Abstract: The invention is directed to a device for inflating and sealing an inflatable structure, such as inflatable cushions. The device includes an assembly configured for inflating a cushion cavity disposed between first and second layers of a film, and a sealing mechanism that preferably includes a rotary sealing drum, which can include a heat source.

Abstract: A method of producing a clothing article including the steps of (a) joining first continuous webs 120a and 120b having stretchability in the longitudinal direction thereof both in a longitudinally stretched state along an edge portion thereof to a longitudinally substantially inextensible second continuous web 120c to make a continuous composite sheet 120, (b) joining the composite sheet 120 obtained in step (a) on its side to a member 130 of the clothing article to make a web assembly 110, and (c) cutting the web assembly 110 obtained in step (b) to length.

Abstract: A golf club shaft is provided that has a grip end opposite a head end and defining a length of the shaft extending between those two ends. The shaft has a tubular cross-section over at least one portion of the shaft length which cross-section has a substantially circular outer periphery and a polygon inner periphery formed of a plurality of between 4 and 24 flats, and preferably formed of 8-16 flats. A mandrel having the shape of the inner periphery of the shaft is also provided, as is a method of forming the shaft that uses the mandrel and composite matrix materials.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a silicon adhesive composition for transporting a flexible substrate. The composition includes (A) 42 to 70 parts by weight of a polydiorganosiloxane containing an alkenyl group, (B) 55 to 28 parts by weight of a polyorganosiloxane copolymer including R13SiO1/2 units and SiO2 units, wherein R1 is a hydroxy group or a monovalent hydrocarbon group of 1 to 12 carbon atoms, (C) a polyorganosiloxane containing an SiH group, wherein the molar ratio of the SiH group of component (C) to the alkenyl group of component (A) is from 0.5 to 20, and (D) a platinum group catalytic compound, wherein the weight ratio of a metal component of the compound to the sum of components (A) and (B) is from 1 to 5000 ppm by weight.

Abstract: A process of manufacturing paperboard includes mixing a predetermined weight percentage of polypropylene and a predetermined weight percentage of polyethylene in a tank; heating the tank to a predetermined temperature for forming an adhesive of the polypropylene and the polyethylene; flowing the adhesive out of the tank to coat on an outer surface of an endless, continuous paperboard member moving thereunder; and moving an endless, continuous textile to place on the adhesive at a joining line of a pair of opposite rotating rolls so that the rolls press the textile, the adhesive, and the paperboard member to cause the adhesive to adhere the textile and the paperboard member together to produce the finished paperboard having a textile surface.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for producing perforated composite structures, such as acoustic skins suitable for aircraft engine nacelle and duct components. The process includes placing a mat member, a non-impregnated fabric member, and a resin film on a tool surface so that pins disposed on the mat member project through the fabric member and resin film to define holes therein. The fabric member is between the mat member and resin film, and the fabric member and resin film define a stack that conforms to the mat member and tool surface. A caul member is then placed on the stack so that apertures in the caul member are penetrated by the pins. The stack is heated to melt the resin film and cause molten resin to infuse the fabric member and yield a resin-infused fabric stack, after which the molten resin within the resin-infused fabric stack is at least partially cured.

Abstract: A container lid is formed as a flexible laminate of an upper layer and a lower layer and having a built-in opening feature. A pair of radially spaced concentric lines of weakness are formed in the laminate, an outer one of the lines of weakness being formed in the upper layer and an inner one of the lines of weakness being formed in the lower layer. The upper and lower layers in an annular region between the lines of weakness are readily peeled apart. The upper and lower layers outside the annular region are laminated together with an adhesive providing a bond with a greater peel strength than that required to separate the layers in the annular region.

Abstract: The invention can firmly and easily remove a finely divided weft piece without leaving the weft piece by constituting a method and an apparatus of removing weft from a cord fabric for a topping sheet in a calender line for topping rubber on a number of pieces of aligned cords by a calender roll. In the midst of transferring a cord fabric (F) transferred to a calender apparatus, weft is finely divided by passing the cord fabric (F) through weft dividing means, thereafter, a plurality of blades (45) arranged movably in a width direction on an upper face side of the cord fabric (F) are reciprocally moved in the width direction over an entire width thereof to be brought into contact with the cord fabric (F), and the divided weft piece (W1) is wiped off to remove by respectively striking respective cords (C) of the cord fabric (F) by the respective blades (45).

