Abstract: Compositions of bacteria which are effective for the nitrification of wastewater, particularly at low temperatures, are described. The compositions are comprised of 35 strains or populations of at least partially characterized isolated bacteria. These compositions may be used to treat wastewater contaminated with animal fecal waste and/or ammonia. In use, wastewater is contacted with the bacterial composition of the invention under aerobic conditions and for a period of time effective to oxidize ammonia therein.

Abstract: In an embodiment, a method for manufacturing a thin layer chromatography (“TLC”) plate is disclosed. The method includes forming a layer of elongated nanostructures (e.g., carbon nanotubes), and at least partially coating the elongated nanostructures with a coating. The coating includes a stationary phase and/or precursor of a stationary phase for use in chromatography. Embodiments for TLC plates and related methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method for separating fractions of a mixture using a chromatography device. The method includes the following steps: controlling in one node of the device, the history of a specific variable of the fractions of the mixture to be separated; detecting one characteristic point of the history, the characteristic point being between two successive steps of fraction collecting; comparing the position of the characteristic point relative to a target position; adjusting the amount of mobile phase modifying the position of the characteristic point to cause the position of the characteristic point to coincide with the target position. The invention also concerns a device for implementing the method. The method enables the operation of the device to be automatically set.

Abstract: A method uses anionic and cationic polymers added in, any order or simultaneously, to aqueous media for the removal of substances. The sequential addition of the two biopolymers, anionic xanthan, followed by cationic chitosan, causes the rapid formation of very large and cohesive fibrillar aggregates that may exhibit high solids to liquid ratios and that quickly settle out from the aqueous media. The aqueous media can be easily separated from the large fibrillar aggregates by settling under gravity or by filtration through a porous containment device, such as a synthetic or non-synthetic woven or non-woven fabric including a geotextile fabric or a solid containment device containing a solid mesh screen.

Abstract: Sorption media for removal of contaminants from fluid streams are provided. The sorption media comprise an active compound bound or linked to a support substrate or matrix. Support substrates can include iron- and alumina-based materials. A method for making sorption media for the removal of contaminants from fluid streams is also described. The method includes selecting a support substrate, and, optionally, providing a doping mixture comprising an active compound. The selected support substrate can be contacted with the doping mixture to form a doped mixture. The doped mixture can be reacted at a predetermined temperature and atmospheric environment for a predetermined duration to form an active media, wherein the active compound is bound or linked to the support substrate.

Abstract: A process for removal of non-polar compounds from water, wherein the non-polar compounds exist in dissolved or dispersed form, wherein the water is led through a preparation tank wherein the temperature is adjusted and wherein possible solid particles are removed. The water is then led via pipe into a reactor tank and is mixed with a hydrate forming compound, wherein simultaneously hydrate seeds are added which have been recycled for continuous use in the process; whereby the drops or molecules of the non-polar compounds are attached or associated to hydrate particles being formed in the reactor tank. The hydrate particles are separated from the water and melted. The hydrate forming compound is recycled to the reactor tank and the non-polar compounds discharged. In addition, a device for use of the process as well as hydrates for removal of non-polar compounds in water.

Abstract: A sludge dewatering system that includes a reactor to apply an electric field across at least a portion of the volume of the sludge and a dewatering station to dewater the sludge. The dewatering system may include one or more bypass lines so that at a portion of volume the sludge bypasses particular stages of the system. The dewatering station may use, for example, pressing or a centrifuge.

Abstract: Apparatuses and methods for improved operation of a fluid purification apparatus. The fluid purification apparatus includes a pressure sensor to energize and de-energize one or more components of the fluid purification apparatus based on the pressure entering or in the fluid purification apparatus.

Abstract: Apparatuses and methods for level control in a fluid purification apparatus. The apparatuses and methods include a fluid purification apparatus and a level sensor that regulates operation of the fluid purification apparatus. The level sensor may further operate a bypass valve or a heater.

