Abstract: A method of adjusting the output of an electrochemical sensor includes the steps of: simulating the presence of an analyte gas electronically; measuring a response of the sensor to the electronic simulation; and adjusting the output of the sensor as a function of the measured response to the electronic simulation. The method of adjusting the output of an electrochemical sensor having a working electrode and a counter electrode preferably includes the steps of: electronically causing a current flow between the working electrode and the counter electrode; measuring a response of the sensor to the current demand; and using the measured response to adjust the sensor output during sampling of an analyte gas.

Abstract: Contact of a crude feed with a hydrogen source in the presence of an inorganic salt catalyst produces a total product that includes a crude product. The crude feed has a residue content of at least 0.2 grams of residue per gram of crude feed. The inorganic salt catalyst may include one or more alkali metals. The crude product is a liquid mixture at 25° C. and 0.101 MPa. One or more properties of the crude product may be changed by at least 10% relative to the respective properties of the crude feed.

Abstract: The present invention consists of an improved method and apparatus to upgrade bitumen in various forms which comprises four main components; namely, a fractionator equipped with a condenser, a heavy gas oil catalytic treater, a catalyst regenerator/gasifier and a gas cleanup assembly. In operation, the bitumen in liquid form is fed to the fractionator for initial separation of fractions with the bulk of the bitumen leaving the bottom of the fractionator in the form of a heavy gas oil which is pumped to the catalytic treater and sprayed on a hot catalyst to crack the heavy gas oil (an endothermic reaction) to release lighter hydrocarbons in the form of H2 rich volatile matter while depositing carbon on the catalyst. The volatile matter from the treater is directed to the fractionator where the condensable fractions are separated from the non-condensable H2 rich gas, a valuable primary gas.

Abstract: An apparatus and process are provided for cracking hydrocarbonaceous feed, wherein the temperature of heated effluent directed to a vapor/liquid separator, e.g., flash drum, whose overhead is subsequently cracked, can be controlled within a range sufficient so the heated effluent is partially liquid, say, from about 260 to about 540° C. (500 to 1000° F.). This permits processing of a variety of feeds containing resid with greatly differing volatilities, e.g., atmospheric resid and crude at higher temperature and dirty liquid condensates, at lower temperatures. The temperature can be lowered as needed by: i) providing one or more additional downstream feed inlets to a convection section, ii) increasing the ratio of water/steam mixture added to the hydrocarbonaceous feed, iii) using a high pressure boiler feed water economizer to remove heat, iv) heating high pressure steam to remove heat, v) bypassing an intermediate portion of the convection section used, e.g.

Abstract: A fluid treatment system that includes at least one treatment module (“pod”) with rigid and impermeable inner and outer surfaces, and an annular center passage which is designed to provide an alternative flow path during the pod backwashing process. At least one chemical treatment media disposed in the interior portion of the pod. A riser extends upwardly through the pod so that the outer surface of the riser and the inner surface of the pod define the annular passage. At least one valve assembly controls the movement of a fluid within the annular passage. The pod is serviced by directing the fluid into the riser and then directing the fluid through the pod, a portion of the fluid flowing through the annular passage.

Abstract: A compact dehydration engine and method for treating human waste and gray water residual electro-coagulants that includes a heated waste dehydration chamber that has low energy consumption and low water consumption in use. The system can be employed in stationary or mobile platforms that include multiple toilets and gray water sources for reclamation.

Abstract: A skimmer guard for a pool skimmer is provided. The skimmer is attached to either the inner or outer periphery of the faceplate via cooperating male/female connectors on the skimmer guard and inner or outer periphery of the faceplate at the opening for fluid passage from the pool to the skimmer housing and filter assembly. The skimmer guard includes cut out portions sized such that leaves, bugs and other pool debris can enter the skimmer housing but block larger amphibious objects, such as toys, floating candles, chlorine dispensers, etc., from entering the skimmer housing and obstructing normal skimming operation. The cut out portions may be diamond shaped. The skimmer guard may include a ring tab or other member extending from the outer periphery thereof for ease of removal of the guard.

