Abstract: The present invention provides a device and methods of use thereof in concentrating a species of interest and/or controlling liquid flow in a device. The methods make use of a device comprising a fluidic chip comprising a planar array of channels through which a liquid comprising a species of interest can be made to pass with at least one rigid substrate connected thereto such that at least a portion of a surface of the substrate bounds the channels, and a high aspect ratio ion-selective membrane is embedded within the chip, attached to at least a portion of the channels. The device comprises a unit to induce an electric field in the channel and a unit to induce an electrokinetic or pressure driven flow in the channel.

Abstract: An electrode module capable of improving productivity by integrally bonding a current collector and a pair of electrodes using a protective film. The current collector receives power from an external power supply, and the pair of electrodes receives power from the current collector. The current collector and electrodes are integrally bonded by thermocompression using a protective film.

Abstract: The invention provides an electroplating composition, method, and improved apparatus, which enables electroplating tin-silver alloys at high speed and without burning. The composition is an aqueous acidic solution including salts of stannous tin and a monovalent silver, and a complexing agent selected from the group consisting of thiocarbazides and thiohydrazides, and optionally an aldehyde and/or dialdehyde organic brightener compound. A sulfonic acid and a surfactant may also be included. The improved apparatus provides a protective structure substantially surrounding the anode(s) to decrease turbulence and the problematic silver displacement reaction.

Abstract: Disclosed is a tin electroplating bath containing a water-soluble tin salt, one or more substances selected from inorganic acids, organic acids and their water-soluble salts, and one or more substances selected from water-soluble tungsten salts, water-soluble molybdenum salts and water-soluble manganese salts. This tin electroplating bath enables to form a tin-plated coating film on components for electronic devices such as a chip component, crystal oscillator, bump, connector, lead frame, hoop member, semiconductor package and printed board, as a substitute for a tin-lead alloy plating material, while having high whisker suppressing effects.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for removing small amounts of water and possible further constituents from alkali metal amalgam, wherein the alkali metal amalgam is brought into contact with an element which is insoluble in mercury and catalyzes the reaction of water with the alkali metal amalgam and the possible further constituents to form hydroxides and hydrogen.

Abstract: Disclosed is a biosensor capable of measuring a total concentration of plural types of amino acids. An amino-acid biosensor (200) for measuring a total concentration of a plurality of specific amino acids, comprises a measuring electrode (202) which includes as components a mediator and an enzyme which selectively act on the plurality of specific amino acids each serving as a substrate, and a counter electrode (203). The enzyme has a substrate affinity to each of the plurality of specific amino acids. The enzyme is operable to catalyze a reaction in each of the plurality of specific amino acids as a substrate so as to form a reaction product, and the mediator is operable, during amino-acid concentration measurement, to carry electrons between the reaction product and the measuring electrode.

Abstract: Method of isolating active resins from a high solvency dispersive power (HSDP) crude oil includes providing a HSDP crude oil, deasphalting the HSDP crude oil into at least a deasphalted oil (DAO) fraction and a first asphaltenes fraction, deasphalting the first asphaltenes fraction to isolate active resins from a second asphaltenes fraction, and combining the DAO fraction and the second asphaltenes fraction to form a de-resinated crude. Method of using components isolated from a high solvency dispersive power (HSDP) crude oil includes providing a HSDP crude oil, deasphalting the HSDP crude oil into at least a deasphalted oil (DAO) fraction and a first asphaltenes fraction, deasphalting the first asphaltenes fraction to isolate active resins from a second asphaltenes fraction, and selecting at least one of the DAO fraction, the active resins, or the second asphaltenes fraction for use in a refinery process.

Abstract: A process and apparatus process for preparing a resid-containing hydrocarbon feedstock for use in a regenerative pyrolysis reactor, comprising (a) feeding a resid-containing hydrocarbon feedstock to a thermal cracking unit; (b) thermally cracking at least about 60 wt. % of said resid having a boiling point of at least 565° C. in said hydrocarbon feedstock to form a vapor phase containing cracked hydrocarbons; (c) separating said vapor phase from remaining non-volatiles; and (d) converting the separated vapor phase in a regenerative pyrolysis reactor system.

