Abstract: A substrate having compounds disposed thereon for immobilizing a functional molecule, each compound having a chain comprising: a moiety R that is chemically coupled to the substrate, said moiety R being selected from the group consisting of an ether, ester, carbonyl, carbonate ester, thioether, disulfide, sulfinyl, sulfonyl, and carbonothioyl; and an epoxide-containing moiety that is coupled to the moiety R by a linker comprising at least one nucleophilic group. Methods of preparing the substrate and use of the substrate are also disclosed.

Abstract: A guide member for directing gas bubble flow along a membrane surface, the guide member having first and second side edges defining a channel for gas bubbles to flow along, the channel having an open bottom end through which the gas bubbles can enter the channel and an open top end through which the bubbles can exit the channel, and a diverting means adjacent the channel bottom end arranged to direct at least some of the incident gas bubbles in a first direction towards the channel bottom end. A membrane module assembly and a membrane filter system including the guide member.

Abstract: A method of treating a liquid. The method comprises providing a feed liquid comprising at least one solvent and at least one solute to a first side of a membrane. A single-phase draw solution comprising at least one of an aminium salt, an amidinium salt, and a guanidinium salt is provided to a second side of the membrane. The at least one solvent is osmosed across the membrane and into the single-phase draw solution to form a diluted single-phase draw solution. At least one of CO2, CS2, and COS is removed from the diluted single-phase draw solution to form a first multiple-phase solution comprising a first liquid phase comprising the at least one solvent, and a second liquid phase comprising at least one of an amine compound, an amidine compound, and a guanidine compound. A liquid purification system is also described.

Abstract: A method of treating a wastewater is provided and can be used, for example, to treat a gas well production wastewater to form a wastewater brine. The method can involve crystallizing sodium chloride by evaporation of the wastewater brine with concurrent production of a liquor comprising calcium chloride solution. Bromine and lithium can also be recovered from the liquor in accordance with the teachings of the present invention. Various metal sulfates, such as barium sulfate, can be removed from the wastewater in the production of the wastewater brine. Sources of wastewater can include gas well production wastewater and hydrofracture flowback wastewater.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a method of reducing fouling of ceramic membranes by adding an effective amount of a tannin polymer to SAGD process water. Additionally, a cationic and/or an anionic flocculant can also be added to treat the process water. Once the process water is treated, the solids are then separated out and the resulting clean process water is then passed through a ceramic membrane. Typically, the tannin polymer used in treating the process water is comprised of a Mannich reaction product of an amine, an aldehyde, and a tannin. The components are reacted at an acidic pH wherein the molar ratio of amine to tannin present is from about 1.5:1-3.0:1. Exemplary tannin/amine/formaldehyde compounds include tannin/melamine/formaldehyde polymers, and tannin/monoethanolamine/formaldehyde polymers.

Abstract: A method of treating an aqueous liquid. The method comprises providing an aqueous feed liquid comprising water and at least one solute to a first side of a membrane. A draw solution comprising water and a draw solute comprising at least one of a phosphazene compound and a triazine compound is provided to a second side of the membrane. At least a portion of the water of the aqueous feed liquid is osmosed across the membrane and into the draw solution to form a diluted draw solution comprising water and the draw solute. The water of the diluted draw solution is separated from the draw solute of the diluted draw solution to form a purified water product. Draw solutes comprising phosphazene compounds and draw solutes comprising triazine compounds are also disclosed, as are methods of forming the draw solutes.

Abstract: Systems and methods for cleansing blood are disclosed herein. The methods include acoustically separating undesirable particles bound to capture particles from formed elements of whole blood. After introducing the capture particles to whole blood containing undesirable particles, the whole blood and capture particles are flowed through a microfluidic separation channel. At least one bulk acoustic transducer is attached to the microfluidic separation channel. A standing acoustic wave, imparted on the channel and its contents by the bulk acoustic transducer, drives the formed elements and undesirable particles bound to capture particles to specific aggregation axes. After aggregating the particles, the formed elements exit the separation channel through a first outlet and are returned to the patient. The undesirable particles, bound to the capture particles, exit through a second outlet and can be discarded to saved for later study.