Abstract: A system for the production of a blood component composition is provided. The system includes a centrifuge having a blood reservoir for receiving and separating a blood sample into multiple components; a dispenser disposed outside of the centrifuge having a first collection chamber containing an activation agent and a second collection chamber containing one or more medicinal agents; means for removing a first portion at least one separated blood component from the centrifuge to the first container and a second portion to the second collection chamber, wherein the first collection chamber activates the first portion and stores the resulting clot and thrombin; a filter for separating the thrombin from the clot; and a nozzle for entraining and mixing the thrombin with the second portion containing the one or more medicinal components.

Abstract: A portable filtered drinking water system for removing undesirable tastes, odors, and contaminants from potable water to improve the quality of the water for drinking or consumption. The device consists of a container that holds the potable water and has an air tight screw on cap. Mounted on the cap is an opening for a screw-in hand air pump to create air pressure inside the container and an opening for a faucet for dispensing filtered drinking water. Pulling up and pushing down several times on the hand air pump creates air pressure in the container that forces the potable water through a water filter located inside the container and up to a faucet to be dispensed when a lever is pushed down.

Abstract: A wastewater treatment method. The method includes establishing a setpoint value of oxidation-reduction potential of a mixed liquor, measuring a measured value of oxidation-reduction potential of the mixed liquor, comparing the measured value of oxidation-reduction potential and the setpoint value of oxidation-reduction potential, generating a control signal based at least in part on the step of comparing, controlling operation of an aeration device using the control signal, acquiring at least one value corresponding to the control signal and adjusting the setpoint value of oxidation-reduction potential using the at least one value. The value includes a frequency of operation of the aeration device.

Abstract: A method for the biodegradation of nitroaromatic-containing wastewater, including: (a) providing activated sludge as biological matrix, (b) adding a nitroaromatic-degrading microorganism to the activated sludge, (c) adding nitroaromatic-containing wastewater to the material of step (b) and (d) adding at least one carbon source which is more readily utilizable than the nitroaromatic to be degraded to the material of step (c).

Abstract: An aerobic system provided to treat sewage generated by a modern larger home which does not have access to a municipal sewage connection The features of this system are adaptable to upgrade and/or replace existing systems. In a preferred embodiment the system uses two 1000 gallon tanks, a first pretreatment tank to receive raw sewage, remove settleable and floatable solids from the sewage, and discharge into a second tank in which the pool of sewage is aerated. The second tank contains a motor driven aerator and a unique self-cleaning filter driven by an outgoing liquid stream from the aerator. After passing through the filter, the liquid is then discharged into a leaching field or nearby stream as permitted by the proper regulatory agency.

Abstract: A process for the extraction of an unwanted material from a fluid containing the unwanted material comprising the steps of introducing an immiscible extraction fluid into the fluid having an unwanted material therein to form a plurality of extraction fluid droplets in the fluid, allowing the plurality of extraction fluid droplets to hydrophilicly interact with the unwanted material in the fluid to cause the extraction fluid droplets to form into a plurality of coalesceable droplets, coalescing the coalesceable droplets into larger droplets containing the unwanted material, and separating the larger droplets containing the unwanted material from the fluid.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for separating products from a mixture by reversed phase high performance liquid chromatography using a column packed with a stationary phase which is hydrophobic and a mobile phase, wherein the loading step, during which the products to be separated are introduced in the column, is carried out with an aqueous phase while applying an overpressure of at least about 0.3 MPa.

Abstract: To form a smooth gradient and a preparatory liquid chromatographic system having a plurality of syringe type pumps, solvents are alternately drawn and inserted into each cylinder. The solvents are alternately drawn into and through a long narrow path formed of tubing to create axial mixing and spreading out of the interface and then are drawn into the cylinders during the refill stroke of the piston at a sufficiently high velocity to create turbulence. The drawing of the solvents into one side of the cylinder a radial distance from the center creates circular eddy currents.

Abstract: A single pass simulated moving bed apparatus and methods are described for continuously separating a target molecule from a liquid mixture, using a simulated moving bed system. The simulated moving bed system includes a plurality of filter cartridge modules in serial fluid communication. Each filter cartridge module includes a volume of stationary phase particulates adjacent a porous substrate layer. The volume of stationary phase particulates has a bed height of less than 1 centimeter.

