Abstract: The inventive subject matter provides apparatus, systems and methods in which a feed fluid entering a filtration system is mixed with a portion of a reject fluid. The re-introduced reject fluid is preferably pressurized using a positive displacement pump, and more preferably using a work exchange pump having a translatable piston. The re-introduced reject fluid is preferably pressurized to within 10 psi, or more preferably to within 5 psi, of the uncombined feed fluid. The filtration system can have one or more filters.

Abstract: An apparatus for capillary ion chromatography comprising a suppressor comprising flow-through ion exchange packing in a housing and capillary tubing formed of a permselective ion exchange membrane, and at least partially disposed in said ion exchange packing. Also, a recycle conduit for aqueous liquid from the detector to the packing. Further, the capillary tubing may have weakly acidic or weakly basic functional groups. Also, a method for using the apparatus.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods for controlling mercury emissions, and more particularly, to methods for controlling mercury re-emissions from a wet flue gas desulfurizer used in a combustion process.

Abstract: A method of treating wastewater includes treating the wastewater with an additive to generate a treated wastewater, filtering the treated wastewater through a filter system to substantially completely remove residual particulate material and generate filtered wastewater, and processing the filtered wastewater with an ion exchange media to adsorb soluble metals from the filtered wastewater.

Abstract: The present invention refers to a method for the synthesis of an adsorbing material consisting of a single-phase tetravalent manganese feroxyhite (?-Fe(1-x)MnxOOH), in which a percentage of 0.05 to 25% of iron atoms has been isomorphically substituted by Mn(IV) atoms. Its production takes place in a continuous two-stage flow reactor at weakly acidic conditions (pH 4-7) and high redox (300-800 mV). The material can be used for the removal of both pentavalent and trivalent arsenic as well as other heavy metals form water. More specifically, its adsorption capacity and selectivity depending on the trivalent and pentavalent arsenic water content, are determined by the manganese percentage and the compact or hollow morphology of its structural unit which can be both controlled by the parameters of the synthesis procedure.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for preparing maleic acid-isoprenol copolymers from a) 30% to 80% by weight of maleic acid, b) 5% to 60% by weight of isoprenol, c) 0% to 30% by weight of one or more further ethylenically unsaturated monomers, which comprises polymerizing maleic acid, isoprenol and optionally the further ethylenically unsaturated monomer in the presence of a redox initiator and of a chain transfer agent at a temperature in the range from 10 to 80° C.

Abstract: A method for making lignin-amines is provided. The method comprises providing a lignin; then modifying the lignin with modifier to create a modified lignin; and then reacting the modified lignin with an amine to form a lignin-amine. Suitable modifiers comprise acrylates. A method for coagulating suspended materials in a water stream is also disclosed. The method comprises providing a water stream and contacting the suspended materials in the water stream with at least one lignin-amine.

Abstract: A personal water conservation system includes gray water discharge lines, a main sewage line, an impurity measuring unit, a buffer tank, a directional control valve, a water treatment unit, a treated water tank, an automatic shutoff valve, and at least one toilet flush tank. The buffer tank and the water treatment unit purify the gray water in two different stages. The purified gray water is then stored in the treated water tank. If the gray water can't be purified within the personal water conservation system, the impurity measuring unit and the directional control valve redirect the gray water into the main sewage line. The purified water from the treated water tank can be used with the at least one toilet flush tank in order to conserve fresh water.

Abstract: A stormwater filtration system includes one of a filter cartridge structure or a filter basket structure. The structure includes an internal collection space surrounded by a filter media bed, an outlet opening toward the bottom of the internal collection space for delivering water out of the structure, and a valve assembly associated with the outlet opening. The valve assembly is configured to provide a variable flow out of the outlet opening according to level of water within the internal collection space.

