Abstract: A series of microactuators for manipulating small quantities of liquids, and methods of using these for manipulating liquids, are disclosed. The microactuators are based on the phenomenon of electrowetting and contain no moving parts. The force acting on the liquid is a potential-dependent gradient of adhesion energy between the liquid and a solid insulating surface.

Abstract: The invention provides compositions, methods and kits for high speed, high resolution of analytes by capillary electrophoresis starting with uncoated capillaries. The compositions comprise a sieving component, comprising a non-crosslinked acrylamide polymer, and a surface interaction component, comprising at least one uncharged and non-crosslinked water-soluble silica-adsorbing polymer. Methods for employing the novel compositions in capillary electrophoresis are provided. Kits comprising the novel compositions for use in the novel methods are also provided.

Abstract: The invention relates to novel compositions and methods for the detection of analytes using the nuclear reorganization energy, ?, of an electron transfer process.

Abstract: Apparatus and operating methods are provided for controlled atmosphere furnace systems. In one possible embodiment, hydrogen is injected from a hydrogen source to an enclosure. The hydrogen is circulated within the enclosure from a gas inlet to a gas outlet. A temperature is raised within the enclosure to a predetermined threshold. Hydrogen is pumped from the gas outlet to the gas inlet with an electrochemical hydrogen pump. The electrochemical hydrogen pump has a first electrode in fluid communication with the gas outlet, and a second electrode in fluid communication with the gas inlet. An electrical potential is provided between the first and second electrodes, wherein the first electrode has a higher electrical potential with respect to zero than the second electrode. Various methods, features and system configurations are discussed.

Abstract: Proposed is a method of recovering valuable metal from scrap containing conductive oxide including the steps of using an insoluble electrode as either an anode or a cathode, using a scrap containing conductive oxide as the counter cathode or anode, 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 the efficient recovery of 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: Methods for producing a crude product, methods for preparing a diluted hydrocarbon composition, crude products, diluents and uses of such crude products and diluents are described. The method includes contacting of a hydrocarbon feed with one or more catalysts, where at least one of the catalyst includes one or more metals from Column 6 of the Periodic Table and/or one or more compounds of one or more metals from Columns 6 of the Periodic Table. The method produces a crude product having a MCR content of at most 90% of MCR content of the hydrocarbon feed and having total content of UV aromatics in a VGO fraction of the crude product which is greater than or equal to the total UV aromatics content of the hydrocarbon feed VGO fraction of the hydrocarbon feed. The crude product may be separated into two or more portions, which portions may be useful as a diluent.

Abstract: Elimination and/or mitigation of fouling in a vapor transport systems, such as vent lines and scrubber feed lines may be accomplished using an antifouling additive. The method for employing the antifouling additive includes introducing into the vapor transport system an additive including a polar solvent and corrosion inhibitor wherein: the vapor transport system is substantially water free; the vapor transport system is used to transport acidic materials; the additive is a liquid at vapor transport system operating conditions; and the additive is stable at the vapor transport system operating conditions.

Abstract: Provided is a method of manufacturing diesel fuel, including: fractionating in a first fractionator a synthetic oil obtained by Fisher-Tropsch synthesis into at least two fractions of a middle fraction, and a wax fraction containing a wax component heavier than the middle fraction; hydroisomerizing the middle fraction by bringing the middle fraction into contact with a hydroisomerizing catalyst to produce a hydroisomerized middle fraction; hydrocracking the wax fraction by bringing the wax fraction into contact with a hydrocracking catalyst to produce a wax decomposition compound; fractionating in a second fractionator a mixture of the hydroisomerized middle fraction and the hydrocracked wax fraction into at least two fractions including a kerosene fraction and a gas oil fraction; and mixing the at least two fractions at a predetermined blend ratio to produce a diesel fuel having a kinematic viscosity at 30° C. of 2.5 mm2/s or more and a pour point of ?7.5° C. or less.

