Abstract: The present invention is a method for maximizing water removal from an absorbent web in a press nip. The present invention uses a pressing unit having a blanket with a void volume and with a pressure profile that maximizes water removal in the press section or on the Yankee dryer of a paper machine. The pressure profile of the pressing unit according to the present invention has a very steep pressure drop at and/or following the exit of a pressure distribution curve in order to maximize water removal by minimizing rewet of the web. The improved pressure profile according to the present invention results in increased water removal and/or improved line speed. The void volume further increases water removal and/or improves line speed.

Abstract: Fibrous structures comprising a tuft. More particularly, the present invention relates to fibrous structures comprising at least two chemically different compositions wherein less than all of the chemically different compositions present in the fibrous structures forms a tuft, and processes for making such fibrous structures are provided.

Abstract: A paper making machine may having heated rolls for making high clay content papers. A roll cleaning apparatus may be mounted to the paper making machine. The roll cleaning apparatus may have a cleaning member that is mounted to a support member that extends lengthwise relative to a first roll of the paper making machine. The cleaning member may be a pad having a substantial area of the surface of the roll may be contacted. The cleaning member may be movable between an engaged position against the roll during operation, and a disengaged position spaced away from the roll in a non-operating condition, such as when replacement of the cleaning member is desired. The roll cleaning apparatus may include a drive connected to cause linear reciprocation of the cleaning member. The roll cleaning apparatus may have a drive or actuator mounted to move the cleaning member between the engaged and disengaged positions, and may be operable to bias the cleaning member against the roll in use.

Abstract: A head-box for depositing slurry upon a moving web including a main metering roll, a companion roll disposed in closely spaced relation to the metering roll and a vibrating gate which forms a nip between the metering roller and the gate. The nip is arranged to retain a supply of the slurry, and the rolls are driven so slurry retained in the nip progresses over an upper outer peripheral surface of the metering roll to be deposited upon the web. Also, preferably included is a doctor blade disposed in operational relationship to the metering roll for directing the slurry downwardly from the outer metering roll surface to a point above the surface of a carrier for a fiberglass layer upon which the slurry layer is deposited. The vibrating gate and doctor blade may be pivotally mounted to either side of the surfaces of the head-box.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for the distillation of ionic liquids, in which a pressure not higher than ambient pressure is set in a first step and the ionic liquid is heated to a temperature in the range from 60° C. to 350° C. in a second step. The process is employed, in particular, for the purification of ionic liquids.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a method of forming, producing or manufacturing functionalized nanomaterials, and, specifically, soluble functionalized nanomaterials. The presently described invention also relates to nanomaterial-based composites consisting of a target material, which can include ceramic, polymer, or metallic matrices incorporated into or grown on nanomaterials, as well as a method or synthesis technique for the formation, production, or manufacture of nanomaterial-based composites through microwave-induced reaction.

Abstract: Polymer/carbon nanotube composites including single-wall or multi-wall carbon nanotubes incorporated into the matrix of a polymer are provided. These composites can be used in environments exposed to galactic cosmic radiation. Accordingly, the composites are useful in deep space applications like space vehicles, space stations, personal equipment as well as applications in the biomedical arts and atom splitting research. The composites can be modified with organic dyes containing at least one phenyl ring and the resulting doped composite is useful as a radiation detector. The preferred polymer is poly(4-methyl-1-pentene). At low nanotube concentrations (i.e., about 0.5 wt % or less), the composites exhibit transparent optical qualities. At higher nanotube concentrations (i.e., about 0.6 wt % or more), the composites are non-transparent.

Abstract: A biosensor containing ruthenium, measurement using the same, and the application thereof. The biosensor comprises an extended gate field effect transistor (EGFET) structure, including a metal oxide semiconductor field effect transistor (MOSFET), a sensing unit comprising a substrate, a layer comprising ruthenium on the substrate, and a metal wire connecting the MOSFET and the sensing unit.

Abstract: A chlorine dioxide solution generator, which injects a chlorine dioxide solution into a pressurized fluid system, including an absorption loop for effecting the dissolution of chlorine dioxide into a liquid stream. The chlorine dioxide gas source can include an anolyte loop and a catholyte loop. The generator avoids or eliminates the introduction of air or other gases that can cause corrosion in the process distribution system.

