Abstract: The present invention relates to synthetic methods for grafting hydrophilic chains onto polymers, particularly hydrophobic polymers such as poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC), poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF), and chlorinated polypropylene (cPP). Resulting polymers include comb polymers which can have a microphase-separated structure of hydrophilic domains provided by the hydrophilic chains. Articles prepared from these comb polymers, particularly derived from PVDF, include membranes for water filtration in which the hydrophilic domains provide a pathway for water transport. PVC can be plasticized by grafting the PVC with hydrophilic chains. In addition, such articles, particularly articles having biomedical applications, can display anti-thrombogenic properties.

Abstract: Membranes for use in methods and apparatuses for water filtration are composed of at least one polyarylethernitrile membrane having structural units of formula 1 and structural units of formula 2, 3, or a combination thereof wherein Z is independently a direct bond, O, S, CH2, SO, SO2, CO, RPO, CH2, alkenyl, alkynyl, a C1-C12 aliphatic radical, a C6-C12 cycloaliphatic radical, a C6-C12 aromatic radical or a combination thereof, and wherein R is equal to C6-C12 aryl radical; Q is a direct bond, O, S, CH2, alkenyl, alkynyl, a C1-C12 aliphatic radical, a C3-C12 cycloaliphatic radical, a C6-C12 aromatic radical or a combination thereof; R1, R2, R3 and R4 are independently H, halo, nitro, a C1-C12 aliphatic radical, a C3-C12 cycloaliphatic radical, a C6-C12 aromatic radical, or a combination thereof; a is 0, 1, 2 or 3; b, c, and d are independently 0, 1, 2, 3 or 4; and p, m and n are independently 0 or 1; and Q and Z are different.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method for separating fractions of a mixture to be separated, in a device (1) comprising: several chromatography columns (21, 22, 23,) mounted in series; an open separation loop comprising in input a point for injecting (6) eluent in one of the columns and in output a point for drawing (8) a fraction of the mixture. The method includes the following steps: batch injection of the mixture to be separated in the open separation loop (4); collecting at least two fractions; offsetting at least one column of the eluent injecting and fraction drawing points (6, 8) of the separation loop (4). The invention also concerns a device for separating fractions of a mixture to be separated.

Abstract: A liquid surface level control method for an ion-exchange resin tower according to the present invention comprises steps of determining an operation signal (S18, S28, S38) of a discharge device of liquid (6) to be discharged from the ion-exchange resin tower (2a, 2b, 2c), based on a liquid surface level PID operation signal obtained by calculating a liquid surface level signal (S12) in a PID way and a supply flow rate signal (S10, S18, S28) supplied to the ion-exchange resin tower (2a, 2b, 2c), and moving the liquid surface level (6a) close to the target liquid surface level. Preferably, the interface level (4a) is detected by means of an interface level sensor (52), and the target liquid surface level is increased or decreased according to the increase/decrease of the interface level (4a). The interface level sensor (52) includes a plurality of light emitting parts and a plurality of light receiving parts which are opposite to each other in a one-to-one relation.

Abstract: The present patent refers to a new procedure for the preparation of constant height calcite beds through the continuous dosing of calcite by gravity under water, along with the control of whatever turbid waters might be generated during use of the procedure. The procedure is characterized by the use of a structure of dosing cones that allows for the continuous dosing of calcite by gravity under water and directly onto the surface of the bed. It also incorporates a grid for supporting the dosing cones, a silo with a floor made up of these dosing cones, an inner perimetric spillway below the cone support structure, a filtering floor for the uniform distribution of water or air below the calcite bed and, finally, a turbid water collection and recirculation circuit.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for removing impurities from biopolymer material, e.g. polysaccharides, polypeptides or polynucleotides. More particularly, the present invention provides a method of reducing lipopolysaccharide levels in a lipopolysaccharide containing biopolymer material, comprising the successive steps of: a) providing an aqueous solution containing 0.05-50 wt. % of dissolved lipopolysaccharide-containing biopolymer material; 0.001-10 wt.% of a surfactant; 0.05-15 wt. % of solid adsorbent; and at least 50 wt. % of water; b) allowing the adsorbent to adsorb lipopolysaccharides; c) separating the solid adsorbent containing adsorbed lipopolysaccharides from the remaining aqueous solution; and d) recovering the biopolymer material containing a reduced level of lipopolysaccharide from the separated aqueous solution.