Abstract: The present invention relates to polyethylene material that has a plurality of unidirectionally oriented polyethylene monolayers cross-piled and compressed at an angle to one another, each polyethylene monolayer composed of ultra high molecular weight polyethylene and essentially devoid of resins. The present invention further relates to ballistic resistant articles that include or incorporate the inventive polyethylene material and to methods of preparing the material and articles incorporating same.

Abstract: A method of making a multilayer protective film. The method comprises: (a) forming a PU layer comprising an at least partially crosslinked polyurethane, the at least partially crosslinked polyurethane comprising at least one of a polyester-based polyurethane or a polycarbonate-based polyurethane; (b) forming a TPU layer comprising a polycaprolactone-based thermoplastic polyurethane; (c) forming a PSA layer comprising a pressure sensitive adhesive; (d) bonding one major surface of the PU layer to one major surface of the TPU layer; and (e) bonding the PSA layer to an opposite major surface of the TPU layer; wherein the TPU layer is sandwiched between the PU layer and the PSA layer. The multilayer film may be used to protect painted surfaces of vehicle body parts.

Abstract: A system and method for reinforcing at least a portion of a structural member, including at least one hollow carrier, having an exterior shell and an interior portion, which substantially conforms to the dimensions and geometry of the structural member being reinforced; and a lightweight, low density material for filling the interior portion of one or more of the carriers. The material filling one or more of the carriers of the present invention can be a reinforcement material, self-curing material, or a heat activated expandable material. The carrier can be produced by blow molding or rotational molding and has an adhesive material disposed along at least a portion of the exterior shell used to place, adhere, and affix the carrier to a targeted portion of the structural member selected to be structurally reinforced.

Abstract: Pressure-sensitive adhesive for single- or double-sidedly tacky pressure-sensitive adhesive strips redetachable without residue or destruction both by extensive stretching substantially in the bond plane and by peeling, the pressure-sensitive adhesive being composed at least of (1) a vinylaromatic block copolymer, (2) a solid tackifying resin having a softening temperature by the ring-and-ball method of more than 30° C. and (3) a resin which is liquid at room temperature (23° C.), the fraction of liquid resin accounting for at least 40% by weight, based on the total amount of resin. Strips formed from the adhesive and the use of the strips to form redetachable bonds are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention provides an amine based epoxy resin curing agent and an epoxy resin composition containing the curing agent. The epoxy resin composition has a high gas barrier performance, a long pot life, and utility as a coating material or an adhesive for laminates.

Abstract: A plasma generator is provided which includes: a microwave generation portion which generates a microwave; a wave guide for propagating the microwave; a plurality of plasma generation nozzles which are attached to the wave guide so as to be apart from each other in the direction where the microwave is propagated, receive the microwave, and generate and emit a plasmatic gas based on the energy of this microwave; and a plurality of stabs which correspond to a part or the whole part of the plasma generation nozzles and are each disposed in the wave guide so as to lie in a rear position a predetermined distance apart from each other in the direction where the microwave is propagated.

Abstract: A process for the bleaching of chemical pulp, comprising a first chlorine dioxide treatment (D) of the initial bleaching and chelation (Q) to be carried out in connection therewith, forming together a DQ treatment. The process is characterized in that the chelation is carried out at the pH of from 2 to 7, and it is followed by an alkalizing stage (N) of the pulp, without intermediate washing for raising the pH of the pulp to above 7 and at most to 12 prior to a following stage which is a washing step.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for filling and cleaning a pulp tower. The invention is most suitable for filling and cleaning high-consistency pulp towers, bleaching towers, storage tanks and similar towers containing fiber suspensions, of the wood-processing industry. The apparatus and method according to the invention for filling and cleaning a pulp tower, in which method pulp is fed into the pulp tower either through its cover (10) or at least feed devices (24) arranged at its top, are characterized in that the space surrounding the feed device (24) is washable at the same time as the pulp is fed into the tower by means of washing devices (28, 30, 32) arranged in connection with the feed devices.

