Abstract: Embodiments of the invention are directed to methods of electroplating copper onto at least one surface of a substrate in which more uniform electrical double layers are formed adjacent to the at least one surface being electroplated (i.e., the cathode) and an anode of an electrochemical cell, respectively. In one embodiment, the electroplated copper may be substantially-free of dendrites, exhibit a high-degree of (111) crystallographic texture, and/or be electroplated at a high-deposition rate (e.g., about 6 ?m per minute or more) by electroplating the copper under conditions in which a ratio of a cathode current density at the at least one surface to an anode current density at an anode is at least about 20. In another embodiment, a porous anodic film may be formed on a consumable copper anode using a long conditioning process that promotes forming a more uniform electrical double layer adjacent to the anode.

Abstract: For improving the current transfer during the electrolytic metallization of workpieces, a method is proposed: (a) providing a metal depositing apparatus 17, in which the workpiece, at least one anode 40, 41 and a metal deposition electrolyte AE are arranged and which has a device for electric current generation 60 and at least one current feeding device 31 with in each case at least one electrical contact element 34, 35 for making electrical contact with the workpiece; (b) bringing the at least one electrical contact element 34, 35 into contact with the workpiece; and (c) feeding electric current to the workpiece via the at least one electrical contact element 34, 35 in order that the deposition metal deposits on the workpiece. Before method step (b), in a further method step (d), deposition metal is deposited on the at least one electrical contact element 34, 35.

Abstract: The invention relates to an electrode suitable as anode for evolution of gaseous products comprising a metal substrate coated with at least one titanium suboxide layer having an interconnected porosity and containing catalytic noble metal oxides. The invention further relates to a method of manufacturing such electrode comprising applying a mixture of titanium suboxides and noble metal oxide-based catalyst on a valve metal substrate via cold gas spray technique.

Abstract: The present invention provides a methanol generation device for generating methanol by reducing carbon dioxide, comprising: a container for storing an electrolyte solution containing carbon dioxide; a cathode electrode disposed in the container so as to be in contact with the electrolyte solution; an anode electrode disposed in the container so as to be in contact with the electrolyte solution; and an external power supply for applying a voltage so that a potential of the cathode electrode is negative with respect to a potential of the anode electrode. The cathode electrode has a region of Cu1-x-yNixAuy (0<x, 0<y, and x+y<1). The anode electrode has a region of a metal or a metal compound.

Abstract: The present invention provides a methanol generation device for generating methanol by reducing carbon dioxide, comprising: a container for storing an electrolyte solution containing carbon dioxide; a cathode electrode disposed in the container so as to be in contact with the electrolyte solution; an anode electrode disposed in the container so as to be in contact with the electrolyte solution; and an external power supply for applying a voltage so that a potential of the cathode electrode is negative with respect to a potential of the anode electrode. The cathode electrode includes a region of Cu1-xAux (0<x<1). The anode electrode includes a region of a metal or a metal compound.

Abstract: The present invention relates to catalysts for the production of CO gas through electrochemical CO2 reduction. In particular, the present invention relates to an electrochemical cell comprising an iron porphyrin as the catalyst for the CO2 reduction into CO, a method of performing electrochemical reduction of CO2 using said electrochemical cell thereby producing CO gas, and a method of performing electrochemical reduction of CO2 using said iron porphyrin catalyst thereby producing CO gas.

Abstract: Disclosed is an alloy of the formula: Fe3?xAl1+xMyTzTat wherein M represents at least one catalytic specie selected from the group consisting of Ru, Ir, Pd, Pt, Rh, Os, Re and Ag; T represents at least one element selected from the group consisting of Mo, Co, Cr, V, Cu, Zn, Nb, W, Zr, Y, Mn, Cd, Si, B, C, O, N, P, F, S, CI, Na and Ti; and Ta represents tantalum. Such an alloy can be used as an electrode material for the synthesis of sodium chlorate. It can also be used as a coating for protection against corrosion.

Abstract: There is a method of facilitating the consolidation of fine tailings through the application of an electrical current. The fine tailings include a combination of at least some water and some clay particles. Electrodes are placed into contact with the fine tailings. An AC voltage with a DC offset is applied to the electrodes to separate water from the clay particles and to induce movement of the separated water to a collection area. The separated clay particles can consolidate more readily than unseparated clay particles. In an embodiment, the fine tailings are mixed fine oil sands extraction tailings which include residual hydrocarbons. In an embodiment, the application of an AC voltage with a DC offset across the electrodes includes applying an AC voltage of about 1 V/cm and a DC offset of about ½ V/cm.

