Abstract: The invention provides an apparatus and method for removing diatomaceous earth and contaminants from a filter and for filtering liquid using diatomaceous earth. Embodiments of the method can include a washdown process, a backwash process, and a filtering process. Some embodiments of the apparatus can include one or more filter cartridges with cartridge tubes to increase flow during the backwash process. Some embodiments of the apparatus can include a backwash sprayer to disturb contaminants during the backwash process. Some embodiments of the apparatus can include a removable lid to access the filter cartridges during the washdown process.

Abstract: A system of treating high nitrogen content waste water is disclosed, where the system includes a precipitation and conditioning subsystem, an ammonia stripper subsystem, and a denitrification subsystem. The system is adapted to reduce nitrogen contamination to level below about 10 ppm and in certain embodiments below 3 ppm.

Abstract: A system and method provide information in response to at least one current event related to a treatment performed by a dialysis system. A first number is displayed at a treatment display in communication with the dialysis system. The first number corresponds to a set of current notifications. Each current notification is generated in response to at least one current event related to the treatment. A new event is detected that is related to the treatment. The first number is increased to a second number in response to detecting the new event. The second number corresponds to a new notification generated in response to the new event and corresponds to the set of current notifications. A highest priority event is determined between the new event and the at least one current event. The treatment display displays at least one notification corresponding to the highest priority event.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention feature methods and apparatus for performing chromatographic separations. The invention feature methods and control means in the form of computer programs and software that control the formation of a concentration gradient at two or more total flow rates, with an elution period occurring in a slow flow rate and at least other portions of the gradient occurring during a fast total flow rate.

Abstract: A process according to various approach includes flushing an intermediate transfer line between the first intermediate transfer line and the extract stream transfer line away from the adsorptive separation chamber to remove residual fluid from intermediate transfer line. The process may include directing the residual fluid flushed from the intermediate transfer line to a recycle stream to introduce the residual fluid into the adsorptive separation chamber.

Abstract: The invention provides methods and compositions for reducing the malodorous sulfide gas released by a wastewater treatment system. The method preserves the vitality of waste consuming organisms within the system. The method comprises the steps of: determining the SRP PAA demand of the system, determining the aerobic PAA demand of the system, and adding a composition in an amount such that it is in excess of the SRP PAA demand but is below the aerobic PAA demand. Even though the composition increases the amount of sulfates within the wastewater it reduces the amount of SRP which prevents the malodorous sulfite gas release. The composition comprises at least one percarboxyacid.

Abstract: A water filter-pitcher includes a water pitcher with at least two chambers separated by at least one filter, and an ozone generator to generate ozone for sanitizing at least internal surfaces of said two chambers.

Abstract: Skimming systems are provided which include one or more externally positioned fluid jet generating devices to generate one or more fluid jets to impinge on a target surface to collectively impart motion of the surface and any contaminants thereon toward a collection device for ultimate collection and removal of the contaminants. Related skimming methods are also provided.

Abstract: Method for enantioseparation of a chiral system with compound formation comprising a pair of enantiomers. The method comprises the steps of: placing the chiral system to be processed, which is optically enriched by a target enantiomer, in the 3-phase region of the ternary phase diagram of chiral compound forming systems to achieve the establishment of the solid/liquid phase equilibria; phase-separating the liquid and solid phase formed by the placing step; shifting the eutectic composition of the remaining liquid towards a lower eutectic composition (xE) until the overall composition is located in the 2-phase region of the ternary phase diagram of chiral compound forming systems; and performing crystallization in the 2-phase region of the ternary phase diagram for obtaining the target enantiomer in the solid phase. In some cases the shifting step can be skipped.

Abstract: A method of fabricating a reinforced silicon micromechanical part includes: micro-machining the part, or a batch of parts in a silicon wafer; forming a silicon dioxide layer over the entire surface of the part, in one or plural operations, so as to obtain a thickness of silicon dioxide that is at least five times greater than the thickness of native silicon dioxide; and removing the silicon dioxide layer by etching.

Abstract: A method of etching a material layer on a substrate is described. In one embodiment, the method includes modifying an etch resistance of a material layer to a pre-determined etch process by doping the material layer using energetic charged particles, and etching the modified material layer using the pre-determined etch process.