Abstract: Equipment and a process for separating bitumen from oil sand in a process stream are described. The equipment includes several processing vessels and one or more local area radio frequency applicators to selectively heat the process stream in local areas of the equipment. The local area can be adjacent to an input or output of a component of the equipment. Also described is equipment for processing an oil sand—water slurry, including a slurrying vessel, a slurry pipe, and a local area radio frequency applicator. The local area radio frequency applicator is located outside of the slurry pipe, and heats the local area without significantly heating the contents of the slurrying vessel or of the downstream portion of the slurry pipe.

Abstract: Processes for removing water from organic solvents, such as ethanol. The processes include distillation in two columns operated at sequentially higher pressure, followed by treatment of the overhead vapor by one or two membrane separation steps.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are described that couples a plurality of electromagnetic sources to a material for the purpose of either processing the material or promoting a chemical reaction. The apparatus couples various electromagnetic sources of various frequencies, including provision for static magnetic fields, radio frequency fields, and microwave fields, with the possibility of applying them all simultaneously or in any combination.

Abstract: Efficiently produce micro-dispersion water of super-fine noble metal particles having a desired concentration by using a very safe, compact production apparatus comprising a power supply for high-voltage/current discharge, a high-voltage discharge generator equipped with a noble metal electrode and its counter electrode, a water tank, a water inlet to the water tank, and an outlet for micro-dispersion water of super-fine noble metal particles, by causing plasma discharge in water between the noble metal electrode and its counter electrode and then causing the generated noble metal ion vapor to contact, and micro-disperse in, water. The obtained water can be effectively used as drinking water.

Abstract: An apparatus that performs an electrolytic plating on a plating surface of a belt substrate is provided. The apparatus includes a plating tank, a conveyor device configured to carry a belt substrate through an interior of the plating tank, an immersed cathode power-supply section provided within the interior of the plating tank, an auxiliary cathode power-supply section provided within the interior of the plating tank, and short-circuit wiring configured to short-circuit the immersed cathode power-supply section to the auxiliary cathode power-supply section. A plating method for performing electrolytic plating on a plating surface of a belt substrate is provided.

Abstract: In a copper electroplating apparatus having separate anolyte and catholyte portions, the concentration of anolyte components (e.g., acid or copper salt) is controlled by providing a diluent to the recirculating anolyte. The dosing of the diluent can be controlled by the user and can follow a pre-determined schedule. For example, the schedule may specify the diluent dosing parameters, so as to prevent precipitation of copper salt in the anolyte. Thus, precipitation-induced anode passivation can be minimized.

Abstract: A fluorine gas generator is provided with which the gases used and/or generated, in case of leakage thereof, can be prevented from mixing together as far as possible and, even in case of gas leakage into the outside of the generator system, the leakage gas can be treated safely and in which the maintenance, exchange and other operations are easy to carry out. The generator comprises a box-shaped body containing an electrolyzer for fluorine gas generation, and the box-shaped body is divided into two or more compartments, including a compartment containing the electrolyzer.

Abstract: To provide a vertical substrate transfer apparatus and a film-forming apparatus capable of, regardless of a carrying position of a substrate, subjecting either surface thereof to film-formation, and capable of supporting and carrying the substrate without interfering with a non-film-forming surface. A film-forming apparatus (1) according to the present invention includes a carrier (15) giving support so that either surface of a substrate (W) is processable, a first position changing section (3) changing a carrying position of the carrier (15), and a carrying chamber (9) housing the carrier, whose position is changed therein and which carries the carrier to a film-forming chamber (10). With the above construction, it becomes possible to subject either surface to film-forming processing regardless of the carrying position of the substrate (W). Further, it becomes possible to change a film-forming surface (Wa) in the course of carrying the substrate (W).

Abstract: A water pollution sensor for detecting a heavy metal, the water pollution sensor including: a base member; a conductive layer formed at a portion of one of surfaces of the base member and consisting of a conductive material; an insulating layer formed on the conductive layer to enable a portion of the conductive layer to be exposed; and a bismuth layer formed on a portion of the exposed conductive layer and including bismuth powders.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a biosensor being provided with a suction cavity which sucks a certain amount of sample by means of capillary phenomenon, the biosensor including a flow channel to connect the suction cavity and an analytical cavity furnished with a reagent, wherein, the flow channel has a narrowed section provided with a gap formed by narrowing a flow passage area. The narrowed section has a function to retain the sample in the suction cavity when the sample is sucked therein, and a function to circulate the sample retained in the suction cavity into the analytical cavity through the gap, when a centrifugal force is applied from the outside. The two functions held by the narrowed section enables a simple collection of blood sample, and further enables a simple transfer of the blood sample to the analytical area by applying the centrifugal force to the blood sample, as well as facilitating a component extraction.

