Abstract: An adhesive is applied in such a curved trajectory that an angle formed by a tangent line and an axis falls within a range of ±90° in a plan view of a web obtained by the overlapping a first web and a second web. The tangent line is drawn at any point on the trajectory of the adhesive. The axis is orthogonal to a trailing side of a pressing region, in which the web is pressed by an upper roller, in a conveyance direction.

Abstract: A laminar textile construction, to be used in acoustic components, characterized in that said construction comprises a double layer arrangement made by coupling a technical synthetic single-thread fabric material to a polymeric film, for use as sub-component elements in acoustic and electronic products in general.

Abstract: An apparatus for forming a continuous preparation ply of the type used to make vehicle tires from preparation ply sections having nonmetallic cords. An infeed conveyor successively feeds the preparation ply sections to a butt splicing machine that joins the ends of the two preparation ply sections to form a butt joint. A gum strip applier receives the continuous preparation ply from an outfeed conveyor and applies a gum strip over the butt joint. A method is provided for forming a continuous preparation ply by first automatically forming a butt joint, and thereafter automatically placing a gum strip on the butt joint.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of electrochemical cells and fuel cells, and more specifically to polymer-electrolyte-membrane fuel cells (PEMFC) and direct methanol fuel cells (DMFC). It is directed to catalyst-coated ionomer membranes (“CCMs”) and membrane-electrode-assemblies (“MEAs”) that contain one or more protective film layers for protection, sealing and better handling purposes. The one or more protective film layers are attached to the surface of said catalyst-coated membranes in such a way that they overlap with a region of the passive non-coated ionomer area, and with a region of the active area that is coated with a catalyst layer. Furthermore, the present invention discloses a process for manufacture of CCMs and MEAs that contain protective film layers. The materials may be used as components for the manufacture of low temperature fuel cell stacks.

Abstract: Methods are described for addressing the bowing and/or warping of flexible substrates, attached to a rigid carrier, which occurs as a result of the thermal challenges of semiconductor processing. In particular, viscoelastic adhesives are provided which can bond a flexible substrate to a rigid carrier and mediate the thermal mismatch which often is present due to the distinctly different materials properties of most flexible substrates, such as plastic films, with respect to rigid carriers, such as silicon wafers. Assemblies are also provided which are produced according to the methods described herein.

Abstract: In a method for manufacturing a printed circuit board, a substrate, including a number of plated through holes (PTHs) is provided. Each of the PTHs has an electrically conductive layer plated on its inner wall and includes an electrically connecting portion and a stub. A protective layer is formed on a surface of the substrate adjacent to the stub. An etching device, including an upper plate and a number of spray tubes corresponding to the PTHs, is provided. Each of the spray tubes includes a protruding portion beyond the upper plate. The substrate is arranged in such a manner that the protective layer is in contact with the upper plate and the protruding portions are received in the stubs. After that, the protruding portions spray an etchant to etch and remove the electrically conductive layer of the stubs, and the protective layer is removed.

Abstract: Provided is a dry etcher including an etching device and a cleaning device, more particularly, a dry etcher including an etching device and a cleaning device to which a cleaning process is added so as to be used in a metal layer etching process. The dry etcher includes an etching device into which etching gas is injected to etch a layer formed on a substrate, a substrate transfer device transferring the substrate processed by the etching device, and a cleaning device cleaning the substrate transferred by the substrate transfer device.

Abstract: An object of the invention is to provide a pressure-sensitive adhesive optical film-peeling method capable of easily detaching the pressure-sensitive adhesive optical film from a glass substrate with no damage to the glass substrate or no adhesive deposit on the glass substrate, and to provide a pressure-sensitive adhesive optical film suitable for use in such a peeling method. The invention is directed to a method for peeling a pressure-sensitive adhesive optical film from an optical film-carrying glass substrate including a glass substrate and the pressure-sensitive adhesive optical film bonded thereto, which includes: exposing the optical film-carrying glass substrate to an environment at a temperature of 40 to 98° C. and a relative humidity of 60 to 99% for three minutes or more; and then peeling the pressure-sensitive adhesive optical film from the glass substrate under the environment.