Abstract: Sulfhydryl compounds, including hydrogen sulfide and mercaptans, may be removed from a fluid or gaseous stream or substrate by reacting the hydrogen sulfide and mercaptans in the stream with a scavenger of the structural formula: wherein R1, R2 and R3 are each independently selected from the group consisting of R4 and R5, R4 is a C1-C20 straight or branched chain alkyl group, R5 is —[(CH)m—NH]p—(CH2)nOH, n and m are independently an integer from 2 to about 6, p is from 1 to about 6; and wherein at least one of R1, R2 and R3 is R4 and at least one of R1, R2 and R3 is R5.

Abstract: Processes are provided for producing a diesel fuel product having a sulfur content of 15 wppm or less (e.g., 10 wppm or less) from feed sources that include a biocomponent feedstock. The biocomponent feedstock can be initially co-processed with a mineral feed in a fluidized bed stage, such as an ebullating bed processing stage. Ebullating bed processing can mitigate the impact of the biocomponent feed on other hydrotreatment aspects of a diesel boiling range feed. Challenged biocomponent feeds can be handled by introducing the biocomponent feed into the ebullating bed reactor in a manner that reduces the fouling impact of the feed.

Abstract: Petroleum resid, bitumen and/or heavy oil is upgraded by the separation of asphaltenes and/or resins from such resids, bitumen and/or heavy oils by contacting them with an ionic liquid with which the asphaltenes and/or resins interact.

Abstract: A water purifying apparatus, comprises: a filtering unit for filtering water supplied from a wellhead into purified water; a water tank unit including a cold water tank for storing the purified water in a cold water state, and a hot water tank for storing the purified water in a hot water state; a discharging unit for selectively discharging out the purified water stored in the water tank unit; a state detecting unit for detecting an operation state of at least one of the filtering unit, the water tank unit, and the discharging unit; a controller for comparing the information detected by the state detecting unit with a preset reference, thereby judging an abnormal state of the water purifying apparatus; and a state displaying unit for displaying the abnormal state information to outside. When the water purifying apparatus has a breakdown, mal-operated components of the water purifying apparatus may be checked by being displayed on the state displaying unit, without being checked by an A/S specialist.

Abstract: A wastewater tertiary media filtration system capable of enhancing filtration performance while including backwashing capabilities that eliminate turbidity spikes by using compressed fluid injected to the interior of submerged includes a filter tank having an inlet and an outlet with a plurality of pile cloth media filter disks disposed in generally parallel relation between the inlet and outlet. Each filter disk preferably includes opposing filter panels disposed in generally parallel spaced relation and supported by a frame. The filter disks may be angularly disposed at approximately 55-degrees relative to horizontal so as to maximize settlement velocity in accordance with the advantages of inclined plate technology. Backwashing is primarily accomplished by injecting compressed fluid (such as air) to the interior of each filter disk assembly whereby accumulated solids are blown off of the cloth filter media by reverse flow.

Abstract: An oil filtering and distributing device for supplying a first oil pump and a second oil pump of an aircraft engine, the pumps sucking up oil in a common housing, the device including a casing with a lower part and an upper part; a first sleeve coupling for supplying the first pump; a second sleeve coupling for supplying the second pump; the casing including a first compartment receiving oil via a first screen and supplying the first pump with oil via the first sleeve coupling, a second compartment receiving oil via a second screen and supplying the second pump with oil via the second sleeve coupling, an isolator arranged between the first compartment and the second compartment.

Abstract: An apparatus for treating a substance includes: (a) a volute or cyclone head, (b) a throat connected to the volute or cyclone head, (c) a parabolic reflector connected to the throat, (d) a first wave energy source comprising a first electrode within the volute or cyclone head that extends through the outlet into the first opening of the throat along the central axis of the throat, and a second electrode extending into the parabolic reflector proximate to the focus wherein the second electrode is spaced apart and axially aligned with first electrode, and (e) a second wave energy source disposed inside the throat, embedded within the throat or disposed around the throat. The substance is supplied to the inlet of the volute or cyclone head and is irradiated with one or more wave energies produced by the first and second wave energy sources.

Abstract: A portable apparatus for decontaminating water, having an iodine release section in which iodine, often from a charged nylon iodophor, is released into the water, followed by an iodine recapture section in which a nylon polymer removes iodine from the water by forming an iodophor with it.