Abstract: Methods are described for removing aluminum from a solution using novel di- and tripodal compounds as chelators.

Abstract: A water softening system including a first treatment tank having a first water capacity, a second treatment tank in parallel with the first treatment tank and having a second water capacity that is less than the first water capacity, a flow meter connected to the first and second treatment tanks, the flow meter configured to determine a demand flow rate of water entering the system and a controller in communication with the flow meter, the controller configured to direct the water into the first treatment tank when the demand flow rate is greater than a designated flow rate, and to direct the water into the second treatment tank when the demand flow rate is equal to or less than the designated flow rate.

Abstract: Methods of using an adsorption medium to remove at least one constituent from a feed stream. The method comprises contacting an adsorption medium with a feed stream comprising at least one constituent and removing the at least one constituent from the feed stream. The adsorption medium comprises a polyacrylonitrile (PAN) matrix and at least one metal hydroxide homogenously dispersed therein. The adsorption medium may comprise from approximately 15 wt % to approximately 90 wt % of the PAN and from approximately 10 wt % to approximately 85 wt % of the at least one metal hydroxide. The at least one metal hydroxide may be selected from the group consisting of ferric hydroxide, zirconium hydroxide, lanthanum hydroxide, cerium hydroxide, titanium hydroxide, copper hydroxide, antimony hydroxide, and molybdenum hydroxide.

Abstract: A wastewater treatment method in which magnetic flocs are formed by adding to wastewater an inorganic flocculant, magnetic particles, and a high molecular polymer as a polymeric flocculant, and the magnetic flocs are collected with magnetic force to thereby obtain treated water having the magnetic flocs removed from the wastewater, wherein the improvement comprises that the magnetic particles are added to the wastewater after adding the inorganic flocculant to the wastewater to flocculate suspended solids in the wastewater, after that or substantially at the same time as the magnetic particles are added, the high molecular polymer is added to the wastewater, and flocculates of the suspended solids and the magnetic particles are combined with each other with the high molecular polymer to thereby obtain the magnetic flocs.

Abstract: Apparatus is provided for introducing gas bubbles 30 (usually air bubbles) into a liquid stream 14 to coalesce material such as unwanted bits, or particles, of hydrocarbons that lie in the liquid stream along with wanted dissolved bits of metal, for removal of the hydrocarbons. The apparatus is constructed to produce a large number of bubbles of an optimum range such as 60 to 100 ?m which best coalesce the hydrocarbons. A controller (110) receives the outputs of sensors such as pressure and flow rate sensors (P, F) and uses them to make changes in other parameters such as the pressure of air introduced (at 116) into the liquid stream and the pressure in a third conduit 46 of the liquid-bubble stream.

Abstract: A method and a computer program product performs a backwash process, which facilitates a reduction in a reject rate associated with a water treatment tank. A determination is made as to whether or not the water treatment tank is in need of a backwash process, and if so, the following functions are performed. An upper burst solenoid is operated to start an airlift flow in a first airlift path at a first position and at a first point in time, at a bottom portion of the water treatment tank. A lower burst solenoid is operated to start an airlift flow in a second airlift path at a second position and at a second point in time, at a bottom portion of the water treatment tank, the second position being below the first position and the second point in time being after the first point in time. The airlift flow in the first and second airlift paths enables suitable water flow within the water treatment tank.