Abstract: A flash tank for concentrating fluids including a wall defining a rounded interior chamber bounded by a top elliptical head opposite to a bottom elliptical head; an inlet nozzle of the chamber; a steam chamber operatively engaged to the top elliptical head, wherein the steam chamber includes baffles and a conduit that directs condensate from the steam chamber to the level of liquid condensate; a gas discharge port operatively engaged to the steam chamber; and a liquid discharge port engaged to the bottom elliptical head below a vortex breaker. Changes to the flow passage of the steam chamber have been made by extending the baffles further into the internal chambers of the steam chamber.

Abstract: A fire resistant fluff pulp web made from a fluff pulp web, a fire retardant component present in and/or on the fluff pulp, and a fire retardant distributing surfactant which distributes the fire retardant component in and/or on the fluff pulp web in a manner so that the fluff pulp web passes one or more fire resistance tests. Also, a process for preparing these fire resistant fluff pulp webs, as well as for treating outer fibrous layers comprising an air-laid mixture of these fire resistant fluff pulp fibers and bicomponent fibers with up to about 5% additional fire retardant and which are used in fire resistant air-laid fibrous structures useful in upholstery, cushions, mattress ticking, panel fabric, padding, bedding, insulation, materials for parts in devices and appliances, etc.

Abstract: Finely divided, starch-containing polymer dispersions which are obtainable by free radical emulsion polymerization of ethylenically unsaturated monomers in the presence of at least one redox initiator and starch, (a) from 30 to 60% by weight of at least one optionally substituted styrene, (b) from 1 to 60% by weight of at least one C1-C12-alkyl acrylate and/or C1-C12-alkyl methacrylate, (c) from 0 to 10% by weight of at least one other ethylenically unsaturated copolymerizable monomer, being used as ethylenically unsaturated monomers and (d) from 15 to 40% by weight of at least one degraded starch which has a molar mass Mw of from 1000 to 65 000 g/mol being used as the starch, the sum (a)+(b)+(c)+(d) being 100% and being based on the total solids content, and the polymerization being carried out in the presence of at least 0.

Abstract: An arrangement for treating a fiber web, in particular for sizing paper and board web (W), using a sizer (10) which has sizing equipment (3, 4) located on both sides of the web (W) and size press rolls (5, 6) located on both sides of the web (W) in between of which a size nip is formed. The web (W) when approaching the sizer (10) is first guided past the size nip of the sizer (10) in a process direction (D) and then is turned into an opposite direction (OD) in relation to the process direction (D) by at least one turning guide roll (15) such that the top side (TS) of the web (W) is sized by sizing equipment (4) located below the web (W).

Abstract: An improved method for producing paper from pulp includes a plurality of subassemblies arranged in the forming or wet section of a Fourdrinier. The Fourdrinier includes a dewatering table having a plurality of blades that are static and on-the run adjustable in height and/or angle to control orientation of paper fibers in the stack to create a superior quality of paper and improved paper strength characteristics. Gravity and vacuum assisted drainage elements are equipped with on-the-run adjustable angle and height dewatering foil blades starting from a paper dryness of 0.1% and extending all the way to 5% dryness. The result of this process and machine is to improve the paper quality, save fibers and chemicals and fulfill the required paper properties.

Abstract: An inline bitumen froth steam heater system including steam injection and static mixing devices is provided. The system heats and de-aerates input bitumen froth without creating downstream processing problems with the bitumen froth such as emulsification or live steam entrainment. The system is a multistage unit that injects and thoroughly mixes steam with bitumen resulting in output bitumen material having temperature of about 190° F. The system conditions a superheated steam supply to obtain saturated steam at about 300° F. The saturated steam is contacted with bitumen froth flow and mixed in a static mixer stage. The static mixers provide surface area and rotating action that allows the injected steam to condense and transfer its heat to the bitumen froth. The mixing action and increase in temperature of the bitumen froth results in reduction in bitumen viscosity and allows the release of entrapped air from the bitumen froth.