Abstract: A boat is provided with a pipe assembly operatively connected to a water pump. The pipe assembly can be raised and lowered between transport and use positions. The pump draws water from the body of water, and the water is discharged through a series of holes in a substantially horizontal pipe adjacent the bottom of the body of water. The impingement of the ejecting water dislodges oil or other substances, which then float to the surface for collection.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are embodiments of a solar-activated photochemical fluid treatment system, some of which comprise an group of modules coupled together with attachment mechanisms, the group of modules comprising one or more floats. The modules comprise a porous substrate and a semiconductor photocatalyst coupled to the substrate. The group of interconnected modules can be configured to float at or near the surface of a body of fluid such that the fluid and sunlight can be in contact with the photocatalyst. The fluid treatment system can, responsive to solar radiation applied to the photocatalyst and to the fluid, induce photochemical modification of contaminants and living organisms in the fluid. Related methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: Photocatalyst compositions and elements exhibiting desired photocatalytic activity levels and transparency.

Abstract: Hydrophobically modified Si-containing polyamines are useful for treating scale in industrial process streams. Preferred hydrophobically modified Si-containing polyamines are particularly useful for treating aluminosilicate scale in difficult-to-treat industrial process streams, such as in the Bayer alumina process streams, nuclear waste streams and kraft paper mill effluent streams.

Abstract: A multidirectional support structure for tablet display apparatus includes a support member having a first end section and a second end section opposite to the first end section. The first end section is pivotally connected with an angle adjustment seat. The angle adjustment seat is further pivotally connected with a rotatable connection assembly. The connection assembly is formed with a receiving space for receiving the tablet display apparatus. The second end section of the support member is pivotally connected with one side of a base seat. The other side of the base seat is pivotally connected with a board body. The board body can be connected with multiple press keys as necessary to form a keyboard. Accordingly, the tablet display apparatus can be co-used with the keyboard and rotated and tilted by different angles and supported in different inclined positions.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a container having a base for receiving a drive, and a clam having a first end that is rotatably coupled to the base, a second end, and a body extending from the first end to the second end, the clam rotatable relative to the base so that the clam can be placed at a first position and a second position, wherein when the clam is at the first position, the container allows the drive to be placed therein, and wherein when the clam is at the second position, the clam secures the drive relative to the container. A frame includes at least sixteen slots to receive respective drive storage devices, which store respective SFF8201 7 mm drives, in EIA RS310D 1U space. A frame includes at least forty-eight slots to receive respective drive storage devices, which store respective SFF8201 7 mm drives, in EIA RS310D 2U space.

Abstract: Apparatus and associated methods relate to a holder with a slot for laterally receiving and extracting a thin substrate into a recessed access area where a major surface of the substrate may be accessed while the edges of the substrate are substantially retained against vertical egress. In an illustrative example, the thin substrate may be paper or other material suitable for marking with a writing instrument. The access area in some examples may be defined by an opening in the holder through which a central area of the major surface of the substrate may be accessed. In an illustrative embodiment, the holder may be attached to a child's high chair to attract the child's attention and substantially confine the use of writing instruments to the paper disposed within the recessed access area.

Abstract: An apparatus for supporting and displaying construction sheet material. The apparatus includes a base having first and second parallel spaced apart lower front support areas having distal and proximal end portions respectively. The first and second parallel spaced apart lower front support areas are configured to support at least one sheet of construction sheet material. The apparatus further includes a front upright support connected to the base to extend rearwardly at an angle to the base. The front upright support has third and fourth parallel spaced apart lower front support areas adjacent the proximal end portions of the first and second parallel spaced apart lower front support areas. The front upright support also includes an upper front support having first and second parallel spaced apart upper front support areas having distal and proximal end portions respectively.

Abstract: An elevated tool holder system includes a storage block that is raised from the surface on which it is placed and has a storage area underneath the storage block to accommodate the storage of other items. The elevated tool holder can be placed inside a drawer to enable the drawer to be used for safe storage of tools as well as storage of other items.

