Abstract: An apparatus and a method for separating diluted tailings containing a hydrocarbon diluent into a recovered diluent component and a diluent recovered tailings component. The method includes introducing the diluted tailings into a diluent recovery vessel so that they form a tailings pool in the diluent recovery vessel, introducing an amount of stream directly into the tailings pool, mixing the diluted tailings which are contained in the tailings pool, and maintaining the diluted tailings in the diluent recovery vessel for a residence time. The apparatus includes a diluent recovery vessel having a tailings pool section, a steam distributor located in the tailings pool section, and a mixing device associated with the tailings pool section.

Abstract: Provided are: novel rutile titanium dioxide nanoparticles each having a high photocatalytic activity; a photocatalyst including the rutile titanium dioxide nanoparticles; and a method for oxidizing an organic compound using the photocatalyst. The rutile titanium dioxide nanoparticles each have an exposed crystal face (001). The rutile titanium oxide nanoparticles may be produced by subjecting a titanium compound to a hydrothermal treatment in an aqueous medium in the presence of a hydrophilic polymer. A polyvinylpyrrolidone, for example, is used as the hydrophilic polymer. An organic compound having an oxidizable moiety can be oxidized with molecular oxygen or a peroxide under photoirradiation in the presence of the photocatalyst including the rutile titanium oxide nanoparticles.

Abstract: This invention provides, but is not limited to, methods for synthesizing graphene film from liquid hydrocarbons using deep ultraviolet light. Specifically, methods for synthesizing a graphene film from an alicyclic- or liquid aromatic-hydrocarbon are presented. Methods for forming a graphene film comprising a dopant are also presented.

Abstract: In a method for coating a substrate in a vacuum chamber having a rotating magnetron, wherein a substrate is guided past the magnetron in a substrate transport direction and is coated by a material, which has been isolated from a target connected to the magnetron, and, optionally with the material reacting with a reactive gas present in the vacuum chamber, homogeneity of the coating layer on a substrate is improved by stabilizing the working point by way of the target rotation. This is achieved in that a periodic change of a first process parameter caused by the target revolution is compensated for by a periodic change of a second process parameter having a determined level and/or by employing two magnetrons having different rotational speeds.

Abstract: When a magnetron is scanned about the back of a target in a selected complex path having radial components, the erosion profile has a form depending upon the selection of paths. A radial erosion rate profile for a given magnetron is measured. Periodically during scanning, an erosion profile is calculated from the measured erosion rate profile, the time the magnetron spends at different radii, and the target power. The calculated erosion profile may be used to indicate when erosion has become excessive at any location prompting target replacement or to adjust the height of the magnetron above the target for repeated scans. In another aspect of the invention, the magnetron height is dynamically adjusted during a scan to compensate for erosion. The compensation may be based on the calculated erosion profile or on feedback control of the present value of the target voltage for a constant-power target supply.

Abstract: Provided is an electrode using a polymeric solution containing a cation exchanger or an anion exchanger, and a capacitive electrolytic cell for deionization using the same.

Abstract: An electrolytic ozone generator with membrane electrode includes a proton exchange membrane (2), an anode electrocatalyst layer (3), an anode diffusion layer (4), a flow field plate (5), a cathode structure (1) and a frame body (6). The frame boy (6) has a frame sealing groove (11) therein. A seal (7) is provided in the frame sealing groove (11). The frame body (6) is tightly connected with the cathode structure (1) through screws (9) so that the seal (7) is to seal the proton exchange membrane (2), the anode electrocatalyst layer (3) and the frame body (6) completely and tightly. The present invention has a simple structure, is cost-effective and provides a better seal effect to achieve mass production. After a period of operation, the electrolytic ozone generator still keeps an excellent seal, so that the electrolytic ozone generator can generate ozone steadily.

Abstract: The invention relates to bio-electrochemical systems for the generation of methane from organic material and for reducing chemical oxygen demand and nitrogenous waste through denitrification. The invention further relates to an electrode for use in, and a system for, the adaptive control of bio-electrochemical systems as well as a fuel cell.

