Abstract: An electrochemical cell for detection and quantification of analytes in a liquid sample, particularly a liquid sample having a small volume. In a preferred embodiment, the electrochemical cell comprises an assembly of conducting layers and insulating layers. The electrochemical cell can be formed by depositing conducting materials and insulating materials in alternating layers on an insulating substrate. It is preferred that the layer furthest from the insulating substrate be an insulating layer to minimize the damage of the conducting layers during handling of the electrochemical cell. In another embodiment, the assembly of conducting layers and insulating layers can be formed on both major surfaces of the insulating substrate. The assembly can comprise at least one working electrode and at least one other electrode, e.g., a dual-purpose reference/counter electrode.

Abstract: A wastewater analysis sensor cartridge (10) according to the invention is intended to be used only once. It has a liquid-tight housing (20), which contains at least one electrochemical sensor element (30, 32) and at least one reference element (56). Furthermore, the housing (20) contains a sensor element electrolyte tank (40,42) and a reference element electrolyte tank (44). The ion-sensitive membranes (31, 33) of the sensor elements (30, 32) and the housing (20) consist of plastic.

Abstract: A miniaturized gas sensor including film type electrodes, and a solid ionomer electrolyte, for the detection of toxic gases, i.e., carbon monoxide, and other oxidizable or reducible gases and vapors is described. The all-solid planar sensor cell has two or more film type electrodes arranged on a non-conductive planar surface of a supportive material. The electrodes are discrete and in intimate contact with the same solid polymer ionomer membrane. The sensor cell contains no liquid electrolyte and is operated in a potentiostatic or potentiodynamic mode. The unique feature of the sensor cell is that high sensitivity to a select gas or vapor is achieved by a novel three-phase contact area design for a sensing electrode which is easily accessible to the gas sample via small diffusion openings or holes that penetrate through the solid polymer ionomer membrane layer above the sensing electrode.

Abstract: A crown ether derivative that acts as cation capturing ligand and alkanethiol having a longer carbon chain than a linker are immobilized, coexisting together, on the surface of a gold electrode, by using as the linker an insulating molecule (e.g., alkanethiol) that forms self-assembled monolayers. Electromotive force produced in association with cation coordination is measured by a potentiometer through a change in interfacial potential on the surface of the gold electrode. Further, an insulated gate field effect transistor formed on the same substrate as the gold electrode is used as the potentiometer. Furthermore, a straight-chain polymer physically adsorbed on the gold electrode is used in order to reduce the influence of the adsorption of impurities on the surface of the electrode during biological sample measurement.

Abstract: A two-phase electrophoretic medium comprises a continuous phase and a discontinuous phase. The discontinuous phase comprises a plurality of droplets, each of which comprises a suspending fluid and at least one particle disposed within the suspending fluid and capable of moving through the fluid upon application of an electric field to the electrophoretic medium. The continuous phase surrounds and encapsulates the discontinuous phase. To reduce the humidity sensitivity of the medium, a non-ionizable or crystalline polymer may be used as the continuous phase.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an apparatus for the separation of proteins, comprising a capillary isoelectric focusing unit (2) for primarily separating protein samples on the basis of pi; and a hollow fiber flow field flow fractionation unit (4), connected to one side of the capillary isoelectric focusing unit (2), for secondarily separating the protein samples. The apparatus allows proteins to be separated on the basis of pi and molecular weight without denaturation and can further be applied for the identification of proteins in conjunction with nanoflow liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization-tandem mass spectrometry after enzymatic digestion of the protein fractions.

Abstract: An hydrolytically stable isoelectric hydrogel material comprising a single isoelectric compound having a defined pI value from 1 to 12 being incorporated into a hydrogel formed by reacting an oligo- or polyhydroxy compound with the single iso-electric compound and a difunctional or oligofunctional crosslinker, wherein after incorporation of the single isoelectric compound into the hydrogel, the hydrogel material become's an ampholytic material.