Abstract: A redox water treatment method utilizing sulfurous acid to act as either an oxidizing or a reducing solution via pH adjustment for water conditioning

Abstract: The method manipulates the chemical mechanism of the toxicity of arsenic in humans, which involves the binding of arsenic by thiols on proteins and peptides, to remove arsenic from water. PET vessels and/or acrylic resins are treated with thiols which in turn bind arsenic to remove arsenic from water.

Abstract: A sorbent for sorbing radioactive ions is described. The sorbent comprises a porous crystalline powder of a metal oxide or mixed metal oxide. A process for making the sorbent comprises the steps of reacting a metal halide or a mixture of metal halides and an alcohol to form a gel; heating the gel to form a particulate material; exposing the particulate material to an oxidant to form a powder; and heating the powder to a temperature sufficient to at least partially melt or sinter particles of the powder so as to form the sorbent.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus for inhibiting scale formation and microorganism growth within a moving water system, with the apparatus including: (i) a pulse-power assembly having a fly-back pulse generator circuit effective to produce a current pulse that when terminated yields a voltage spike and generates a plurality of frequencies of energy, where the fly-back pulse generator circuit comprises a coil as an integral portion of the fly-back pulse generator circuit; and (ii) a chamber for passing water from the moving water system therethrough, where the coil is wound around the chamber so as to transmit the plurality of frequencies of energy into the chamber in order to inhibit scale formation and microorganism growth within the moving water system. Water treatment systems and methods of using the apparatus are also provided.

Abstract: Gravity sedimentation of a first aqueous suspension of solid particles in a vessel results in formation of a second aqueous suspension of solid particles in the present invention. The process involves adding at least one organic polymeric flocculant to the first aqueous suspension to form a suspension of flocculated solid. The flocculated solids settle to form a bed of consolidated solids. Introducing an effective amount of an agent into the bed of consolidated solids or into the flocculated solids that are settling leads to formation of the second aqueous suspension. The second aqueous suspension of solid particles has a higher solids content than the first aqueous suspension of solid particles. The agent is a free radical agent or an oxidizing agent.

Abstract: A flocculant composition that includes a blend of a first water-in-oil emulsion having a silicon-containing polymer in its aqueous phase and a second water-in-oil emulsion having an anionic polymer in its aqueous phase. The silicon-containing polymer and the anionic polymer are present in the composition at a weight ratio between 100:1 and 1:100.

Abstract: A self-contained water polishing system includes at least a first containment basin that has an inlet for inflow of water from a collection source and contains calcium carbonate for treatment of water flowing through the system; at least a first polishing basin in communication with the containment basin and that contains at least a first pollutant collection substrate for treatment of water flowing through the system; and a vacuum pumping system in fluid communication with the containment and polishing basins that draws water through the polishing system.

Abstract: The water aeration capsules provide a quick and highly portable system for aerating polluted water. The capsules contain bubbles of air, oxygen, and/or other gas(es) surrounded by a water soluble shell or membrane of a suitable substance, e.g., various salts, sugars, water-soluble polymers, such as polyvinyl alcohol. The capsules are ballasted to make their specific gravity greater than the water they displace. The ballast may comprise any non-toxic metal, sand, clay, or other non-organic material, and/or fish bait or other food for aquatic animals. Magnetically attractive ballast elements may be provided, and a magnetic sheet may be placed on the bottom of a smaller body of water to enhance the settling of the capsules. Various to means of dispensing the capsules from various mobile carriers are also disclosed, including dispensing by hand from shore or by a diver, from a small boat or larger ship, and/or from aircraft.

Abstract: A device for mixing and aerating a body of water, the device includes a microbial fuel cell comprising an anode and a cathode; an electricity management subsystem electrically connecting the anode and the cathode; and a mixing subsystem electrically connected to the electricity management subsystem. The device can be used to mix or aerate a body of water containing organic material while simultaneously reducing the requirements for aeration. The body of water may provide organic material to the microbial fuel cell to produce electricity to power the mixing subsystem.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to water treatment systems, and specifically to mobile flotation tanks, mobile chemical mix tanks, and mobile integrated water treatment systems, and methods regarding the same.