Abstract: A method for depositing a getter for encapsulation in a device cavity containing a microdevice comprises depositing the getter material while the device wafer and lid wafer are enclosed in a bonding chamber. A plasma sputtering process may be used, wherein by applying a large negative voltage to the lid wafer, a plasma is formed in the low pressure environment within the bonding chamber. The plasma then sputters the getter material from a getter target, and this getter material is directly thereafter sealed within the device cavity of the microdevice, all within the deposition/bonding chamber.

Abstract: [Object] To provide a method of manufacturing a sputtering target and a sputtering target that are capable of achieving refinement and uniformity of crystal grains. [Solving Means] A method of manufacturing a sputtering target according to an embodiment of the present invention includes forging an ingot formed of metal by applying a stress in a first axis direction (z-axis direction) and a plane direction (xy-plane direction) orthogonal to the first axis direction. The ingot is additionally forged by applying a stress in a second axis direction (axial directions c11, c12, c21, c22) obliquely intersecting with a direction parallel to the first axis direction. The ingot is heat-treated at a temperature equal to or higher than a recrystallization temperature thereof. In such a manner, since slip deformation can be caused not only in the first axis direction and the plane direction orthogonal thereto but also in the second axis direction, the high density and uniformity of an internal stress can be achieved.

Abstract: A device combining a fuel-cell-type breathalyser with an electrochemical saliva drug test. The saliva drug tester comprises a disposable test strip-electrode module assembly and an analyser module. The saliva is squeezed out of an absorbent swab when the test strip is inserted into the electrode module. The electrode module can also carry information that is read and evaluated by the analyser, e.g. for verification of the electrode module.

Abstract: Polymers for use as redox mediators in electrochemical biosensors are described. The transition metal complexes attached to polymeric backbones can be used as redox mediators in enzyme based electrochemical sensors. In such instances, transition metal complexes accept electrons from, or transfer electrons to, enzymes at a high rate and also exchange electrons rapidly with the sensor. The transition metal complexes include at least one substituted or unsubstituted biimidazole ligand and may further include a second substituted or unsubstituted biimidazole ligand or a substituted or unsubstituted bipyridine or pyridylimidazole ligand.

Abstract: A localized corrosion monitoring (LCM) device is modified to obtain polarization resistance (Rp) from electrical resistance of a probe having a strip of metal under investigation (test electrode), a reference electrode and a temperature sensor (e.g. thermocouple). This configuration allows the probe to be used in areas where only a thin film of conductive fluid is available or required to provide potential monitoring. Thus, the applicability of the LCM technique is broadened. All the above devices are expected to be configured in one item of equipment, except for the probe which may be remotely located from the rest of the equipment.

Abstract: The invention relates generally to methods and apparatus for conducting analyses, particularly microfluidic devices for the detection of target analytes.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for dispensing liquid, comprising the steps of: (a) positioning a droplet to be dispensed in a gap of an electrowetting device using an electrowetting array; and (b) dispensing the droplet through a hole in a housing or substrate of the electrowetting device. The invention further provides a method for withdrawing liquid comprising the steps of: (a) positioning a droplet to be withdrawn from a gap of an electrowetting device using an electrowetting array; and (b) withdrawing the droplet through a hole in a housing or substrate of the electrowetting device.

Abstract: The present invention is related to a method for masked anodization of an anodizable layer on a substrate, for example an aluminum layer present on a sacrificial layer, wherein the sacrificial layer needs to be removed from a cavity comprising a Micro or Nano Electromechanical System (MEMS or NEMS). Anodization of an Al layer leads to the formation of elongate pores, through which the sacrificial layer can be removed. According to the method of the invention, the anodization of the Al layer is done with the help of a first mask which defines the area to be anodized, and a second mask which defines a second area to be anodized, said second area surrounding the first area. Anodization of the areas defined by the first and second mask leads to the formation of an anodized structure in the form of a closed ring around the first area, which forms a barrier against unwanted lateral anodization in the first area.