Abstract: Oil sands ore containing bitumen is treated in a reactor chamber by ultrasonic oscillations impact such that cavitation of ore molecules occurs. The disintegration of the pulsating bubbles in the cavitation results in the separation of the oil, water, sand and air fractions of the oil sands. The oil fraction may be continuously extracted for subsequent refining processes.

Abstract: A start-up method of a fractionator which fractionally distills FT synthesized hydrocarbons produced by the Fischer-Tropsch synthesis reaction, the method includes: discharging light FT synthesized hydrocarbons which exist in a gaseous state in an FT reactor performing the Fischer-Tropsch synthesis reaction from the FT reactor to the outside; cooling down the light FT synthesized hydrocarbons discharged from the FT reactor for liquefaction; supplying the liquefied light FT synthesized hydrocarbons to the fractionator; and heating the light FT synthesized hydrocarbons and circulating the light FT synthesized hydrocarbons to the fractionator.

Abstract: In a simple method and device for producing plasma flows of a metal and/or a gas electric discharges are periodically produced between the anode and a metal magnetron sputtering cathode in crossed electric and magnetic fields in a chamber having a low pressure of a gas. The discharges are produced so that each discharge comprises a first period with a low electrical current passing between the anode and cathode for producing a metal vapor by magnetron sputtering, and a second period with a high electrical current passing between the anode and cathode for producing an ionization of gas and the produced metal vapor. Instead of the first period a constant current discharge can be used. Intensive gas or metal plasma flows can be produced without forming contracted arc discharges. The selfsputtering phenomenon can be used.

Abstract: Magnetic flux shunting pads for optimizing target erosion in sputtering processes are provided. In one embodiment, the invention relates to a sputtering system for countering uneven wear of a sputter target, the system including a sputter target having an emitting surface and a rear surface opposite to the emitting surface, a moving magnet assembly positioned proximate the rear surface and including a planar base and a magnet fixed to the planar base at a preselected point, the moving magnet assembly configured to be moved such that a position of the magnet relative to the rear surface is varied, and a magnetic shunting pad having a planar shape and positioned between the moving magnet assembly and the target, wherein the shunting pad includes uneven magnetic shunting characteristics.

Abstract: A continuously variable multi-position magnetron that is rotated about a central axis in back of a sputtering target at a freely selected radius. The position is dynamically controlled from the outside, for example, through a hydraulic actuator connected between a pivoting arm supporting the magnetron and an arm fixed to the shaft, by two coaxial shafts independent controllable from the outside and supporting the magnetron through a frog-leg mechanism, or a cable connected between the pivoting arms and moved by an external slider. The magnetron can be rotated at two, three, or more discrete radii or be moved in a continuous spiral pattern.

Abstract: An apparatus for merging and mixing two droplets using electrostatic forces includes a substrate on which are disposed a first originating electrode, a center electrode, and a second originating electrode. The electrodes are disposed such that a first gap is formed between the first originating electrode and the center electrode and a second gap is formed between the second originating electrode and the center electrode. A dielectric material surrounds the electrodes on the substrate. A first droplet is deposited asymmetrically across the first gap, and a second droplet is deposited asymmetrically across the second gap. Voltage potentials are placed across the first gap and second gap, respectively, whereby each droplet is moved toward the other such that they collide together, causing the droplets to merge and mix, and causing oscillations within the collided droplet.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method for separation of a sample of particle that includes at least first and second particles. The method can include generating a force field characterized by at least one point of stable equilibrium for the first and second particles. The method can further include moving the at least one point of stable equilibrium in a space and for at least one time interval with a speed substantially comparable to a speed of movement of the first particles, and substantially different from a speed of movement of the second particles.