Abstract: Provided are methods and systems for continuously producing low concentrations of chlorine dioxide from dilute solutions of sodium chlorite. The low concentrations of chlorine dioxide produced allow for reduced exposure risk with direct application of the chlorine dioxide stream. The incorporation of a suitable chlorine dioxide detector permits continuous monitoring and control of chlorine dioxide production ensuring that the process stays within regulatory guidelines. Pretreatment of reaction water is preferred for achieving suitable conversion rates of the low concentrations of chlorite to chlorine dioxide.

Abstract: An embodiment of a water reclamation system has at least one water filtration module mounted to a transport vehicle. The at least one water filtration module has a plurality of water treatment vessels with a treatment media positioned therein. A waste water inlet header, a produced water collection header, and a waste water outlet header are all connected to the plurality of water treatment vessels of the at least one water filtration module. A method of reclaiming waste water comprises flowing waste water into the waste water inlet header where it is distributed into the plurality of treatment vessels. The waste water engages the treatment media and the filtered or produced water is collected in the produced water collection header. The waste water is collected in the waste water outlet header.

Abstract: A problem is to solve problems on removal of solids by a screen and on an installation space and pipe connection in a separator. A solution to the problem is as follows. A separator 1, which is a device for separating solids contained in influent liquid, has a separation tank 2; a partition plate 5 partitioning an inside space of the separation tank 2 into an inflow chamber 3 and an outflow chamber 4; a screen 8 provided at the partition plate 5; a liquid inlet 6 formed at the inflow chamber 3; and a discharge outlet 7 formed at the outflow chamber 4; the inflow chamber 3 is provided with a guide unit 9, 10, 10a for forming a vertical swirling flow in the inflow chamber 3 by reversing the influent liquid from the liquid inlet 6; the screen 8 is disposed along a side face of the swirling flow thus formed. This configuration permits the solids to be removed, without clogging the screen with the solids.

Abstract: A slot for releasably storing a tape cartridge is disclosed. The slot comprises an enlargeable receiving portion for releasable insertion of the tape cartridge and a plate for supporting the tape cartridge in the slot. At least a portion of the plate is moveable for enlarging the receiving portion.

Abstract: A cookware holder is supported in the upper end of a kitchen cabinet to hang a plurality of cookware items by their handles so that these items extend from the back to the front of the cabinet. The cookware is held on a plurality of hooks that descend from a laterally extending rail portion of the holder. This rail is extended outward from the front of the cabinet to dispose the cookware items outside the cabinet to facilitate access and storage thereof.

Abstract: Aspects of the present invention relate to crane systems and/or hoists. One aspect includes in combination with a pair of runways in a crane system, a pair of hoist assemblies moveable on the runways, a pair of transfer rails selectively disposable transversely to the runways, the transfer rails including racks for at least a portion of one or both of the hoist assemblies to travel on, a spreader assembly locatable between the hoist assemblies and engaging the runways and/or the hoist assemblies to push the runways or hoist assemblies apart during insertion of the transfer rails between the runways.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for controlling the position of the tongs of a crane depending on bending of a slab are disclosed. Side surface detection units are installed at both ends of the tongs of a crane for gripping the side surfaces of one or more slabs, and are configured to detect one or more gaps generated due to bending of one of the slabs. A distance detection unit is configured to detect the distance between an uppermost slab and the crane. A control unit is configured to adjust the final grip position of the tongs using information about the gaps generated due to the bending of the slab. The information about the gaps is detected by the side surface detection units and the distance detection unit.

Abstract: Feeding bottle (10) comprising a neck to which a teat (14) is attached, characterized in that it comprises at least two visual marks (20, 22) located on one and the same circumference near the neck or near the teat and separated from one another about the axis of the feeding bottle, one of these marks (20) defining one angular position of the feeding bottle (10) about its axis for which the other mark (22) indicates a point through which the free surface (24) of the liquid contained in the feeding bottle needs to pass in order for the hydrostatic pressure of the liquid at an outlet orifice (16) of the teat (14) to be substantially zero.