Abstract: To provide a tin plating solution having uniformity of through-hole plating, uniformity of film thickness distribution and no burn deposits even. The tin plating solution include a tin ion source, at least one non-ionic surfactant, imidazoline dicarboxylate and 1,10-phenanthroline.

Abstract: A metal covered polyimide composite comprising a tie-coat layer and a metal seed layer formed on a surface of a polyimide film by electroless plating or a drying method is provided. A copper layer or a copper alloy layer is formed thereon by electroplating. The copper plated layer or copper alloy plated layer includes three layers to one layer of the copper layer or copper alloy layer. The metal covered polyimide composite effectively prevents peeling in a non-adhesive flexible laminate (especially a two-layer flexible laminate), and more particularly, effectively inhibits peeling from the interface of a copper layer and tin plating. A method of producing the composite and apparatus for producing the composite are also provided.

Abstract: Aluminum-plated components of semiconductor material processing apparatuses are disclosed. The components include a substrate and an optional intermediate layer formed on at least one surface of the substrate. The intermediate layer includes at least one surface. An aluminum plating is formed on the substrate, or on the optional intermediate layer. The surface on which the aluminum plating is formed is electrically-conductive. An anodized layer can optionally be formed on the aluminum plating. The aluminum plating or optional the anodized layer comprises a process-exposed surface of the component. Semiconductor material processing apparatuses including one or more aluminum-plated components, methods of processing substrates, and methods of making the aluminum-plated components are also disclosed.

Abstract: A gold plating bath and a plating method is disclosed where gold cyanide or salts thereof provide the source of gold, a cobalt compound, and a reaction product of compound containing at least a nitrogen-containing heterocyclic compound and an epihalohydrin. The gold plating bath has high deposition selectivity.

Abstract: Methods, apparatus and systems form structures from nanoparticles by providing a source of nanoparticles, the particles being capable of being moved by application of a field, such as an electrical field, magnetic field and even electromagnetic radiation or fields such as light, UV, IR, radiowaves, radiation and the like; depositing the nanoparticles to a surface in a first distribution of the nanoparticles; applying a field to the nanoparticles on the surface that applies a force to the particles; and rearranging the nanoparticles on the surface by the force from the field to form a second distribution of nanoparticles on the surface. Nanoparticle catalysts can be deposited on the surfaces. The second distribution of nanoparticles is more ordered or more patterned than the first distribution of nanoparticles as a result of the rearranging. Nanotubes can then be grown on the ordered nanoparticle deposited catalysts.

Abstract: A method of and apparatus for efficient on-demand production of H2 and O2 from water and heat using environmentally safe metals are disclosed. In one aspect, the apparatus for hydrogen generation through water-decomposition reaction includes a main reactor, an oxidizer reactor, and a computer-control system. The computer system is configured to control each of the components of the hydrogen gas production system for stable hydrogen-gas production.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process comprising the reaction of a cyanide with a hydrogen cyanide-reactive compound, characterized in that the cyanide is a cyanide salt and the process is an electrochemical process involving the transporting of a reaction mixture to which cyanide salt has been added through an electrochemical cell, in which process the cyanide salt reacts with the hydrogen cyanide-reactive compound while at least partly under the influence of an electric current the cyanide salt is acidified and the salt cation content is reduced.

Abstract: Methods and systems for heterocycle catalyzed carbonylation and hydroformylation with carbon dioxide are disclosed. A method may include, but is not limited to, steps (A) to (D). Step (A) may introduce water to a first compartment of an electrochemical cell. The first compartment may include an anode. Step (B) may introduce carbon dioxide to a second compartment of the electrochemical cell. The second compartment may include a solution of an electrolyte, a heterocyclic catalyst, and a cathode. Step (C) may introduce a second reactant to the second compartment of the electrochemical cell. Step (D) may apply an electrical potential between the anode and the cathode in the electrochemical cell sufficient to induce liquid phase carbonylation or hydroformylation to form a product mixture.