Abstract: It is an object of this invention to measure small amounts of a plurality of sample solutions at the same time. The small amounts of sample solutions are respectively placed on measuring electrodes, a medium is placed across the plurality of sample solutions, a liquid joint of a reference electrode is brought into contact with the medium, and a potential difference between each of the measuring electrodes and the reference electrode via the medium is measured.

Abstract: The invention relates to an operating method for a microfluidic system, including the following steps: feeding of a carrier flow with particles (5) of a first particle type suspended therein into the microfluidic system; charging of a plurality of electrical field cages (1?, 1?) in the microfluidic system with the supplied particles (5) of the first particle type; the supplying of a carrier flow with particles (6) of a second particle type suspended therein into the microfluidic system; and charging the field cages (1?, 1?) in the microfluidic system with the supplied particles (6) of the second particle type in such a manner that a particle (5) of the first particle type and a particle (6) of the second particle type is present in at least one of the field cages (1?, 1?). The invention also relates to a corresponding microfluidic system.

Abstract: A liquid transfer device electrically controls liquid position. The surface of the liquid transfer device is provided with unevenness in order to solve a problem of having a large number of electrodes for controlling voltage. The number of electrodes for controlling voltage can be halved by the utilization of a restoring force of the liquid to a spherical shape by surface tension, in addition to an electrical force.

Abstract: A slab gel cassette is formed from generally flat plates welded together along their borders with a gel space between the plates that is open at the top and bottom edges of the plates to expose the opposing ends of a gel in the gel space to buffer solutions in which electrodes are immersed. The plates are shaped such that the weld line does not intersect with the bottom opening of the gel space. Sealing of the bottom of the gel space, which is necessary for gel casting, is achieved by placing a sealing strip over the bottom opening with no danger of leakage of the gel solution along a weld line.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a mold for producing a light guide panel and a method of manufacturing the light guide panel using the mold are presented. The mold is made by manufacturing a pattern master on which a fine pattern is formed. A side mold for forming a light-receiving surface of a light guide panel is immersed in an electrolyte containing metal ions, along with the pattern master. A voltage is applied to the electrolyte and the side mold such that the fine pattern on the pattern master is transferred to the side mold with the metal ions in the electrolyte, forming a prism pattern forming portion on the side mold. The prism pattern is formed on a light-receiving portion of the light guide panel using the side mold thus prepared. The shape accuracy and surface accuracy of the prism pattern are improved by using the presented method.

Abstract: An electrochemical sensor system that continuously monitors and calibrates the sensors included in the system. The invention also includes a method for determining failure patterns of a sensor and incorporating into an electrochemical sensor system the ability to recognize the failure pattern and initiate remedial action.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for calculating a ratio of glycosylated hemoglobin with high accuracy by electrochemically detecting the concentration of fructosyl valine or fructosyl valyl-histidine in a sample. Also disclosed is an apparatus for assaying glucose and glycosylated hemoglobin simultaneously. Further disclosed are a method and an apparatus for removing hydrogen peroxide in a sample.

Abstract: A method follow the change in concentration of a redox-active substance, whereby suitable potentials for a reduction process or an oxidation process are applied to the working electrode of a measuring device. The potential of the working electrode is pulsed and measuring phases and relaxation phases are alternately produced, the pulse lengths of measuring phase and relaxation phase being determined in a suitable manner. A rapid relaxation of the concentration gradient is electrochemically forced so that the measurement can be carried out on simple transducer arrays. A device for carrying out the method includes a transducer array in addition to a suitable potentiostat. The transducer array can be formed of a planar metal substrate on which at least one flexible insulator is disposed, the metal surface and the insulator surface being firmly linked. The transducer array can also be formed of silicone-based CMOS structures.