Abstract: An improved sediment trap is adapted for inline placement in a pipe. The sediment trap includes a housing body defining two chambers with an intermediate screen member disposed therebetween. The first chamber includes at least one sidewall coupled to a partial front wall wherein the partial front wall, which is disposed at an end opposite from the intermediate screen member. The second chamber includes at least one sidewall and a rear mesh screen. When placed in-line, the effluent stream deposits solids of a first size in the first chamber and deposits solids of a second size in the second chamber.

Abstract: A collection apparatus for a separator. The collection apparatus including a housing at least partially encircling a flow separation passage and defining a chamber and a cutout, the chamber being in fluid communication with the flow separation passage to receive a separated flow therefrom, and the cutout extending outward from the chamber to at least partially deflect the separated flow.

Abstract: A water bottle with filter is disclosed. The portable water bottle has removable top and disposable filter with integrated pressurized hand pump to provide water filtration and delivery to the user.

Abstract: A filter system for filtering a fluid containing particles includes a porous substrate. The porous substrate is made of a porous ceramic material. A filtering material is connected to the porous ceramic substrate. The filtering material includes nanofibers. The fluid travels through the porous ceramic substrate and travels through the filtering material wherein the particles are captured in the porous ceramic substrate and in the filtering material.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a cable extension mechanism includes a housing and a plurality of cable tray segments adapted to retain elongate material therein, wherein each cable tray segment includes first and second cable trays. A sheave is disposed on an axle between the first and second cable trays thereby forming an extendable elbow. At least one wheel assembly is coupled to each cable tray segment to enable the tray segment articulate between a first position wherein the elongate material is stored and has a first length shorter than an actual length of the elongate material and a substantially flat second position, thereby extending a length of the elongate material disposed thereon.

Abstract: A slidable supporting mechanism includes two slide rails and a supporting device. The supporting device is connected in a longitudinal slidable manner between the slide rails, and includes a bottom plate for supporting a server and evening out the weight of the server, two side plates extending up from opposite sides of the bottom plate, and two slide arms respectively extending outwards from the tops of the side plates. The slide arms are slidably supported on tops of the slide rails so that the supporting mechanism has a high bearing capacity.

Abstract: Described herein are solar apparatus support structures, apparatus and systems as well as methods of installing and using the solar apparatus structures, apparatus and systems.

Abstract: Described herein are solar apparatus support structures, apparatus and systems as well as methods of installing and using the solar apparatus structures, apparatus and systems.

Abstract: A modular shelf system comprising: (i) at least two panels comprising a set of modular inserts of a predetermined size and shape, having holes disposed in said modular inserts; and (ii) means for maintaining said panels substantially parallel to one another at a predetermined distance apart, wherein said holes is dimensioned to accept a plurality of articles to be stored, in a substantially planer form even when placed under a load.

Abstract: An improved golf club holder having a base, tubular casings, and pins. The base has a plurality of openings. The tubular casings are attached to the underside of the base at each plurality of openings. A golfer can insert a golf club into an opening in the base and allow the club to move down through the shaft of the tubular casing until the butt of the golf club rests upon a pin. Resting upon a pin, the golf club will stand vertically in the tubular casing shaft. This golf club holder differs in that it is a permanent structure to a golf course. Therefore, a golfer will not need to purchase their own golf club holder, transport it to and from the cart, insert a sharp object into the ground, bend to utilize, or attach it to a golf bag.

Abstract: An expandable framework, with attachable plant-support trays, is provided for installation within an interior window frame. One embodiment of the framework is expandable to a fixable height in a vertical direction and expandable in a horizontal direction via upper and lower telescoping tube pairs to accommodate a range of common window sizes. A pair of spacer sticks are provided, which can be cut to appropriate lengths so that one spacer stick and an associated coil spring can be inserted within each telescoping tube pair so that the frame assembly can be biased against opposed vertical portions of the window frame in the interior of a building. A plurality of tray support arms, each of which has a square aperture or receptacle, can be rotationally locked onto each telescoping tube pair for the support of at least one plant support tray.