Abstract: A process and a device for retaining polarizable target-particles from a fluid suspension of polarizable target-particles comprising the steps of pumping that suspension into a vertical or inclined channel and applying an alternating electric field inducing a negative dielectrophoretic force on the target-particles, the force being sufficient to push them a distance of at least or about 25 m from the surface of an electrode-bearing wall, thereby creating an upward-moving clarified fluid zone in the vicinity of that wall and a downward-moving target-particle containing fluid zone at a distance from that wall.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for measuring streaming metrics. A method for measuring a streaming metric corresponding to a rotating surface is characterized by rotating the surface around an axis of rotation and measuring the streaming metric at a location within one radius from the axis of rotation and within three radii from the surface, wherein the location does not contact the surface. Apparatus for measuring a streaming metric corresponding to a rotating surface are characterized by a working electrode which does not contact the surface, a counter electrode, a meter connected to the working electrode and the counter electrode, a rotatable spindle on which the surface is mounted, and a container for holding electrolyte, wherein the working electrode, counter electrode, and surface are located within the container.

Abstract: A lateral wire apparatus allows direct lateral viewing of particles of electrophoretic ink (e.g., liquid emulsion aggregation particle (LEAP) ink) that are undergoing electrophoretic migration. Electrophoretic ink movement is commonly monitored by placing the ink through the top electrode, but as the toner particles migrate back and forth between the two electrodes, the viewer can not see what lies beneath the top electrode. This may hide commonly known failure modes, such as particle agglomeration, swishing of particles due to hydrodynamic effects. The lateral wire apparatus includes two narrow gauge wires glued to a glass substrate and held apart at a fixed distance to help maintain a uniform electric field across the gap. A plastic block with pegs that situated at a fixed distance and threaded screws is used to make the lateral wire apparatus with precise wire spacing that may be reproducibly made in less than five minutes using inexpensive and readily available materials.

Abstract: An apparatus for manipulating droplets is provided. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes a substrate having a set of electrical leads for connecting electrodes to a controller, a first set of electrodes, each connected to a separate one of the electrical leads, and a second set of electrodes, all connected to a single one of the electrical leads. In another embodiment, the apparatus includes a substrate having a set of X electrodes, and a set of Y electrical leads, each connected to one or more electrodes, wherein X is greater than Y.

Abstract: An acid copper plating solution and plating method are disclosed. The acid copper plating solution comprises copper ions, an organic acid or an inorganic acid, chloride ions, high molecular weight surfactant which controls the electrodeposition reaction, and a sulfur-containing saturated organic compound which promotes the electrocoating rate, wherein the high molecular weight surfactant comprises two or more types with different hydrophobicities. The plating method is a method for forming a plating film on a conductor layer, which is formed on at least a part of a structural object having a concave-convex pattern on a semiconductor substrate, and comprises providing a cathode potential to the conductor layer and supplying a plating solution which electrically connects an anode with the conductor layer, wherein the plating solution contains 25-75 g/l of copper ion and 0.4 mol/l of an organic acid or inorganic acid and an electric resistor is installed between the conductor layer and the anode.

Abstract: A process for the electrolytic treatment of metal-containing solutions, wherein at least one nonionic surfactant is used in the electrolyte solution, the surfactant reducing the surface tension of the electrolyte solution at a surfactant concentration of 0.2% by weight and a temperature of 24° C. in an aqueous solution with 190 g/l of sulfuric acid and 157 g/l of copper sulfate, which is diluted with water in a ratio of 1:10, by from 20 to 60%, is useful for working up ores or the purification of metals, like copper, chromium, nickel, zinc, gold and silver.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an electroionic apparatus for treating an aqueous solution, including a flow cell through which the aqueous solution may flow, and a high frequency AC power source. A pair of electrodes within the flow cell are in contact with the aqueous solution and coupled to the AC power source. The AC power source generates a signal that is transmitted to the electrodes to generate an electromagnetic field and an ionic current within the aqueous solution in the flow cell. Each electrode includes a plurality of perforations defined through the plate electrode. Electrodes within the flow cell may be formed of materials having a catalytic effect upon the electroionic reactions within the flow cell.