Abstract: This invention is directed a method for producing an ultra-high purity semiconductor gas such as ammonia gas. The method includes the steps of directing an ammonia fluid having a liquid phase moisture content that is less than about 500 parts per million through an evaporation means, to produce purified vapor phase ammonia, and directing the purified vapor phase ammonia through an adsorption means to remove impurities therein and produce ultra-high purity ammonia gas.

Abstract: A modified sorptive lignocellulosic fibre material with hydroxyl groups on the lignocellulosic fibres doubly modified by esterification with a combination of monocarboxylic and dicarboxylic acid ester groups. A process for the preparation of the sorptive material. The sorptive fibre material is effective for the removal of oils and other contaminants including heavy metals from a fluid such as contaminated water by a combined sorption of hydrophobic contaminants and ion exchange.

Abstract: A water treatment apparatus includes a housing comprising multiple housing portions and a plurality of treatment sections disposed within the housing, each treatment section comprising at least one distinct particulate layer. The apparatus is designed so that no water pressure need be applied to force the water through the apparatus, as gravity pulls the water down through the filtering layers. Water may also be force fed through the treatment apparatus; when the water is force fed, the housing portions need not be vertically stacked, but may be configured in any suitable arrangement. The treatment sections are distributed through the various housing portions in logical groups to perform various kinds of filtering. The housing portions are detachable and sealably stackable in multiple configurations, thus passing water through more or fewer treatment layers, depending on the quality of the incoming water.

Abstract: A process for removing selenium from an aqueous stream using a supported sulfur material, to convert selenocyanate to selenite, followed by removal of the selenite from the aqueous stream.

Abstract: A system for separating a composite fluid into component parts thereof, including: a centrifuge having a rotor with a separation space and at least two valve members disposed thereon and a container set having a separation container adapted to be disposed in the separation space of the rotor and first and second collection containers connected to the separation container by a first and a second tubes. The tubes are adapted to be disposed in operative relationship with the valve members so that flow through the tubes may be controlled thereby. Three components of the composite fluid may be separated therefrom by the present system and two components may be moved to the collection containers. The container set may further include a third collection container connected to the separation container by a tube, and a third component may thus be moved to this third container.

Abstract: An improved method for isolating the impacts of flow-altering events in corrosion transport from those due to steady state corrosion in boiler/steam cycle processes. The method includes monitoring, in real time, with a particle counter or particle monitor levels of suspended particles in a fluid flow stream and of automatically collecting insoluble particulates large enough to be captured on a 0.45 micron filter when, and only when, these levels exceed an “event threshold”. For use in subsequently characterizing flow-altering events without necessarily weighing the collected particulates for each excursion above this threshold, an average particle count/particle index is obtained and compared with the actual weight of insoluble particulates captured. When excursions are highly infrequent, concentrations of insoluble metal oxides likely to be present in the flow stream and capable of producing above-threshold PC/PIs can be determined and used to identify anomalies when particulates are captured.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for water purification has a stationary electrode opposing a movable electrode which are positioned about a passageway for the water to be purified. The stationary electrode and movable electrode form an arc gap, and the arc gap is fed with a voltage from a pulsatile power supply. The arc gap is reduced when the current is below a first threshold and increased when the current is above a second threshold, and the arc gap change is realized by controlling a motor attached to feeder rollers coupled to the movable electrode. The apparatus causes the formation of oxide nano-particles providing durable bactericidal action.

Abstract: A bracket system holds a filter(s) in quick-attach and quick-release fashion. Brackets are combined in modular fashion, with conduit between the brackets, to create a “bank” of filters easily changed in number, arrangement, and flow scheme. Top brackets and bottom brackets capture/support the top end and bottom end of a filter, respectively, and filter inlet and outlet ports preferably slide onto and off of cooperating tubes/ports in the bracket modules without tools or threaded connections. A retainer may pivot on and off of its respective filter, holding the filter in place and releasing the filter, respectively. After pivoting the retainer up from the filter, the filter may be lifted up off of its respective bottom module, so that the filter is substantially vertically and pivotally removable from the bracket system.