Abstract: An organizer that may be mounted on either a wall, wall to ceiling, ceiling, or many other ways, using limited space, and using jars or other containers for storage. Rotatable or cylindrical elongated attachment members allow the organizer to be attached to different surfaces. It has slats to which containers can be removably attached. The slats may be fixed in place, or one or more of the slats may be rotatable. If jars are used, their lids are fastened to the slats, and the jars can be opened by unscrewing them from their lids. There are handles on one end to rotate the storage system. A ratchet can prevent slipping. Because they are transparent, the containers allow the user to visually select what he or she is looking for. These containers can hold anything from hobby supplies to nuts and bolts. Potential applications range from garage organizing to commercial applications.

Abstract: An auxiliary support to be installed onto a chair armrest is disclosed. The auxiliary support includes a first adjusting arm that is able to pivot up and down and has one end formed as a rotating end that is vertically connected to a connecting end of the armrest, a second adjusting arm that is able to pivot up and down and forward and backward and has one end formed as a rotating end that is transversely connected to a connecting end at an opposite end of the first adjusting arm, and a supporting tray that is connected to an opposite end of the second adjusting arm and is adjustably inclinable for supporting a portable device (e.g. a tablet computer or a book). Thereby, a user sitting in the chair can put the portable device on the auxiliary support and operate it comfortably.

Abstract: A modular packaging system for shipping and displaying palletized products is provided. The packaging system comprises a plurality of vertically stacked trays for holding the products, corner posts extending between vertically adjacent trays for spacing and supporting the trays, and one or more separate elongated braces located under and supporting one or more of the trays. The ends of the braces extend into openings in the corner posts. The system is strong enough not only to support the weight of the products on the trays and withstand the vibration and impact forces that can occur during shipping, but to withstand the weight of one or more units stacked on top.

Abstract: An orientatable closure for a container comprises a body with a screw thread, the thread comprising a first portion having a first thickness and a second portion having a second thickness. The first and second thicknesses are different and the interface between the first and second portions defines a stop such that a co-operating screw thread on a container is not rotatable past the interface, whereby to define a predetermined relative orientation between the closure and container.

Abstract: A biaxially stretched, blow molded synthetic resin bottle has a bottom including a sunken bottom portion, and deforms as it draws upward in a direction of the bottle inside and includes a ring groove formed by being successively connected to an inner peripheral edge of a ground contact portion disposed at the foot of an outer peripheral wall of the bottom, a central concave portion disposed at a center of the bottom, and a flat ring portion disposed between an inner peripheral edge of the ring groove and the central concave portion, wherein the sunken bottom portion includes a plurality of short slim ribs disposed at several points of the flat ring portion.

Abstract: A process for producing a liquid ejection head including a silicon substrate having a first surface and a second surface that is a surface on an opposite side to the first surface, an ejection energy generating element which is formed on a side of the first surface side and generates energy for ejecting a liquid, a cavity formed in the second surface and a liquid supply port which is formed in a bottom part of the cavity and communicates with the first surface, including, in the following order: (1) forming the cavity in the second surface of the silicon substrate by a first crystal anisotropic etching; (2) forming a chemical leading hollow in a slope of the cavity; (3) expanding the cavity by a second crystal anisotropic etching; and (4) forming the liquid supply port in a bottom face of the cavity by dry etching with the use of an ion.

Abstract: In various embodiments, a method of processing a contact pad may include providing a contact pad, a topmost layer of the contact pad containing aluminum or an aluminum alloy, at least part of the topmost layer of the contact pad being exposed; subjecting the contact pad to a thermally activated atmosphere containing water or reactive components of water.

Abstract: A method of reducing defect heights of iron mound defects on a mill glass coated electrical steel, comprises contacting at least a portion of a surface of a mill glass coated electrical steel with an acidic solution for a contacting time sufficient to reduce an average height of iron defects on the surface to a an average height in a range of 0 percent to 150 percent of the thickness of the mill glass coating, without effectively removing the mill glass coating. After contacting, the acid contacted mill glass coated electrical steel is rinsed with water and dried.