Abstract: Methods and systems for electrochemical production of butanol are disclosed. A method may include, but is not limited to, steps (A) to (D). Step (A) may introduce water to a first compartment of an electrochemical cell. The first compartment may include an anode. Step (B) may introduce carbon dioxide to a second compartment of the electrochemical cell. The second compartment may include a solution of an electrolyte, a catalyst, and a cathode. Step (C) may apply an electrical potential between the anode and the cathode in the electrochemical cell sufficient for the cathode to reduce the carbon dioxide to a product mixture. Step (D) may separate butanol from the product mixture.

Abstract: Methods for the reductive post-treatment of NaCl-containing solutions, wherein such methods comprise: providing a NaCl-containing solution obtained from an anode side of an NaCl electrolysis cell, the solution comprising reducible components; and subjecting the solution to cathodic electrochemical reduction.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to electrochemical sensors and systems and methods for electrochemically sensing a particular constituent within a fluid through the use of a diagnostic test. The methods provide for automatic discrimination of sample from control or standard solutions. A device and system used to determine a constituent level within a fluid that employ such automatic sample discrimination methods or specially formulated solutions is also provided.

Abstract: A system and method for generating and collecting data to detect and evaluate corrosion in a conductive metal beneath a protective coating is disclosed. A semi-integrated electrode having a reference electrode and a counter electrode is connected to a portable hand held device, such as a portable potentiostat generator. That device is also connected electrically to the metal being evaluated with the metal forming a working electrode. The counter electrode is physically and electrically separate from the metal, and a signal or voltage potential is provided therebetween through an electrolyte solution, such as sea water. The system and method is practiced without need for a container for an electrolyte solution. Data are collected and displayed indicating corrosion.

Abstract: According to one embodiment of the present invention, an electrochemical sensor (10) for detecting the concentration of analyte in a fluid test sample is disclosed. The sensor (10) includes a counter electrode having a high-resistance portion for use in detecting whether a predetermined amount of sample has been received by the test sensor.

Abstract: A sample substance S is captured by a capture substance 10 which is immobilized on a working electrode body 161 to provide a method of electrochemically detecting a sample substance capable of detecting the sample substance with high sensitivity. A complex which includes, on a soluble carrier 21, a sample substance S and a labeled binder 20 that has a modified labeled substance 23 containing a labeled substance 20 bound to modified labeled substance 23 containing a labeled substance 24 and a binder 22 that binds to the sample substance S, formed on the working electrode 161. The soluble carrier 21 is dissolved, and the modified labeled substance 23 is attracted to the working electrode 161.

Abstract: An electrochemical sensor for measuring an analyte in a fluid, the electrochemical sensor having a first working electrode that includes a redox species sensitive to the analyte to be measured and a second working electrode made from a conducting substrate absent the redox species. The electrochemical sensor being capable of operation so that electrochemical effects of active contaminants in the fluid can be removed/attenuated from electrochemical signals produced by the reduction/oxidation of the redox species in the presence of the analyte.

Abstract: A hydrogen storage device includes a hydrogen storage can, at least one first partition, and at least one second partition. The hydrogen storage can defines a major axis. The at least one first partition is used to partition the space in the hydrogen storage can into at least one compartment. The at least one second partition includes a plurality of sub-compartments. The sub-compartments are arranged linearly in at least one row perpendicular to the major axis.

Abstract: A device for displaying jewelry comprising a retractable cord positioned beneath a jewelry display pad, wherein the cord passes through a slot in the display pad and is securely attached to an item of jewelry to be displayed on the display pad, and wherein the item of jewelry can be pulled away from the display pad for examination by a customer.

Abstract: The invention provides a two-part package and method of use for a pre-attached medical implant and delivery tool system. The package includes a wet compartment and a dry compartment and allows a pre-attached implant and delivery tool system to be at least partially stored immersed in a fluid in the wet compartment and at least partially stored in the dry compartment. In one embodiment the implant comprises a replacement heart valve, and the heart valve is stored inside the wet compartment while the heart valve delivery tool remains dry in the dry compartment.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are fluid containment systems such as gas delivery configurations, foam control systems and bag molding methods and articles for supported collapsible bag vessels and bioreactors. A vessel may include a device which can reduce the foam produced or contained within the vessel. Sensors and/or controllers may optionally be used to monitor and/or control foaming.

