Abstract: The invention relates to a filter module (1) comprising filters layers (4a, b) made of a filter medium, especially comprising filter layers made of filter strata. Said filter layers alternate with layers made of draining spacer elements 910, 10a, b, 20), the first and last layer of the filter module (1) consisting respectively of a draining spacer element (10a, b, 20). The draining spacer elements respectively and mutually comprise flow elements (12a, b) and sealing elements (11a, b) for the filtrate chamber and the non-filtrate chamber (40, 41). Means are provided for the mutual connection thereof. The aim of the filter module (1) is to combine the advantages of known filter modules with improved sealing at the edges of the filter layers, and to make the filter module backwashable. The filter module (1) comprises draining spacer elements (10, 10a, b, 20) which are embodied in such a way that they enable the filter layers to be pressed in a sealing manner.

Abstract: Diacylglycerol PEGs (DAG-PEGs) are used remediate oil contaminations. DA-PEGs encapsulate the oil into lipsomes in an aqueous environment. The lipsomes sequester the oil from causing damage.

Abstract: A method for treating wastewater wherein the wastewater is introduced in prescribed doses of wastewater to a first treatment zone, establishing a negative pressure gradient using mechanical ventilation within said zone causing exhaust air flow to remove gases and promote evaporation in the zone. Excess wastewater passing through the zone is collected and reintroduced. The zone contains particulate material with a large wetted surface area covered in a microbiological slime layer.

Abstract: A facility for treating solid and liquid waste includes a receiving station, a screening station, a preprocessing station, a press station and a processing station. The screening station is connected to an inlet capable of receiving liquid and solid waste and includes a screen for capturing at least some of the solid waste. The preprocessing station is in fluid communication with the screening station, and includes a degrit chamber for settling out an additional amount of the solids. The press station included at least one alkali mixing tank and a screw press for separating out an additional portion of the solids. The processing station includes at least one aerobic microorganism generating unit for converting nitrites into nitrogen gas and consuming carbon-based waste material.

Abstract: The invention relates to a bioreactor (1) for the purification of waters, said reactor comprising a cross-sectionally essentially circular or elliptical tank section (2) provided with inlet means (5) for water to be purified and outlet means (6) for purified water. The tank holds thereinside carrier material (3) on which a biofilm may develop. The tank is further provided with means (4) for supplying a fluid which contains a reaction gas required by the purification process, such that the water to be purified develops gas bubbles containing a reaction gas. The tank section is adapted to be essentially full of water during the purification process. The fluid supply means (4) are disposed on the tank wall and the reactor comprises control means for operating the fluid supply means in such a way that a spinning motion of the carrier, the water, and at least some of said reaction-gas bearing bubbles is effected thereby around a rotation centerline passing essentially through the tank's cross-sectional center.

Abstract: A bioreactor system for microbiological treatment of wastewater including: at least one highly-flexible substrate for providing a superficial environment conducive for supporting biomass growth, the substrate including: (a) a large plurality of threads disposed in a generally longitudinal direction and including a plurality of synthetic filaments, and (b) at least two cross-support elements disposed across and associated with the plurality of threads, so as to provide support for and loosely associate the threads, wherein openings defined by (i) adjacent threads of the threads, and (ii) adjacent cross-support elements of the elements, have an aspect ratio exceeding 50 to 1.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of processing nanocrystals. The method comprises providing a mixture comprising nanocrystals, contaminants and a first solvent in which the nanocrystals are soluble, and using chromatography to reduce the amount of contaminants in the mixture. The method optionally comprises isolating the nanocrystals after chromatography. The method allows for the production of nanocrystal compositions having a total amount of surfactant associated therewith, the amount of surfactant comprising an amount of bound surfactant and an amount of free surfactant in the solvent, the amount of free surfactant being less than about 1% of the total amount of surfactant in the solvent. The present invention, accordingly, also relates to such compositions and corresponding composites of nanocrystals in organic polymer matrices.

Abstract: Chars may be produced by carbonization or pyrolysis of poultry manure. Chars produced from poultry manure by the method described herein exhibit enhanced activity for metal ion adsorption.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a purification method characterized by adding a chitosan powder or a chitosan-coated substance, and optionally further adding a silica sol to liquor and filtering the mixture by a filter machine to remove unsaturated fatty acids, compounds of unsaturated fatty acids with metal ions, or fusel oil from the liquor.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a method for purification of contaminated water through hydrate formation and separation of hydrates from contaminated water enriched with contaminants, by supplying hydrate particles to the water during hydrate formation. The present invention also concerns a device for purification of water by using a method according to the invention, and water produced according to the invention. By using the process principles according to the present invention, all types of water can be purified for consumption or safe discharge, or desired resources can be recovered, and air can be purified if it first is bubbled through the water which then is purified by a method according to the invention.