Abstract: A system for producing high purity water, and particularly for the production of water that is suitable for injection, as well as method of using the same, are disclosed. The system includes a unique combination of known water purification methods that is particularly well-suited to the production USP purified water and USP water that is suitable for injection. The system minimizes potential for organism growth within the system by providing multiple means of organism destruction and removal and by not utilizing any standard water treatment media.

Abstract: A system for converting urine into potable water for drinking and use in a hand washing station (165) comprises a commode (100), a three-way valve (110) at the outlet of the commode, a urine reactants tank (145), a storage container (160), a pump (170), and a spigot (175). A user turns an actuator (111) on the valve in one direction to direct feces and feces-plus-urine into a reactants tank for feces, and in another direction to direct urine into the urine reactants tank. The urine reactants tank contains a plurality of baffles (210) separating the tank into chambers. A first chamber contains algae and microorganisms supplied by a seed (150). These organisms absorb nutrients from the urine as they grow into a mass (152). A last chamber contains only purified water which flows from the tank into the storage container from which it can be pumped to the spigot.

Abstract: Process for the biological treatment of organic wastes, includes a first anaerobic digestion phase and a second aerobic digestion phase in succession, a respective filtration phase of the solid substance being provided between the two digestion phases, a separation phase of the biogas released in the anaerobic digestion phase and a nitrogen recovery phase from the exhaust gases rich in ammoniac substances separated from the aerobic digestion phase. The solid substance coming from each of the filtration phases is separately returned to the respective digestion phase, while the liquid phase coming from the filtration phase downstream of the anaerobic digestion phase is sent to aerobic phase. In the nitrogen recovery phase the gaseous current consisting of exhaust gases rich in ammoniac substances is treated with a solution of carbonic acid supplied in countercurrent in a first gas/liquid contactor to obtain a mixture of nitrogen salts (ammonium bicarbonate, ammonium carbonate, etc.).

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for the treatment of caustic wastewater. Specifically, systems and methods are provided for combining refinery spent caustic and ethylene spent caustic solutions and treating the combined spent caustic mixture using a wet air oxidation process.

Abstract: A method of dewatering algae and recycling water therefrom is presented. A method of dewatering a wet algal cell culture includes removing liquid from an algal cell culture to obtain a wet algal biomass having a lower liquid content than the algal cell culture. At least a portion of the liquid removed from the algal cell culture is recycled for use in a different algal cell culture. The method includes adding a water miscible solvent set to the wet algal biomass and waiting an amount of time to permit algal cells of the algal biomass to gather and isolating at least a portion of the gathered algal cells from at least a portion of the solvent set and liquid of the wet algal biomass so that a dewatered algal biomass is generated. The dewatered algal biomass can be used to generated algal products such as biofuels and nutraceuticals.

Abstract: A system and method for removing gas from a gas producing subterranean formation and removing contaminants from the produced water is provided. The method includes providing a mixture of gas and water gathered from a gas producing well. Thereafter the method entails separating the gas from the mixture to produce a gas product and the produced water which includes organics, suspended solids and dissolved solids including silica. Thereafter, suspended solids are removed from the produced water. After removing some of the suspended solids, the produced water is directed to a micro porous polymer extraction (MPPE) unit. In the MPPE unit aromatic organic compounds are removed from the produced water. Thereafter the produced water is treated in a membrane bioreactor to remove additional organics. Thereafter the produced water is directed to at least one RO unit that produces a high dissolved solids containing reject stream and a low dissolved solids permeate stream.

Abstract: An apparatus for conducting single-pass filtration of ink waste is disclosed. The apparatus includes: a filter connected to a housing unit and a plurality of absorbent layers within the housing unit, wherein the plurality of absorbent layers are in any order and include: a layer for removing metal and polar compounds, a layer for removing non-polar color impurities, a layer for removing acid functional components, a layer for removing additives with polar or protic functional groups, and a layer for removing residual water. A process and a system that include or utilize the apparatus are also disclosed.