Abstract: A glass article including: at least one anti-glare surface having haze, distinctness-of-image, surface roughness, and uniformity properties, as defined herein. A method of making the article having an anti-glare surface includes, for example, forming a protective film on selected portions of at least one surface of the article; contacting the at least one surface with a liquid etchant; and removing the protective film from the surface of the article to form the anti-glare surface. A display system that incorporates the glass article, as defined herein, is also disclosed.

Abstract: Anode foils suitable for use in electrolytic capacitors, including those having multiple anode configurations, have improved strength, reduced brittleness, and increased capacitance compared to conventional anode foils for electrolytic capacitors. Exemplary methods of manufacturing an anode foil suitable for use in an electrolytic capacitor include disposing a resist material in a predetermined pattern on an exposed surface of an anode foil substrate such that a first portion of the exposed surface of the anode foil substrate is covered by the resist material, and a second portion of the exposed surface remains uncovered; polymerizing the resist material; exposing at least the second portion of the exposed surface to one or more etchants so as to form a plurality of tunnels; stripping the polymerized resist material; and widening at least a portion of the plurality of tunnels. The resist material may be deposited, for example, by ink-jet printing, stamping or screen printing.

Abstract: In conjunction with a photomask blank comprising a transparent substrate, a pattern-forming film, and an etch mask film, a set of etching conditions for the pattern-forming film is evaluated by measuring a first etching clear time (C1) taken when the etch mask film is etched under the etching conditions to be applied to the pattern-forming film, measuring a second etching clear time (C2) taken when the pattern-forming film is etched under the etching conditions, and computing a ratio (C1/C2) of the first to second etching clear time.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a method is disclosed for manufacturing a mold. The method can include forming a second major surface receded from a first major surface by irradiating a portion of the first major surface with a charged beam to etch a base material having the first major surface. The method can include forming a mask pattern on the first major surface and the second major surface. In addition, the method can include forming a first pattern on the first major surface and a second pattern on the second major surface by etching the base material through the mask pattern.

Abstract: A patterning process which uses self-assembly, including: forming a silicon-containing film by applying a silicon-containing film composition having an organic substituent group substituted with an acid labile group onto a substrate to be processed, forming a photoresist film onto the silicon-containing film, pattern-exposing of the photoresist film, removing the photoresist film, forming a polymer film by applying a self-assembling polymer onto the silicon-containing film, self-assembling the polymer film to form a microdomain structure, forming a pattern of the polymer film having the microdomain formed, transferring the pattern to the silicon-containing film by using the pattern formed on the polymer as a mask, and transferring the pattern to the substrate to be processed by using the pattern transferred to the silicon-containing film as a mask. There can be provided a pattern having a microdomain structure formed by self-assembly with uniformity and regularity.

Abstract: A silicon wafer surface other than a defect is oxidized by ozone to form a silicon oxide film. A hydrofluoric acid is sprayed and subsequently a cleaning gas is sprayed onto the surface of the silicon wafer.

Abstract: Methods of fabricating ultra low-k dielectric self-aligned vias are described. In an example, a method of forming a self-aligned via (SAV) in a low-k dielectric film includes forming a trench pattern in a metal nitride hardmask layer formed above a low-k dielectric film formed above a substrate. A via pattern is formed in a masking layer formed above the metal nitride hardmask layer. The via pattern is etched at least partially into the low-k dielectric film, the etching comprising using a plasma etch using a chemistry based on CF4, H2, and a diluent inert gas composition.

Abstract: Use of a double bond-containing hydrofluoroolefin refrigerant causes a problem that it generates hydrogen fluoride by cleavage and decomposition under influence of oxygen, leading to degradation of the materials and the refrigeration oil used in the refrigeration apparatus and causing troubles in the refrigeration apparatus. It is possible to provide a high-reliability longer-lasting refrigeration apparatus by inexpensive method, by using a double bond-containing hydrofluoroolefin refrigerant in a refrigerating cycle having a refrigerant circulation route extending from a compressor 1, via a condenser 2, an expansion mechanism 3, and an evaporator 4, back to the compressor 1 that contains an ester-based refrigeration oil containing an unsaturated fatty acid as a constituent fatty acid.