Abstract: A gun barrel cleaner comprising: a flexible cable, with a cable diameter; a tip attached to a first end of the flexible cable, the tip having a tip diameter; a connector attached to a second end of the flexible cable, the connector having a connector diameter; a generally spherical member in slideable communication with the flexible cable, the generally spherical member having an outer diameter, a bore, with a bore diameter; where the bore diameter is greater than the cable diameter, is less than the tip diameter, and is less than the connector diameter.

Abstract: A liquid container assembly for a spray gun can include a ring, a collapsible liner, and a lid for closing the open end of the liner. The ring can include a peripheral flange, a ring recess, an inner wall, and at least one rib segment extending from the inner wall. The collapsible liner can include a liner side wall formed with an open end and a liner lip at the open end. The liner can be is insertable through the ring such that the liner lip is received and supported by the ring recess. Further, the liner can be collapsible during use as liquid is removed from the liner. The lid can include at least one tab that can extend from an outer circumference of the lid. The tabs can engage the rib segments to threadably attach to the ring.

Abstract: [PURPOSE] To provide an individually packaged product that is resistant to contaminants infiltration and can be hygienically transported. [SOLUTION MEANS] An individually packaged product comprising a first individual package formed by covering an absorbent article with a packaging sheet, and a second individual package, wherein the packaging sheet has a middle region and a first region and second region located on either side of the middle region, the second region is folded onto the middle region sandwiching the absorbent article therebetween, and the first region being folded onto part of the second region, while the first region is anchored to the outer face of the second region, and the second individual package is situated on the first region and second region and anchored to at least part of the outer face of the first region.

Abstract: An RFID tag container includes a container body having a first container portion and a second container portion detachably engaging the first container portion, wherein the container body is sized and configured to contain an RFID tag in a flame-proof, fluid-tight and vapor-tight seal.

Abstract: The tool storage device having a member formed as a longitudinally bifurcated holder having a top portion; a right sidewall that runs vertical and the length of the holder; a left sidewall that is positioned parallel to an upper portion of the right sidewall; an angled left sidewall connected to the left sidewall at an angle from the left sidewall and toward the right sidewall; a curved sidewall connecting the angled left sidewall and the right sidewall, wherein: the right sidewall, the left sidewall, the angled left sidewall, and the curved sidewall each connect a flange and the top portion; and an internal cavity defined by the top portion, the plane defined by the flange, the right sidewall, the left sidewall, the angled left sidewall, and the curved sidewall, and said flange circumscribing the periphery of the holder, wherein the flange is formed to confirming fit with a surface.

Abstract: A container data center includes a container and a number of server systems arranged in two rows. An intake is defined in a top wall of the container. An outlet is defined in a sidewall of the container adjacent to the bottom of the container. Air outside the container is drawn into the container through the intake to cool the server systems. Hot air dissipated by the server systems is exhausted out of the container through the outlet of the container.

Abstract: A kit for lubricating dental floss comprises a flat base coupled to a panel defining a plurality of channels each containing a floss piece formed as an elongated loop having a bend and two free ends, lubrication zones, and compartments filled with lubricant, essentially formed of a flexible membrane, facing the respective lubrication zones. Each compartment includes dispenser orifices located near the bends, such that the vicinities of bends are lubricated upon a user's depressing on the membrane. An optional kit comprises a panel including cells each having dry and lubricant cavities, floss pieces each having a bend and two free ends, whereat the floss piece's middle portion is located in the lubricant cavity, the free ends are located in the dry cavity, and a flat cover coupled to the panel sealingly covering the cells. Preferred types of the floss and lubricant for the kits are also disclosed.

Abstract: An earplug container is combined with a reusable clip such as a snap bolt fastener and the clip is rigidly attached to a wall of the container, for example by an E-clip. The resulting clip-on earplug container provides a secure and compact earplug case for attachment to the exterior of clothing of an active user such as a lumberjack or tree trimmer. Other exemplary embodiments are also described.