Abstract: Porous metal organic frameworks formed by AlIII ions to which fumarate ions are coordinated to produce a framework structure; shaped bodies comprising such porous metal organic frameworks, and also the preparation and use thereof for the uptake of a substance for the purposes of its storage, controlled release, separation, chemical reaction or as support.

Abstract: A mercury remediation method and apparatus for reducing mercury levels in water to a nanogram per liter level that uses four treatment steps: (1) chelation; (2) oxidation; (3) reduction; and (4) air stripping, vapor/liquid separation. There is a fifth step in the process, which does not involve the wastewater. It is to scrub the stripper air of the volatile mercury in an off-gas adsorption unit or to condense volatile mercury in a cryogenic mercury trap.

Abstract: A method for treating a substance using an apparatus having: (a) a volute or cyclone head, (b) a throat connected to the volute or cyclone head, (c) a parabolic reflector connected to the throat, (d) a first wave energy source comprising a first electrode within the volute or cyclone head that extends through the outlet into the first opening of the throat along the central axis of the throat, and a second electrode extending into the parabolic reflector proximate to the focus wherein the second electrode is spaced apart and axially aligned with first electrode, and (e) a second wave energy source disposed inside the throat, embedded within the throat or disposed around the throat. The substance is supplied to the inlet of the volute or cyclone head and is irradiated with one or more wave energies produced by the first and second wave energy sources.

Abstract: [PROBLEM] There is provided a method for regenerating a filter, by which deterioration of the color tone of purified acrylic acid can be prevented. [SOLUTION] There is provided a method for regenerating a filter which has been used in a filtration step in the process for producing an acrylic acid, comprising a step (A) wherein the filter is washed with an aqueous alkaline solution, a step (B) wherein the filter is washed with water after the step (A) , and a step (C) wherein the filter is brought into contact with the acrylic acid for regeneration for at least one hour after the step (B).

Abstract: A capacitor forming method includes forming an electrically conductive support material over a substrate, forming an opening through at least the support material to the substrate, and, after forming the opening, forming a capacitor structure contacting the substrate and the support material in the opening. The support material contains at least 25 at % carbon. Another capacitor forming method includes forming a support material over a substrate, forming an opening through at least the support material to the substrate, and, after forming the opening, forming a capacitor structure contacting the substrate and the support material in the opening. The support material contains at least 20 at % carbon. The support material has a thickness and the opening has an aspect ratio 20:1 or greater within the thickness of the support material.

Abstract: A method for making a liquid barrier includes forming a liquid barrier layer on a substrate, forming a mask layer on the liquid barrier layer such that part of the liquid barrier remains exposed, forming a contact layer on the exposed liquid barrier layer, and removing the mask layer to expose the part of the liquid barrier layer which was covered by the mask layer. A liquid wetting boundary is formed when the wettability on the liquid barrier surface area is less than the wettability of the contact surface area.

Abstract: A resist film is formed on a cold-rolled steel sheet so as to fabricate a groove by etching. At this point, a steel sheet exposed portion where a portion of the steel sheet is exposed is formed in the resist film, and the steel sheet exposed portion has a first region oriented in a sheet width direction, and a plurality of second regions starting from the first region, widths of the first region and the second regions being 20 ?m to 100 ?m, and a distance from an end portion of one of the second regions to an end portion of another of the second regions adjacent thereto being 60 ?m to 570 ?m.

Abstract: A process for etching a silicon-containing substrate to form structures is provided. In the process, a metal is deposited and patterned onto a silicon-containing substrate (commonly one with a resistivity above 1-10 ohm-cm) in such a way that the metal is present and touches silicon where etching is desired and is blocked from touching silicon or not present elsewhere. The metallized substrate is submerged into an etchant aqueous solution comprising about 4 to about 49 weight percent HF and an oxidizing agent such as about 0.5 to about 30 weight percent H2O2, thus producing a metallized substrate with one or more trenches. A second silicon etch is optionally employed to remove nanowires inside the one or more trenches.

Abstract: An imaging structure such as a mask or reticle may be fabricated using a patterning layer on an imaging layer. The patterning layer may have substantially different etch properties than the imaging layer. A first etch process may be selective of the patterning layer with respect to a resist layer. A second etch process may be selective of the imaging layer with respect to the patterning layer.

