Abstract: This invention relates to a range of compounds, inks and compositions used to make materials for photovoltaics, including solar cells. In particular, this invention relates to inks containing precursor compounds, as well as the precursor compounds, and materials for preparing photovoltaic layers. The precursor compounds and inks contain compounds having the formula MB(ER)3 wherein MB is In, Ga or Al, which can be deposited and converted to a material form.

Abstract: A sintered electroconductive oxide forming a thermistor element has a first crystal phase having a composition represented by RE14Al2O9 and a second crystal phase having a perovskite structure represented by (RE21-aSLa)MO3. The factor a of the second crystal phase is: 0.18<a<0.50, wherein RE1 represents at least one of Yb and Lu and at least one species selected from among group 3A elements excluding Yb, Lu, and La; RE2 represents at least one species selected from among group 3A elements excluding La and which contains at least one species selected from the group RE1; M represents Al and at least one species selected from group 4A to 7A, and 8 elements; and SL represents Sr, Ca, and Mg, with at least Sr being included at a predominant proportion by mole.

Abstract: A conductive sintered oxide including: a first crystal phase represented by RE14Al2O9 and a second crystal phase having a perovskite structure represented by (RE21-cSLc)(AlxM1y)O3. RE1 is a first element group consisting of Yb and/or Lu and at least one element selected from Group IIIA elements excluding Yb, Lu and La. RE2 is a second element group consisting of at least one element selected from Group IIIA elements excluding La and including at least one of the elements constituting the first element group RE1. SL is an element group consisting of at least one of Sr, Ca and Mg and which includes Sr as a main element, and M1 is an element group consisting of at least one element selected from Groups IVA, VA, VIA, VIIA and VIII excluding Cr. The coefficient c is in the range of 0.18<c<0.50, and the coefficients x and y are in the range of 0.95?x+y?1.1.

Abstract: A dielectric fluid comprising hydrocarbon liquid admixed with an ester-based compound, wherein the ester-based compound is present in an effective amount to impart breakdown inhibiting properties to a paper insulation material when the dielectric fluid is in contact with the paper material.

Abstract: Sol-gel process for producing a photochromic composite material includes successive stages of hydrolysis, condensation, and drying, in which an alkoxysilane is selected as a precursor, and a ruthenium complex with a nitrosyl ligand is selected as a photochromic complex, and, in combination, the sol-gel process is implemented starting from the selected precursor and photochromic complex, with successive stages of hydrolysis, arrangement in a container of a selected shape, condensation, curing and aging, whereby this latter stage includes a final drying cycle, and for, the curing and aging stages, the pH, temperature and duration are selected so that in the produced xerogel, whose shape is determined by that of the container, the photochromic ruthenium complex with a nitrosyl ligand, in the crystalline state and in the form of nanoparticles, is inserted into the nanopores of the silica matrix, distributed in an at least substantially homogeneous way.

Abstract: Remote marker systems are disclosed for marking a target using optical markers, including systems that allow a target to be marked using a remote optical marking device, as well as photochromic solutions and methods of their preparation.

Abstract: The flame retardant of the present invention has a flame retardant (a) component, comprising 50 to 97% by mass of a metal hydrate (a-1) component and 3 to 50% by mass of a filler (a-2) component, wherein the filler (a-2) component contains SiO2, Al2O3 and M2/nO. Here, the total of the metal hydrate (a-1) component and the filler (a-2) component is 100% mass, M represents one or more metal elements selected from a group consisting of K, Na, Mg, Ca, Fe and Zn, and n represents a valence of the metal element. According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a flame retardant capable of providing a molded article and an electric wire with a coating, which are excellent in flame retardancy, abrasion resistance and flexibility, and also have sufficient mechanical strength at low cost.

Abstract: A cementitious mixture for high-volume production of masonry products comprises a hydraulic binder accounting for 20 wt % or more of the cementitious mixture, the hydraulic binder comprising 75 to 100 wt % Class C fly ash with a CaO equivalent content of at least 15% by weight. The cementitious mixture also comprises one or more aggregates, and a set control system.