Abstract: A method for preparing a layered oxide cathode using a two step calcination procedure, wherein the first step includes pre-calcination utilizing a rotary calciner.

Abstract: In a manufacturing process of a positive electrode active material for a power storage device, which includes a lithium silicate compound represented by a general formula Li2MSiO4, heat treatment is performed at a high temperature on a mixture material, grinding treatment is performed, a carbon-based material is added, and then heat treatment is performed again. Therefore, the reactivity between the substances contained in the mixture material is enhanced, favorable crystallinity can be obtained, and further microparticulation of the grain size of crystal which is grown larger by the high temperature treatment and crystallinity recovery are achieved; and at the same time, carbon can be supported on the surfaces of particles of the crystallized mixture material. Accordingly, a positive electrode active material for a power storage device, in which electron conductivity is improved, can be manufactured.

Abstract: The present invention provides a polymerizable liquid crystal composition containing polymerizable liquid crystal compounds and a photoinitiator, wherein the photoinitiator has a light absorption band in a wavelength range of 280 to 400 nm; and at least one of the polymerizable liquid crystal compounds has a light absorption band in a wavelength range of 320 to 400 nm or a light-absorbing agent having a light absorption band in a wavelength range of 280 to 400 nm is contained. Thus, there is provided a material that can be cured in the air without replacing the atmosphere with an inert gas during irradiation with ultraviolet rays and that can achieve the characteristics required for a biaxial film, such as a sufficiently large front phase difference.

Abstract: To provide a new phosphor of which fluorescence contains much red light component and has a large full width at half maximum, the crystal phase represented by the formula [I] is included in the phosphor. R3?x?y?z+w2MzA1.5x+y?w2Si6?w1?w2AlW1+w2Oy+w1N11?y?w1??[I] (R represents La, Gd, Lu, Y and/or Sc, M represents Ce, Eu, Mn, Yb, Pr and/or Tb, A represents Ba, Sr, Ca, Mg and/or Zn, and x, y, z, w1 and w2 are the numeric values in the following ranges: (1/7)?(3?x?y?z+w2)/6<(1/2), 0<(1.5x+y?w2)/6<(9/2), 0<x<3, 0?y<2, 0<z<1, 0?w1?5, 0?w2?5, and 0?w1+w2?5).

Abstract: The present invention relates to an ionic liquid comprising an anion and a cation, wherein the cation is a primary, secondary or tertiary ammonium ion containing a protonated nitrogen atom.

Abstract: A polymer composite composed of a polymerized mixture of functionalized carbon nanotubes and monomer which chemically reacts with the functionalized nanotubes. The carbon nanotubes are functionalized by reacting with oxidizing or other chemical media through chemical reactions or physical adsorption. The reacted surface carbons of the nanotubes are further functionalized with chemical moieties that react with the surface carbons and selected monomers. The functionalized nanotubes are first dispersed in an appropriate medium such as water, alcohol or a liquefied monomer and then the mixture is polymerized. The polymerization results in polymer chains of increasing weight bound to the surface carbons of the nanotubes. The composite may consists of some polymer chains imbedded in the composite without attachment to the nanotubes.

Abstract: There is provided an electroactive material having Formula I wherein: Q is the same or different at each occurrence and can be O, S, Se, Te, NR, SO, SO2, P, PO, PO2, and SiR2; R is the same or different at each occurrence and can be hydrogen, alkyl, aryl, alkenyl, or alkynyl; R1 through R10 are the same or different and can be hydrogen, alkyl, aryl, halogen, hydroxyl, aryloxy, alkoxy, alkenyl, alkynyl, amino, alkylthio, phosphino, silyl, —COR, —COOR, —PO3R2, —OPO3R2, or CN.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel electroactive material which comprises a graphitic carbon phase C and a (semi)metal phase and/or a (semimetal) oxide phase (MOx phase) and also to the use of the electroactive material in anodes for lithium ion cells. The invention further relates to a process for producing such materials. The electroactive material comprises: a) a carbon phase C; b) at least one MOx phase, where M is a metal or semimetal, x is from 0 to <k/2, where k is the maximum valence of the metal or semimetal. In the electroactive material of the invention, the carbon phase C and the MOx phase form essentially co-continuous phase domains, with the average distance between two neighboring domains of identical phases being not more than 10 nm, in particular not more than 5 nm and especially not more than 2 nm.