Abstract: A flattening method, by utilizing the advantages of the CARE method and making up for the disadvantages, can perform removal processing of a surface of a workpiece at a sufficient processing rate and can provide a processed surface having enhanced flatness without leaving damage in the processed surface. A flattening method comprises at least two surface removal steps and at least two cleaning steps, the final surface removal step being a catalyst-referred etching step comprising immersing a workpiece in a processing solution containing at least one of hydrohalic acid, hydrogen peroxide water and ozone water, and bringing a surface of a catalyst platen into contact with or close proximity to a surface to be processed of the workpiece to process the surface, said catalyst platen having in a surface a catalyst selected from the group consisting of platinum, gold, a ceramic solid catalyst, a transition metal, glass, and an acidic or basic solid catalyst.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a semiconductor device includes forming a patterned photoresist layer over a substrate, performing a plasma ashing process to the patterned photoresist layer, thereby removing a portion of the patterned photoresist layer, exposing the patterned photoresist layer to broadband ultraviolet radiation and ozone, thereby removing other portions of the patterned photoresist layer, and performing a cleaning of the patterned photoresist layer after exposing the patterned photoresist layer to broadband ultraviolet radiation and ozone.

Abstract: A method for removing species from a substrate includes arranging a purge ring in a chamber proximate to a pedestal. The purge ring includes an inlet portion and an exhaust portion. The inlet portion defines an inlet plenum and an inlet baffle. The inlet baffle includes a continuous slit that is substantially continuous around a peripheral arc not less than about 270°. The exhaust portion includes an exhaust channel that is located substantially opposite the inlet baffle. The method further includes supplying ozone to the inlet plenum; at least partially defining a ring hole space having a periphery using the inlet portion and the exhaust portion; conveying gas from the inlet plenum into the ring hole space using the inlet baffle; conveying gas and other matter out of a purge space using the exhaust portion; and inhibiting deposition of material evolved from the substrate during curing using the purge ring.

Abstract: A method of controlling distribution of a plasma parameter in a plasma reactor having an RF-driven electrode and two (or more) counter electrodes opposite the RF driven electrode and facing different portions of the process zones. The method includes providing two (or more) variable reactances connected between respective ones of the counter electrodes and ground, and governing the variable reactances to change distribution of a plasma parameter such as plasma ion density or ion energy.

Abstract: A composition and a method for chemical mechanical polishing. The composition includes a surfactant anion an alkyl alcohol, a controlled amount of chloride ion source and a diluent. The composition further includes abrasive particles and an oxidizer. The method includes providing the composition on a surface to be polished and polishing the surface by contacting the surface with a polishing pad.

Abstract: A method for preparing nanotubes by providing nanorods of a piezoelectric material having an asymmetric crystal structure and by further providing hydroxide ions to the nanorods to etch inner parts of the nanorods to form the nanotubes.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to an electrolyte for an aluminum electrolytic capacitor. An electrolyte according to one embodiment includes a protic fluid and a high dielectric co-solvent or a dipolar aprotic. According to various embodiments, the electrolyte is pH buffered to less than approximately 6.8 pH. The protic fluid includes ethylene glycol and the high dielectric co-solvent includes N-methylformamide, in various embodiments. The disclosure further relates to methods for manufacturing an electrolyte, and capacitors and implantable devices including a supporting electrolyte selected for optimal cation size and charge and anion solubility.

Abstract: Described herein are materials for use in electrolytes that provide a number of desirable characteristics when implemented within batteries, such as high stability during battery cycling up to high temperatures high voltages, high discharge capacity, high coulombic efficiency, and excellent retention of discharge capacity and coulombic efficiency over several cycles of charging and discharging. In some embodiments, a high voltage electrolyte includes a base electrolyte and a set of additive compounds, which impart these desirable performance characteristics.