Abstract: A precision flow controller is capable of providing a flow rate less than 100 microliters/minute and varying the flow rate in a prescribed manner that is both predictable and reproducible where the accuracy and precision of the flowrate is less than 5% of the flow rate. A plurality of variable pressure fluid supplies pump fluid through a single outlet. Flowmeters measure the flow rates and a controller compares the flow rates to desired flowrates and, if necessary, adjusts the plurality of variable pressure fluid supplies so that the variable pressure fluid supplies pump fluid at the desired flow rate. The variable pressure fluid supplies can be pneumatically driven.

Abstract: An apparatus for capillary zone electrophoresis includes a polyelectrolyte multilayer positioned in a capillary tube for analytical separations of macromolecules. The capillary comprises a passage defined by passage walls comprising fused silica and the polyelectrolyte multilayer positioned within the passage. The polyelectrolyte multilayer comprises layers with alternating charge. The apparatus includes a power supply having a positive electrode and a negative electrode for generating an electric field therebetween and a sensor positioned adjacent the passage for sensing macromolecules.

Abstract: The invention provides a capillary electrophoresis apparatus which can improve the operability and measuring speed. According to the invention, a sensor for identifying the type of sample containers is fixed at the position away from a capillary anode electrode. The sensor is made to be closer to the sample containers by moving a moving stage so that the sample containers disposed on the moving stage can be identified by the sensor. A fixing apparatus for fixing at least a pair of sample containers is provided on the moving stage.

Abstract: One embodiment is a method for void-free metallic electrofilling inside openings, said method includes: providing a substrate with at least one opening, the substrate includes an electrically conductive surface, including inside the at least one opening; immersing the substrate in an electrolyte contained in an ECD cell, the ECD cell includes at least one anode and a cathode, the cathode includes at least a portion of the conductive surface, the electrolyte includes plating metallic ions and at least one inhibitor additive, said metallic ions and at least one inhibitor additive having concentrations; providing electrolyte agitation across the substrate surface; and applying electroplating current density to the substrate; wherein the agitation, the concentrations, and the electroplating current density are such to produce void-free metallic electrofilling of the at least one opening, and wherein a height of electrodeposited surface bumps, or transition steps or humps, or transition spikes, is less than 140 nm

Abstract: The selective electrochemical reduction of halogenated 4-aminopicolinic acids is improved by activating the cathode at a final potential from about +1.0 to about +1.8 volts.

Abstract: A method for operating a water electrolysis system includes determining whether or not a water electrolysis apparatus is shut down. The water electrolysis system includes the water electrolysis apparatus, a water circulation apparatus, and a gas-liquid separation apparatus. The water electrolysis apparatus includes power feeders provided on an anode side and a cathode side of an electrolyte membrane. The water electrolysis apparatus generates oxygen on the anode side and generates hydrogen on the cathode side at a higher pressure than a pressure of the oxygen by electrolysis of water. Pressure on the cathode side is released when it is determined that the water electrolysis apparatus is shut down. The water circulation apparatus is operated until a concentration of hydrogen remaining on the anode side is a specified value or less under a condition in which a release of pressure on the cathode side is completed.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for generating hydrogen gas includes a reactor vessel in which electrolysis takes place in water, an electrical current source coupled to the reactor, and a chemical energy conversion device that converts chemical energy to electrical current by reacting hydrogen gas with oxygen gas. Conduits convey the gases from the reactor to the conversion device, and safety devices and controls maintain safe and efficient operation of the system. A backfire suppression apparatus may be used to prevent a backfire from propagating backward through the system and causing damage, while a buffer tank may ensure that the gases supplied to the chemical energy conversion device are substantially free of liquid water or other contaminants. One or more heat exchangers maintain an optimal temperature range for the water inside the reactor, and a programmable logic controller may be provided to monitor and control the operation of the apparatus.

Abstract: Proposed is a method of recovering valuable metal from scrap containing conductive oxide including the steps of using scrap containing conductive oxide and performing electrolysis while periodically inverting the polarity, and recovering the scrap as hydroxide. With the foregoing method of recovering valuable metal from scrap containing conductive oxide, oxide system scrap is conductive oxide and a substance that can be reduced to metal or suboxide with hydrogen. This method enables to efficiently recover valuable metal from sputtering target scrap containing conductive oxide or scrap such as mill ends of conductive oxide that arise during the production of such a sputtering target.