Abstract: A combination package consisting of container for a product and secondary item packaged with it, and having a container; a label on the container; a secondary item compartment integrally formed with the label, an access opening for the compartment, and, a closure integrally, formed with the label for closing the secondary item compartment, the closure being releasable to remove the item.

Abstract: This invention relates to a stackable container adapted to be stacked with a second substantially identical container in two positions. The container comprises a container body; and an arm movably connected to the container body. The container body comprising a base and walls extending upwardly from the base. The walls define an interior space and an opening. The arm is movable between a first position and a second position. In the first position, the arm provides a support for the second substantially identical container wherein, when stacked, the second identical container is supported above the stackable container with at least part of the interior accessible. In the second position, the arm is positioned to allow the second identical container to nest within the stackable container with the interior space inaccessible.

Abstract: A powder container includes an open/close lid that closes an opening partly formed in a container body corresponding to a powder opening of a container receiver; a first restricting portion that, upon attachment of the container body to the container receiver, contacts a contact surface formed upstream of the powder opening to restrict a position of the lid in an open/close operation direction thereof; a flexible sealing member that protrudes from an opening-side edge of an open position, and closes an opening-side portion of a gap between the contact surface and the first restricting portion; and a second restricting portion that, upon detachment of the container body, when a press member restricts movement of the lid, restricts a posture of the sealing member so as to be pressed against an edge portion of the powder opening at a position where the first restricting portion contacts the contact surface.

Abstract: A holding device for a dried biological fluid spotting membrane includes a plastic top face, a plastic bottom face, and a pocket disposed between the top face and the bottom face. The plastic top face includes a window formed therein. The pocket is configured for receiving a dried biological fluid spotting membrane that is accessible through the window by a user during dried biological fluid spot testing. A method for assembling a holding device includes positioning the membrane within a pocket of a plastic membrane housing, and securing the membrane within the pocket. The holding device may be utilized for forming dried biological fluid spots and extracting samples therefrom for analysis.

Abstract: Improvements in a semiconductor wafer container including improvements in side protection to the wafers, improved cover design to minimize rotation, a simplified top cover orientation mechanism and an improved bottom holding mechanism for automation. The side protection to the wafers is with multiple staggered inner and outer walls. The improved cover design improves alignment of the top and bottom housings and minimizes rotation of the housings in transit or motion. The housings have a recessed tab ramp feature with bi-directional locking that also increases the rigidity of the containment device when the two housings are assembled. The improved bottom holding mechanism for automation is an integrated feature that is molded into the bottom housing and not assembled in a secondary operation. The molded integration reduces tolerance errors that are present in assembling multiple pieces and joining multiple pieces.

Abstract: A shipping container convertible into a display container comprises a case having sidewalls, a closed bottom, and an open top. A separate cover is secured to and closes the open top. The cover comprises a lid panel coextensive in length and width with the open top. A flange depending from each of the side edges of the lid panel and attached to upper outer surfaces of the case sidewalls to secure the cover to the case. A detachable display panel is formed in the lid panel. A detachable protective panel is foldably attached to one side edge of the lid panel by weakened tear lines. The protective panel is attached to the display panel, whereby removal of the protective panel carries with it and removes the display panel to form a display opening in the lid panel for display of and access to product contained in the container.

Abstract: Solid acid nanoparticles are added to crude oil before initial distillation in order to increase the yield of light hydrocarbons obtained during initial distillation. According to one aspect, nanoparticles of a solid acid of a characteristic particle size are added to crude oil before initial distillation in order to increase the yield of light hydrocarbons obtained during initial distillation. According to another aspect, nanoparticles of a solid acid are added to crude oil in a characteristic concentration before initial distillation in order to increase the yield of light hydrocarbons obtained during initial distillation. According to another aspect, nanoparticles of two or more solid acids are mixed and added to crude oil before initial distillation in order to increase the yield of light hydrocarbons obtained during initial distillation.