Abstract: Recycling of laminate flooring based on a separation of the panels (1) into particles which are connected with a binder and formed to a new sheet shaped material. A building panel includes a surface layer and a wood fiber based core, and the wood fiber based core includes aluminum oxide particles.

Abstract: A polyethylene composition, in particular suitable for the preparation of monofilaments, mono-tapes and stretched tapes, is described. The polyethylene composition of the invention comprises 95.1%-99.5% by weight of polyethylene having a density above 0.930 g/cm3 and a polydispersity Mw/Mn from 2.0 to 5.9, and 4.9%-0.5% by weight of polybutene. The bubble stability and the me-chanical properties of the films prepared from this composition are advantageously improved. The use of a polyethylene composition comprising 90.0%-99.5% by weight of polyethylene having a density above 0.930 g/cm3, and 10.0%-0.5% by weight of polybutene, for preparing monofila-ments, monotapes or stretched tapes is also described.

Abstract: A method for making an encapsulated stent includes providing a first seamless unsintered ePTFE tube, providing a second seamless unsintered ePTFE tube, positioning a balloon-expandable stent between the first and second ePTFE tubes to form an assembly, disposing an ePTFE interlayer member between the first and second ePTFE tubes, and joining the first ePTFE tube to the second ePTFE tube through openings in a wall of the stent by applying first pressure, and then heat, to the assembly.

Abstract: A process for the bonding of a fiber-reinforced material to an injection-molding material and an article produced by the process. The process improves the bond between a fiber-reinforced starting material and a material applied by injection. A further plastics material is inserted under pressure into a fiber-reinforced plastics material. This results in interlock bonding between the further plastics material and the fibers of the fiber-reinforced plastics material. This type of bonding is substantially more stable than known bonding.

Abstract: A device for providing the edge of a starting sheet of an electrode used in the electrolytic refining or recovery of metals with a dielectric part comprises a die space, in which the edge of the starting sheet of the electrode can at least partly be fitted, and a feeding device of the dielectric material for feeding the dielectric material into the die space. The device comprises changing members of the volume of the die space for pressing the dielectric material in the die space to that edge of the starting sheet of the electrode, which is at least partly fitted in the die space.

Abstract: Equipment and methods for preparing curved fibers in a batch or continuous process. Fiber strands comprising a thermoplastic material are placed on a cylindrical surface and heated such that they soften and become malleable. The fiber strands assume the curvature of the cylindrical surface and, upon cooling below their softening temperature, retain the curvature. The curved-fiber strands are then cut to a desired length.

Abstract: The present invention provides a process for producing an oriented thermoplastic polyester resin sheet which is excellent in tensile strength, tencile modulas and heat resistance, and a light laminate-molded body using the same, which has a low linear expansion coefficient and is excellent in impact resistance, durability, easiness of handling, productivity, and others. A process for producing an oriented thermoplastic polyester resin sheet, which includes: pultrusion-drawing a thermoplastic polyester resin sheet in an amorphous state at a temperature from the glass transition temperature of the thermoplastic polyester resin ?20° C. to the glass transition temperature of the thermoplastic polyester resin +20° C.; and then drawing the resultant uniaxially at a temperature higher than the temperature for the pultrusion-drawing. A laminate-molded body, wherein a thermoplastic resin layer is laminated on each of the surfaces of the resultant oriented thermoplastic polyester resin sheet.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and a device for producing plastic molded skins having different subregions. For this purpose, before melting the first plastic material, a region of the molding tool surface (2) is covered with a separate energy self-sufficient mask (3). After the unmasked region of the molded tool surface (2) has been coated, the mask (3) is removed, and in a second manufacturing step the exposed subregions of the molding tool surface (2) is coated with a different plastic material, the two subregions of the plastic skin bonding with each other.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods of making articles of semiconducting material and semiconducting material articles formed thereby, such as articles of semiconducting material that may be useful in making photovoltaic cells.

Abstract: A method of making an endovascular prosthesis comprises the steps of applying a first layer of polymer to a portion of a deformable matrix, contacting a stent with the polymer to deform the matrix, applying a second layer of polymer over at least a portion of the stent and first layer, solidifying the layers of polymer to form the endovascular prosthesis, and removing the matrix.