Abstract: A system and method for powering an ultraviolet (UV) water purification system utilizing a dynamo. A dynamo, operably attached to the UV water purification system, generates power from a rotatable crank which is actuated by a user around an axis of the rotatable crank. When the crank is rotated, the dynamo produces an electrical current that activates and powers the UV lamp, which in turn, produces UV light to purify the water. To ensure that the water has been purified appropriately, a microcontroller, employed within the UV water purification system, tracks both the “on” time and the intensity of the UV lamp as the dynamo is cranked. Once the lamp has been “on” at a sufficient intensity and for an appropriate period of time to administer a required dose of UV light, the microcontroller disables the lamp and provides the user with notification that the process has completed.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for treating a liquid containing impurities may include a filtering chamber configured to permit granular media to interact with liquid containing impurities, thereby removing impurities from the liquid to produce filtrate; a filtrate section for receiving the filtrate; a gas supplying system for delivering gas to the granular media in the filtering chamber for transport of a portion of the granular media to a granular media washer; a reject section in fluid communication with the granular media washer for receiving a reject mixture comprising liquid and impurities from the granular media washer; and a control unit that is configured to determine whether the portion of the granular media is being transported properly based on an amount of reject mixture in the reject section.

Abstract: A portable vessel for fluids has an integrated filtration system. A pressing assembly fitted to the vessel includes a stopper, a rod having a top end and a filtration assembly. A vessel top receives the pressing assembly such that the rod of the pressing assembly is slidably attached to a bearing of the vessel top. A gasket attached to the filtration element maintains a seal between the inner surface of the vessel and an outer perimeter of the filtration assembly and the orientation of the rod is maintained by the gasket and the bearing. In use, pressure applied to the pressing assembly drives the filtration assembly through the vessel causing water to be filtered as it passes through the filter element.

Abstract: A novel composite of glass fiber paper and reinforcing material that is useful for high speed manufacturing of devices comprising it is disclosed. The composite is formed by pressing into a glass fiber paper, having multimodal (at least bi-modal) composition, a hydrophilic reinforcing material. The composite has anisotropic separation properties that are particularly useful for preparing a fluid fraction from whole blood. The preferred glass fiber paper comprises glass fibers such that there are a plurality of short fibers (6) having large diameters and long fibers (2) with smaller diameters. The preferred glass fiber paper also exhibits partial ordering. There are many more of the long fibers (2) with smaller diameters than of the short fibers (6) having large diameters. Also disclosed are several blood separator device designs for efficiently separating the fluid fraction of blood from whole blood using the composite.

Abstract: A method of evaporating waste water utilizing waste heat employs a forced air thermal evaporator system having an air heat exchanger with: a waste heat inlet, a waste heat outlet, a cold air inlet and a hot air outlet; a compressor connected with the cold air inlet to force air into the cold air inlet; and a distribution header having a hot air inlet connected with the hot air outlet, a waste water inlet connected to a waste water source, and air/water mixing nozzles connected with the hot air inlet and the waste water inlet. Engaging the compressor forces air through the heat exchanger and into the distribution header where the waste water is admixed with the hot air which then exits through spray nozzles as water vapor.

Abstract: Disclosed are modular filter-in-filter elements, namely an outer filter element and an inner filter element which may be assembled to form a filter cartridge for use in separation methods and systems. The outer filter element typically functions as a coalescing element and the inner element typically functions as a particulate filter element. The disclosed filter cartridges may be structured for separating water from a hydrocarbon-based liquid fuel as the fuel moves through the cartridge from outside to inside.

Abstract: A process for the discharge of slag and ash from a gasification reactor is disclosed. These solids are directed from the gasification reactor into a water bath housed with the gasification reactor in a pressure vessel. There are at least two lock hoppers underneath the water bath which are fed with a stream of water/solids via a pipe and a flow divider element, it being possible to supply the lock hoppers individually and in a controlled manner with a stream of water/solids via shut-off devices. The filling is performed in a manner that encourages the sett-ling process by withdrawing a stream of liquid from the lock hopper being filled, the filling time being controlled so as to prevent the solids settling above the valves and lock hoppers. Also disclosed is an apparatus with at least two lock hoppers underneath the water bath of a gasification reactor, there being, in an advantageous embodiment, a flow divider element and shut-off devices between the water bath and the lock hoppers.

Abstract: A gun storage rack comprising an elongated support base mounted on a wall or door. The upper end of the base includes a muzzle housing, and the lower end includes a stock housing. The stock housing has a movable floor, resiliently biased upwardly. Under downward pressure from the stock of a gun, the downward travel of the floor allows the muzzle end of the gun to clear the lower edge of the muzzle housing. Upon release of the pressure, the muzzle enters the muzzle housing. Locking means then restrains the floor in the stock housing from being moved downwardly, effectively locking the upper and lower ends of the gun within the muzzle housing and the stock housing. A selectively positionable trigger housing encloses the lateral portions of the gun's trigger, preventing access thereto. Release of the locking means allows instantaneous removal of the gun from the rack.