Abstract: A hydrocracking system involves introducing a heavy oil feedstock and a colloidal or molecular catalyst, or a catalyst precursor capable of forming the colloidal or molecular catalyst, into a hydrocracking reactor. The colloidal or molecular catalyst is formed in situ within the heavy oil feedstock by 1) premixing the catalyst precursor with a hydrocarbon diluents to form a catalyst precursor mixture, 2) mixing the catalyst precursor mixture with the heavy oil feedstock, and 3) raising the temperature of the feedstock to above the decomposition temperature of the catalyst precursor to form the colloidal or molecular catalyst. The colloidal or molecular catalyst catalyzes upgrading reactions between the heavy oil feedstock and hydrogen and eliminates or reduces formation of coke precursors and sediment.

Abstract: Method of removing metals from hydrocarbon feedstock using esters of carboxylic acids, and additives for the same, are provided, wherein hydrocarbon stream including crude oil containing metals and salts thereof, wherein metal is calcium and its salt is calcium naphthenate, is mixed with an effective metal-removing-amount of an aqueous extraction-solution of non-precipitating and non-fouling additive comprising a chemical compound selected from a group consisting of methyl or ethyl or propyl or isopropyl mono- and/or di-esters of any one of the carboxylic acids selected from the groups consisting of maleic acid, maleic anhydride, and fumaric acid, or an appropriate combination of said esters, or an appropriate combination of any of said esters with any of said carboxylic acids to form a hydrocarbonous phase and an aqueous phase containing the metal ions; and separating aqueous phase.

Abstract: An aquarium detritus removal and filtration system of the present invention is different from the conventional aquarium filtration system which are not able to deliver detritus settle in an aquarium bottom right to a lift pump for removal. The present invention is mainly comprised of a flow generating device, a flow guiding structure, a screen plate and a lift pump.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system and method for treating wastewater in which the majority of solids and biological oxygen demand compounds are separated from the wastewater feed using a primary separation process, to produce a solids phase and a water phase. The solids phase is irradiated to reduce the level of pathogens such that it is safe to use as a soil substitute and/or additive so that the solids can thus be disposed of in an environmentally-friendly manner. In additional embodiments, the solids that have been disinfected by radiation are mixed with a suitable inert filler material to produce a soil substitute, fertilizer, compost, or other soil additive. The liquid phase is treated in a substantially smaller system than would be required for treating the full-strength wastewater that can include a suspended media biological regeneration reactor system.

Abstract: A chemical release system. Implementations may utilize implementations of a first cartridge that include a body coupled with a cartridge head at a first end and coupled with an end plug at a second end where the cartridge head includes a through hole configured to engage with an annular flange in a main head. The body may have an internal cross section. The first cartridge may also include a flow restrictor plate disposed within the body between the first end and the second end where the flow restrictor plate is oriented substantially parallel to the cartridge head within the body, includes only one opening therethrough, and substantially conforms with the internal cross section of the body. The body may include one or more through holes in a side of the body located between the flow restrictor plate and the cartridge head.

Abstract: A water treatment unit comprising a bath (2) delimited by a bottom wall (3) and a lateral wall (4) developing in elevation from a whole perimeter of the bottom wall (3), means for supplying (14) the water to be treated into the bath (2), at least an aeration device (5) have dissolving functions in collaboration with the means for supplying (14), for introducing a flow of oxygen or ozone into the water contained in the bath (2) in order to saturate the water and/or to give rise to foam, means for eliminating (6) the foam, at least an outlet section (13) of the treated water from the bath (2). The bath (2) develops prevalently horizontally and internally comprises a dividing wall (7) which divides the internal volume of the bath (2) into a turbulent water zone (2a) and a calm water zone (2b).