Abstract: A collapsible utility tray device with a flexible mounting feature. The device includes a main tray portion for holding various items as desired by a user. A combined back/top piece is hinged to the main tray portion, such that the back/top can be folded closed to serve as a lid for the tray, or can be folded open to serve as a back structure for mounting the device and holding the tray portion horizontal. The back/top piece is fitted with a large rubberized twist tie for flexibly attaching the device to an object. The large rubberized twist tie can also be used to keep the device closed when the back/top piece is folded down. The device further includes smaller rubberized twist ties which can be used for hanging other small items from the tray or securing items to the tray. A small light can also be included in the device.

Abstract: A shelving system having tubular frame members and plastic shelves, the shelves having frame receiving regions for receiving ends of the frame members. The shelves and frame members are connectable by insertion of the frame members into the frame receiving regions to form an openly configured, assembled shelving unit in which the shelves are connected to one another in vertically spaced relationship by the frame members. The shelving system has at least one closure member. The assembled shelving system and the at least one closure member both have an integrally molded connector structure. The integrally molded connector structures enable the at least one molded plastic closure member to be connected to the assembled shelving unit after the shelving unit has been assembled.

Abstract: A supporting device for vertically supporting a coupling rod pivotably articulated in the vertical direction to a car body underframe of a rail-borne vehicle comprises a support able to be brought into contact with the coupling rod and a mount connected to the support and able to be fixed to the car body underframe of the vehicle. The support can move relative to and in the direction of the mount upon exceeding a critical external force acting on the support in the vertical direction. In order to disassociate the response curve of the supporting force from the spring characteristic of a spring element associated with the supporting device, a force-transmitting mechanism is provided enabling the at least one spring element to be coupled to the support and to the mount such that the spring element is elastically deformed by the support moving relative to the mount.

Abstract: A teat unit for sucking a liquid from a liquid container includes a teat and a flow restrictor with a through-opening. The teat comprises a mouthpiece, with a suction opening, and a main body which is formed integrally on the mouthpiece and widens relative to the mouthpiece. The flow restrictor defines a maximum flow of the liquid passing through the suction opening from the liquid container. According to the invention, the flow restrictor is arranged outside the mouthpiece, and the suction opening has a greater cross-sectional surface area than the through-opening of the flow restrictor. The teat unit permits a feeding action that is as true to nature as possible, since the mouthpiece can be deformed very considerably, without substantially impairing the flow restriction.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a venting baby bottle that includes an outer container, and an inner container, adapted to fit within the outer container, wherein the inner container has a base, a tapered neck, and a vent tube projecting upwardly into the inner container. The baby bottle of the present invention also includes a gasket having a gasket base adapted to fit the neck of the inner container, one or more gasket channels, and a lip. A reservoir is defined between the neck of the inner container and the wall of the outer container. The venting baby bottle of the present invention has an air passage, when inverted and filled with liquid, from a point outside the baby bottle to a point inside the inner container.

Abstract: A bottle with an integrated cap remover allows a user to remove a twist-off bottle cap without the need for a separate bottle opener. The bottle includes a bottle cap, a bottle opening, a neck, a side wall, and a bottom surface. The bottom surface includes an indent that has a plurality of indent ridges. The bottle cap has a plurality of cap ridges. The bottle cap of a second bottle can be pressed into the primary indent of a first bottle. Twisting the first bottle will cause the indent ridges of the first bottle to engage against the cap ridges of the second bottle. The bottle cap of the second bottle will then be loosened, allowing a user to easily remove the bottle cap.

Abstract: Disclosed is a bottle for containing liquid content including a body portion, at least part or the entire portion of an upper portion of which is provided with a plurality of guides which protrudes inward from an inside surface thereof and is in a spiral pattern so that the liquid content can be guided towards an opening of a neck portion of the bottle while spirally revolving inside the bottle.

Abstract: An insulation sleeve, also known on a koozy, is adapted to fit on a one-gallon jug to keep its contents insulated. The insulation sleeve can wrap about the one-gallon jug, keeping warm liquids inside the jug warmer longer than without the insulation sleeve, and keeping cold liquids inside the jug colder longer that without the insulation sleeve. The insulation sleeve could be made of a insulation material, such as neoprene. The insulation sleeve could be made out of a single material, or multiple materials. For example, the insulation sleeve could include a rubber base to help minimize wear through the base of the insulation sleeve.