Abstract: A method of making an absorbent structure having a three-dimensional topography includes placing at least a portion of the absorbent structure between opposed mold surfaces. At least one of the mold surfaces has a three-dimensional topography. The three-dimensional topography of the mold surface is imparted onto the absorbent structure so that the absorbent structure has a three-dimensional topography corresponding to the three-dimensional topography of the mold surface.

Abstract: A vulcanisation apparatus and method for tires for vehicle wheels includes the steps of: placing a green tire, arranged on a toroidal support, inside a vulcanisation mold; connecting a supply device of at least one pressurised primary working fluid and a supply device of at least one pressurised secondary working fluid to the vulcanisation mold in a prevulcanisation and molding station; at least partially vulcanising a radially internal portion of the green tire on the toroidal support; transferring the mold to a vulcanisation station and completing the vulcanisation of the prevulcanised tire by supplying the at least one pressurised primary working fluid inside the toroidal support.

Abstract: A method of producing gypsum building board, in which there is added, to an aqueous gypsum slurry containing a water swellable clay, a basic water-soluble polymer having preferential affinity for clay. The slurry is allowed to set so as to form a board. The basic water-soluble polymer may be, for example, a polyvinyl alcohol or a polymer consisting essentially of carbon, nitrogen and hydrogen and having amine groups (which may be primary, secondary, tertiary or quaternary) in the polymer backbone and/or in side chains thereof.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are materials, and methods for creating materials, that does not require heat to create a functional construction material. One purpose of the materials and methods disclosed herein is, at least, to provide industries, such as the construction industry, with a product that significantly reduces the generation of carbon dioxide during production, unlike Portland Cement and typical geopolymer cements. Further, another advantage of the invention is that it utilizes basic processes and materials that may be incorporated into existing production facilities and methodologies. A further purpose is to increase the quality of the product by reducing damage from, for example, exposures to adverse climatic conditions (such as extreme or variable weather), or damaging chemicals such as chlorides, sulfates, acids, or the like.

Abstract: Molding methods and molds for making a synthetic resin molded product include disposing a curable liquid resin mixture in a recess of a female mold. The curable liquid resin mixture is then simultaneously agitated and degassed by a mixer while under a partial vacuum. More specifically, at least the female mold is orbited around an orbital axis while being rotated about a rotational axis that is eccentric to the orbital axis. After being thoroughly mixed and degassed, the liquid mixture is then cured in the mold unit.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a resonator is disclosed in which a sleeve insert is placed into a fixture within a blow molding apparatus. The sleeve insert has a wall with a first plurality of apertures in the wall at a first axial distance and a second plurality of apertures in the wall at a second axial distance. A parison is slid over the sleeve insert; the mold is clamped over the parison causing the parison to press into the sleeve insert at three locations: near the ends of the sleeve insert and at a location between the pluralities of apertures; and air is blown into the sleeve insert, via a blow pin, to expand the parison into the walls of the mold to form cavities proximate the first and second pluralities of aperatures. After cooling, the mold opens to release the newly formed resonator.

Abstract: A method of forming a templated casting involves incorporating a liquid feedstock into the channels of a honeycomb substrate to form a feedstock-laden substrate, solidifying the liquid feedstock within the channels, and then locally melting and directionally re-solidifying the feedstock.

Abstract: This invention describes a novel type of materials named by the inventors as Interface-Defined nano-Laminates (IDnL), and a new method for fabricating these materials from ceramic, metallic, and other powders. The laminate layer thickness in IDnL is smaller than that of ordinary laminates, but greater than that of superlattices. IDnL are fundamentally different from ordinary laminates in that their properties are defined by interfaces, and not by the properties of the bulk materials comprising individual layers. In contrast to superlattice materials, IDnL can be made thermally stable, due to the wide selection of interface-defining materials, which allows judicial use of equilibrium phase diagrams, and the “entropic stabilization” approach discovered by the authors; and in addition IDnL can be manufactured inexpensively in bulk, industrial quantities and large sizes by the techniques revealed in this invention. The degree of interface coherency in an IDnLs can be varied to optimize material properties.