Abstract: A communication rack includes a stand, at least one support plate, a board, and a plurality of retainers. The stand forms at least two insertion slot rows and a plurality of positioning sections arranged between the insertion slot rows. Each insertion slot row comprises at least one insertion slot. The support plate is movably inserted in the insertion slot of the stand. The board is positioned on and supported by the support plate and the board includes a plurality of retention sections. Each retainers includes at least one counterpart positioning section and at least one pawl. The counterpart positioning section corresponds to the positioning section so as to be fixed together. The pawl corresponds to and engages with the retention sections to be fixed together.

Abstract: A shelving system and components thereof is disclosed. Preferably, the shelving system is a reverse cantilever shelf mounting system, wherein one or more shelves are supported by and extend rearwardly from an inner face of upright vertical standards. The vertical standards are of two piece construction having a triangular cross-sectional shape and an inner face having vertically oriented slots along its length for mounting shelf brackets. Tensioned cross braces lock together welded side frames of the shelving system. A base facia or “kick plate” panel may be mounted to the base of the shelving system frame, and optional open-sided rod bookstops mate with punched out mounts that are integral with the shelf top surface to securely mount the bookstop to the shelf.

Abstract: A pusher system for biasing retail merchandise forward is provided. The pusher system includes a front wall structure, a pair of walls, a pusher, and a spring. The pair of walls are operably coupled to the front wall structure. The pair of walls are in opposing spaced relation to each other. The pair of walls are also transverse to and extend rearwardly from the front wall structure to define a receptacle for the retail merchandise. The pusher is interposed between the pair of walls. The spring acts upon the pusher such that the pusher is movable toward the front wall structure between the pair of walls under the action of the spring. The pusher is movable laterally between and guided by the walls so that the pusher is free of a central track.

Abstract: A display retraction assembly for a multi-display visualization device is provided comprising a first track in a first vertical plane, a second track in a second vertical plane offset from the first track, a display support member operably connected to the first track and second track and a display connected to the display support member wherein the display is movable simultaneously with the display support member along the first track and second track.

Abstract: The Invention relates a method and an apparatus for handling and/or servicing components of a wind turbine, such as installing and/or dismantling components into or from a wind turbine nacelle or such as servicing exterior components such as blades, hub, tower and nacelle of the wind turbine. The gripping apparatus comprising at least one arm for gripping around the wind turbine tower, said at least one arm capable of forming a gap between gripping elements of the gripping apparatus. The at least one arm extends around the entire outer circumference, seen perpendicular to a horizontal plane, of the wind turbine tower.

Abstract: A railroad coupler assembly having at least a body and a knuckle both formed in a no-bake manufacturing process, the body and the knuckle having dimensional tolerances of distances between features that wear during operation that are about half those obtained from a body and a knuckle manufactured by a green sand process, resulting in increased fatigue life compared to the body and the knuckle manufactured by a green sand process.

Abstract: The invention relates to a feeding bottle having a drinking teat made of a flexible plastic, a bottle made from plastic having higher strength than the flexible plastic and connected to the drinking teat in one piece by means of injection molding, and a reinforcement thread extending from the bottle through the drinking teat up to the drinking opening.

Abstract: The present invention describes plastic materials and food additives that are free or substantially free from endocrine disruptive chemicals. The plastic materials may be used in products which are exposed to individuals in which endocrine disruptive activity is particularly disadvantageous, such as baby bottles, baby toys, food containers, medical containers, animal cages and medical products. The food additives may be used in food products that are ingested by individuals in which endocrine disruptive activity is particularly disadvantageous, such as newborns or the physically infirm. The present invention also describes a series of assays which, when performed in combination, provide a novel method for determining the presence of endocrine disruptive activity.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are beverage bottles having fins incorporated within the wall of a bottle body providing for aerodynamic guidance in a direction defined by a vector passing through the neck, each of the fins defining a plane passing through the substantial center of each fin, the defining vector locatable within each of the planes of each fin such that the intersection of each of the planes and the defining vector is a line. Those bottles may incorporate a base section adapted for transport in a track or conveyor of bottling machinery; aerodynamic noses and nosecones, attachable to the neck or bottom of a bottle or other location, optionally holding an object, prize or additive, and a production sleeve permitting transport through a track or conveyor. Detailed information on various example embodiments of the inventions are provided in the Detailed Description below, and the inventions are defined by the appended claims.