Abstract: Provided is a method of recovering valuable metal from oxide system scrap including the steps of performing electrolysis using an insoluble electrode as an anode and an oxide system scrap as a cathode, and recovering the scrap of the cathode as metal or suboxide. Specifically, this method enables the efficient recovery of valuable metal from oxide system scrap of an indium-tin oxide (ITO) sputtering target or oxide system scrap such as mill ends that arise during the production of such a sputtering target.

Abstract: The invention refers to a sample fluid testing device for analyzing a sample fluid, comprising a test media tape (1) comprising a tape (2) and a plurality of test media portions (3), each test media portion (3) containing a sensor field (7) for producing electrical signals, when the sample fluid is applied and at least two electrodes (4), the at least two electrodes (4) being positioned in the sensor field (7) and being electrically connected to at least two contact fields (5). The sample fluid testing device contains at least one roller with a surface (17), which contains at least one contact zone (14), the at least one roller (12, 13) being in rolling engagement with the test media tape (1) with its surface (17) in order to successively electrically contact the test media portions (3) via at least one contact field (5) with the at least one contact zone (14), the at least one contact zone (14) on the at least one roller (12, 13) being electrically connected to a meter for measuring the electrical signals.

Abstract: A sensing apparatus comprising an ion sensitive field effect transistor arranged to generate an electrical output signal in response to localized fluctuations of ionic charge at or adjacent the surface of the transistor, and means for detecting the electrical output signal from the ion sensitive field effect transistor, the localized fluctuations of ionic charge indicating events occurring during a chemical reaction.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system of biosensors whose dose-response curves are maintained within a predetermined and desired range or tolerance during production by selecting a feature of the biosensors that can be varied during production. For example, in one exemplary embodiment the effective area of the working electrode of an electrochemical biosensor can be varied during production as needed to offset variations that occur, e.g., in the reagent of the biosensors as production proceeds. In another exemplary embodiment, the dose-response curve of biosensors not yet produced can be predicted and one or more features of these biosensors can be selected to maintain the dose-response curve within a predetermined range or tolerance.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus relating to very large scale FET arrays for analyte measurements. ChemFET (e.g., ISFET) arrays may be fabricated using conventional CMOS processing techniques based on improved FET pixel and array designs that increase measurement sensitivity and accuracy, and at the same time facilitate significantly small pixel sizes and dense arrays. Improved array control techniques provide for rapid data acquisition from large and dense arrays. Such arrays may be employed to detect a presence and/or concentration changes of various analyte types in a wide variety of chemical and/or biological processes. In one example, chemFET arrays facilitate DNA sequencing techniques based on monitoring changes in hydrogen ion concentration (pH), changes in other analyte concentration, and/or binding events associated with chemical processes relating to DNA synthesis.

Abstract: The invention provides a process for converting a paraffinic feedstock comprising at least 50 wt % of compounds boiling above 370° C., a paraffin content of at least 60 wt %, an aromatics content below 1 wt %, a naphthenic content below 2 wt %, a nitrogen content below 0.1 wt %, and a sulphur content below 0.1 wt %, comprising: (a) reacting the feedstock with hydrogen at a temperature between 175 and 400° C. and a pressure between 20 and 100 bar using a catalyst comprising 0.005 to 5.0 wt % of a Group VIII noble metal on a carrier comprising 0.1-15 wt % zeolite beta and at least 40 wt % amorphous silica-alumina (b) withdrawing the effluent (c) subjecting the effluent to a fractionation step to form a heavy fraction, an intermediate fraction, and a light fraction; and (d) providing at least part of the heavy fraction to the reaction zone.