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

Abstract: A mechanism in a horizontal belt filter controls the position of the drainage belt to ensure its alignment with the vacuum pan. A section of belt rollers supporting the drainage belt is mounted on a movable structure capable of shifting the rollers laterally to the degree necessary to compensate for misalignments between the drain holes and the vacuum pan. The control operation is implemented with a detector capable of sensing the position of the drain holes in the belt with respect to the vacuum pan. A signal is sent to an actuator that causes the belt rollers to move laterally in the direction required to maintain alignment of the drain holes with the vacuum pan. A dual-drive system is preferably utilized to provide a more uniform force distribution along the drive pulley and to increase torque, thereby also advantageously increasing the capacity of the filter.

Abstract: A modular waste treatment system for substantially liquid waste streams and methods of treating liquid waste streams are disclosed. The modular waste treatment system includes a maceration chamber for initial treatment and homogenization of waste material; a metal ion infusion chamber in fluid flow communication with the maceration chamber for introducing metal ions into the waste material; and an oxidation chamber for wet oxidation of the waste stream.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for their use are presented that substantially increase the rate of inactivation of microbiological organisms, especially those resistant to inactivation from free halogen based sanitizers, and oxidation of oxidation resistant organic based compounds in aqueous solution. Aquatic facilities susceptible to accumulation of organic N-chloramines, cyanuric acid and other oxidation resistant compounds, as well as oxidation resistant parasitic organisms such as cryptosporidium and Giardia, obtain dramatic improvements in the rate of oxidation and subsequent inactivation of these undesirable contaminants.

Abstract: Water within a water tank is irradiated with ultraviolet light from a UV lamp for virucidal and germicidal purposes while simultaneously transforming oxygen molecules to ozone molecules in an oxygen containing gas flowing within an annular space defined by a sleeve surrounding the UV lamp. The ozone enriched gas flows into an enlarged chamber into which the UV lamp extends and the flow rate is reduced to enhance the time of exposure of the ozone enriched gas to UV radiation and thereby enhance the production of ozone. To increase the rate of transformation of oxygen molecules to ozone molecules, the gas is under a predetermined pressure prior to entering the annular space and subsequent to discharge from the chamber.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are provided for controlling influent feed to produce a substantially uniform flow to a clarifier tank (2) to thereby enhance the settling efficiency within the clarifier. The apparatus comprises a feedwell (24) having a roof (26) and continuous sidewall (28) that together define a feedwell main body enclosure. Influent is fed via a relatively inboard tangential feed mechanism (108) to the inside of the roof (26) from an entry point proximate the center of the roof (150). Influent energy is properly distributed via the action of centrifugal force to generate a uniform axial flow within the feedwell main body which, in turn, is fed into the clarifier tank. Optional baffle members (152, 158) may be provided in the housing to slow angular momentum of the influent which, due to its original feed location, would necessarily be at a relatively low level.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for making an actuation system for an optical component comprising: etching of a first face of a component, to form pads on it, etching of a second face of the component, to expose a membrane made of the same material as the pads, production of the actuation means of the pads and the membrane.

Abstract: A micropump includes a body (10) of semiconductor material, accommodating fluid-tight chambers (32), having an internal preset pressure, lower than atmospheric pressure. The fluid-tight chambers (32), sealed by a diaphragm (35) that can be electrically opened, are selectively openable using a first electrode (37) and second electrodes (38), accommodating between them portions of the diaphragm (35).

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a display substrate includes forming a first metallic pattern including gate and storage conductors and a gate electrode of a switching device on a base substrate, forming a gate insulation layer, forming a second metallic pattern and a channel portion including a source line, source and drain electrodes of the switching device, forming a passivation layer and a photoresist film on the second metallic pattern, patterning the photoresist film to form a first pattern portion corresponding to the gate and source conductors and the switching device, and a second pattern portion formed on the storage line, etching the passivation layer and the gate insulation layer, and forming a pixel electrode using the first pattern portion. Therefore, excessive etching of the stepped portion may be prevented, so that a short-circuit defect between a metallic pattern and a pixel electrode may be prevented.