Abstract: A combined degassing and flotation tank for separation of a water influent containing considerable amounts of oil and gas. A rotational flow is created in the tank which forces the lighter components such as oil and gas droplets towards an inner concentric cylindrical wall where they coalesce and rise to the surface of the liquid and are removed via the outlet. The heavier particles are forced down and sink to the lower part where they can be removed as a sludge. The water is discharged via an outlet in the lower part of the tank. The combined degassing and flotation tank is particular suited for use in oil production at sea for removal of oil and gases from water streams before the water is returned to the sea.

Abstract: A filter element includes filter media, first and second end caps, a latch arrangement projecting from the first end cap, a tubular neck extending from the first end cap and a valve head oriented within the first end cap aperture constructed and arranged to move between a position sealing the first end cap aperture and exposing the first end cap aperture. A filter assembly includes a filter element, as characterized herein, and including a filter base and a service cover. A method of servicing includes removing an old filter element, operably mounting a new filter element in a filter base including engaging a valve head against a spring member in the filter base, and operably mounting the service cover over the new filter element and filter base.

Abstract: A liquid filter arrangement is provided, as well as methods of assembly and use. Advantageous features, relating to a preferred filter cartridge and a preferred slide arrangement, are provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a portable device for generating ozone in water, purifying the water and making it drinkable. The device comprises a housing; at least two electrodes, including an anode and a cathode extending from the housing into the water and each having semi-rough or rough surfaces in contact with the water. The device also comprises a power supply operatively connected to the electrodes for generating between them a difference of potential creating a current and the hydrolysis of the water creating ozone that purifies the water. The electrodes may have a plate or a rode and tube configuration with a plurality of holes with rough edges. The roughness of the surfaces and of the edges of the holes leads to a coalescence of tiny hydrogen bubbles into larger hydrogen bubbles. The hydrogen may be also removed by absorption in a conductive material and regenerated for reuse.

Abstract: An apparatus, system, and method for a quick-drain filter includes a cylindrical filter element, a cylindrical interior volume disposed axially through the element, an end plate disposed on an axial end of the element, and a housing within which the element and end plate are disposed, the housing and element having a common axis. A stand pipe is disposed axially through the housing and configured to extend into the interior volume. A service drain passage is disposed at an axial end of the housing, the drain passage being configured to be disposed axially adjacent the end plate, and a plug is disposed on the end plate, the plug being configured to plug the drain passage.

Abstract: Method for the liquid solid separation of material mixtures and suspensions in which the material mixture under pressure is fed into a closed chamber having at least one filter surface and a hydrostatic pressure is generated within said chamber for separating the liquid phase. After separating the liquid phase the chamber is opened and the filter surface together with the filter cake is removed from said chamber. The material mixture firstly is treated by the means of hydrostatic pressure of about up to 0.2 bar, wherein 80 to 90% of the fed volume is removed as filtrate. Thereafter the concentrated remaining volume is drawn off and is further treated in the closed chamber with a pressure of up to 5 bar. By reducing the volume of the chamber finally with a pressure of up to 50 bar the remaining filtrate is separated.

Abstract: One embodiment is a filter element including an outer filter media and an inner filter media. The outer filter media is operable to remove particulates present in a flow of fluid and/or coalesce water contained in the flow of fluid. The inner filter media is operable to remove particulates from the flow of fluid, separate water form the flow of fluid, and remove particulates from the flow of fluid. Other embodiments include unique apparatus, devices, systems, and methods relating to fuel filters and filtration. Further embodiments, forms, objects, features, advantages, aspects, and benefits of the present application shall become apparent from the detailed description and figures included herewith.

Abstract: An effluent treatment apparatus which is a flushed anaerobic digester with fixed biofilm (FAD system) is disclosed. The FAD system creates and maintains an optimum environment for the development and activity of anaerobic bacteria. The FAD system can be used for all treatment methods for anaerobic bacteria, regardless of function. The FAD system is intended for the production of biogas.

Abstract: Devices and methods for separating plasma from biological fluids such as blood and blood products are disclosed.

Abstract: A process for continuous or quasi-continuous purification of a multi-component mixture by means of at least four individual chromatographic columns through which the mixture is fed by means of at least one solvent, is given, wherein the multi-component mixture is to be separated into an integer number n of fractions, wherein n is at least 5.