Abstract: An etching composition that includes, based on the total weight of the etching composition, from about 0.05% to about 15% by weight of a halogen-containing compound, from about 0.1% to about 20% by weight of a nitrate compound, from about 0.1% to about 10% by weight of an acetate compound, from about 0.1% to about 10% by weight of a cyclic amine compound, from about 0% to about 50% by weight of a polyhydric alcohol, and a remainder of water.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a release layer is formed on a magnetic recording layer, a mask layer is formed on the release layer, projecting patterns are formed on the mask layer, the projecting patterns are transferred onto the mask layer, the projecting patterns are transferred onto the release layer, the projecting patterns are transferred onto the magnetic recording layer, the release layer is removed by a solvent, and a remaining mask layer is removed from the surface of the magnetic recording layer. The release layer is made of a polymeric material. The mask layer is made of at least one of a metal or a metal compound. The projecting patterns are formed by using a self-organized layer made of a block copolymer having at least two of polymer chains.

Abstract: A method for fabricating a color filter structure includes: providing a base layer; forming a first colored layer on the base layer; patterning the first colored layer to form a pair of first colored patterns, a first opening between the first colored patterns, and a second opening adjacent to the first colored patterns; forming a first dielectric layer on the first colored patterns and the base layer exposed by the first and second openings; forming a second colored layer on the first colored patterns and the first dielectric layer; patterning the second colored layer to form a second colored pattern in the first opening; forming a second dielectric layer on the first dielectric layer and the second colored pattern; forming a third colored layer on the second dielectric layer; and patterning the third colored layer to form a third colored pattern in the second opening.

Abstract: Methods may operate to position a sample within a processing chamber and operate on a surface of the sample. Further activities may include creating a layer of reactive material in proximity with the surface, and exciting a portion of the layer of reactive material in proximity with the surface to form chemical radicals. Additional activities may include removing a portion of the material in proximity to the excited portion of the surface to a predetermined level, and continuing the creating, exciting and removing actions until at least one of a plurality of stop criteria occurs.

Abstract: A method for etching features in an etch layer in a plasma processing chamber is provided. An etch gas is flowed into the plasma processing chamber. A top outer electrode is maintained at a temperature of at least 150° C. during the etching of the features. The etch gas is formed into a plasma, which etches the etch layer.

Abstract: Methods of treating a target surface of an article having one or more passageways includes fluidly connecting a pressure masker including pressurized masking fluid to a first side of at least one passageway, passing the pressurized masking fluid through the at least one passageway from the first side to a second side having the target surface, and treating the target surface of the article using a surface treatment system that disposes a surface treating material on the target surface, wherein the pressurized masking fluid passing through the at least one passageway prevents the surface treating material from permanently altering a cross sectional area of the at least one passageway.

Abstract: The present invention is to achieve a reduction both in size of a plasma processing apparatus and an installation area thereof. A dry etching apparatus includes a stock unit that includes a cassette storing a tray that can be conveyed and that stores substrates. In a conveying unit storing a conveying apparatus of the tray, a rotary stage is provided. Rotational angular position adjustment of the tray is performed by rotating the rotary stage placed on the tray before being subjected to dry etching and detecting a notch by a notch detecting sensor.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for processing a substrate are provided herein. In some embodiments, an apparatus for processing a substrate may include a plasma process chamber having a processing volume and a substrate support disposed in the processing volume, the substrate support having a substrate support surface for supporting a substrate; a plurality of first gas inlets to provide a process gas to the processing volume, wherein the plasma process chamber is configured such that flowing the process gas at the same flow rate from each first gas inlet produces a non-uniform plasma at the substrate support surface; and a plurality of flow controllers, wherein each flow controller of the plurality is coupled to a corresponding one of the plurality of first gas inlets to control the flow of the process gas from the corresponding one first gas inlet.