Abstract: An ion exchange membrane electrolyzer comprises electrodes at least either of which is held in contact with leaf springs formed integrally with a leaf spring holding member arranged in an electrode chamber so as to extend toward the electrode and remain electrically energized at the respective electrode touching sections thereof, each of the leaf springs having a crooked section arranged at a position separated from its connecting section connecting itself to the leaf spring holding member and adapted to be bent toward the leaf spring holding member when the electrode touching section is pressed toward the leaf spring holding member side.

Abstract: A biosensor for determining the concentration of an analyte in a biological sample. The biosensor comprises a support, a reference electrode or a counter electrode or both disposed on the support, a working electrode disposed on the support, the working electrode spaced apart from the other electrode or electrodes on the support, a covering layer defining a sample chamber over the electrodes, an aperture in the covering layer for receiving a sample, and at least one layer of mesh in the sample chamber between the covering layer and the electrodes. The at least one layer of mesh has coated thereon a silicone surfactant. Certain silicone surfactants are as effective as fluorinated surfactants with respect to performance of biosensors. These surfactants, when coated onto the mesh layer of the biosensor, are effective in facilitating the transport of aqueous test samples, such as blood, in the sample chamber.

Abstract: A slab gel electrophoresis cassette with an integrated upper buffer chamber is constructed such that the integrated chamber is collapsible to allow the cassette to assume a reduced thickness for purposes of stacking during storage and shipping.

Abstract: A plating apparatus and method for deposition of a conductive material on a semiconductor wafer having surface portions and cavity portions. A differential in an adsorbed concentration of an additive, including accelerators or suppressors, between a surface portion and a cavity portion of a wafer surface is established in a chamber. A mask or sweeper may be used to establish the differential. After establishing the differential in the chamber, the conductive material is electrodeposited to form a conductive layer on the surface in another chamber.

Abstract: After treated in a solution containing ozone, a plating material is brought into contact with a solution containing at least one of an anionic surface active agent and a nonionic surface active agent, and an alkaline component. Ozone acts to locally break unsaturated bonds on a surface of the plating material to form C—OH bonds or C?O bonds, thereby activating the surface of the plating material, and since a surface active agent 1 is adsorbed thereon, a catalyst 2 is adsorbed on hydrophilic groups of the surface active agent 1 which has been adsorbed on the above-described functional groups. Consequently, no etching treatment is required, and an electroless plated coating having excellent adhesion can be formed without roughening the surface of the resin material.

Abstract: Herein disclosed are an electrode and a method for making an electrode having an enhanced electrically effective surface providing an increased signal to noise ratio. The electrode having a metal surface selected from gold, tungsten, stainless steel, platinum, platinum-tungsten, platinum-iridium, and combinations thereof; and an electrically conductive coating on said metal surface, said coating consisting essentially of polymerized pyrrole.

Abstract: Methods, apparatus, and applications for the on-site production of hydrogen peroxide are described. An embodiment of the apparatus comprises at least one anolyte chamber coupled to at least one anode, at least one catholyte chamber, wherein the at least one catholyte chamber is coupled to at least one cathode, at least one anode membrane and at least one cathode membrane, wherein the anode membrane is adjacent to the at least one anode, wherein the cathode membrane is adjacent to the at least one cathode, at least one central chamber disposed between the at least one anolyte chamber and the at least one catholyte chamber. Hydrogen peroxide is produced by reduction of an oxygen-containing gas at the cathode.

Abstract: Processes for transporting wax including the steps of producing granular solid wax particles, having a powder coating, that are resistant to breakage or clumping; loading the particles into a transport vessel; transporting the particles; and unloading the particles.

Abstract: Method for making base oil, comprising transporting a height of greater than 7.5 meters of granular solid wax particles comprising a highly paraffinic wax with defined boiling points and a powder coating to a distant location, and hydroprocessing the transported wax. Also, a method comprising: a) selecting a Fischer-Tropsch wax having a broad boiling range, b) powder coating the wax, and c) transporting and d) hydroprocessing the wax. Also, a method comprising forming inorganic powder coated granular solid wax particles that withstand heavy loads without clumping or sticking together from highly paraffinic wax, wherein the amount of powder is between 0.1 and 5 wt %, transporting, and hydroprocessing the solid wax particles.