Abstract: Methods and systems for monitoring electrolyte bath fluids are provided. The electrolyte bath fluids can be electroplating, electroless plating or etching solutions. The monitoring systems employ microfluidic devices, which have built in microfluidic channels and microfabricated thin-film electrodes. The devices are configured with fluid pumps to control the movement and mixing of test fluids through the microfluidic channels. The microfabricated thin-film electrodes are configured so that the plating or etching bath fluid composition can be characterized by electrochemical measurements. The monitoring methods and system provide faster measurement times, generate minimal waste, and occupy dramatically reduced physical space compared to conventional bath-monitor systems. The monitoring systems and method also provide low-cost system and methods for measuring or monitoring electroless plating bath rates.

Abstract: A precious metal assay method which includes the steps of forming an electrolytic cell comprising an anode specimen and a reference cathode, driving a ramp input into the electrolytic cell, measuring a resulting current through the electrolytic cell over a period of the ramp input. The assay value may be determined by comparing the locality, slope and peak or area of a current response of the resulting current against the localities, slopes and peaks or areas of a list of current responses of known precious metal compositions from an empirical look-up table and displaying the assay value on an electronics display.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for storing and providing acetylene. A storage vessel contains both a porous filler material and an ionic liquid based solvent. Acetylene is dissolved into the solvent, and stored inside the storage vessel. The solvent contains no acetone or dimethylformamide.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a contact lens package containing a contact lens in a compressed state. In one exemplary embodiment, the overall internal depth of the package is less than the natural sagittal depth of the contact lens. Different single-use contact lens package shapes and configurations may be used. In some embodiments, a spring disc is included in the packages to help present the contact lens to the user when the package is opened. The contact lens packages may be adhered or clipped to a card or other carrier sheet, and may be housed in a number of different secondary packages.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention relate to a method and device for unpacking a condom. The device for unpacking a condom includes a base adapted for holding it with a hand, a condom holder with a condom held therein and a skin connected with the base and enclosing the condom holder with the condom held therein. The condom holder is adapted for sliding guided displacement with respect to the base. The device is provided with a key connected to the condom holder and adapted for sliding guided displacement with respect to the base by a digit of the key hand holding the base. The device allows the user unpack the condom in a quick and comfortable way, only slightly distracting him from sexual intercourse.

Abstract: An apparatus for securing the drum casing of a washer during shipping includes at least one airbag for wedging between the drum casing and washer housing. The preferred airbag has three arm extensions, although a bag with two arm extensions, or two separate bags could be used. Two of the extensions, or two separate bags, whichever is used, are positioned around the washer drum exterior to prevent free, lateral movement of the drum casing relative to the housing. The third arm of a three arm bag is slid between the drum casing and rear washer housing before inflating. Preferably included with this assembly is a spacer for wedging between the drum and a housing bracket to prevent free, vertical movement of the drum relative to its washer housing. A method for securing washers with such a kit is also disclosed and described.

Abstract: A packet, or packet combination, containing a wipe and powdered substrate is provided. The packet, or packet combination, may be used in conjunction with a hygiene article such as a sanitary napkin. The wipe is used to clean an area of skin or hair that has residual menstrual, urinary, or fecal material left behind after the removal of a hygiene article. The powder may then be used to provide an added benefit such as odor control. An order of use can be dictated by locating the packets containing the wipe and powdered substrate in specific positions on the hygiene article.

Abstract: A towel including: a sheet including a water-absorbent material; and a hood extending outwardly from an edge of the sheet; wherein the sheet may be compactly folded relative to the hood so as to form a glove.

Abstract: Dynamic mixer for viscous pastes, having a buffer chamber for receiving multiple components and having no separation between buffer chamber and mixing chamber.