Abstract: A bottle cap device for a container includes a bottle cap, a subpackage vessel, a guiding structure, and a linkage structure. A retainer groove and a retainer member form a clutch structure, wherein the retainer groove and the retainer member are mated with each other and are disposed between said bottle cap and an outside surface of a top periphery of the subpackage vessel. A circular slotting tool is disposed within a containing cavity, wherein said circular slotting tool has a center hole and a cutting edge protruded on the bottom thereof. The guiding structure is disposed between said slotting tool and said subpackage vessel, wherein when the slotting tool is turned anticlockwise, the guiding structure limits the slotting tool to move downwards.

Abstract: A tamper evident cap adapted to close an opening on a vessel includes a main body having an outer circumference, a pull tab extending from the main body, and a flange, forms an annulus around the main body and connected to the main body. The flange includes an outer circumference that is larger than the outer circumference of the main body. It is essential to the present invention that the flange is made of a very thin layer of material. In addition, the flange includes at least a pair of perforation lines. Further, the present invention includes a bump in the pull-tab for enabling a person grasping the pull-tab, to obtain a firmer hold thereon.

Abstract: A cap is received on an associated bottle opening. The cap preferably includes an annular body and a sidewall that includes a thread member extending around at least a portion of an inner surface thereof. A closing surface extends substantially perpendicular to the sidewall and is dimensioned to cover the associated bottle opening. As disclosed, an opening in the cap closing surface has first, second, and third portions that each form distinct interconnected narrow, intermediate, and large pour opening portions. A lid is selectively received on the closing surface and includes a seal extending outwardly from a surface thereof. The seal includes similarly dimensioned first, second, and third portions that conform to and selectively seal with the first, second, and third portions of the cap opening. Another exemplary embodiment includes a tear-away panel portion that includes a tab to aid in removal of the panel portion and forming the opening.

Abstract: A heat set container comprising a base portion, a shoulder portion, and a sidewall portion extending from the shoulder portion to the base portion. The shoulder portion, the sidewall portion and the base portion cooperate to define a receptacle chamber within the container into which product can be filled. A plurality of vacuum panels are equidistantly disposed about the sidewall portion. A plurality of transition lands are disposed between adjacent ones of the plurality of vacuum panels and spaced outwardly relative thereto. The plurality of vacuum panels and the plurality of transition lands cooperate to be inwardly collapsible from a first outside diameter to a second outside diameter in response to at least internal vacuum forces.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are aerodynamic beverage bottles having fins incorporated within the wall of a bottle body providing for aerodynamic guidance in a direction defined by a vector passing through the neck, each of the fins defining a plane passing through the substantial center of each fin, the defining vector being non-positionable within any of the planes of defined by each fin. Those bottles may incorporate a base section adapted for transport in a track or conveyor of bottling machinery; aerodynamic noses and nosecones, attachable to the neck or bottom of a bottle or other location, optionally holding an object, prize or additive, and a production sleeve permitting transport through a track or conveyor. Detailed information on various example embodiments of the inventions are provided in the Detailed Description below, and the inventions are defined by the appended claims.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are beverage bottles having a bottle body including a narrowed portion, the narrowed portion dividing the volume of the bottle body between a first portion including fins and a second portion containing a majority of volume. Bottles may also include one or more of: fins that are molded in, attached individually or in a finned section; a base section adapting a finned bottle for transport in a track or conveyor of bottling machinery; aerodynamic noses and nosecones, attachable to the neck or bottom of a bottle or other location, optionally holding an object, prize or additive, also optionally acting as a stand; a production sleeve permitting transport through a track or conveyor; and noses, fins and finned sections that are reversible. Detailed information on various example embodiments of the inventions are provided in the Detailed Description below, and the inventions are defined by the appended claims.