Abstract: An adapter for positioning a teat on a container having a neck with an outer thread, includes an upper element and a central element, whose upper surface is a platform and whose lower portion includes at least one thread for engaging with the outer thread, the upper element adapted to be juxtaposed on the platform of the central element, the upper and central elements engaging by at least one closing member enabling to rigidly connect the upper element on the central element in a permanent or reversible manner, the space situated between the upper element and the platform being to receive the skirt of the teat, each of the upper and central elements having a central opening, the two central openings being suitable for being juxtaposed, the opening of the upper element intended to receive the teat, which can be slipped on from the inner surface of the upper element.

Abstract: A thin film capacitor includes a metal foil, dielectric layers and internal electrode layers alternately disposed on the metal foil, and a top electrode layer on the topmost layer among the two or more dielectric layers. These layers have peripheries that define an outer profile flaring toward the metal foil as viewed from the stacking direction of the thin film capacitor, and at least one dielectric layer of two or more dielectric layers satisfies a relationship B>A>0 wherein A is a gap of the periphery of the internal electrode layer directly below the dielectric layer protruding from the periphery of the dielectric layer, and B is a gap of the periphery of the dielectric layer protruding from the periphery of the internal electrode layer or the top electrode layer directly above the dielectric layer. The thin film capacitor has a structure free from short-circuiting and reducing debris of broken dielectric material.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a transparent conductive film has the steps of: preparing a laminated body in which a transparent conductive layer that is not patterned is formed on a flexible transparent base, removing a part of the transparent conductive layer to form the pattern forming part having the transparent conductive layer on the flexible transparent base and the pattern opening part not having the transparent conductive layer on the flexible transparent base, and heating the laminated body in which the transparent conductive layer is patterned. The absolute value of the difference H1-H2 of the dimensional change rate H1 of the pattern forming part and the dimensional change rate H2 of the pattern opening part in the heat treatment step is preferably less than 0.03%.

Abstract: Provided is a plating method of a circuit substrate comprising a conductive pattern in which a metal layer containing at least silver and copper is exposed on an outer surface. The plating method comprises: step (A) of treating the circuit substrate with a first liquid agent containing an oxidizing agent; step (B) of treating the circuit substrate after the step (A) with a second liquid agent which dissolves copper oxide, and thereby removing copper oxide from the conductive pattern's surface; step (C) of treating the circuit substrate after the step (B) with a third liquid agent whose rate of dissolving silver oxide (I) at 25° C. is 1000 times or more faster than its rate of dissolving copper (0) at 25° C., and thereby removing silver oxide from the conductive pattern's surface; and step (D) of performing electroless plating on the conductive pattern of the circuit substrate after the step (C).

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for stably generating cleaning plasma regardless of a condition of CO-containing plasma. When a magnetic film formed on a wafer 802 to be etched is processed with the CO-containing plasma which is generated by applying a source electric power to a CO-containing gas containing elements of C and O, which has been introduced into a vacuum chamber 801, to convert the CO-containing gas into a plasma state, the method includes: applying predetermined processing to the magnetic film formed on the wafer 802 to be etched by using the CO-containing plasma; then introducing a cleaning gas into the vacuum chamber in a state of applying the source electric power 806 to the antenna; and then stopping the introduction of the CO-containing gas into the vacuum chamber to thereby generate the cleaning plasma with the use of a predetermined cleaning gas.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for creating an optical feature, including: providing a substrate; creating one or more volumetric periodic/non-periodic structures on the substrate; and micromachining the one or more volumetric periodic/non-periodic structures on the substrate to create the optical feature. Optionally, the substrate is a photomaterial. The one or more volumetric periodic/non-periodic structures are aligned one or more of substantially perpendicular to, substantially parallel to, and substantially at an angle to the substrate. The one or more volumetric periodic/non-periodic structures have a predetermined frequency, orientation, and angle. Optionally, different portions of the one or more volumetric periodic/non-periodic structures are subjected to different degrees and/or shapes of micromachining.