Abstract: The present invention provides devices, kits, and methods for temporarily stopping an automatic flushing assembly on a toilet or urinal from activating. The device may be placed over or on the sensor assembly of the toilet to temporarily block the sensor assembly from sensing the user. In preferred aspects, the device is composed of a material that the user is able to flush down the toilet or urinal such that when the user is finished, the device may be removed and disposed of directly into the toilet or urinal.

Abstract: A construction kit for a manipulating system, includes at least one first and one second element that are located parallel or at an angle to one another and are connectable to one another, at least one centering element that is located between the first and second elements, and at least one securing element for connecting the first element to the second element. The construction kit has a centering element, which has an outer circumferential surface that is provided with at least one form-locking means.

Abstract: A CD/DVD holder case, having a first and a second CD/DVD holder compartment with a space for holding a number of discs in disc sleeve, and a disc door at an opening. A living hinge connects the first and second CD/DVD holder compartments together. A closure, such as permanent magnets are used for holding the first and second CD/DVD holder compartments in a closed position. When the first and second CD/DVD holder compartments are swung to an opened position, the disc sleeves can be accessed from the disc doors.

Abstract: A mobile sports equipment storage caddy for storing, organizing and displaying sports equipment. The mobile storage caddy includes a housing and the housing includes a bottom, a top opposite the bottom, and a side member, which is disposed between the top and the bottom. The mobile storage caddy includes a plurality of indentations that are symmetrically disposed around a perimeter of the housing and are sized to receive sports equipment. The mobile storage caddy can further include a base element, a rotating element, and a moving element.

Abstract: Golf bags may include certain structures and features that allow easy and ready access to various pieces of golf equipment. Such golf bags may include: (a) a base; (b) one or more wall members extending from the base (defining a chamber for plural clubs); (c) a housing member located outside the chamber and defining a first aperture that provides access to a space outside the chamber for receiving a putter shaft; and (d) a ball storage compartment located outside the chamber and outside the housing member. The ball storage compartment, the housing member, and the first aperture may be arranged so that at least a portion of the space for receiving the putter shaft lies between the chamber and the ball storage compartment.

Abstract: A weaponry container that is operable to hold a weapon. The weaponry container includes a plurality of panels which include an outer surface that is substantially rigid or firm. The panels are operable to be placed in a closed position by an elongated fastener.

Abstract: An ornament with multimedia messages transmission includes a shell, a camera, a displaying unit and an audio device. The shell has an image projecting area mounted with a lens. The displaying unit is arranged in the shell behind the lens for projecting images thereon. The audio device is able to play sound. The camera is arranged above the image projecting area for taking images and data are transmitted to a microprocessor. The microprocessor acquires audiovisual data from a multimedia data storage unit and transmits the data to the displaying unit and the audio device. The ornament is connected to a computer for storing the data to the computer, transmitting the data to the internet through the computer or downloading data from the computer. A plurality of buttons are used to control the operation of the camera, the audio device, the displaying unit and other functions.

Abstract: A tool case for storing and transporting a variety of tools such as vehicle unlocking tools. The case includes a base and lid hinged together, the base and lid each having panels. The inner panels have an arrangement of multi-level elongated tool receiving channels and recessed cavities. The channels and cavities are arranged to have different selected depths and also to intersect as needed, so that tools or other items can be stored in the case in a compact layered configuration.

Abstract: The invention relates to a packet (1) including: a group of articles (2) which are arranged in several rows (4, 5, 6, 7) which each contain at least two adjacent articles (2), including a first row (4) at the front end (3) of the packet (1), each article (2) having a base (9) and an opposing top (10); a side (16) which is made from a rigid or semi-rigid material, which is disposed on the articles (2) and which includes an upper panel (17) that covers the tops (10) of at least one row (5, 6, 7) of articles (2); and a film (19) which is wrapped tightly around the assembly. The aforementioned upper panel (17) of the side (16) covers the tops (10) of the articles (2) in all of the rows (5, 6, 7) with the exception of the tops (10) of the articles (2) in the first row (4).