Abstract: Heavy hydrocarbons are upgraded more efficiently to lighter, more valuable, hydrocarbons with lower amounts of solid carbonaceous by-products in supercritical water using two heating stages, the first stage at a temperature up to about 775K and the second stage at a temperature from about 870K to about 1075K. The temperature is preferably raised from the first temperature to the second temperature by internal combustion using oxygen.

Abstract: A process for the selective hydrodesulfurization of naphtha streams containing olefins and organosulfur compounds that minimizes olefin hydrogenation and results in a reduced sulfur content product. This is attained by two-stage hydrodesulfurization and H2S removal from the first stage effluent, with the first reaction stage catalyst being a more active HDS catalyst than the second reaction stage catalyst. Hydrogen and a non-reactive compound are fed to the first stage, with the H2 mole fraction in the mixture of H2 and non-reactive compound being from 0.2 to 1.0. H2S at the reactor inlet is limited to not more than 0.1% by volume. Hydrogen and a non-reactive compound are fed to the second reaction stage, the H2 mole fraction in the mixture of H2 and non-reactive compound being from 0.2 to 0.7. H2S at the reactor inlet is limited to not more than 0.05% by volume.

Abstract: It is an object of the present invention to provide a filter for trapping foreign matter in which a filtration element can trap foreign matter that is admixed to a fluid present inside the filter with good reliability and a comparatively high trapping ratio. Hydraulic oil that has flown from an opening portion into a guide space of a first flow path guide is guided downward by the first flow path guide and directed toward a second flow path guide. As a result, the oil passes through a very narrow gap, that is, a gap with a cross sectional area of the flow path narrowed so as to increase the flow velocity of the hydraulic oil, a rising flow of the hydraulic oil is formed, and this flow is spouted up by the second flow path guide and guided by the first flow path guide toward a filter element. Foreign matter admixed to the hydraulic oil rises with good intensity together with the hydraulic oil and is moved by the hydraulic oil toward the filter element.

Abstract: The disclosed invention is a fixed bed ion exchange water purification system. It employs a combination of electronically controlled process steps and specific systems configurations to duplicate the effects of moving resin beds from one operating position to another as is required in moving bed ion exchange water purification systems. The intention combines features of single fixed bed ion exchange systems with those of a moving bed system. The invention applies to the treatment of water having typical industrial and drinking water concentrations of various ions.

Abstract: The disclosed invention is a fixed bed ion exchange water purification system. It employs a combination of electronically controlled process steps and specific systems configurations to duplicate the effects of moving resin beds from one operating position to another as is required in moving bed ion exchange water purification systems. The invention combines features of single fixed bed ion exchange systems with those of a moving bed system. The invention applies to the treatment of water having typical industrial and drinking water concentrations of various ions.

Abstract: A water feature for use in landscaping applications. A water issuing device, such as a waterfall construction is provided for receiving water and discharging water onto a gravel bed. The bed is positioned below the waterfall and forms a path or surface along which the water can flow in a stream-like manner and through which the water can percolate downwardly into the bed. A perforated and tubularly shaped collection module having a plurality of openings for receiving water percolating downwardly through the bed. A cylindrically-shaped and generally vertically oriented stack is coupled to the module for receiving water therefrom. A pump in the stack receives water from the water collection member and directs water to the waterfall construction. It is noted that water from the waterfall appears to disappear into the gravel and only a shallow stream is formed.

Abstract: Apparatus for removing solids such as sludge from a liquid reservoir comprising a float, a suction head assembly carrying a pump, and elongated guides interconnecting the suction head assembly and float. The float also carries a winch for raising and lowering the suction head assembly. The guides are slidably engaged with the float and serve to indicate the depth of operation of the suction head assembly.

Abstract: A filtering apparatus having a vessel and a filter made from fluororesin and treated before filtering operation by at least one of adding thermal treatment in gas or liquid and penetrating with fluid composed of hot water or steam at a temperature of less than melting point of the fluororesin.