Abstract: A method of fabricating a printhead having a hydrophobic ink ejection face is provided. The method comprises the steps of: (a) providing a partially-fabricated printhead comprising a plurality of nozzle chambers and a relatively hydrophilic nozzle surface, the nozzle surface at least partially defining the ink ejection face; (b) depositing a layer of relatively hydrophobic polymeric material onto the nozzle surface, the polymeric material being resistant to removal by ashing; and (c) defining a plurality of nozzle openings in the nozzle surface, thereby providing a printhead having a relatively hydrophobic ink ejection face. Steps (b) and (c) may be performed in any order.

Abstract: One possible embodiment is a method of manufacturing a structure on or in a substrate with the following steps a) positioning at least one spacer structure by a spacer technique on the substrate, b) using at least one of the groups of the spacer structure and a structure generated by the spacer structure as a mask for a subsequent particle irradiation step for generating a latent image in the substrate c) using the latent image for further processing the substrate.

Abstract: A plasma processing apparatus includes an upper matching unit 44 which is a variable matching unit whose impedance can be varied, and a main controller 100. The upper matching unit 44 includes a controller 104 for variably controlling the impedance positions of a variable reactance element of a matching circuit 102, a RF sensor for measuring a load impedance including the matching circuit 102, and a VPP measuring circuit 112 for measuring a peak value (peak-to-peak value) of a radio frequency voltage in a waveguide line at the output side of the upper matching unit 44. The main controller 100 executes and controls an autorunning of the matching units 44, 88 for optimizing an off preset of the impedance positions thereof. The plasma can be readily get ignited without requiring to set or change special processing conditions while influencing none of the processes.

Abstract: An etching gas for etching an oxide film formed on a substrate, includes a main gas composed of an unsaturated fluorocarbon-based gas; and an additive gas composed of a straight-chain saturated fluorocarbon-based gas expressed by CXF(2X+2) (x represents a natural number of 5 or larger). The additive gas is C5F12 gas, C6F14 gas or C7F16 gas. Another etching gas includes a main gas composed of an unsaturated fluorocarbon-based gas; and an additive gas composed of a cyclic saturated fluorocarbon-based gas expressed by CXF2X (X represents a natural number of 5 or larger). In this case, the additive gas is C5F10 gas or C6F12 gas.

Abstract: A plasma etching method includes the step of: etching a silicon layer of a target object by using a plasma generated from a processing gas containing a fluorocarbon gas, a hydrofluorocarbon gas, a rare gas and an O2 gas and by employing a patterned resist film as a mask. The target object includes the silicon layer whose main component is silicon and the patterned resist film formed over the silicon layer.

Abstract: The present invention provides azeotrope-like compositions of 1,1,1,2,2-pentafluoropropane (HFC-245cb) with either the Z isomer of 1,1,1,2,3-pentafluoropropene (HFO-1225yeZ) alone or with mixtures of the E and Z isomers of 1,1,1,2,3-pentafluoropropene (HFO-1225 yeZ and HFO-1225 yeE) and uses thereof, including use in refrigerant compositions, refrigeration systems, blowing agent compositions, and aerosol propellants, and in process for separating azeotrope-like mixtures.

Abstract: A refrigeration lubricant composition contains an ester compound obtained from a polyol and a fatty acid, and a five- or six-membered ring cyclic ether compound having a side chain with an ester bonding. The content of the cyclic ether compound is adjusted to 0.01 to 5 parts by mass based on 100 parts by mass of the ester compound.

Abstract: The invention provides novel cholesteric monolayers and pigments obtained therefrom with high brilliance and viewing angle-dependent color change (color-flop/tilt effect) with additional particular properties such as magnetizability, conductivity, fluorescence, phosphorescence and increased hiding power, a process for their production and their use.

Abstract: The instant invention relates to mesogenic systems comprising a) a polymeric component, component A, obtained or obtainable from polymerisation of a precursor comprising one or more mesogenic mono-reactive compounds, one or more di-reactive compounds, which optionally are also mesogenic compounds and optionally a photo-initiator and a low molecular weight component, component B, comprising one or more mono-reactive, mesogenic compounds, one or more mesogenic compounds and one or more chiral dopants, exhibiting a Blue Phase, as well as to the use of these systems in deices and to these devices.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for preparation of a liquid crystal film having uniaxial alignment, comprising steps of: elevating temperature of a substrate coated with a nanostructure formed of liquid crystal molecules to a value sufficient to alter the nanostructure into a liquid phase; and decreasing the temperature to another value sufficient to again alter the liquid phase into a liquid crystal phase in the presence of a magnetic field to horizontally align the nanostructure of liquid crystal molecules.

Abstract: Liquid crystalline epoxy compounds, compositions including the compounds, and methods of using the compositions are disclosed. In one aspect, an epoxy compound may have a melting point that is less than 140° C. and may be liquid crystalline at a temperature greater than 150° C.