Abstract: A corrugated container for shipping a glass sheet, such as an automotive windshield, is disclosed. The container includes one or more support braces for contacting a first side of the glass sheet and one or more braces for contacting the opposing second side of the glass sheet. Suction cups can be connected to the braces. A cross-brace, generally perpendicular to the other support braces, can be provided for added protection and support of the glass sheet.

Abstract: Stackable container apparatus and methods are disclosed. In one embodiment, a container assembly includes a lid portion having a plurality of first raised members projecting outwardly from an upper surface, at least some of the first raised members cooperatively forming a plurality of first receiving areas, and a base portion coupleable to the lid portion and forming a containment space, the base portion having a plurality of second raised members projecting outwardly from a lower surface, at least some of the second raised members cooperatively forming a plurality of second receiving areas, the second receiving areas being adapted to fittingly receive a second plurality of first raised members of a like container assembly positioned below the lower surface, and the first receiving areas being adapted to fittingly receive a second plurality of the second raised members of another like container assembly positioned above the upper surface.

Abstract: The plastic bag for vacuum packing provided by the present invention has embossments which space in longitudinal direction and stagger in transverse direction formed on the inner surface, and thus lots of intercommunicate channels are formed so as to eliminate the possibility to form any air pocket or internal cavity. Meanwhile, air linearly exits from the bottom to the open end, so it takes less time to evacuate the bag. Further, the bag only has one film be embossed, and thus the manufacturing process thereof is simplified and at low cost, and the bag is easy to wash. Moreover, the strength of the bag provided by the present invention is enhanced; especially the anti-avulsion capability is well improved.

Abstract: A serving tray for stably holding wine glasses and food items simultaneously while suspended by a use or set on a horizontal surface. The tray includes a slot for supporting the stem of a wine glass and a corresponding channel on the underside of the tray for accepting the base of the wine glass in the event that the tray is set down. The underside of the tray may also include a number of supports that assist in spacing the tray apart from a horizontal surface and encouraging the base of the wince glass to remain in the channel formed in the underside of the tray. As a result, when the tray is set down, the wine glasses will not become unstable and the tray will remain balanced.

Abstract: A photo storage box having a generally planar sheet folded to form a box having a rear wall, a top wall, front flap, a front wall extending from the top wall, sidewalls, and a bottom wall. The rear wall has a cut-out portion. The cut-out portion is hingedly connected to the top wall and may be folded upwardly to form a labelling area. The front wall has a slit formed therein and the front flap has a tab. The tab releasably fits within the slit so as to form a closure. The box may hold a plurality of photos. The sheet may be made from a plastic material and is preferably translucent.

Abstract: An array of packages is provided wherein each package in the area contains a wipe. While all the packages in the array contain wipes, the wipes are packaged differently according to the desired use. Wipes may be individually wrapped or they may be provided in a package, which contains multiple unwrapped wipes. The wipes may also be individually wrapped and joined to an absorbent article such as a feminine sanitary napkin.

Abstract: A sheet shipping and storage container includes a base supporting a stack of glass sheets in a vertical orientation, and a pair of telescoping end caps mounted on each side of the stack in facing relationship to one another. A first endless strap has its course around the end caps to bias the end caps toward one another about the stack; a second endless strap has it course around back end of each end caps and the back side of the stack to bias the back surface of the stack and the end caps downward toward the front of the base, and a third endless strap around the opposite end of the end caps and the front side of the stack to bias the end caps and the front side of the stack downward toward back side of the base to unitize the plurality of sheets, end caps and base.

Abstract: A gap set device for an electronic component handler is provided. The electronic component handler includes a test module operative to load, test and unload electronic components. The electronic components are received in test pockets provided on a test plate. The test pockets include at least one corner relief to improve loading efficiency.

