within the vessel and defines a lower chamber and an upper chamber. The septum includes an aperture that provides fluid communication between the upper chamber and lower chamber. The bioreactor also includes means for releasing pressure buildup in the lower chamber. In one configuration, the septum includes a releasable portion having an open position and a closed position. The releasable portion is configured to move to the open position in response to pressure buildup in the lower chamber. In the open position fluid communication between the lower chamber and the upper chamber is increased. Alternatively the lower chamber can include a pressure release line that is selectively actuated by pressure buildup. The pressure release mechanism can prevent the bioreactor from plugging and/or prevent catastrophic damage to the bioreactor caused by high pressures.

Abstract: The invention relates to bio water purifier which improves the structure of water molecular and changes the water to weak alkali drinker. The invention comprises a sediment filter removing rust and floating matters in the water, a precarbon filter removing chlorine and impurities in the water, a ceramic material tube improving the water molecule, maximizing movement of the water molecule and making weak alkali water by radiating far infrared ray, a silver carbon filter removing odor and bacteria in the water and activating the water, and a ceramic filter removing various harmful matters in the water.

Abstract: An oil filter assembly with a housing which comprises a receiving chamber for a filter element can be inserted into the housing and through which oil can flow in a radial direction, and with a housing lid that closes the receiving chamber, wherein a pure oil or unfiltered oil opening that is surrounded by a pipe socket, and a channel chamber extending in the longitudinal direction of the receiving chamber are provided at the bottom of the receiving chamber. A drainage plate is provided in the bottom area of the receiving chamber, which is disposed on the pipe socket such that it can be axially displaced to at least a certain degree and has a closing means, wherein at least one pressure spring is disposed between the drainage plate and the bottom such that in the operating position when the housing is closed and the filter element is inserted, the drainage plate is loaded by the filter element against the spring force and the closing means closes a drainage opening of the channel chamber.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a filter module comprising a body of wound layers of a sheet material, said sheet material having a plurality of openings formed therein, said openings forming two types of channels within the wound layers of sheet material of said body, said channels extending in a direction from the inner peripheral surface to the outer peripheral surface, a first type of channels being open at one end at said outer peripheral surface of the body and closed at the other end located adjacent to said inner peripheral surface, a second type of channels being open at one end at said inner peripheral surface of the body, and closed at the other end located adjacent to said outer peripheral surface, said channels of the one type being separated from the channels of the other type by portions of sheet material, wherein the sheet material has areas at the edge of the openings forming the inlet channels the thickness of which being smaller than the thickness of the sheet material remote from those op

Abstract: The filter 1 includes a first case member (an upper case member), a second case member (a lower case member) that are mutually joined to form a filter chamber therebetween, and a filter medium with an end portion held between the first and second case members. The first and second case members include holding portions, respectively, for holding the end portion of the filter medium in a bent position and welded portions, respectively, which are spaced apart from the holding portions and are welded together by a laser beam. The holding portions include vertical press surfaces, respectively, for pressing an inner end portion of the filter medium in the joining direction between the case members. The holding portions also include lateral press surfaces and, respectively, for pressing an outer end portion of the filter medium in a direction intersecting the joining direction.

Abstract: A sludge filter is comprised of a mesh filter media secured to a support net. The support net includes a front surface adjacent the filter media and a rear surface opposite the filter media, the rear surface having a plurality of outwardly extending nodes to define flow channels for horizontal and vertical fluid flow intermediate the net and a container surface. The sludge filter is attached directly to the walls or floor of a container. In a preferred embodiment a border of the sludge filter comprises one part of a two-part fastener system with a second part of the two-part fastener system attached to a container along the perimeter of the filter coverage area, so that the filter medium may be removably attached to the container.

Abstract: An apparatus for separating solids from liquids includes at least one tank support and at least four tanks. Each of the tanks has a capacity of less than 6 cubic meters, a cylindrical top portion and a sloped bottom adapted to direct solids by force of gravity to a bottom solids outlet controlled by a valve. Each of the tanks is supported by the at least one support in an elevated providing access to the bottom solids outlets. A series of angular upper transfer passages extend between the cylindrical top portions of each of the tanks to facilitate a swirling action of liquid within each tank and a sequential transfer of liquids from tank to tank. The angular upper transfer passages are oriented to alternate between clockwise swirling and counter clockwise swirling.

Abstract: The present invention refers to a biosorption system composed of a bacterial biofilm supported in synthetic zeolites, for usage in various types of industry for the removal of hexavalent chromium, through the retention of metal ions in the biofilm, in solutions with concentrations between 50 and 250 mgCr/L, process for obtaining it and respective usages. This process consists in obtaining a bacterial biofilm of Arthrobacter viscosus, supported on a faujasite (FAU) zeolite. The biofilm promotes the reduction of Cr (VI) to Cr (III) and, subsequently, Cr (III) is fixed in the zeolite by ion exchange. Several characterization procedures, like spectroscopic techniques (FTIR and ICP-AES), surface analysis (XRD and SEM) and thermal analysis (TGA) reveal that the biosorption process does not modify the morphology or the structure of the FAU zeolite.