Abstract: An olefinically unsaturated monomer is stabilized by a retarder-containing composition which comprises a solvent and a quinone methide as a retarder.

Abstract: A catalyst for the hydrogenation, hydroisomerisation, hydrocracking and/or hydrodesulfurisation, of hydrocarbon feedstocks, the catalyst consisting of a substantially binder free bead type support material obtained through a sol-gel method, and a catalytically active component selected from precious metals, the support comprising 5 to 50 wt. % of at least one molecular sieve material and 50 to 95 wt. % of silica-alumina.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process and equipment for fluid catalytic cracking for the production of middle distillates of low aromaticity that comprises cracking a mixed feed consisting of heavy fractions of hydrocarbons, in the absence of added hydrogen and employing a catalyst of low activity and low acidity, in a dense-bed FCC reactor to produce an effluent constituted of fractions of middle distillates and naphtha of low aromaticity.

Abstract: This invention is directed to a process for fluid catalytic cracking, including, fluidizing a hydrocarbon stream in a riser, cracking the hydrocarbon stream with catalyst in the riser to produce a cracked stream and spent catalyst, separating the cracked stream and the spent catalyst in a primary separator to obtain a cracked stream with a first concentration of spent catalyst, and transporting the cracked stream with the first concentration of spent catalyst through a conduit to a multi-cyclone separator comprising multiple cyclones extending through a tube sheet to obtain a cracked stream with a second concentration of spent catalyst. The invention is also directed to an apparatus for catalytic cracking including a riser, a primary separator, a disengagement vessel surrounding the primary separator to collect the catalyst, a gas conduit having a first end in fluid connection with the disengagement vessel, and a multi-cyclone separator comprising a plurality of cyclones.

Abstract: Herein disclosed is a method for hydrodesulfurization, hydrodenitrogenation, hydrofinishing, amine production or a combination thereof. The method comprises forming a dispersion comprising hydrogen-containing gas bubbles dispersed in a liquid feedstock, wherein the bubbles have a mean diameter of less than about 5 ?m and wherein the feedstock comprises a mixture of petroleum-derived hydrocarbons and a naturally derived renewable oil. The feedstock comprises hydrocarbons selected from the group consisting of liquid natural gas, crude oil, crude oil fractions, gasoline, diesel, naphtha, kerosene, jet fuel, fuel oils, and combinations thereof. The method further comprises contacting the dispersion with a catalyst that is active for hydrodesulfurization, hydrodenitrogenation, hydrofinishing, amine production, or a combination thereof. The catalyst comprises homogeneous catalysts and heterogeneous catalysts. The catalyst may be utilized in fixed-bed or slurry applications.

Abstract: A single stage process for desulfurization and ring opening of a sulphur containing hydrocarbon feedstock comprising: contacting said feedstock with hydrogen and a catalyst at a pressure of less than 100 bars wherein said catalyst comprises (I) a combination of molecular sieves consisting of at least one zeolite which has a faujasite structure and at least one fibrous zeolite which comprises essentially non-crossing one-dimensional channels and (II) a composition comprising at least one metal selected from group VIB of the periodic table and at least one metal from group VIII.

Abstract: A process and apparatus is disclosed for converting heavy hydrocarbon feed into lighter hydrocarbon products. The heavy hydrocarbon feed is slurried with a catalyst comprising iron oxide and alumina to form a heavy hydrocarbon slurry and hydrocracked to produce lighter hydrocarbons. The iron sulfide crystallites have diameters in the nanometer range.

Abstract: Methods for hydroprocessing of hydrocarbon feedstocks, including hydrodesulfurization and hydrodenitrogenation, using rejuvenated supported metallic catalysts are provided. The supported metallic catalysts comprised of a Group VIII metal, a Group VIB metal, are rejuvenated by a process making use of these metals, an organic complexing agent, and optionally an organic additive. The rejuvenation includes stripping and regeneration of a spent or partially spent catalyst, followed by impregnation with metals and at least one organic compound. The impregnated, regenerated catalysts are dried, calcined, and sulfided.