Abstract: Mirror-image patterns for use one patterned media. Methods are implemented to create a mirror-image on the top and bottom of a media disk. These mirror images simplify the creation of electronics for patterned media. Further, the methods allow for a single e-beam master disk to be used to create the stamper for the top and the bottom of the media disk.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing an optical waveguide is disclosed. The method in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention includes providing a carrier, fixing a base substrate to the carrier by using a first insulation layer such that the base substrate is directly stacked on the carrier, stacking an optical waveguide layer on at least one of the base substrate and the first insulation layer, and severing the base substrate such that the base substrate and the optical waveguide layer are separated from the carrier. Accordingly, the optical waveguide layer can be formed with a uniform thickness since wrinkles in the base substrate supporting the optical waveguide layer are prevented from forming during the manufacturing process.

Abstract: In an embodiment, a method of forming an anti-reflective surface includes providing conditions for a plasma, and exposing a surface of an organic-inorganic optical material to the plasma. A treated optical material formed thereby exhibits lower reflectivity relative to the material prior to the step of exposing, forming the anti-reflective surface. In an embodiment, a method of forming an anti-reflective surface includes depositing an etch mask on a surface of an optical material, providing plasma conditions for a plasma such that the plasma etches the optical material preferentially over the etch mask, and exposing the etch mask to the plasma using the plasma conditions to form a treated optical material having a plasma-affected zone. The optical material exhibits lower reflectivity relative to said optical material prior to the step of exposing, and forms the anti-reflective surface.

Abstract: Disclosed is a decorative material in which a metal layer (e.g., a radio-wave-transmitting metal layer) on a non-metallic-lustrous part can be removed readily and sufficiently even when the metal layer is formed partially by a process involving an etching treatment, and can decorate a molded article with a desired pattern readily and satisfactorily. Also disclosed is a method for producing the decorative material. Further disclosed is a molded article produced by using the decorative material.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method of preparing a low resistance metal line, in which a wet plating technique is used instead of a vacuum film forming process in order to simplify the process and decrease the manufacturing cost. In addition, a self-assembled monolayer is formed that facilitates the increased adsorption density and strength of the metal catalyst resulting in the formation of a high-density metal catalyst layer, thereby obtaining a high-quality metal line. Also disclosed herein, are a patterned metal line structure, and a display device using the same.

Abstract: A patterned sapphire substrate manufacturing method uses two-section dip etching procedure to improve the lateral etching rate at each etching position, so as to produce a concave-convex pattern composed of a plurality of triangular pyramid structures protruded from a surface onto an upper surface of a sapphire substrate, such that less planar area of the sapphire substrate surface will remain, and a mixed solution of sulfuric acid and phosphoric acid is used in a first dip etching step, and pure phosphoric acid or a mixed solution of sulfuric acid and phosphoric acid is used in a second dip etching step for etching the sapphire substrate to control the inclination of each triangular pyramid structure precisely, and providing a better light extraction rate for later manufactured light emitting diodes.

Abstract: In accordance with an embodiment of the invention, a step in a fabrication process can be conducted so as to determine when the process has reached an end point. End point detection can be performed by detecting when a operating process condition changes. For example, in one embodiment, a step in a fabrication process (e.g., an etching step) can be conducted in a chamber by varying a position of a throttle valve connected to the chamber so as to maintain a desired pressure within the chamber. In such method, it can be determined when the etching step has reached an end point by detecting when a signal representative of the throttle valve position changes in a particular way which matches an expected signature. In another embodiment, a step in a fabrication process can be conducted in a chamber by maintaining a desired flow within the chamber, such as by controlling a throttle valve, and allowing the pressure within the chamber to vary.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for processing substrate edges is disclosed that overcomes the limitations of conventional edge processing methods and systems used in semiconductor manufacturing. The edge processing method and apparatus of this invention includes a laser and optical system to direct a beam of radiation onto a rotating substrate supported by a chuck, in atmosphere. The optical system accurately and precisely directs the beam to remove or transform organic or inorganic films, film stacks, residues, or particles from the top edge, top bevel, apex, bottom bevel, and bottom edge of the substrate. An optional gas injector system directs gas onto the substrate edge to aid in the reaction. Process by-products are removed via an exhaust tube enveloping the reaction site. This invention permits precise control of an edge exclusion zone, resulting in an increase in the number of usable die on a wafer.