Abstract: Gradient performance with high pressure gradient solvent delivery system is optimized by approximation of infinite stroke volume of high pressure pumps by the addition of pulse dampening with backflow prevention to each high pressure pump. The backflow prevention adds sufficient minimum flow resistance, thereby enhancing the performance of the pulse dampening over a wider range of flow rates resulting in consistent gradient performance.

Abstract: A reactor for washing sand contaminated with hydrocarbons comprises a vessel having an aperture in a bottom portion thereof. A steam cleaning device is located near a top of the vessel for receiving contaminated sand and cleaning the contaminated sand as it is introduced into the vessel. A rinsing device is positioned below the steam cleaning device for rinsing the sand with water. A sand conveying device comprising an air injection device is positioned in the bottom portion of the vessel for urging sand out of the aperture using compressed air, such that the sand is partially dewatered as the sand is urged out of the aperture.

Abstract: Laser-induced phase-separation polymerization of a porous acrylate polymer is used for in-situ fabrication of dialysis membranes inside glass microchannels. A shaped 355 nm laser beam is used to produce a porous polymer membrane with a thickness of about 15 ?m, which bonds to the glass microchannel and forms a semi-permeable membrane. Differential permeation through a membrane formed with pentaerythritol triacrylate was observed and quantified by comparing the response of the membrane to fluorescein and fluorescently tagging 200 nm latex microspheres. Differential permeation was observed and quantified by comparing the response to rhodamine 560 and lactalbumin protein in a membrane formed with SPE-methylene bisacrylamide. The porous membranes illustrate the capability for the present technique to integrate sample cleanup into chip-based analysis systems.

Abstract: The invention concerns a filter for liquids loaded with solid particles, comprising a vessel (52) provided with an inlet for the liquid to be filtered, an outlet for the filtrate emerging into a manifold and a discharge orifice for the sludge of solid particles and wherein is enclosed a plurality of filtering elements (10), each filtering element shaped like an elongated pocket (16) of fabric (12) of filtering media having an upper opening (10) in communication with the outlet and mounted around frames (18) provided with longitudinal drainage channels (30) and suspended to support elements housed in said vessel and comprising a radial pipe (20) forming a manifold wherein emerges the opening of the filtering elements. The invention is characterized in that the upper edge of said pockets is provided with a hem (17) receiving a stiffening element (19) and urged to be tightly fixed in a peripheral catching element (21) integral with said support elements.

Abstract: The invention relates to a plant-based sewage treatment system for purifying waste water including at least one planter, a supply unit which supplies waste water to be purified to the plant-based sewage treatment system, a discharge unit for discharging purified water from the plant-based sewage treatment system, and plants placed inside the planter. The plants are arranged, without a substrate, inside the planter. At least a portion of the planter is situated on a building roof. A space is provided between the planter and the building roof and an exchange medium from the building can be flowed through the space.

Abstract: A system for recycling drilling sludge is disclosed. The system has a treatment area and a salt-tolerant bio-reactor coupled to the treatment area. The bio-reactor has i) at least one bio-suspension element for supporting the growth of at least one type of biological microorganism within an enclosed flow zone; ii) an agitator for creating a flow of the drilling sludge through the enclosed flow zone at a flow rate; and iii) an aerator for providing a gas to the enclosed flow zone. The system also has a processor coupled to the agitator and configured to create at least a minimum self-cleaning drag force between drilling sludge passing through the enclosed flow zone and the combined at least one type of biological microorganism and the at least one bio-suspension element. A related method and bio-reactor are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method of wastewater treatment that reduced equipment cost and running cost and realizes high efficiency implementation and further tank miniaturization, and that reduces excess sludge withdrawal. There is provided a method of wastewater treatment with excess sludge withdrawal reduced, characterized in that there are installed an aeration tank wherein wastewater is brought into contact with carrier particles under aerobic conditions, a total oxidization tank and a sedimentation tank, and that operation is made while maintaining the BOD sludge load in the total oxidization tank at 0.08 kg-BOD/Kg-MLSS*day or smaller, and that a coagulant is charged in the complete oxidization tank in order to improve the setting in the sedimentation tank.