Abstract: A thickening tank has a peripheral overflow launder and a centrally disposed feed well. Feedstock slurry is fed to a mixing box which also receives supernatant liquid and is supplemented by flocculated material flowing into the interior of the feed well onto a distributor baffle plate. The supernatant liquid is delivered at a controlled rate from a receiving vessel formed by an upright cylinder provided at its lower end with an impeller of a lift pump which is operated by a controller positioned at the upper end of a vertical drive shaft extending axially through the receiving vessel. The feed well is surrounded by a second launder which is closed at its base and formed with a cup. The lower end of the receiving vessel is spaced from the floor of the cup to draw supernatant liquid exclusively from the second launder rather than from the thickener tank.

Abstract: A priming method for a filter, whereby the outlet of a spent filter is connected to the inlet of a fresh filter, and the spent filter is inverted. A drain in the spent filter is then opened to allow air to enter the spent filter and fluid to drain from the clean side of the spent filter into the fresh filter.

Abstract: A plurality of micro three-dimensional structure elements each having a movable structure fixed on a sacrifice layer, and fixation portions of the micro three-dimensional structure elements for the sacrifice layer are arranged into a film-like elastic body, and then the sacrifice layer is removed. Thus, a three-dimensional structure in which the individual micro three-dimensional structure elements are arranged independently of one another within the elastic body is manufactured.

Abstract: A catheter body having a variable stiffness along its longitudinal length and a method for manufacturing same is disclosed wherein an inner layer having an uninterrupted length serves as a backbone for segments of coextrusion of, e.g., Pebax or nylon and a tie layer which are then bonded to the backbone to create a multi-stiffness catheter body.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a method of manufacturing a magnetic recording medium comprises forming a protective film on a ferromagnetic recording layer containing Cobalt (Co) on a substrate and forming a recess in both the protective film and the ferromagnetic recording layer at a part where a nonmagnetic layer is to be formed. The method further comprises removing Co from a part of the recess of the ferromagnetic recording layer to form the nonmagnetic layer that separates magnetic patterns made of the ferromagnetic recording layer containing Co. The nonmagnetic layer has an identical chemical composition as the ferromagnetic recording layer, except for the nonmagnetic layer having a lower Co concentration than the magnetic patterns.

Abstract: Method and device for selectively etching a first material (4) relative to a second material (2), comprising a bath (11) of a solution capable of producing at least one chemical species for etching the first material (4) but not the second (2) and a system (12) for generating ultrasound at a frequency between 100 kHz and 3 MHz in the bath in order to produce cavitation bubbles.

Abstract: The presence of a detectable entity within a detection volume of a microfabricated elastomeric structure is sensed through a change in the electrical or magnetic environment of the detection volume. In embodiments utilizing electronic detection, an electric field is applied to the detection volume and a change in impedance, current, or combined impedance and current due to the presence of the detectable entity is measured. In embodiments utilizing magnetic detection, the magnetic properties of a magnetized detected entity alter the magnetic field of the detection volume. This changed magnetic field induces a current which can reveal the detectable entity. The change in resistance of a magnetoresistive element may also reveal the passage of a magnetized detectable entity.

Abstract: A process for chemical mechanical polishing of a substrate having a polysilicon overburden deposited over silicon dioxide is provided using multiple dilutions of a chemical mechanical polishing composition concentrate to polish the substrate, wherein a first dilution of the concentrate used to polish the substrate is tuned to exhibit a first polysilicon removal rate and a first polysilicon to silicon dioxide removal rate selectivity; and wherein a second dilution of the concentrate used to polish the substrate is tuned to exhibit a second polysilicon removal rate and a second polysilicon to silicon dioxide removal rate selectivity.

Abstract: A corrosion inhibiting deicer composition includes an aqueous extract of corn stillage. The composition may be combined with a freezing point suppression agent to exhibit a freezing point of less than ?35° C. The composition may be applied as a deicer to corrosion-susceptible materials without substantial risk of corrosion.