Abstract: A method for improving adhesion between polymeric materials is provided. The method includes treating a surface of a first polymeric material with plasma of oxygen gas and hydrogen-containing gas. The first polymeric material may be a fully cured polymeric material. A second polymeric material may then be deposited on the plasma treated surface of the first polymeric material. The second polymeric material may be an uncured polymeric material. This plasma treatment may be used in improving the adhesion between polymeric components of an inkjet printer. It provides good adhesion between the polymeric components of the inkjet printer even after long exposure to ink.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a metallized ceramic substrate includes forming a metal layer on a ceramic substrate, and forming on the metal layer a resist having a first patterned resist opening and a second patterned resist opening for the metal layer to be exposed therefrom. A first width of the first patterned resist opening is greater than the thickness of the metal layer, and a second width of the second patterned resist opening is less than the thickness of the metal layer. A wet-etching process is conducted, to form in the first patterned resist opening a patterned metal layer opening and form in the second patterned resist opening a patterned metal layer dent. Therefore, an internal stress between the metal layer and the ceramic substrate is reduced, and the yield rate and reliability of the metallized ceramic substrate is increased.

Abstract: A method of forming micropatterns separated over a misalignment margin includes forming a first mold pattern including a main pattern and a separation-assist pattern, forming a first spacer mask having a first width around the first mold pattern, forming a second mold pattern using the first spacer mask as an etch mask, forming a second spacer mask having a second width around the second mold pattern, and forming a target pattern using the second spacer mask as an etch mask.

Abstract: A photoresist composition includes from about 20% to about 50% by weight of a polymer, from about 0.5% to about 1.5% by weight of a photo-acid generator, from about 0.01% to about 0.5% by weight of a photo absorber and the remainder includes an organic solvent. Also provided is a method of forming a fine pattern including forming a thin film on a substrate; forming a photoresist pattern by using a photoresist composition that includes from about 20% to about 50% by weight of a polymer, from about 0.5% to about 1.5% by weight of a photo-acid generator, from about 0.01% to about 0.5% by weight of a photo absorber and a remainder comprising an organic solvent; and patterning the thin film by using the photoresist pattern as an etch-stop layer to form a fine pattern.

Abstract: A method of etching a substrate comprises forming on the substrate, a plurality of double patterning features composed of silicon oxide, silicon nitride, or silicon oxynitride. The substrate having the double patterning features is provided to a process zone. An etching gas comprising nitrogen tri-fluoride, ammonia and hydrogen is energized in a remote chamber. The energized etching gas is introduced into the process zone to etch the double patterning features to form a solid residue on the substrate. The solid residue is sublimated by heating the substrate to a temperature of at least about 100° C.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention include methods for in-situ chamber dry cleaning a plasma processing chamber utilized for photomask plasma fabrication process. In one embodiment, a method for in-situ chamber dry clean after photomask plasma etching includes performing an in-situ pre-cleaning process in a plasma processing chamber, supplying a pre-cleaning gas mixture including at least an oxygen containing gas into the plasma processing chamber while performing the in-situ pre-cleaning process, providing a substrate into the plasma processing chamber, performing an etching process on the substrate, removing the substrate from the substrate, and performing an in-situ post cleaning process by flowing a post cleaning gas mixture including at least an oxygen containing gas into the plasma processing chamber.

Abstract: A method and device for wet treatment of a plate-like article comprises a spin chuck for holding and rotating the plate-like article. Gas supply nozzles open on a surface of the spin chuck facing a first side of the plate-like article. The spin chuck is configured to direct gas discharged from the gas supply nozzles radially outwardly through a gap defined between an upper surface of the spin chuck and a downwardly facing surface of a plate-like article positioned on the spin chuck. Liquid supply nozzles open on the surface of the spin chuck facing a first side of the plate-like article and positioned radially outwardly of the gas supply nozzles. The liquid supply nozzles are positioned beneath a peripheral region of a plate-like article positioned on the spin chuck.

Abstract: A unit to support and transport a print substrate (12) for a plant (11) for depositing print tracks made of conductive or non-conductive material, said print substrate (12) being provided with holes (57) that extend between a first surface (55) and a second surface (56) thereof. Said support unit comprises a first fluid-dynamic circuit (32) suitable to generate a first suction condition to keep the substrate (12) adherent to a support surface (113) of the support unit, and a second fluid-dynamic circuit (33), distinct and at least partly independent from the first fluid-dynamic circuit (32), suitable to generate a second controlled suction condition able to allow the controlled filling of the holes (57) with the conductive or non-conductive material.