Abstract: An oxynitride phosphor consisting of a crystal containing at least one or more of Group II elements selected from the group consisting of Be, Mg, Ca, Sr, Ba and Zn, at least one or more of Group IV elements selected from the group consisting of C, Si, Ge, Sn, Ti, Zr and Hf, and a rare earth element being an activator R, thereby providing a phosphor which is excited by an excitation light source at an ultraviolet to visible light region and which has a blue green to yellow luminescence color that is wavelength converted.

Abstract: A method for preparing a composition including mineral particles, that is swelling TOT-TOT interlayer particles, formed by interlayering between: at least one non-swelling mineral phase formed by a stack of elementary laminae of the phyllogermanosilicate 2/1 type and of formula —(SixGe1?x) 4M3O10(OH)2—, and at least one swelling mineral phase formed by a stack of elementary laminae of the phyllogermanosilicate 2/1 type and at least one interlaminar space between two consecutive elementary laminae, the swelling mineral phase being of formula —(SixGe1?x)4M3??O10(OH)2, (M2+)??.nH2O. The composition is prepared by subjecting a gel containing silicon, germanium and metal, of chemical formula —(SixGe1?x)4M3O11,nH2O—, in the liquid state to a hydrothermal treatment which is carried out over a defined period of time and at a temperature of between 150° C. and 300° C.

Abstract: A cathodic protection compound is disclosed. The coating includes sacrificial metallic particles less noble than metal in the metal substrate to be protected. The coating also includes inherently conductive polymer in an amount of less than 1 weight percent of total solids of the coating. A concentrate of the metallic particles and inherently conductive polymer can also be prepared.

Abstract: A paste composition for an electrode includes a conductive material, a colored glass frit, the glass frit exhibiting a blackness (L*) value of about 85 or less, a binder, and a solvent.

Abstract: A chip-shaped electronic component includes a substrate and an end face electrode layer provided on an end face of the substrate, in which the end face electrode layer contains a mixed material. The mixed material includes as a conductive particle, a carbon powder, a whisker-like inorganic filler coated with a conductive film, and a flake-like conductive powder. Additionally, an epoxy resin has a weight-average molecular weight between 1,000 and 80,000.

Abstract: A composite material having a plasma frequency comprising a random mixture of conductive and non-conductive particles. A material having smaller conductive than non-conductive particles and a concentration of conductive particles approximately at, close to or above the percolation threshold for mixtures of the conducting and non-conducting particles may show a plasma frequency well below plasma frequencies for conventional bulk materials.

Abstract: Mixtures are provided of lithium salts with reducing agents for lithium evaporation. The mixtures may be particularly used in the manufacture of electroluminescent organic displays. Lithium dispensers based on the use of these mixtures are also provided.

Abstract: A thermochromic coloring color-memory composition which comprises a homogeneous solubilized mixture of (A) an electron donative coloring organic compound, (B) an electron accepting compound and (C) an ester compound represented by the specific formula as a reaction medium which controls color reactions of the components (A) and (B).

Abstract: A process is described for preparing aryllithium compounds by reaction of metallic lithium in an ether-containing solvent with an aryl halide, wherein prior to or at the beginning of the reaction a catalyst is added, the catalyst containing a halogen-free, polynuclear aromatic (aryl catalyst) or consisting of such a compound.

Abstract: A method and apparatus used for forming a lens master for forming lenses on a wafer. The method includes using an inverted lens pin mold in conjunction with a dispense method to create both concave and convex lens masters for making lens stamps containing lens-shaped cavities. The lens-shaped cavities are used to imprint a plurality of lenses into a curable material.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of producing nanotubes from coaxial jets of immiscible liquids or poorly-miscible liquids. The purpose of the invention is to produce hollow fibers (nanotubes) or composite fibers having diameters ranging from a few micras to tens of nanometers and comprising walls, in the case of nanotubes, with a thickness ranging from hundreds of nanometers to a few nanometers. The inventive nanotube-formation method involves the generation of coaxial nanojets of two liquids using electrohydrodynamic technology.

Abstract: The present invention relates to process for the manufacturing of mattresses characterized in that a liquid molding substance of the same material as the construction pieces (1, 3, 4, 6) is used in all the joints between the pieces. The process comprises steps wherein: the bottom piece (1) is laid out; the molding substance (2) is applied to the longitudinal edges (3) and cross edges (4) on one surface side of the bottom piece (1); the longitudinal pieces (3) and cross pieces (4) are lowered into a molding substance (2) and hardened; the molding substance (2) is applied on the same surface side of the bottom piece (1) between the longitudinal pieces (3) and cross pieces (4); a core (6) is lowered into the molding substance (2) and hardened; and the top piece (7) is provided with molding substance (2) and turned with the molding substance (2) facing the named upright longitudinal pieces (3) and cross pieces (4) and lowered onto the same and hardened.