Abstract: A nursing bottle formed of a large volume container, incorporating a vent tube that extends to vent pressure at all times. The nursing bottle may have a cylindrical shape or other configuration that prevents formula placed therein from blocking the vent tube regardless of its angular disposition. The vent tube extends distally from the vent insert, operatively associated with a collar, that holds the vent structures and the nipple to the wide rimmed opening. In addition, the vent tube has a conical shape of decreasing diameter distally toward the center of the bottom to dissipate the pressure that may cause leakage from the bottle. Further, the vent insert has a major and minor seal that prevents leaks out of the collar and onto an infant.

Abstract: A container defines a central longitudinal axis and includes an engagement part that secures a lid to the container. A neck portion is disposed adjacent the engagement part and includes a plurality of recessed portions spaced circumferentially around the neck portion, where each recessed portion has a periphery. The neck portion also includes an outwardly protruding rib disposed along at least a portion of the periphery of at least one recessed portion and an outer surface extending between each pair of adjacent recessed portions. The rib projects outwardly from both the outer surface and the at least one recessed portion.

Abstract: A plastic closure including a bottom part and a lid that has an annular retaining bead in the bottom part. A disk having a support surface is held positively or non-positively in the bead. The disk includes one or more through-passages, which open into a chamber. A thixotropic fluid present in a flexible container reaches the chamber through the through-passages, where the fluid performs a directional change from axial to radial and after a second directional change from radial to axial flows out through the spout opening, wherein a constriction between the two directional changes accelerates the flow.

Abstract: This stopper (1) comprises a capping lid (20) which, in the back portion of a tubular base (10) for surrounding a container neck, forms part of the upper end (10A) of this base, forming a joint (30) with hinges (31) which defines a geometric axis (A-A) for pivoting the lid between the open and closed service positions. To limit the risk that a child, playing with the stopper, could remove the lid, while at the same time enabling the lid to be opened reliably and satisfactorily by the joint in relation to the base, the joint has two lines of least mechanical resistance (14), which extend from the upper end to the lower end (10B) of the base, being positioned, at the level of said upper end, on both sides of the joint, and which are designed to break before the joint can tear completely when the lid, in open position thereof, is rotated on itself around a geometric axis transverse to the pivoting axis (A-A).

Abstract: The invention relates to a stopper device for a container having a neck with a ? axis. Said device comprises an elastomer stopper, a plastic cover that can cover both the neck and the stopper in place in the neck and comprises means for locking on the neck, and a cap adapted to the top of the cover by means of a central segment and provided with a peripheral supporting edge connected to the central segment by at least one connecting runout.

Abstract: The fragrance slurry pad receives a fragrance in slurry and prints the slurry into a recognizable logo, brand, or word upon a strip. To enhance the marketing impact of fragrance strip advertising and to differentiate among marketers without increase in cost, the present invention is fragrance slurry deposition pads that support and reinforce a marketing message. The preferred embodiment has a brand name, logo, or message etched into a flexographic print pad. The print pad applies the slurry to a strip located beneath a flap. Upon opening the flap, the fragrance slurry appears in a discernible pattern and visible message.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for stripping a photoresist comprising: (I) providing a photoresist pattern on a substrate where the substrate has at least a copper (Cu) wiring and a low-dielectric layer thereon, and selectively etching the low-dielectric layer by using the photoresist pattern as a mask; (II) contacting the substrate after the step (I), with ozone water and/or aqueous hydrogen peroxide; and (III) contacting the substrate after the step (II), with a photoresist stripping solution that contains at least a quaternary ammonium hydroxide.