Abstract: Deicing compositions comprised of hydroxyl-containing organic compounds and/or organic acid salts are disclosed.

Abstract: A chemical mechanical polishing composition useful for chemical mechanical polishing a semiconductor wafer containing an interconnect metal is provided, comprising, as initial components: water; an azole inhibitor; an alkali metal organic surfactant; a hydrotrope; a phosphorus containing agent; optionally, a non-saccharide water soluble polymer; optionally, a water soluble acid compound of formula I, wherein R is selected from a hydrogen and a C1-5 alkyl group, and wherein x is 1 or 2; optionally, a complexing agent; optionally, an oxidizer; optionally, an organic solvent; and, optionally, an abrasive.

Abstract: The invention relates to a composition which comprises 1 to 80% by weight of at least one acid which has a pKa of 2 or less; a protic solvent; a complexing agent for Ca2+ ions; for use as conditioning agent for etching enamel lesions.

Abstract: A stabilized composition consists essentially of unsaturated hydrocarbon-based materials, and a stabilizer selected from the group consisting of a hydroxybenzophenone and a nitroxyl radical based stabilizer. A stabilized composition consists essentially of unsaturated hydrocarbon-based materials, at least one polar liquid and a stabilizer selected from the group consisting of a hydroxybenzophenone, a nitroxyl radical based stabilizer and a hydroquinone based stabilizer. A method for stabilizing unsaturated hydrocarbon-based precursor material against the polymerization comprises providing a stabilizer selected from the group consisting of a hydroxybenzophenone and a nitroxyl radical based stabilizer. A method for stabilizing a mixture of unsaturated hydrocarbon-based precursor material with at lease one polar liquid against the polymerization comprises adding to the mixture, a stabilizer selected from the group consisting of a hydroxybenzophenone and a nitroxyl radical based stabilizer.

Abstract: A ternary hydrogen storage system having a constant stoichiometric molar ratio of LiNH2:MgH2:LiBH4 of 2:1:1. It was found that the incorporation of MgH2 particles of approximately 10 nm to 20 nm exhibit a lower initial hydrogen release temperature of 150° C. Furthermore, it is observed that the particle size of LiBNH quaternary hydride has a significant effect on the hydrogen sorption concentration with an optimum size of 28 nm. The as-synthesized hydrides exhibit two main hydrogen release temperatures, one around 160° C. and the other around 300° C., with the main hydrogen release temperature reduced from 310° C. to 270° C., while hydrogen is first reversibly released at temperatures as low as 150° C. with a total hydrogen capacity of 6 wt. % to 8 wt. %. Detailed thermal, capacity, structural and microstructural properties have been demonstrated and correlated with the activation energies of these materials.

Abstract: Provided are a liquid crystal composition containing, as a first component, a polymerizable compound represented by general formula (I): R11—S11-L11-(M11-L12)m-M12-L13-(M13-L14)n-Z11??(I) and a liquid crystal display element using the liquid crystal composition.

Abstract: An object is to provide a liquid crystal composition which exhibits a blue phase in a wide temperature range. Another object is to provide a liquid crystal composition which exhibits a blue phase, with which high contrast can be provided, in a liquid crystal display device. A liquid crystal composition which exhibits a blue phase includes: a nematic liquid crystal including a compound represented by a structural formula (100) (PPEP-5FCNF (abbreviation)); and a chiral agent. In a liquid crystal display device, a liquid crystal layer is formed using the liquid crystal composition including a nematic liquid crystal including a compound represented by a structural formula (100) (PPEP-5FCNF (abbreviation)) and a chiral agent, and the liquid crystal composition exhibits a blue phase.

Abstract: It is an object of the present invention to provide a binder resin composition usable for an inorganic fine particle-dispersed paste composition which is excellent in thixotropy and storage stability, has scarcely changeable screen printability with the lapse of time, and can be fired at a low temperature, and to provide the inorganic fine particle-dispersed paste composition. The present invention is directed to a binder resin composition, which contains a binder comprising a (meth)acrylic resin, an organic compound having 3 or more hydroxyl groups, and an organic solvent, the content of the organic compound having 3 or more hydroxyl groups being 0.1 to 15 parts by weight to 100 parts by weight of the (meth)acrylic resin.