Abstract: An apparatus for condensing metal vapors has at least one inlet conduit that is cooled to cause a portion of the metal vapor to condense to liquid. The apparatus also has a holding tank that is connected to the inlet conduit that collects condensed liquid metal. The apparatus also has at least one outlet conduit connected to the holding tank that is cooled to cause a portion of the remaining metal vapor to condense to solid metal. The apparatus also has at least one heater that heats the at least one outlet conduit to cause the solid metal to melt to liquid metal and subsequently flow in to the holding tank. The apparatus also has at least one sealing mechanism located at a distal end of the at least one outlet conduit for preventing metal vapor and carrier gas from exiting the outlet conduit during heating of the outlet conduit.

Abstract: Embodiments of an aluminum dross cooling head are disclosed. The cooling cooperates with a material container encapsulate dross and reduce thermiting of the dross. In one embodiment, the cooling head also serves as a compression head when forced into the dross by a cooperating dross press assembly.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing granular metallic iron by reducing a raw material mixture including an iron oxide-containing material and a carbonaceous reducing agent, comprises: a step of charging the raw material mixture onto a hearth of a moving hearth-type thermal reduction furnace; a step of reducing the iron oxide in the raw material mixture by the carbonaceous reducing agent through the application of heat, thereby forming metallic iron, subsequently melting the metallic iron, and coalescing the molten metallic iron to granular metallic iron while separating the molten metallic iron from subgenerated slag; and a step of cooling the metallic iron to solidify; wherein the heat-reducing step includes a step of controlling the flow velocity of atmospheric gas in a predetermined zone of the furnace within a predetermined range. This method makes it possible to manufacture the granular metallic iron of high quality.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for heat treating an article by delivering a heating flow of fluid to a localized region of the article, and simultaneously delivering a cooling flow of fluid to a further region of the article.

Abstract: A continuous gas carburizing furnace includes a gas carburizing processing chamber (a preheating chamber 2, a heating chamber 3, a carburizing chamber 4, a diffusion chamber 5 and a temperature decrease chamber 6) in which a gas carburizing process is performed on a workpiece 50, an oil quenching chamber 8 in which oil quenching is performed on the workpiece 50, and a gas quenching chamber 7 in which gas quenching is performed on the workpiece 50. The gas carburizing processing chamber includes a temperature decrease chamber 6 in which the temperature of the workpiece heated by a gas carburizing process is lowered. The temperature decrease chamber 6, the gas quenching chamber 7 and the oil quenching chamber 8 are arranged in that order from the upstream side to the downstream side in the conveying direction of the workpiece 50, and are adjacent to each other.

Abstract: A steel for an oil well pipe, having high strength and excellent SSC resistance, consists of, by mass %, C: 0.30 to 0.60%, Si: 0.05 to 0.5%, Mn: 0.05 to 1.0%, Al: 0.005 to 0.10%, Cr+Mo: 1.5 to 3.0%, wherein Mo is 0.5% or more, V: 0.05 to 0.3%, Nb: 0 to 0.1%, Ti: 0 to 0.1%, Zr: 0 to 0.1%, N (nitrogen): 0 to 0.03%, Ca: 0 to 0.01%, and the balance Fe and impurities; P 0.025% or less, S 0.01% or less, B 0.0010% or less and O (oxygen) 0.01% or less. The method involves heating the steel at 1150° C. or more; producing a seamless steel pipe by hot working; water-cooling the pipe to a temperature in a range of 400 to 600° C. immediately after finishing the working; and subjecting the pipe to a heat treatment for bainite isothermal transformation in a range of 400 to 600° C.

Abstract: The invention relates to the use of a polyolefin composition comprising a propylene-ethylene random copolymer having an ethylene content of 0.5-10 wt % and a randomness R of the ethylene distribution in the polymer chain of ?0.945 for the production of articles having high sterilization resistance.

Abstract: The present invention relates to sanitization devices and methods. More particularly, the invention relates to devices and methods that significantly reduce or eliminate germs, bacteria and/or other microorganisms from objects such as bags, purses, footwear or other objects, as well as bare feet, hands, paws, hooves or other anatomical surfaces, which come into contact with them. The device and method uses germicidal radiation which exposes only the areas of the object that come into applied contact with the device. A top platform of the device is partitioned so that each partition can act independently of each other.