Abstract: A method of forming a capacitor includes depositing a dielectric metal oxide layer of a first phase to a thickness no greater than 75 Angstroms over an inner conductive capacitor electrode material. The first phase dielectric metal oxide layer has a k of at least 15. Conductive RuO2 is deposited over and into physical contact with the dielectric metal oxide layer. Then, the RuO2 and the dielectric metal oxide layer are annealed at a temperature below 500° C. The RuO2 in physical contact with the dielectric metal oxide during the annealing facilitates a change of the dielectric metal oxide layer from the first phase to a second crystalline phase having a higher k than the first phase. The annealed dielectric metal oxide layer is incorporated into a capacitor dielectric region of a capacitor construction. Other implementations are disclosed.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a liquid crystal display includes simultaneously forming a gate electrode and a gate bus line on a transparent dielectric substrate, simultaneously forming a channel layer, an ohmic contact layer, and source/drain electrodes by forming a gate insulation film, an amorphous silicon film, a doped amorphous silicon film, and a metal film on the transparent dielectric substrate on which the gate electrode and the gate bus line are formed and etching the metal film, the amorphous silicon film, and the doped amorphous silicon film, and forming a pixel electrode by forming a protective film and a transparent metal film on the transparent dielectric substrate upon which the source/drain electrodes are formed and finely etching the transparent metal film through a lift-off process using a stripper solution.

Abstract: An integrated lead head suspension flexure including a plurality of integrated leads each including at least one lead portion unbacked by the flexure spring metal layer and configured to be substantially inline with the general plane of the spring metal layer. The leads are disposed on a dielectric layer including an unbacked dielectric layer portion having a surface positioned between the major surfaces of the spring metal layer.

Abstract: A radiation-curable, ink jet-printable composition comprising a compound having a reactive silyl group that is suitable for use as a masking composition and/or processes in which the composition is applied onto a substrate; the printed composition is exposed to radiation to form a cured image that masks selected areas of the substrate; the unmasked areas of the substrate are modified; and the cured image is treated with an alkaline solution in order to release the cured image from the substrate.

Abstract: A method of easily manufacturing a master disk for magnetic transfer is disclosed. The method of the invention facilitates separation of the master disk and a slave disk to be transferred even after conducting a magnetic transfer process after adhering the two disks by pressing or exhaustion for the purpose of enhancing transfer performance. A method of manufacturing a master disk comprises a step of forming recesses by eliminating selected parts of a surface region of soft magnetic layer 20 that is uniformly formed on the surface of substrate 10, to a depth not to cut apart the parts with one another, and a step of transforming recessed parts 20b to a nonmagnetic or low magnetic state. The steps forms a pattern of protrusions 20a and recesses 20b corresponding to information to be magnetically transferred, the protrusions 20a being magnetic and the recesses 20b being nonmagnetic or low magnetic.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a method of manufacturing a magnetic recording medium includes forming a resist on a magnetic recording layer, imprinting a stamper to the resist to transfer patterns of protrusions and recesses, and partially etching the magnetic recording layer in areas not covered with patterns of the resist used as masks by ion beam etching using a mixed gas of He and N2 as well as modifying a remainder of the magnetic recording layer to leave behind a nonmagnetic layer having a reduced thickness.

Abstract: A planar nanospectrometer is manufactured as a single chip that uses diffraction structures, which are combinations of numerous nano-features placed in a predetermined configuration. The manufacturing method consists of creating a two-dimensional analog-generating function A(x,y), binarizing the two-dimensional analog-generating function A(x,y) by creating a binary function B(x,y), simplifying the binary function B(x,y) by assigning the value of 1 to areas exceeding a predetermined threshold and 0 to all the remaining areas in order to convert the binary function B(x,y) to discrete generating function C(x,y), and lithographically fabricating the aforementioned binary features by etching as a discrete generating function C(x,y) to a calculated depth on a planar waveguide.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for simultaneously supporting multiple workpieces inside a processing space of a plasma processing system for simultaneous two-sided plasma processing. The apparatus may be a fixture having a carrier plate configured to be supported inside the processing space and a plurality of first openings extending through the thickness of the carrier plate. The carrier plate is configured to contact each of the workpieces over an annular region at an outer peripheral edge so that the first and second sides of each of the workpieces is exposed to the plasma through a respective one of said plurality of first openings.