Abstract: A magnetic induction foam molding apparatus comprising: a pair of electromagnet parts, each of which has a core part composed of a ferromagnet and a coil part placed on the outer circumference surface of the core part, and that are placed so as to face each other and depart from each other with a predetermined distance in the axis direction of the core part; a foaming mold interposed between the pair of electromagnet parts, inside which a cavity is defined; and a yoke part connecting back surfaces of the respective core parts of the pair of the electromagnet pats so as to form a magnetic path between a pair of the back surfaces. In the cavity of the foaming mold, a uniform magnetic field is formed.

Abstract: A lead-free piezoelectric ceramic material has the general chemical formula xBi(A0.5Ti0.5)O3-y(Bi0.5K0.5)TiO3-z(Bi0.5Na0.5)TiO3, wherein x+y+z=1, x?0, and A=Ni or Mg.

Abstract: An azeotrope-like mixture consisting essentially of a binary azeotrope-like mixture consisting essentially of trans-1-chloro-3,3,3-trifluoropropene (trans-HFO-1233zd) and a second component selected from the group consisting of 2,3,3,3-tetrafluoropropene (HFO-1234yf) and trans-1,3,3,3-tetrafluoropropene (trans-HFO-1234ze), and combinations of these and various uses thereof.

Abstract: The objective to be solved by the present invention is to provide an ice-crystallization inhibitor which has a practicable and excellent ice-crystallization inhibiting property and which can be efficiently and stably produced in a safe process suitable for food production. Also, the objective of the present invention is to provide an antibody which specifically reacts with the ice-crystallization inhibitor, and a composition, a food, a biological sample protectant and a cosmetic which contain the ice-crystallization inhibitor. Furthermore, the objective of the present invention is to provide a polysaccharide which is derived from a basidiomycete and which is used for inhibiting ice-crystallization of a liquid containing water, and a method for inhibiting ice-crystallization of a liquid containing water. The ice-crystallization inhibitor according to the present invention is characterized in being a polysaccharide derived from a basidiomycete.

Abstract: Boron selective ionic liquids and polymeric ionic liquids, methods of making and methods of using the same are disclosed.

Abstract: A method for enhancing the lithium-ion capacity of a doped silicon carbide is disclosed. The method utilizes heat treating the silicon carbide in an inert atmosphere. Also disclosed are anodes for lithium-ion batteries prepared by the method.

Abstract: A method for preparing a Li4NbxTi5-xO12/C nanocomposite as anode material for lithium-ion batteries is disclosed, which includes the following steps: (a) obtaining a mixture of a lithium salt, niobium pentaoxide, titanium dioxide (TiO2), and a carbon source in a selected stoichiometric ratio; (b) mixing the mixture in a dispersant to produce a slurry; (c) drying the slurry to produce a dried mixture; (d) treating the dried mixture under a protective atmosphere, according to a heating program to produce the Li4NbxTi5-xO12/C nanocomposite, wherein the heating program comprises: calcining the dried mixture at 600° C. for 2-6 hours, heating it at a rate of 2-20° C. per minute to 950-980° C., cooling it by natural cooling to 800-850° C., maintaining the temperature at 800-850° C. for 16 hours, and cooling it by natural cooling to room temperature.

Abstract: Disclosed is lithium iron phosphate having an olivine crystal structure, wherein the lithium iron phosphate has a composition represented by the following Formula 1 and carbon (C) is coated on the particle surface of the lithium iron phosphate containing a predetermined amount of sulfur (S). Li1+aFe1?xMx(PO4?b)Xb??(1) (wherein M, X, a, x, and b are the same as defined in the specification).

Abstract: A liquid-crystal coating fluid which comprises: an azo compound represented by the following general formula (1); and a solvent to dissolve the azo compound: wherein Q1 is an aryl group which may have any substituent group; Q2 is an arylene group which may have any substituent group; R is a hydrogen atom, an alkyl group having 1 to 3 carbon atoms, an acetyl group, a benzoyl group, or a phenyl group which may have any substituent group; and M is a counter ion.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a marking of polymeric liquid crystal material having determined optical characteristics allowing its authentication and reading by a machine and its authentication by the human eye. The marking is applied onto an item, good or article by a variable information printing process. The marking is in the form of indicia representing a unique code which allows for an easy authentication by the human eye and a secure tracking and tracing of the marked item, good or article throughout is life cycle.