Abstract: An apparatus for forming selectively coated areas on a substrate comprises an extrudate remover configured to selectively remove coating from a selected portion of the substrate. A chuck is configured to secure the substrate. A coating die is arranged proximal the substrate and is in fluid communication with a source of fluid extrudate. During relative motion between the substrate and the coating die, fluid extrudate is deposited onto the substrate. A controller is configured to selectively control the relative motion between the substrate and coating remover, and to control operation of the extrudate remover. The invention also provides a method of forming selectively coated areas on a substrate comprising the steps of inducing relative movement between a coating dispenser and the substrate, applying fluid material from the coating dispenser onto the substrate during the relative movement, and selectively removing a portion of the applied fluid from the substrate.

Abstract: A circuit interrupter having a compact design. According to some implementations, the circuit interrupter includes a conductor from a terminal to a contact having a portion that is angled with respect to the housing sides. This allows a fastener sleeve used to secure the device housing to be positioned closer to the center of mass of the housing, reducing the area of the housing. In some implementations, an arc splitter is provided which includes conductive plates that are angled with respect to the housing sides, allowing the area of the housing to be reduced. In some implementations, a terminal is designed to accommodate a connection without being doubled back, reducing the clearance required for the terminal and the overall area of the circuit interrupter.

Abstract: A method of recovering a bonding apparatus from a bonding failure to resume a normal operating state for semiconductor chip fabrication is disclosed. The bonding apparatus comprises: i) a bonding tool for bonding a wire between a semiconductor chip and a substrate; and ii) a position sensor. Specifically, the method comprises the steps of: a) the position sensor determining a position of the bonding tool when the bonding tool contacts a surface to bond the wire to the substrate; b) the bonding apparatus detecting a bonding failure caused by detachment of the semiconductor from the substrate based on the position of the bonding tool; and c) the bonding apparatus detaching the semiconductor chip from the wire.

Abstract: On a wire guide supporting face of a wire guide supporting part which supports a wire guide of a wire electric discharge machine, two wall faces which are orthogonal to the wire guide supporting face are formed to be arranged in a V shape. On the other hand, two planar parts which are abutted on the two orthogonal wall faces, which are arranged in the V shape, of the wire guide supporting part are formed on the wire guide. Then, the wire guide is fixed on the wire guide supporting part with a screw in a state in which the two orthogonal wall faces of the wire guide supporting part and the two planar parts of the wire guide are respectively abutted on each other.

Abstract: A method of forming an optical device comprises applying a laser beam to a target area of the surface so as to selectively heat material of the surface thereby to provide transfer of material due to a surface tension gradient, wherein the surface is such that, when liquid, parts of the surface at higher temperatures have a higher surface tension than adjacent parts of the surface at lower temperatures.

Abstract: Disclosed is a pulsed laser deposition apparatus, including: a laser beam generating unit which generates a laser beam; a deposition object; a vacuum chamber, in which a plurality of types of deposition target materials to be deposited on the deposition object is arranged; a beam splitter which splits the laser beam generated by the laser beam generating unit into a plurality of laser beams corresponding to the deposition target materials; and lens units which are arranged to correspond to the respective deposition target materials, and which focus the laser beams, which are applied by being split by the beam splitter, onto the respective deposition target materials.

Abstract: A welding device includes a lower tip and an upper tip, as welding tips, and pressuring members. The pressuring members are supported by a support member disposed in the upper tip. The pressuring members are displaced by the action of pressuring member displacement mechanisms and, together with the upper tip, come into contact with a metal plate arranged on the outermost part of a laminated body.