Abstract: A plasma processing apparatus having a focus ring, enables the efficiency of cooling of the focus ring to be greatly improved, while preventing an increase in cost thereof. The plasma processing apparatus is comprised of a susceptor which has an electrostatic chuck and the focus ring. A wafer W to be subjected to plasma processing is mounted on the electrostatic chuck. The focus ring has a dielectric material portion and a conductive material portion. The dielectric material portion forms a contact portion disposed in contact with the electrostatic chuck. The conductive material portion faces the electrostatic chuck with the dielectric material portion therebetween.

Abstract: An etching and recovery method is described, wherein articles made of copper are etched with an acid aqueous solution of etching chemicals containing Cu2+ for oxidising Cu0 to Cu+, chloride ions, oxidising agent which oxidises Cu+ to Cu2+, and pH-adjusting hydrochloric acid. The technical problem to be solved is to make it possible to circulate the etching solution between the etching process and the recovery process during the recovery of used etching solution in such a manner that a closed circuit can be maintained between the processes.

Abstract: A barrel includes a plurality of wood slats that have an inner face, an outer face and side edges, grooves formed in the edges of the slats and keys that join the slats by engaging grooves in the side edges of adjacent slats.

Abstract: Provided is a vacuum circuit breaker whose insulation cylinder contained in a gas-insulated-switchgear housing contains a vacuum valve and which can be downsized while the cylinder's required mechanical strength is retained, and a gas-insulated switchgear using the same is also provided.

Abstract: A vacuum circuit-breaker wherein at least in one of the contacts at least one stud is used as a spacer, and is disposed between the mechanical connection portion and the circular plate of the contact body in such a manner as to avoid the collapse thereof during a closing operation of the vacuum circuit-breaker, and in the closed position the contacts can withstand very high compression forces, typically greater than 700 kg-force or 2 t-force.

Abstract: A method and means is disclosed for converting a conventional oxy-fuel cutting torch to an exothermic or air lance cutting torch. The conventional oxy-fuel cutting torch is converted by removing the torch tip therefrom and by substituting a two-piece adapter which enables one end of a burning bar to be inserted therein and securely positioned therein. Two different embodiments of the adapter are disclosed.

Abstract: In a waveform of switching signals, which is output from a full-bridge circuit formed of four switching elements, includes a normal polarity pulse group and a reversed polarity pulse group for controlling an output timing of voltage pulses. A duty cycle of the normal polarity pulse group containing a plurality of normal polarity pulses, which apply a positive power-supply polarity to a workpiece and apply a negative power-supply polarity to a machining-purpose electrode, is configured so as to be different from a duty cycle of the reversed polarity pulse group containing a plurality of reversed polarity pulses, which apply a negative power-supply polarity to the workpiece and apply a positive power-supply polarity to the machining-purpose electrode.

Abstract: In conventional hot wire welding, the deposition rate and temperature cannot be adjusted. A process for welding a component in which a heated welding wire is fed to the component is provided. Through the potential-free heating of the welding wire, the deposition rate and temperature may be further increased. A welding apparatus is also provided.

Abstract: During the welding of components, the components are preheated to avoid stresses. A device is provided for heating a turbine blade or vane in that a heating coil is arranged in a particular manner to obtain a temperature gradient in a component. A process for welding a turbine blade or vane is also provided.

Abstract: In order to evaluate the welding current for the resistance seam welding of an overlap seam of container bodies, a welding with changing welding current intensity is carried out for a container body of the production series, resulting in a changing welding of the seam, ranging from the welding with a too high temperature to the welding with a too low temperature. The electric energy for this welding is determined several times during this welding and/or the temperature of the weld seam is determined several times and the welding current intensity is determined at which the welding of the individual container body is too cold and the welding current intensity at which the welding is too hot. This determination is based on the determined electric energy values and/or on the determined temperature values and based on this determination a preferred range for the welding current intensity within these limits of too hot and too cold is determined.