Abstract: A system and method for control of a gas and/or chemical for treatment of a fluid, and for monitoring the operation of such a system. In one embodiment, the system comprises a reactor for receipt of the fluid and the gas and/or chemical for dissolving, mixing, diffusing, or infusing the gas and/or chemical into the fluid, and a controller to control the flow of the fluid and the gas and/or chemical into the reactor, and to monitor the operation of the system in accordance with predetermined operating conditions. In another embodiment, the system also comprises a gas/chemical generation system for generation of the gas and/or chemical to be introduced into the reactor. The present invention permits for the control of the system based on numerous dynamic conditions to optimize operation and to minimize safety hazards.

Abstract: A solid hollow fiber cooling crystallizer and method for crystallizing aqueous and organic solutions are provided. The solid hollow fiber crystallizer (SHFC) for carrying out cooling crystallization of inorganic/organic microsolutes/macrosolutes from solution generally includes a bundle of non-porous hollow fibers mounted within a shell where a feed solution for crystallization flows through the lumen side of the hollow fibers and a cooling solution flows through the shell side to form nuclei and subsequently crystals in the feed solution at a temperature below its saturation temperature. The solid hollow fiber crystallizer may be combined with a mixing device, such as a completely stirred tank or static mixer, to further effectuate crystallization. The solid hollow fiber crystallizer may be operated in a number of modes including feed recycle mode, once through mode, SHFC-in-line static mixer in series mode, and SHFC-CST in series mode.

Abstract: The present invention relates to heat-stable anion exchangers based on at least one aromatic monomer and at least one crosslinker having structural elements of the general formula (I) where Ak, Ak?, Ak? are in each case independently of one another identically or differently a C1-C18-alkyl radical, n is an even number between 5 and 18, x+y=2, where x is equal to 0 or 1, and X is Cl, Br, OH, HCO3, HSO4, ½ (SO4), ½ CO3, NO3, F, H2PO4, ½ HPO4, ? PO4 with the result that these anion exchangers, preferably in the OH form, withstand a working temperature of at least 60° C., preferably of at least 80° C., over a relatively long time, a process for production thereof and also use thereof.

Abstract: A method for controlling pore size of a membrane that includes providing a porous magnetic architecture and magnetizing the porous magnetic architecture. The porous magnetic architecture changes pore size when magnetized. A method for inhibiting the mobility of a solute through a membrane includes magnetizing a porous magnetic architecture in a flow stream that includes a solute. A membrane system for a solute includes a porous magnetic architecture disposed within a flow stream that also includes a solute, and a magnetic source disposed such that the nonuniform porous magnetic architecture is selectively magnetized.

Abstract: A process of dewatering an aqueous suspension comprising dosing the suspension with a flocculating amount of a first flocculant to form a thickened suspension and mixing into the thickened suspension a dewatering amount of a second flocculant and subjecting the thickened suspension to mechanical dewatering to form a cake, characterised in that the second flocculant comprises a water-soluble or water swellable polymer that is mixed into the suspension in the form of (i) substantially dry polymer particles or (ii) an aqueous composition comprising dissolved or hydrated polymer having a polymer concentration of at least 2% by weight and having a intrinsic viscosity of at least 3 dl/g.

Abstract: A process of dewatering aqueous suspension employing a flocculating system comprising treating the suspension with a flocculating amount of a first flocculant and a dewatering amount of a second flocculant, and subjecting the suspension to mechanical dewatering to form a cake, wherein the first flocculant brings about flocculation and assists thickening of the suspension and the second flocculant is a water-soluble or water swellable polymer that is mixed into the suspension is a water-soluble or water swellable particulate polymer having a particle diameter of at least 20 microns.

Abstract: A process of dewatering an aqueous suspension comprising treating the suspension with a dewatering amount of a reverse phase polymer, and subjecting the suspension to a mechanical dewatering to form a cake, characterised in that the reverse phase polymer only partially inverts to bring about flocculation and thickening of the suspension, and then fully inverts during the further dewatering to form a cake.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for monitoring an underdrain in a filter system for filtering water or wastewater. At least one diagnostic condition relating to the performance of the underdrain is monitored to determine if the underdrain is operating in an acceptable manner.