Abstract: A separator including a conical member having a base; a substantially cylindrical member extending from the base; a separator inlet for introducing liquid to be separated into the conical member in a substantially tangential direction with respect to a sidewall of the conical member; a heavy phase outlet communicated with an apex portion of the conical member; and a light phase outlet communicated with the cylindrical member.

Abstract: A method for forming a wiring on a substrate includes the steps of preparing a copper substrate, plating a copper-nickel layer on a portion of the copper substrate, combining the copper substrate with a soft polyimide substrate, and etching the copper substrate.

Abstract: A method of fabricating a printhead integrated circuit includes the step of forming a first layer of a polymeric material on a substrate that incorporates drive circuitry. A heater element is formed on the first layer of polymeric material to be connected to the drive circuitry. A second layer of a polymeric material is formed on the heater element and the first layer such that the heater element is embedded in polymeric material. The polymeric layers are etched to define a plurality of radially extending bridging portions which terminate in a nozzle rim and a plurality of actuators which each extend between a respective pair of adjacent bridging portions and each terminate in a free end proximal to the rim. The substrate is etched so that the substrate and the actuators define a nozzle chamber in fluid communication with an ink ejection port defined by the nozzle rim.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for detecting and/or deriving the absolute values of and/or the relative changes in parameters such as the plasma potential and the ion flux using a Planar Ion Flux (PIF) probing arrangement are disclosed. The detected and/or derived values are then employed to control plasma processing processes.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for adjusting the voltage applied to a Faraday shield of an inductively coupled plasma etching apparatus is provided. An appropriate voltage is easily and variably applied to a Faraday shield such that sputtering of a plasma can be controlled to prevent and mitigate deposition of non-volatile reaction products that adversely affect an etching process. The appropriate voltage for a particular etching process or step is applied to the Faraday shield by simply adjusting a tuning capacitor. It is not necessary to mechanically reconfigure the etching apparatus to adjust the Faraday shield voltage.

Abstract: Provided are azeotrope-like compositions comprising difluoroethane and trifluoroiodomethane, azeotrope-like compositions comprising difluoroethane, tetrafluoropropene and trifluoroiodomethane, and uses thereof, including use in refrigerant compositions, refrigeration systems, blowing agent compositions, and aerosol propellants.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions for use in refrigeration and air-conditioning systems comprising at least one hydrocarbon, and which are also useful in systems employing a centrifugal compressor The are useful in processes for producing cooling or heat or as heat transfer fluids.

Abstract: The present invention relates to Disclosed herein are 3,3,4,4,5,5,6,6,6-nonafluoro-1-hexene compositions for use in refrigeration and air conditioning systems, particularly in centrifugal compressor systems. Also disclosed are 3,3,4,4,5,5,6,6,6-nonafluoro-1-hexene in combination with fluoroethers, which are azeotropic or near azeotropic.

Abstract: A process for transferring heat from a heat generating source to a heat transfer fluid, comprising contacting the heat generating source with a heat transfer fluid for a time sufficient to effect heat transfer between the source and the fluid, wherein the heat transfer fluid comprises polytrimethylene homo- or copolyether glycol where at least about 50 mole percent of the repeating units are trimethylene ether units. In preferred embodiments the polytrimethylene homo- or copolyether glycol is selected from the group consisting of (i) polytrimethylene ether glycol, (ii) poly(trimethylene-ethylene ether)glycol, and (iii) random polytrimethylene ether ester.

Abstract: A new photopolymerizable material allows single-step, fast recording of volume holograms with properties that can be electrically controlled. Polymer-dispersed liquid crystals (PDLCs) in accordance with the invention preferably comprise a homogeneous mixture of a nematic liquid crystal and a multifunctional pentaacrylate monomer in combination with photoinitiator, coinitiator and cross-linking agent. Optionally, a surfactant such as octanoic acid may also be added. The PDLC material is exposed to coherent light to produce an interference pattern inside the material. Photopolymerization of the new PDLC material produces a hologram of clearly separated liquid crystal domains and cured polymer domains.