Abstract: A method of identifying and selecting welding electrodes and welding output parameters on a welding power source is provided. The method includes identifying electrodes and/or electrode packaging with distinct colors and/or patterns which correspond to properties of the electrode. The method also may include employing distinguishable identifying markings on a power supply which correspond to the electrodes to be used to allow for easy setting of output parameters.

Abstract: The present invention is a cooling block that forms an electrode for generating a plasma for use in a plasma process, and includes a channel for a cooling liquid, the cooling block comprising: a first base material and a second base material respectively made of aluminum, at least one of the first and second base materials having a recess for forming a channel for a cooling liquid; and a diffusion bonding layer, in which zinc is diffused in aluminum, and an anti-corrosion layer of a zinc oxide film, the layers being formed by interposing zinc between the first and second base materials, and by bonding the first and second base materials with zinc interposed therebetween in a heating atmosphere containing oxygen.

Abstract: A plasma apparatus is provided including a cathode module, an anode module, and at least one inter-electrode insert located between the cathode module and the anode module. The cathode module includes at least one cathode, and a pilot module may be provided adjacent to the cathode module. The pilot module may assist ignition of the plasma apparatus. The inter-electrode insert may have an upstream and a downstream transverse surface. Both the upstream transverse surface and the downstream transverse surface are angled in a downstream direction.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for adjusting the composition of plasmas used in plasma doping, plasma deposition and plasma etching techniques. The disclosed method enables the plasma composition to be controlled by modifying the energy distribution of the electrons present in the plasma. Energetic electrons are produced in the plasma by accelerating electrons in the plasma using very fast voltage pulses. The pulses are long enough to influence the electrons, but too fast to affect the ions significantly. Collisions between the energetic electrons and the constituents of the plasma result in changes in the plasma composition. The plasma composition can then be optimized to meet the requirements of the specific process being used. This can entail changing the ratio of ion species in the plasma, changing the ratio of ionization to dissociation, or changing the excited state population of the plasma.

Abstract: An object to be processed 1 is irradiated with a laser light L modulated by a reflection type spatial light modulator 203 such that aberration of the laser light L converged inside the object 1 becomes a predetermined aberration or less. Therefore, aberration of the laser light L generated at a position on which a converging point P of the laser light L is located is made as small as possible, to enhance the energy density of the laser light L at that position, which makes it possible to form a modified region 7 with a high function as a starting point for cutting. In addition, because the reflection type spatial light modulator 203 is used, it is possible to improve the utilization efficiency of the laser light L as compared with a transmissive type spatial light modulator. Such improvement of the utilization efficiency of the laser light L is particularly important in the case in which the modified region 7 serving as a starting point for cutting is formed in the plate-shaped object 1.

Abstract: A method is described for simultaneously writing patterns in thin films of material coated on the opposite sides of thin glass or plastic substrates by direct write, laser ablation. The substrates are fully or partially transparent to the laser radiation used and in addition the surfaces of the substrates are not assumed to be flat. Different registered patterns may be applied at the same time to opposite sides of the substrates.

Abstract: A connecting piece for a tool of a multi-axis machining center has a support on the machining center side, a holder at the tool side and a pushing device which elastically pushes the holder into a defined position against the support. The pushing force of the pushing device can be varied during the operation of the machining center.

Abstract: In a power source of a welding system, an inverter rectifier output circuit and method for reducing the blocking voltages across saturable reactors associated with a rectifier coupled to a transformer winding in the inverter rectifier output circuit during both turn-on and turn-off transitions of the rectifier. At least a portion of a reverse recovery current associated with the rectifier is blocked by allowing blocking voltages to build across associated saturable reactors during a transition phase of the rectifier. During a turn-off portion of the transition phase, the blocking voltages are reduced using a RC circuit, thereby suppressing a peak voltage associated with the rectifier. During a turn-on portion of the transition phase, the blocking voltages are reduced using another saturable reactor in series with a free-wheeling diode.