Abstract: A portable water treatment apparatus may include a container, a UV light source, and a user-powered generator. The container may include first and second portions removably joined or factory sealed together and defining a chamber to receive water. The UV light source, such as a UV light bulb, may be contained within the chamber. A user-powered generator, such as a hand or pedal crank generator, may be operatively associated with the UV light. Operation of the user-powered generator may provide electrical power to the UV light source for disinfecting water received within the chamber. The UV light source may also be powered using an electrical outlet, a battery, or solar power. The portable water treatment apparatus may further include a mixing device for moving water within the container, and an electrical disconnect for selectively connecting and disconnecting the electrical power connection between the user-powered generator and the UV light source.

Abstract: A two step etch is used to provide access to the front electrode of an EL panel cut from a larger EL panel. The two step etch produces a set back that electrically isolates the front electrode and enables a conductive layer to be easily deposited on the front electrode. A kit contains the necessary materials and instructions for practicing the method.

Abstract: A composition comprising a mixture of at least one soil resist agent and at least one additive which is maleic anhydride, and a method of providing soil resistance to fibrous substrates are disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention provides reagent compositions, and analyte measuring devices and methods that utilize the reagent compositions.

Abstract: A sintered ferrite body having a main composition comprising 63-80% by mol of Fe2O3, and 3-15% by mol of ZnO, the balance being manganese oxide; Rcal determined from the Fe2O3 content X (% by mol) by the formula (1) of Rcal=[200(X?50)]/(3X), and the ratio R (%) of Fe2+ per the total amount of Fe in the sintered body meeting the condition of Rcal?2.0?R?Rcal+0.3; and the sintered body having a density of 4.9 g/cm3 or more.

Abstract: A main component has a general formula of {(1?x)(K1?a?bNaaLib)m(Nb1?c?dTacSbd)O3?x(M10.5Bi0.5)nM2O3} (wherein M1 is Ca, Sr or Ba, M2 is Ti, Zr or Sn, 0.005?x?0.5, 0?a?0.9, 0?b?0.3, 0?a+b?0.9, 0?c?0.5, 0?d?0.1, 0.9?m?1.1, and 0.9?n?1.1). At least one specific element selected from the group consisting of In, Sc, Y, Nd, Sm, Eu, Gd, Tb, Dy, Ho, Er, Yb and Lu is contained at as in sample numbers 46 to 48, 0.1 to 10 mol in total per 100 mols of the main component (preferably, 1.5 to 10 mol). This provides a piezoelectric ceramic composition and a piezoelectric ceramic electronic component that can have a desired high piezoelectric d constant in a consistent and highly efficient manner in both a very low electric field and a high electric field.

Abstract: A liquefied-gas aerosol dusting composition is disclosed for preventing inhalation abuse incidents. The composition comprises at least one liquefied gas and denatonium benzoate, wherein the concentration of said denatonium benzoate in said aerosol dusting composition ranges from about 5 ppm to about 50 ppm.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of simultaneously stabilizing an engine coolant concentrate and preventing hard water salt formation upon dilution of the coolant concentrate with hard water. The method comprises making a stabilized concentrate by adding to a coolant concentrate at least one stabilizer selected from the group consisting of polyacrylate polymers of the formula: where Rl is H; R4 is a terminating group; X is and R2 and R3 are each independently hydrogen, an alkali metal or an alkaline earth metal, and the sum of m and n provide a number average equivalent weight of less than 6500, and a number average molecular weight of less than 6500, the concentrate comprising 90 or more wt % freezing point depressant and then diluting the stabilized coolant concentrate with hard water to provide a final coolant composition.

Abstract: The invention provides a chemical-mechanical polishing composition comprising: (a) silica particles, (b) about 5×10?3 to about 10 millimoles per kilogram of at least one alkaline earth metal selected from the group consisting of calcium, strontium, barium, and mixtures thereof, based on the total weight of the polishing composition, (c) about 0.1 to about 15 wt. % of an oxidizing agent, and (d) a liquid carrier comprising water. The invention also provides a polishing composition, which optionally comprises an oxidizing agent, comprising about 5×10?3 to about 10 millimoles per kilogram of at least one alkaline earth metal selected from the group consisting of calcium, strontium, and mixtures thereof. The invention further provides methods for polishing a substrate using the aforementioned polishing compositions.