Abstract: An intermediate transfer member that includes a crosslinked poly(ether ether ketone) polymer, an optional conductive component, an optional polymer, and an optional release additive.

Abstract: Dopant ink compositions and methods of fabricating solar cells there from are described. A dopant ink composition may include a cross-linkable matrix precursor, a bound dopant species, and a solvent. A method of fabricating a solar cell may include delivering a dopant ink composition to a region above a substrate. The dopant ink composition includes a cross-linkable matrix precursor, a bound dopant species, and a solvent. The method also includes baking the dopant ink composition to remove a substantial portion of the solvent of the dopant ink composition, curing the baked dopant ink composition to cross-link a substantial portion of the cross-linkable matrix precursor of the dopant ink composition, and driving dopants from the cured dopant ink composition toward the substrate.

Abstract: Use of 2-((1-methylpropyl)amino)ethanol as an additive in an aqueous suspension, containing from 25 to 62 vol. % of at least one calcium carbonate-comprising material, wherein the use provides improved stability with regard to the conductivity of the suspension.

Abstract: A liquid crystal polyester resin composition of the present invention comprises: 100 parts by mass of a liquid crystal polyester; and 50 to 150 parts by mass of titanium oxide, wherein the liquid crystal polyester comprises 2 to 30 mole % of a repeating structural unit represented by the following formula (1), and 40 to 80 mole % of a repeating structural unit represented by the following formula (2).

Abstract: An absorbing composition is described herein that includes at least one inorganic-based compound, at least one absorbing compound, and at least one material modification agent. In addition, methods of making an absorbing composition are also described that includes: a) combining at least one inorganic-based compound, at least one absorbing compound, at least one material modification agent, an acid/water mixture, and one or more solvents to form a reaction mixture; and b) allowing the reaction mixture to form the absorbing composition at room temperature. Another method of making an absorbing composition includes: a) combining at least one inorganic-based compound, at least one absorbing compound, at least one material modification agent, an acid/water mixture, and one or more solvents to form a reaction mixture; and b) heating the reaction mixture to form the absorbing composition.

Abstract: A graphene sheet and a method of manufacturing the graphene sheet are provided. The method includes: growing a graphene sheet on a graphene growth support by applying carbon sources and heat to the graphene growth support, the graphene growth support including a carbonization catalyst; and forming at least one ripple on the graphene sheet by cooling at least one of the graphene growth support and the graphene sheet, wherein the graphene growth support and the graphene sheet have different thermal expansion coefficients.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of manufacturing a porous pre-sintered granule for a sintered reaction-bonded silicon nitride, to which a pressure forming technology can be applied to obtain a porous sintered reaction-bonded silicon nitride having high porosity and having a structure in which macropores and micropores coexist with each other, and to a porous pre-sintered granule manufactured by the method. The method includes the steps of: granulating a raw material comprising silicon and sintering additives including yttrium, aluminum and at least one alkali earth metal compound; and pre-sintering the granulated raw material at a temperature of 1300˜1375° C. under an inert atmosphere. According to the present invention, a porous pre-sintered granule for porous sintered reaction-bonded silicon nitride, which can increase the air permeability and trapping efficiency by controlling the size of a pore channel such that macropores and micropores coexist, can be manufactured.