Abstract: Provided are a plasma processing apparatus, a plasma processing method, and a mechanism for regulating a temperature of a dielectric window, which can achieve a better plasma processing characteristic by more precisely controlling the temperature of the dielectric window through which a microwave used for plasma processing is transmitted. The plasma processing apparatus is provided with a processing container, a dielectric window (shower plate), an antenna, a waveguide, a cooling block, a substrate holder, and a holding ring (upper plate) attached to the upper portion of the processing container. A circumferential portion of the dielectric window is engaged with the holding ring. The cooling block provided with a cooling flow path through which a heat medium can flow is provided on the antenna. A temperature sensor is provided around the waveguide, and a temperature of the antenna or the like is detected. A lamp heater is provided in an inside of the holding ring.

Abstract: In atmospheric-pressure plasma processing, fluctuation of a recovery rate or a recovery concentration of a fluorine raw material is restrained to secure stability of processing. Exhaust gas led out from an atmospheric-pressure plasma processing part 2 to an exhaust line 30 is separated by a separation membrane 41 of a separation part 4 into collected gas for a recovered line 50 and release gas for a release line 60. The collected gas is utilized as at least a part of processing gas. At the time of the separation, physical quantity (preferably pressure) of at least two gases of the collected gas, the release gas and the exhaust gas related to the separation are regulated according to flow rate of the processing gas so that either one or both of a recovery rate or a recovery concentration of a fluorine raw material are as desired.

Abstract: A welding unit for welding rails of a track includes two unit bodies that can be moved in relation to each other by displacement cylinders along unit guides running parallel to the rails. The displacement cylinders are connected both to pull rods and to a crossbeam. Thus a simple design having high tensile forces is possible.

Abstract: A system and method of welding is provided where a first welding power supply provides a first welding waveform to a strip electrode for welding a work piece and a second welding power supply provides a second welding waveform to at least one curtain electrode for welding the work piece. The at least one curtain electrode is positioned adjacent to a side of said strip electrode during welding.

Abstract: Electric welding method is provided of aluminium or aluminium alloy in a magnetic field, the aluminium or aluminium alloy adjacent to a weld joint under formation has an oxide layer, and the free end of a welding wire is supplied with a surrounding shielding gas. Furthermore, a welding wire is used that comprises aluminium or aluminium alloy provided with an oxide-inhibiting coating, which forms the outer covering or sheath of the welding wire and/or that as said shielding gas there is used a shielding gas with oxygen incorporated therein, or that the shielding gas is supplied with oxygen during the welding process. When the process is carried out in a magnetic field, the minimum frequency of the welding current is selected as a function of the strength of the magnetic field. A method is also provided for producing the welding wire and necessary material conditions for a usable welding gun.

Abstract: A method for welding copper includes steps of spraying an inert gas to copper that is an object to be welded to cover a portion to be welded on the copper with the inert gas, and performing electrical discharge to weld the portion to be welded. The inert gas that covers the portion to be welded passes a dehumidifying process that removes moisture contained in the inert gas.

Abstract: A method is described, for treating a superalloy substrate which includes at least one cavity containing adherent metal oxide material on its surface. A short-pulsed, high repetition rate laser beam is directed against the cavity surface for a period of time sufficient to remove substantially all of the adherent metal oxide material. The laser beam is characterized by a peak power density in the range of about 10 megawatts/cm2 to about 10 gigawatts/cm2. In another embodiment, a high-power, short-pulsed, high repetition rate laser beam is directed to a region on the substrate which includes the cavity, under laser operational conditions which are capable of cutting into the superalloy material; so that a boundary region is formed within the substrate, which encloses the cavity. The cavity can be a crack in a turbine blade, and the crack can be repaired after treatment, by welding, or by another suitable technique.