Abstract: A phosphor of formula I is included in a phosphor composition in a lighting apparatus capable of emitting white light, Ca3-x-zSrxCezM12M2AlSiO12??(I) wherein M1 is Hf, Zr, or a combination thereof; M2 is Al, or a combination of Al and Ga; z<3?x; and 0.2>x?0. The lighting apparatus includes a semiconductor light source in addition to the phosphor composition.

Abstract: A phosphor represented by Formula 1: (A1?(a+b)EuaLnb)1?x(B1?cMnc)2Al(6+b?2x)Si(9?b+2x)O30??Formula 1 wherein A includes at least one element selected from the group consisting of Ca, Sr and Ba, Ln includes at least one metal selected from the group consisting of a trivalent rare earth metal, B includes at least one element selected from the group consisting of Mg, Zn, Ge and Co, a is greater than 0 and equal to or less than about 0.5, b is greater than 0 and equal to or less than about 0.25, c is greater than 0 and less than about 0.8, and x is 0 to about 0.2. Also a white light emitting device including the phosphor.

Abstract: Exemplary embodiments of the present invention relate to inorganic phosphors based on silicate compounds having improved stability under a resulting radiation load and resistance to atmospheric humidity, which are capable of converting higher-energy excitation radiation, i.e. ultraviolet (UV) or blue light, with high efficiency into a longer-wavelength radiation which may be in the visible spectral range. A calcium molar fraction x having a value between 0 and 0.05 is added to a silicate phosphor having the general formula Sr3-x-y-zCaxMIIySiO5:Euz.

Abstract: A catalytic reforming method is disclosed herein. The method includes sequentially supplying a plurality of feedstocks of variable compositions to a reformer. The method further includes adding a respective predetermined co-reactant to each of the plurality of feedstocks to obtain a substantially constant output from the reformer for the plurality of feedstocks. The respective predetermined co-reactant is based on a C/H/O atomic composition for a respective one of the plurality of feedstocks and a predetermined C/H/O atomic composition for the substantially constant output.

Abstract: A composition of matter and method of forming a radiation shielding member at ambient temperatures in which the composition of matter includes a ‘cold-fired’ chemically bonded oxide-phosphate ceramic cement matrix; with one or more suitably prepared and distributed radiation shielding materials dispersed in the ‘cold-fired’ chemically bonded oxide-phosphate ceramic cement matrix.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an organic photoelectric conversion device comprising a layer comprising a fullerene derivative represented by formula (1).

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for producing a metal particle dispersion wherein a metal compound is reduced by using carbodihydrazide represented by the formula (1) below or a polybasic acid polyhydrazide represented by the formula (2) below (wherein R represents an n-valent polybasic acid residue) in a liquid medium. By reducing the metal compound in the presence of a compound having a function preventing discoloration of the metal, there can be obtained a metal particle dispersion having excellent discoloration preventing properties. Metal particles produced by such methods have a uniform particle diameter and are excellent in dispersion stability. By using a conductive resin composition or conductive ink containing a metal particle dispersion obtained by such production methods, there can be formed a conductive coating film, such as a conductive circuit or an electromagnetic layer, having good characteristics.

Abstract: A lead-free conductive paste composition includes silumin powder, lead-free glass frits, an organic binder, stearic acid zinc, and aluminum powder.

Abstract: Atomized Cu—Cr alloy powder, 20 to 30 percent by weight of Thermite Cr powder and 5 percent by weight of electrolytic Cu powder are mixed together and undergo solid phase sintering treatment to form an electrode material for vacuum circuit breakers. The gross content of Cr of the electrode material is 30 to 50 percent by weight. In manufacturing the electrode material for vacuum circuit breakers, such powders are mixed together and then undergo compression molding to be formed into a compressed compact. The compressed compact is performed solid phase sintering at a temperature lower than the melting point of Cu in a non-oxidizing atmosphere to prepare a solid phase sintered body.