Abstract: Methods and systems for forming a thin-layer moisture-resistant fiber composite material involve pressing a mixture of fibers and resin between a pair of heated dies at least one of which includes a working surface coated with a hard ormosil coating including a cross-linked organically-modified silica network. The use of such coatings may yield composite sheet materials having improved surface quality, sharper edges, and greater draw angles than previously possible. Some systems for making thin-layer fiber composite materials may utilize ormosil coatings on various working surfaces of equipment coming into contact with the fiber and resin mixture, such as surfaces of machinery for mixing or conveying the mixture to the dies.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for guiding and depositing synthetic fibers to form a nonwoven web is described. The apparatus has a drawing device, a deposit belt, and a plurality of guidance means disposed between the drawing device and the deposit belt, which form in pairs numerous merging guidance pathways for the guidance of a fiber curtain formed by the fibers. The guidance means have numerous air intake slits beneath the drawing device, which enable an introduction of a secondary airstream. Numerous air conducting elements disposed on one of the guidance means are associated with at least one of the air intake slits. In this manner at least one of the sub-streams of the secondary airstream laterally adjacent to the fiber curtain can be introduced to the fiber stream at an inflow angle that is at a right angle to the deposit belt.

Abstract: This method for manufacturing a shaped product is characterized in preparing a specific random mat including a thermoplastic resin and carbon fiber bundles having an average fiber length of 5-100 mm, impregnating a thermoplastic resin into the random mat, pressing the random mat in a metal mold in a range of 0.1-20 MPa, and then taking out the random mat from the metal mold.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a “Self-Reinforced Composite” (SRC) made of recycled thermoplastic polymers, methods and an apparatus for their manufacture. In one embodiment of the invention, the SRC is a self-reinforced composite comprising (a) a fiber comprising a first recycled thermoplastic polymer and having a Young's modulus at least about 500 MPa and (b) a matrix comprising a second recycled thermoplastic polymer. In one aspect of the invention, the source mixture is recycled immiscible thermoplastic polymers, obtained from the waste stream in the carpet and automotive industries. In another embodiment of the invention, the method for making the self-reinforced composites, comprising the steps of (a) melt-blending recycled immiscible polymers, (b) phase-migration fiber spinning the recycled immiscible polymers to form a fiber having a first recycled thermoplastic polymer substantially surrounded by a second recycled thermoplastic polymer, and (c) drawing the fiber to form a high modulus fiber.

Abstract: A component made of at least one thermoformable material, having a first layer made of a first material, a second layer made of a second material, and a third layer made of the first material. The three layers form a sheet, which is formed to various shapes, depending upon the part that is to be created. The sheet may be formed to produce the bumper of an automobile, a door panel for an automobile, a flotation device, such as a pontoon for a pontoon boat, or the like. The first and third layers are SMC, and the second layer, or “core,” is disposed between the first and third layers, allowing the strength of the first and third layers to be used more efficiently, compared to a sheet having only the first and third layers, and no core.

Abstract: A method for dry casting concrete block using a resilient mold having a cavity for forming a block face and a form having a block body forming cavity. The form may be offset from the mold to provide steps where the block face joins the body for aligning stacked blocks. Alternately, the form cavity may have a dimension smaller that the height of the block face and can be offset to form a step between the block face and either the top or bottom of the block. Alternately, an insert may be placed in the form adjacent the mold for forming a downwardly projecting lip along the back of the block. Blocks are formed using a dry cast concrete block machine. After casting, the form is removed from the block. The block remains supported on the mold until after it has cured.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of producing a chemically pure and stably dispersed organic nanoparticle colloidal suspension using an ultrafast pulsed laser ablation process. The method comprises irradiating a target of an organic compound material in contact with a poor solvent with ultrashort laser pulses at a high repetition rate and collecting the nanoparticles of the organic compound produced. The method may be implemented with a high repetition rate ultrafast pulsed laser source, an optical system for focusing and moving the pulsed laser beam, an organic compound target in contact with a poor solvent, and a solvent circulating system to cool the laser focal volume and collect the produced nanoparticle products. By controlling various laser parameters, and with optional poor solvent flow movement, the method provides stable colloids of dispersed organic nanoparticles in the poor solvent in the absence of any stabilizing agents.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method for producing three-dimensional objects (6) layer by layer using a powdery material which can be solidified by irradiating it with a beam (4) of charged particles, which method comprises the following steps: successive application of powder layers to a working area (5), and fusing together successive layers of said three-dimensional object (6) by successively irradiating the powdery layers with said beam (4).