Abstract: The process described herein offers the optimizing of performance parameters of holograms, such as reducing scattering effects in a polymer-dispersed liquid crystal optical element. In the process, an interfacial tension agent is added to a polymer-dispersed liquid crystal material. The polymer-dispersed liquid crystal material has a first material selected from the group consisting of a reactive ionic material, an aromatic material, a polypyrrole, and an acrylated or methacrylated acid of the type H2CCH—(CO)O—R—(CO)OH, where R is a linear or branched alkyl chain. The polymer-dispersed liquid crystal material also has at least one type of liquid crystal material, a photoinitiator dye, and a co-initiator. The polymer-dispersed liquid crystal material is subjected to a polymerization. The interfacial tension agent reduces the size of liquid crystal droplets formed within the polymer-dispersed liquid crystal optical element during polymerization.

Abstract: A phosphor including a matrix in the form of titanate expressed by Ca1-xSrxTiO3 (0<x?0.5), and Pr (praseodymium) and Li (lithium) that are added to the matrix. The phosphor may further include Zn (zinc) that is added as well as the Pr and Li to the matrix. Also disposed is a process of manufacturing the phosphor, including: a mixing step of mixing a matrix material, a first additive material including Pr, and a second additive material including Li, so as to obtain a mixture; and a firing step of firing the obtained mixture at a firing temperature of from 1050 to 1250° C.

Abstract: A process for partial oxidation of a hydrocarbon gas or liquid, involving the steps of partial oxidation and removal of soot by forming a slurry having water and carbon from the gaseous oxidation product, and separating part of the water from the slurry to obtain a soot composition having less water, wherein the separation is performed by means of a decanter centrifuge.

Abstract: Antioxidants for industrial, automotive, and aviation lubricants and methods of making the same are provided. A process using alkylated diphenylamines; alkylated phenyl-?-naphthyl amines; and a metal catalyst to form oxidates is provided. The metal catalyst is a combination of a cation and an organic anion, for example, a metal acetylacetone. The reaction takes place in the presence of oxygen to form an antioxidant comprising oligomers of the alkylated diphenylamine and the alkylated phenyl-?-naphthyl amine, and a metal component of the catalyst.

Abstract: A composition comprising particulate carbonaceous material and a sulfonated conducting polymer containing hetero atoms. The composition can further comprise a metal. Devices comprising the composition can be constructed including supported electrocatalysts, membrane electrode assemblies, and fuel cells. A method for preparing the composition comprises oxidatively polymerizing a monomer of a conducting polymer containing hetero atoms in the presence of a carbonaceous material and sulfonating the polymer or the monomer. The method grafts the sulfonated conducting polymer to the carbonaceous material. The method can further comprise metallizing the polymer-grafted carbonaceous material.

Abstract: A conductive composition comprises a poly(arylene ether), a polyamide, a conductive additive, and an impact modifier, wherein the composition demonstrates less than or equal to 0.0150 grams of composition buildup on the die face per minute of running time per meter of die opening perimeter after extruding the composition at a steady state for five minutes.

Abstract: A method and composition is disclosed for making conductive flow field separator plates having reduced resistivity, lower weight and lower cost. The plates are made by blending from about 0.5 wt % to about 40 wt %, preferably from about 1 wt % to about 30 wt %, most preferably from about 5 wt % to about 20 wt %, of the liquid crystal polymer; from about 0.5 wt % to about 40 wt %, preferably from about 1 wt % to about 30 wt %, most preferably from about 5 wt % to about 20 wt % of the poly(styrene-co-maleic anhydride); and from about 20 wt % to about 99 wt %, preferably from about 60 wt % to about 98 wt %, most preferably from about 70 wt % to about 90 wt % of the conductive filler. The blend is then moulded to form the conductive flow field separator plates.