Abstract: A method for producing an object formed through solid freeform fabrication includes dispensing a binder on successive layers of build material with a single first dispensing member; and coloring the successive layers with at least one second dispensing member, where the second dispensing member over-dispenses the first dispensing member. Another method for producing an object through solid freeform fabrication includes dispensing a first binder on successive layers of build material with a single first dispensing member; and dispensing a second binder on the successive layers of build material with at least one second dispensing member, where the second dispensing member over-dispenses the first dispensing member.

Abstract: A method of producing tight bezel fits between automotive interior panels and their mating subcomponents. The method includes forming at laminate preform, injection molding a substrate layer behind the laminate preform to form a molded automotive interior panel, and forming an opening in the molded automotive interior panel. The method further includes post embossing the molded automotive interior panel adjacent a perimeter of the opening to produce an embossed interface between the molded automotive interior panel and a mating subcomponent installed in the opening, thereby producing a tight bezel fit between the molded automotive interior panel and the mating subcomponent installed in the opening. Alternatively, the method includes utilizing a vacuum wrapped automotive interior panel with the embossing step described above. The invention also provides for an automotive interior panel including a tight bezel fit between the panel and mating subcomponents, formed by the aforementioned methods.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for making fastener products (117) having molded projections (110) or other molded features carried on a surface (130) feature a transfer device (135) having an outer surface with at least one transfer area (H) relatively raised with respect to another area (L) of the outer surface of the device.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a carbon nanotube composite, comprising the steps of:(a) preparing a solution of a polymer precursor; (b) immersing carbon nanotubes in the solution and ultrasonically cleaning the solution; (c) polymerizing the polymer precursor in order to obtain a polymer matrix having carbon nanotubes uniformly dispersed therein; (d) forming the polymer matrix into a composite having carbon nanotubes distributed therein by way of extrusion; and (e) elongating the composite so as to cause the carbon nanotubes to be orderly distributed therein.

Abstract: A method of producing a non-crimp fabric and a non-crimp fabric comprising a layup of fabric plies stitched together by a thread, at least part of which is fusible, is provided. The method can include heating the stitched plies to soften or melt the fusible thread. The use of fusible thread can act as an in situ binder within the non-crimp fabric and tension created by the unfused stitching may create channels for matrix resin infusion during manufacture.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing golf balls composed of a core and a cover of one or more layer that encloses the core, at least one cover layer being made of a thermoplastic polyurethane composition characterized by including at least 90 wt % of a thermoplastic polyurethane obtained by a polyurethane-forming reaction of an organic diisocyanate compound with a long-chain polyol and a chain extender, which thermoplastic polyurethane composition cover layer has an inherent viscosity in a DMF solvent of larger than 1.5 dl/g and an inherent viscosity in a 0.05 mol/L n-butylamine-containing DMF solution of larger than 0.5 dl/g, the golf ball manufacturing method being characterized by: conditioning the thermoplastic polyurethane to a pre-processing moisture content of 500 ppm or less, then injection molding the moisture-conditioned thermoplastic polyurethane to form the thermoplastic polyurethane composition cover layer.

Abstract: Process for molding sheets possessing, locally, a three-dimensional projecting or recessed structure , in which a blank sheet is placed between the two parts of a mold, the surface of which corresponds to the negative of said three-dimensional structure. At least one portion of the surface of the mould surrounding said negative possesses a feature intended to form a local reservoir able to supply or receive material of the three-dimensional structure depending on whether it is projecting or recessed, respectively.

Abstract: A method of molding an object with a mold having a transfer face includes the steps of filling, separating, re-melting, re-contacting, cooling, and removing. The filling step fills a thermoplastic material, having a temperature greater than a softening temperature of the thermoplastic material, into a cavity space in the mold having a temperature smaller than the softening temperature of the thermoplastic material. The thermoplastic material comes in contact with the transfer face and is cooled. The separating step separates the transfer face from the thermoplastic material to form a heat-insulating layer between the thermoplastic material and transfer face. The re-melting step re-melts the thermoplastic material with heat energy retained inside the thermoplastic material. The re-contacting step re-contacts the re-melted thermoplastic material to the transfer face. The cooling step cools the thermoplastic material to a temperature smaller than the softening temperature of the thermoplastic material.