Abstract: The disclosed subject matter describes systems and methods of electrospinning a fiber for a variety of applications. An exemplary embodiment includes a medical device application for delivering a therapeutic agent, such as a sclerosing agent, to the walls of a blood vessel to perform sclerotherapy. A method of fabricating a medical balloon comprises charging a polymer material with an electric voltage, dispensing the charged polymeric material through a nozzle, collecting the charged polymeric material on a grounded mandrel, wherein the mandrel includes a tubular body having a plurality of openings extending through the tubular body, and forming an electrospun medical balloon defined by a body having a varied thickness.

Abstract: Described herein is a method of forming a seamless transfer member suitable for use with an image forming system. The method includes spray coating a UV curable polymer and conductive particles onto an inner surface of a rotating cylindrical mandrel. The UV curable polymer is cured with ultra violet energy. The cured UV polymer is removed from the cylindrical rotatable mandrel.

Abstract: Method for producing a wind turbine rotor blade part with a prefabricated main spar cap, comprising the following steps: providing a mold having a blade-root end and with a blade-tip end, inserting at least one outer root reinforcement layer (28) made of a fibrous material into the mold, arranging the prefabricated main spar cap on the at least one outer root reinforcement layer, arranging, in the mold, at least one inner root reinforcement layer made of a fibrous material on the main spar cap, closing the mold, extracting the air from the mold through at least one extraction channel arranged at a lateral distance from the main spar cap, feeding a liquid plastics material through a first sprue channel which has a plurality of outlet openings below the main spar cap, feeding a liquid plastics material through a second sprue channel which has a plurality of outlet openings above the main spar cap.

Abstract: A method of making ceramics is provided. The method comprises preparing a dispersion of a nano-material. A slurry of a ceramic matrix material is prepared. The nano-dispersion is mixed with the matrix slurry to form a nano-dispersion/slurry mixture. The nano-dispersion/slurry mixture is dried. The nano-dispersion/slurry mixture is pressed into a final manufacture comprising a granular structure including the nano-material bonded within and uniformly distributed throughout the granular structure. The manufacture comprises an increased fracture toughness compared with a conventional manufacture produced without bonding the nano-material within the granular structure. The nano-material has a size on the order of tens of nanometers. The matrix material has a size on the order of several micrometers. Five percent of the nano-dispersion/slurry mixture comprises the nano-material dispersion. Sintering is performed on the final form using a sintering process following the pressing step.

Abstract: A pass-through catalytic substrate can comprise a plurality of porous ceramic substrate walls defining flow channels extending between an inlet end and an outlet end of the catalytic substrate. The pass-through catalytic substrate can include a plurality of porous ceramic beveled corner portions positioned at intersecting corners of the substrate walls within the flow channels. In one example, the porous ceramic beveled corner portions each include a heat capacity less than about 1.38 J/cm3/K. In another example, a catalytic washcoat layer can be provided for coating the porous ceramic substrate walls and the porous ceramic beveled corner portions. Methods for producing a pass-through catalytic substrate also provide porous ceramic beveled corner portions.

Abstract: In a method for cooling a metallurgical furnace having at least one cooling element which is flown through by a cooling mediums, a cooling medium that contains at least one ionic liquid, and preferably consists thereof, is carried through the cooling element, thereby preventing the problems that are associated with water cooling, such as the risk of hydrogen explosions and damage to the furnace lining.

Abstract: In a blast furnace plant, at least three regenerative heaters are cyclically operated on blast and on gas: while a regenerative heater is operated on gas, hot flue gas is produced and caused to flow through the regenerative heater so as to heat the heat storage elements; and while a regenerative heater is operated on blast, process gas, i.e. a CO-rich fraction of the top gas, is blown through the regenerative heater so that the process gas takes up heat from the heat storage elements, such that during a changeover of a regenerative heater from on-blast to on-gas operation, the regenerative heater is purged from process gas using flue gas collected after having flown through at least one of the regenerative heaters.

Abstract: Crucible compositions and methods of using the crucible compositions to melt titanium and titanium alloys. More specifically, crucible compositions having extrinsic facecoats comprising a rare earth oxide that are effective for melting titanium and titanium alloys for use in casting titanium-containing articles. Further embodiments are titanium-containing articles made from the titanium and titanium alloys melted in the crucible compositions. Another embodiment is a crucible curing device and methods of use thereof.