Abstract: This invention comprises a main rotating removal screen that catches floating materials such as big jellyfishes, wood chips, waste plastics and other things floating in water by endless rotation and including nets that move the floating materials caught to a position higher than the water surface, a receiving tray is provided for receiving the floating material caught by the main rotating removal screen and sending it to a discharge line, a secondary lifting device is provided that cooperates with above mentioned main rotating removal screen to lift and transfer the floating materials caught by the receiving tray, a water jet system is provided for dislodging any caught floating materials that is lifted higher than the receiving tray when it is hooked on the rotating removal screen and not released to the receiving tray, and a cutting water jet system is provided to cut oversized floating material into an acceptable size.

Abstract: A self cleaning system for a swim spa and a hot tub including a container for holding water having a weight bearing floor and sides. A basin may be positioned in the floor of the container and is integral with the container. A perforated cover may be set into the basin. A suctioning means can be positioned in the basin under the perforated cover to allow for the suctioning of water and debris through the perforated cover.

Abstract: A valve system for insertion between a cleaner hose and a pool suction line is mounted in a wall of the pool or skimmer box and comprises a valve with a gate pivoted in a housing which receives the end of the cleaner hose when the gate is open which is thereby juxtaposed in line with the pool suction line located in the pool wall or skimmer box. The juxtaposed ends of both the cleaner hose and the pool suction line have mating tapers and the valve rotates so that the tapered end of the inserted cleaner hose rotates into sealing engagement with the tapered end of the pool suction line. Further the gate of the valve closes automatically when the cleaner hose is withdrawn.

Abstract: A portable self-contained, battery operated vacuum unit which is attachable by a hose to an underwater vacuum head for cleaning the floor of a swimming pool, a pond, a fish tank, or the like includes a rotomolded body having lower wheels and an upper handle so that it can easily be wheeled to a desired location. The handle is formed as an overhang with lower bumpers so that the unit can be partially submersed in a pool hanging on the edge of the pool. The body contains a battery operated pump, a rechargeable battery selectively coupled to the pump by a switch, a filter and a basket. A hose coupling is arranged above the basket and the inlet of the pump is arrange below the filter which is located below the basket. The outlet of the pump is arranged at the bottom front of the unit. The unit may also be used as a filter for any liquid.

Abstract: In an axial-flow preparative chromatography column that contains a piston, commonly termed an adaptor, that is lowered over the top of the resin, the ability to lower the piston in a controlled manner to minimize the chances of damage to the resin is achieved by use of an aperture either in the piston head itself or in a compound bolt that secures the upper column frit to the piston head. The aperture is closed with a removable plug during storage and use of the piston head and column. During packing of the bed, however, the plug is replaced by a graduated rod operating as a dipstick to allow the operator to determine the distance between the bottom face of the piston head and the upper surface of the column packing.

Abstract: A liquid filter suitable for motor vehicles which includes a filter head (11), a vessel (12) and a filter element (16) disposed within the vessel (12) sealingly separating an inlet (14) from an outlet (15) such that liquid from the inlet must flow through the filter element to reach the outlet. The filter element (16) has guide projections (27, 28) positioning the filter element (16) within the vessel (12). Prior to installation, the filter element (16) is preassembled into the vessel (12) and fixed in position by pushing the filter element (16) into an element guide (29), after which the preassembly is screwed onto the filter head (11). When the vessel (12) is unscrewed from the filter head (11), the filter element (16) slides out of the element guide (29) and moves axially upwardly to free a volume V. Liquid flowing into the vessel (12) from the higher regions of the liquid filter (10) can flow into this volume, thus enabling drip-free replacement of the filter element.

Abstract: An oil filter arrangement, has a housing (12) with a receiving space (18) for a filter element (20) which can be inserted into the housing and through which oil can flow radially, with an oil inlet (34) and an oil outlet (32), and with a supporting tube (22) which is present in the receiving space and supports the filter element. The supporting tube is inserted into the receiving space and is fastened to the housing in such a manner that it remains in the housing when the filter element is exchanged.

Abstract: A filter and filter element is provided that incorporates a valve member for preventing priming fluid from contaminating a clean fluid side of the filter or filter element. The filter may incorporate a replaceable filter element or be replaceable itself. The valve member is preferably formed as an annular flange of a grommet mounted to an end cap of the filter element. The annular flange sealingly engages with the end cap and closes a clean fluid outlet port in a relaxed state and opens the clean fluid outlet port in a deformed state.