Abstract: Manufacture of propylene and ethylene in a FCC unit. Each FCC riser comprises an acceleration zone, a lift stream feed nozzle, a main hydrocarbon stock feed nozzle, and an olefinic naphtha feed nozzle. Mixed FCC catalyst comprising at least 2 percent by weight pentasil zeolite and at least 10 percent by weight Y-zeolite is injected at the bottom of each FCC riser. Olefinic naptha is injected through the olefinic feed nozzle, main hydrocarbon stock is injected through the main hydrocarbon stock feed nozzle and lift stream is injected through the lift stream feed nozzle. Lift stream comprises olefinic C4 hydrocarbon stream and optionally steam and/or a fuel gas. Olefinic C4 hydrocarbon steam is cracked in the acceleration zone at 600 to 800° C., 0.8 to 5 kg/cm2 (gauge) pressure, WHSV 0.2 to 100 hr up 1 and vapour residence time 0.2 to 5 seconds.

Abstract: The invention relates to field of processing hydrocarbon feedstock including crude oil, wherein metals such as calcium are removed. In the face of the rising prices of crude oil, refiners are forced to process opportunity crudes such as DOBA, which pose many problems including fouling of equipment due to certain metallic salts, such as calcium napthenate. Calcium, which cannot be removed from crude oil during normal desalting process, poses very serious problems. The invention provides method for removal of calcium, wherein crude oil is mixed, with effective metal removing amount of aqueous extraction solution of an additive comprising a chemical compound selected from a group consisting of metallic acid, maleic anhydride or fumaric acid or salts or derivatives thereof, enabling separation of hydrocarboneous phase and aqueous phase containing metal ions, in crude desalter. Only hydrocarboneous phase devoid of calcium is processed further, thereby preventing fouling of equipment.

Abstract: A method of extracting hydrocarbon-containing organic matter from a hydrocarbon-containing material includes the steps of providing a first liquid comprising a turpentine liquid; contacting the hydrocarbon-containing material with the turpentine liquid to form an extraction mixture; extracting the hydrocarbon material into the turpentine liquid; and separating the extracted hydrocarbon material from a residual material not extracted.

Abstract: An integrated sewage biochemical treatment plant containing mechanical treatment devices, a sewage-and-sludge mixing chamber with a circulation pump and a combined biological treatment device, includes a plane feed biofilter, a spray line, collecting trays and drain collectors connected to water-jet aeratic columns sunk in the aeration zones, and aftertreatment devices. The combined biological treatment device whose capacity is 5 to 15,000 m3/day has a biofilters spray line that includes trays with emptying fittings and reflecting disks, the distance from the trays emptying fittings upper ends to the disk reflectors is 0.8 to 2 m, and the distance between the trays centers and the distance between the trays fittings axes is 0.6 to 1.8 m.

Abstract: A method of removing contaminates from sour water is provided. The method includes producing raw sour water within a syngas production system, and removing the contaminates from the raw sour water using a chemical reaction within a treatment unit to produce treated sour water. The treatment unit is in flow communication with the syngas production system.

Abstract: An improved draft tube spout fluid bed (DTSFB) mixing, handling, conveying, and treating apparatus and systems, and methods for operating are provided. The apparatus and systems can accept particulate material and pneumatically or hydraulically conveying the material to mix and/or treat the material. In addition to conveying apparatus, a collection and separation apparatus adapted to receive the conveyed particulate material is also provided. The collection apparatus may include an impaction plate against which the conveyed material is directed to improve mixing and/or treatment. The improved apparatus are characterized by means of controlling the operation of the pneumatic or hydraulic transfer to enhance the mixing and/or reacting by controlling the flow of fluids, for example, air, into and out of the apparatus. The disclosed apparatus may be used to mix particulate material, for example, mortar; react fluids with particulate material; coat particulate material, or simply convey particulate material.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention relate to systems and methods for a solar and/or AC current powered water disinfection system that is sized for portable use and is specifically tailored for use in under-developed areas of the world or in areas where natural disasters have occurred. Embodiments herein disclosed provide for a system that utilizes an ultraviolet light that is operatively coupled to a pump, inverter, battery, and a charge converter that is adapted for use with a solar panel or AC current. The system is placed into a storage container, or the like, and the water in the storage container is pumped through the ultraviolet light, which kills most waterborne, water-washed, and water-based diseases.