Abstract: A retail or advertising display contains visual cues which convey the area of use and the method of use of a novel vertical pump-up dispenser to the consumer. Having a sponge or other substrate on top of the dispenser conveys the area of use of the dispenser. The dispenser has a large actuator surface designed to convey that it can deliver a composition to a broad substrate area, such as a sponge, in the consumer's hand without the consumer having to pick up the pump dispenser. Having a hand over the substrate and dispenser conveys the one-handed method of cleaning that the dispenser allows. There may be additional indicia of use, such as arrows pointing down. The retail display may contain the dispenser and the substrate packaged together.

Abstract: A package is provided wherein each package has a composite window. The composite window may be a combination of a window and a graphical representation of a window. The graphical representation can also provide a visual impression of any absorbent articles, which may be viewed through the window. A package may also have more than one composite window, such that the composite windows are positioned on the package in a manner to provide a visual impression to a consumer of a much larger window.

Abstract: A process for increasing ethylene yield in a cracked hydrocarbon is provided. A hydrocarbon feed stream comprising at least 90% by weight of one or more C4-C10 hydrocarbons can be heated to provide an effluent stream comprising at least 10% by weight propylene. The effluent stream can be selectively separated to provide a first stream comprising heavy naphtha, light cycle oil, slurry oil, or any combination thereof and a second stream comprising one or more C4-C10 hydrocarbons. The second stream can be treated to remove oxygenates, acid gases, water, or any combination thereof to provide a third stream comprising the one or more C4-C10 hydrocarbons. The third stream can be selectively separated to provide a product stream comprising at least 30% by weight propylene. At least a portion of the product stream can be recycled to the hydrocarbon feed stream to increase ethylene yield in the effluent stream.

Abstract: Methods for reducing calcium deposition along surfaces in contact with the water phase of a resolved water/oil emulsion are disclosed. High calcium crude oil and the like are contacted with a sequestrant to form a sequestered calcium containing complex that partitions to the water phase in the resolved emulsion. A specifically formulated polymeric deposit control agent is added to the water phase to inhibit calcium deposit formation therein and along surfaces in contact with the water phase.

Abstract: A process for substantially removing carbonaceous material from a composition comprising providing the composition having carbonaceous material, reacting the carbonaceous material with a sulfur compound, and forming products having carbon and sulfur, and the resulting composition and system used therefore.

Abstract: A rider bar (5) is essentially made of elastomeric material. The rider bar (5) is intended for a surface of a screen cloth (1) or a wear-resistant lining over which pieces or particles of material are intended to move. The rider bar (5) comprises a wear-resistant element (6).

Abstract: A screening module (10) for a screening assembly includes a panel member (12) defining a plurality of screening apertures; and a support arrangement (16) with which the panel member (12) is fast. The support arrangement (16) includes a plurality of strengthening arrays (22) arranged, in use, beneath the panel member (12), each strengthening array (22) comprising a skirt portion (24) bounding an area on a bottom surface of the panel member (12).

Abstract: The present invention provides novel systems and methods for processing packages through a delivery network using a hub assist label. Generally described, the hub assist label includes indicia of a sequence of sorting locations that designates the flow of a package through a delivery network.

Abstract: In a method for sorting mail items which are unaddressed and held in a number of batches each batch is obtained and registered by recording at least one graphical feature of a mail item which uniquely describes the batch (i.e. clearly identifies the batch from other batches). The graphical reference feature is linked to a batch of unaddressed mail and an associated sorting plan. In a subsequent sorting of all batches, each batch is recorded once again and its reference feature is detected and it is distributed according to the sorting plan, if necessary to an end delivery point.

Abstract: There is provided a method and system for sorting mailpieces in which a mailpiece is diverted into a sorting compartment of a sorting machine as a function of a sorting code associated with the mailpiece, where several sorting code ranges are each associated with a sorting compartment. An exemplary method comprises associating at least one first sorting code range with at least another sorting code range which is a subrange of the first sorting code range and checking consecutively for the sorting code ranges associated with each other whether the sorting code belongs to the sorting code range. The exemplary method further includes diverting the mailpiece into the sorting compartment that is associated with the last sorting code range for which the sorting code belongs to the sorting code range.