Abstract: A dialysis disposable sterilization method including: fitting a cap to a connector such that a cap/connector interface can hold a pressure; applying a sterilizing gas through an inside of the connector such that the gas flows through (i) the inside of the connector, (ii) around to the outside of the connector, (iii) past a stabilization rib, and (iv) into contact with one side of the cap/connector interface; and applying the sterilizing gas at an outside of the cap such that the sterilizing gas flows around a bottom of the cap and contacts an opposing side of the cap/connector interface.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to the use of a split and single electrical cells in industrial applications, and particularly in aseptic packaging applications.

Abstract: The present invention provides a process for sterilizing a system, preferably a pharmaceutical preparation such as a dispersion of small particles or droplets of a pharmaceutically active compound using high pressure terminal sterilization techniques and products therefrom.

Abstract: An assembly for testing platelet aggregation including an electrode subassembly that is mounted in a cuvette subassembly for use with relatively small samples containing platelets.

Abstract: The invention describes methods that use nanostructures and quantum confinement to detect and manipulate chemical and biochemical molecules. To increase selectivity and sensitivity nanostructures are built to have the density of states similar to that in analyte that will be detected and operated. Using device that incorporates such nanostructures, measuring electrical and optical properties of nanostructures and analyte or charge and energy transfer between the nanostructures and analyte a rapid and sensitive continuous detection in fluids can be achieved. Detection can be further enhanced by controlling external environmental parameters and applying external fields. In addition to be detected analyte can be positioned, moved, separated, extracted, and controlled.

Abstract: Embodiments of apparatuses, systems, and methods for label-free detection of biomolecules. In one embodiment, a system includes a light source configured to emit broadband Gaussian light. The system may also include an optical fiber coupled to the light source. Additionally, the system may include an optical sensor. The optical sensor may include a fiber-interface surface configured to be coupled to the optical fiber and to receive broadband Gaussian light from the optical fiber. The optical sensor may also include a sensor body coupled to the fiber-interface surface, the sensor body having a refractive index different from a refractive index of the optical fiber, such that at least a portion of light received by the fiber-interface surface is reflected back to the optical fiber during use; and a binder-interface surface coupled to the sensor body, the binder-interface surface configurable to receive a chemical binder layer.

Abstract: Methods and systems for a label-free on-chip optical absorption spectrometer consisting of a photonic crystal slot waveguide are disclosed. The invention comprises an on-chip integrated optical absorption spectroscopy device that combines the slow light effect in photonic crystal waveguide and optical field enhancement in a slot waveguide and enables detection and identification of multiple analytes to be performed simultaneously using optical absorption techniques leading to a device for chemical and biological sensing, trace detection, and identification via unique analyte absorption spectral signatures. Other embodiments are described and claimed.

Abstract: An electrical device for performing a particular function includes a system circuit for performing the function, and a dedicated power supply for providing power to the circuit. Both the system circuit and the power supply are hermetically sealed within a housing. The device within the housing is intended to be sterilized using high temperature, reaching a sterilization temperature. According to the invention, the device includes a thermal switch which is electrically connected between the system circuit and the power supply. The thermal switch is switchable between an open position wherein the system circuit is electrically isolated from the power supply and receives no power therefrom and a closed position wherein the system circuit is electrically connected to the power supply and receives power therefrom. The thermal switch switches from its closed position to its open position in response to the temperature within the housing rising to a predetermined switch-open temperature value.

Abstract: This invention relates to an apparatus for reducing a nitrogen oxide. In particular, it relates to the use of a gas analyzer to obtain information related to the compositional content of a multi-component gas mixture that contains a nitrogen oxide for the purpose of assisting in the control of the reduction. In particular, the apparatus provides control of the reaction of reduction, and, more particularly, control of the injection of a reducing agent into the gas mixture containing the nitrogen oxide. The apparatus enables the calculation of the amount of reducing agent to be injected in relation to information about the compositional content of the gas mixture, and a gas analyzer containing an array of chemo/electro-active materials may be used in conjunction therewith.