Abstract: A separation device is formed of a first tube with a cylindrical wall enclosing a chamber having a first diameter, where the device has a first end for discharging a fluid and a second end for receiving a fluid. At least two stationary phase medias are packed into the chamber with separating frits between the medias. At least one end frit element, secured to an inner surface of the first tube contains the media in its section of the chamber and allows the beds formed of the media to be formed and packed. When the separation device so constructed forms a nanocolumn with a guard bed, the guard bed may be cleaved from the separation device extending the useful life of the nanocolumn. When the separation device so constructed comprises two analytical sections, and a plurality of guard beds, complex analysis may be performed on a column having an extended useful life.

Abstract: A capillary column (10) includes a tube structure having inner walls (14) and a sol-gel substrate (16) coated on a portion of inner walls (14) to form a stationary phase coating (18) on inner walls (14). The sol solution used to prepare the sol-gel substrate (16) has at least one baseline stabilizing reagent and at least one surface deactivation reagent resulting in the sol-gel substrate (16) having at least one baseline stabilizing reagent residual and at least one surface deactivating reagent residual. A method of making the sol-gel solution is by mixing suitable sol-gel precursors to form the solution, stabilizing the solution by adding at least one baseline stabilization reagent, deactivating the solution by adding at least one surface deactivation reagent to the solution, and reacting the solution in the presence of at least one catalyst.

Abstract: A method, apparatus, and system are described to pack and unpack resin in a chromatography-column. One or more inflatable seals are deflated to pack a resin slurry from a bottom outlet valve into a resin bed chamber located between an outer shell of the column and an inner frit of the chromatography-column. The resin slurry is pumped into and through an outlet packing-and-running port and passed one or more deflated inflatable seals to pack the resin bed to a designated pressure with resin slurry. The inflatable seals are inflated to seal the resin bed in place.

Abstract: A fluid filter such as an oil filter for a vehicle is provided. The fluid filter includes a body. A plate is coupled to one end of the body, the plate having a first surface and a threaded portion having a thread pitch. A seal is disposed adjacent the plate, the plate having a second surface opposite the plate. A stop member is disposed adjacent the plate, the stop member having a third surface offset from the second surface.

Abstract: A disposable cartridge for use in a hemodialysis machine has a blood flow path for carrying a volume of blood to be treated in a dialyser and a dialysate flow path, isolated from the blood flow path, for delivering a flow of dialysate solution through the dialyser. The cartridge is received in an engine section of the machine. The engine section has first and second platens which close when the cartridge is inserted to retain the cartridge. Actuators and sensors arranged on the second platen control operation of the cartridge.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for separating suspended matter from liquid includes a concentrator filter that draws the liquid out of the suspension while the filter kept unblocked by a sparging filter that allows scrubbing of the concentrator filter by gas bubbles. This invention can be used to replace cross-flow filtration and centrifugation in the bioprocess industry and to reduce the volume of suspensions to concentrate the yield of the end product in the chemical industry.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for treating wastewater to simultaneously remove nitrogen, carbon, and phosphorus, while recovering energy in the form of methane and carbon dioxide. An ammonia-containing stream is directed to a pretreatment tank that produces excess sludge, biogas, and a pretreated stream. The pretreated stream has at least 45% less carbon than the ammonia-containing stream. The pretreated stream is then directed to an anoxic tank, which promotes phosphorus release and fermentation of particulate and dissolved organic matter. The mixed liquor is transferred to an aerated tank having low dissolved oxygen concentrations to promote development of phosphorus-release bacteria that is eventually recycled to the anoxic tank by way of the return activated sludge. Simultaneous nitrification, denitrification, and phosphorus release occur in the aerated tank. A membrane tank separates treated effluent from activated sludge in a membrane tank.

Abstract: The present invention relates to systems and processes of wastewater treatment and, in particular, to systems and methods of treating wastewater utilizing biological treatments utilizing two mixed liquor recycle streams for nutrient removal.