Abstract: A method of raster scanning a surface of an object using a particle beam comprises determining a basic set of raster points within a surface; determining a surface portion of the surface of the object, wherein the surface portion is to be raster scanned; ordering a set of raster points of the basic set located within the surface portion; and scanning of the surface portion by directing the particle beam onto the raster points of the ordered set in an order corresponding to an order of the raster points in the ordered set from the outside to the inside, i.e. starting from the boundary of the surface portion towards its center, or in the reverse order, i.e. from the inside to the outside.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for regulating the temperature of a component in a plasma-enhanced process chamber are provided herein. In some embodiments, an apparatus for processing a substrate includes a process chamber and an RF source to provide RF energy to form a plasma in the process chamber. A component is disposed in the process chamber so as to be heated by the plasma when formed. A heater is configured to heat the component and a heat exchanger is configured to remove heat from the component. A chiller is coupled to the heat exchanger via a first flow conduit having an on/off flow control valve disposed therein and a bypass loop to bypass the flow control valve, wherein the bypass loop has a flow ratio valve disposed therein.

Abstract: A system and method for managing power delivered to a processing chamber is described. In one embodiment current is drawn away from the plasma processing chamber while initiating an application of power to the plasma processing chamber during an initial period of time, the amount of current being drawn away decreasing during the initial period of time so as to increase the amount of power applied to the plasma processing chamber during the initial period of time.

Abstract: A laser welding method basically includes providing a robot that is moveably in accordance with predetermined movement data, and controlling the controlling a laser beam emitting section of the robot to emit a laser beam onto a predetermined irradiation position of a workpiece to conduct welding. The laser welding method further includes: measuring a current movement position of the robot with respect to a movement position specified in the predetermined movement data; operating of the robot to change the current movement position of the robot to a prescribed position based on the predetermined movement data; and adjusting a laser emission direction by controlling an emission changing section of the laser beam emitting section based on the current movement position of the robot and the predetermined movement data such that a laser beam is emitted from the laser beam emitting section and strikes the predetermined irradiation position of the workpiece.

Abstract: A laser-machining system and method is disclosed for forming retainers on a suture thread. The laser system is preferably a femtosecond laser system which is capable of creating submicron features on the suture thread while preserving strength of the suture thread. The laser-machining system enables creation of retainers and self-retaining suture systems in configurations which are difficult and/or impossible to achieve using mechanical cutting technology.

Abstract: A system for automatically inspecting and trimming a ceramic patch antenna includes an inspection apparatus electrically connected to a radio frequency component testing fixture. The inspection apparatus is inputted standard parameters of electrical characteristics of the ceramic patch antenna. The ceramic patch antenna is arranged on the radio frequency component testing fixture. Then, the inspection apparatus is configured to measure electrical characteristics of the ceramic patch antenna and to judge whether the electrical characteristics of the ceramic patch antenna are the same as the standard parameters or not. The inspection apparatus is configured to drive a trimming machine for trimming a radiation metal surface of the ceramic patch antenna if the electrical characteristics of the ceramic patch antenna are different from the stand parameters.

Abstract: An apparatus to cut and surface process a workpiece includes a cutting tool to cut the workpiece; a peening tool to peen surfaces of the cut workpiece; and a controller to control the cutting tool, the peening tool and the workpiece to move simultaneously.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for processing materials to enhancing the material's surface strength, improving the material's cyclic and thermal stability of microstructures, and extend the material's fatigue performance. Embodiments include laser shock peening at material temperatures that are moderately elevated (from the material's perspective) above room temperature. Alternate embodiments include laser shock peening at very cold (cryogenic) material temperatures. Still further embodiments include laser shock peening while covering the surface of the material being processed with an active agent that interacts with the laser energy and enhances the pressure exerted on the surface.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are provided for manufacturing an orthopedic prosthesis by resistance welding a porous metal layer of the orthopedic prosthesis onto an underlying metal substrate of the orthopedic prosthesis. The resistance welding process involves directing an electrical current through the porous layer and the substrate, which dissipates as heat to cause softening and/or melting of the materials, especially along the interface between the porous layer and the substrate. The softened and/or melted materials undergo metallurgical bonding at points of contact between the porous layer and the substrate to fixedly secure the porous layer onto the substrate.