Abstract: Systems for treating exhaust gas incorporating catalysts comprising metal-loaded non-zeolitic molecular sieves having the CHA crystal structure, including Cu-SAPO-34, and methods for preparing such catalysts are disclosed. The catalysts can be used to remove nitrogen oxides from a gaseous medium across a broad temperature range and exhibit hydrothermal stability at high reaction temperatures.

Abstract: An erosion resistant mounting material comprises: a mounting material comprising inorganic fibers and having a peripheral edge; and a layer of reinforcing composition inwardly disposed on the inorganic fibers along the peripheral edge. The reinforcing composition comprises at least one compound represented by the formula: (Mm+)d((ZpOq(OH)r)n?)e.(H2O)f M represents a cationic species other than H; O represents oxygen; Z represents boron or phosphorus; f is a real number greater than or equal to zero; d, n, q, and r are integers greater than or equal to zero; e, m, and p are integers greater than or equal to one; and d times m equals e times n. The mounting material is useful in pollution control devices. A method of making the mounting material is also disclosed.

Abstract: A honeycomb filter includes a honeycomb structure and a zeolite. The honeycomb structure includes cell walls having a porosity of about 55% to about 65% and extending along a longitudinal direction of the honeycomb structure to define cells between the cell walls. Each of the cells is sealed at either end of the cells. The zeolite is supported on the cell walls of the honeycomb structure. An amount of the zeolite supported on the cell walls is from about 80 g/L to about 150 g/L. A thermal conductivity of the cell walls supporting the zeolite is about 3 W/mK or more.

Abstract: An apparatus for removing sulfur from a hydrocarbon feed includes a cell having two compartments and a membrane separating the compartments, wherein one compartment is communicated with a hydrogen source and the other compartment is communicated with the hydrocarbon feed to be treated, wherein the membrane comprises a palladium membrane which is modified to have an additional amount of a mix of palladium and other metals (Ni, Ag, Co and Au) between about 4.62*10?3 and 1.62*10?2 g/cm2; and a power source connected across the hydrogen source compartment to generate a current across same, whereby atomic hydrogen is formed from the hydrogen source at a surface of the membrane and diffuses across the membrane to react with the hydrocarbon feed. A process using this apparatus is also provided.

Abstract: A catalytic device comprises a mixed structure of photocatalyst and silica. The mixed structure may be comprised of alternating layers of photocatalyst and silica, a layer having a uniform mixture of photocatalyst particles and silica particles, or a layer having a graded mixture of photocatalyst particles and silica particles.

Abstract: A foot/shoe sanitizing system includes a housing having at least one opening and a set of foot/shoe support bars coupled to the housing in proximity to the at least one opening. The foot/shoe support bars support a foot or shoe placed through the opening(s). At least one ultraviolet emitting device is supported within the housing beneath the set of foot/shoe support bars. The ultraviolet emitting devices direct ultraviolet light around and/or through the set of foot/shoe support bars towards the foot or shoe placed on the foot/shoe support bars. The ultraviolet emitting devices are controllably powered by a source of power to emit ultraviolet light. In a preferred embodiment, the ultraviolet emitting device emits light that includes short wavelength ultraviolet light, causing the formation of ozone in the area of the shoe, thereby killing pathogens that are not easily killed with ultraviolet light alone.

Abstract: A concentrated acid treatment unit is composed of a reaction section and an agitation extraction section. A phenol sorped raw material obtained by defatting botanical resource-derived raw material by solvent to subject sorption phenols to sorption is introduced, thus obtaining mixed solution of phenol solution including a lignophenol derivative and concentrated acid solution including a cellulose hydrolysate. The reaction section agitates and mixes the phenol sorped raw material and concentrated acid to cause cellulose to be swollen to thereby convert lignin to lignophenol. A part of the cellulose is subjected to hydrolysis. The agitation extraction section receives the treated liquid sent from the reaction section and adds phenols for extraction thereto to cause lignophenol dispersed in the concentrated acid solution to be dissolved and extracted in phenols for extraction.