Abstract: A conductive particle can be used for connecting a variety of adherends. The conductive particle includes a resin particle, a first conductive particle disposed around the resin particle, a first resin coating disposed on the periphery of the resin particle. The first resin coating being softer than the resin particle. A second conductive thin film is disposed therearound. When the surface part of an electrode of an adherend that is to be connected is hard, a first resin coating of the conductive particle and the second conductive thin film are destroyed by pressure to bring the second conductive thin film in contact with the electrode and a metal wiring. If the surface part of the electrode is soft, the second conductive thin film on the surface side comes in contact with the electrode, which makes it possible for the particle to be used regardless of the surface state of an adherend.

Abstract: A device for conducting protons at a temperature below 550° C. includes a LAMOX ceramic body characterized by an alpha crystalline structure.

Abstract: A method of forming a waveguide or an optical assembly includes molding a waveguide material, optionally in alignment with one or more optical components. The one or more optical components are aligned in a precision mold that is also used to form the waveguide. A cladding and encapsulation material can also be molded. The molded materials can be used to hold the components together in alignment in a single assembly. A connector structure can be molded as part of the assembly or can be prefabricated and incorporated into the molded assembly to facilitate connecting the assembly to other components without requiring active alignment or polishing of optical fiber ends.

Abstract: A method for fabrication of a lens element from a lens blank shaped from a high index, high thermal property thermoplastic resin conditions the surface of the lens blank by an extended annealing process. The temperature of the lens blank is increased to a soak temperature greater than 165 degrees C. over a ramp-up period of more than 2.5 hours, increasing the temperature during the ramp-up period by no more than 2 degrees C. per minute, on average. The lens blank is maintained at the soak temperature for a soak period of at least 3 hours. The temperature of the lens blank is lowered back to room temperature during a ramp-down period at a rate no faster than 1.5 degrees C. per minute, on average. This forms a conditioned lens blank that is diamond-turned to obtain an optical quality surface.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for forming pellets, the apparatus comprising a column for housing column liquid; column liquid; temperature controlling elements engaging the column and capable of maintaining a first and second temperature in the column liquid, and an injection orifice to introduce the liquid pellet composition to the column liquid.

Abstract: A method is provided for forming a net shape molded component that includes an integral metallized coating or layer on the exterior surface thereof. The method includes injecting a carefully matched mixture of a molten polymer resin and a molten metallic alloy into a mold cavity under pressure. Due to the differential in material viscosities, the metal tends to migrate to the outer surface of the molded part when placed under pressure, ultimately creating a net shape molded part having a polymer core with a metallic layer at the exterior surfaces thereof. Further, the present invention provides for the compounding of a feedstock suitable for use in conjunction with the method described above.

Abstract: Fibrous composite articles and method of manufacturing the same are disclosed. The preferred fibrous materials have average fiber lengths of less than about 2 millimeters, and are obtained from industrial hemp hurd, kenaf hurd, and/or the culms of various species of vegetable bamboo. The fibers are combined with a binder resin and, optionally, a sizing agent to form a mat that is consolidated under heat and pressure to form the composite articles. The formed articles exhibit strength and durability characteristics at least roughly equivalent, if not superior, to those of conventional wood-based fibrous composite articles.

Abstract: A wire connector fastening tool comprises an elongate body having a first end, a second end, an outer hand-engaging surface and an interior surface. The outer hand-engaging surface has a generally uniform outside diameter from its first end to its second end. The interior surface defines an internal axial bore extending through the body from the first end to the second end. The axial bore has a first section with a first inside diameter and a second section with a second inside diameter. The second inside diameter is larger than the first inside diameter. The first section of the bore extends from the first end of the body to a point between the first and second ends of the body. The second section of the bore extends from the first section of the bore to the second end of the body. The first end of the body is adapted to engage with at least a portion of the first wire connector in a manner so that rotation of the body causes rotation of the first wire connector.

Abstract: The double bag vacuum infusion process of the present invention provides a low cost method for producing complex composite assemblies without an autoclave. It also enables the production of highly innovative structures. The quality of the composites produced using such an infusion process are comparable to composites made using prepregs, hand layup or fiber placement, and autoclave curing. Double bagging provides vacuum integrity, controls bag relaxation while flow media controls the flow front to allow high quality aerospace-grade products.