Abstract: A sensor system including devices and methods for determining the concentration of an analyte in a sample is described. Input signals including amperometric and voltammetric duty cycles of excitations and relaxations may provide a shorter analysis time and/or improve the accuracy and/or precision of the analysis. The disclosed system may reduce analysis errors, thus improving measurement performance, by adjusting the potential and/or scan rate in response to output currents obtained from voltammetric scans. The disclosed system also may determine the concentration of more than one ionizable species in the sample by adjusting the potential and/or scan rate in response to output currents obtained from voltammetric scans. The multiple, determined concentrations may be used to determine the concentration of multiple analytes or to correct the concentration determined for an analyte, thus improving the measurement performance of the system.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel Bacillus pumilus bilirubin oxidase, to the method for preparing same and also to the use thereof in particular for assaying bilirubin and for using enzymatic biofuel cells.

Abstract: The concentration measurement method includes: introducing a predetermined amount of the biological sample into the capillary; measuring a temperature of the biological sample by applying a first voltage to the electrode unit when the temperature of the biological sample is measured, the first voltage allowing the temperature measurement to be less affected by increase and reduction in an amount of the analyte contained in the biological sample; measuring the concentration of the analyte contained in the biological sample by applying a second voltage to the electrode unit; measuring an environmental temperature in a surrounding of the biological sample; and correcting the concentration of the measured analyte based on the measured temperature of the biological sample and the measured environmental temperature.

Abstract: An electrochemical detector can be powered partly, or entirely by voltages generated by the sensor. Using either active circuits or a passive component which produces a predetermined voltage drop in the respective sensor, two electrode consumable anode oxygen sensors can be provided which do not evolve hydrogen during operation.

Abstract: A test strip comprising two electrodes having conducting surfaces facing inwardly toward each other in a portion of the test strip adjacent a sample chamber. A pair of spacers are disposed, each adjacent one side of the sample chamber, between the electrodes. The electrodes bypass each other at a proximal end of the test strip away from the sample chamber so that the conducting surfaces face outwardly away from each other to form electrical contact areas of the test strip.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an ammunition package that includes a container having a bottom panel and an attached side panel. The inner face of the bottom panel is formed having a plurality of cartridge receiving sockets. An inner lid, foldable between an open position and a closed position, is attached at an upper edge of the container. Similarly an outer lid is attached to the container, in such a manner that the outer lid is foldable over the inner lid. In a preferred embodiment, an inner face of the inner lid is formed having a plurality of upper cartridge receiving sockets that align with the lower cartridge receiving sockets when the inner lid is positioned in the closed position. In the preferred embodiment, an upper face of the inner lid is formed as a tray when the inner lid is in the closed position.

Abstract: A multi-purpose receptacle includes a bottom panel and a sidewall attached to the bottom panel. The sidewall extends from the bottom panel in a longitudinal direction. The sidewall includes a side panel and an inflatable bladder attached to the side panel. The side panel extends around at least a portion of the bottom panel. The inflatable bladder includes a sealed cavity for containing an amount of gas, and defines a portion of the sidewall.

Abstract: Described is a device comprising a retro-reflective marker sphere comprising: a core ball comprising: a generally spherical body portion, a mounting base extending from one end of the body portion of the core ball, and a mounting recess having a recess opening in the mounting base and extending into the body portion of the core ball, and a retro-reflective covering on the core ball, the retro-reflective covering comprising an opening through which the mounting base of the core ball extends, wherein a flat lower surface of the mounting base is spaced proximally from a lower edge of the opening of the retro-reflective covering, and wherein the mounting recess includes an interior screw thread for engaging an exterior screw thread of a mounting post when the retro-reflective marker sphere is mounted on the mounting post.

Abstract: The present invention provides for a gun vault that can safely transfer a firearm within the public area that is easy to carry and can secure easily and quickly to various surfaces or objects. The gun vault comprises a first component, illustrated as a gun vault top half connected to a second component, illustrated herein as a gun vault bottom half, which when coupled together provides an interior constructed and arranged to store internal functional hardware as well as one or more firearms, such as a handgun and magazine clip. The gun vault further includes a removable and variably positionable handle, which allows for the gun vault to be secured to objects or surfaces, such as a seat of a car or some type of fixed pole, quickly and easily. To prevent unauthorized access, the gun vault may further include a locking assembly.

Abstract: A tool storage device includes a housing, a linkage unit, a biasing member and a locking member. The linkage unit includes a driving member, multiple storing members, and a linkage mechanism interconnecting the storing members and the driving member. The linkage unit is convertible between a retracted position, where the storing members are accommodated in the housing, and an opening position, where the storing members are driven by the driving member via the linkage mechanism to pivot so that ends of the storing members are away from the housing with different orientations. The biasing member biases the linkage unit toward the expanded position. The locking member is disposed for locking releasably the linkage unit in the retracted position.

Abstract: A solid wound dressing material comprising: at least about 5 wt % collagen; from about 6 wt % to about 9 wt % polyvinylpyrrolidone triiodide (PVP-I); and from 0 wt % to about 20 wt % water; wherein the weight percentages are based on the dry weight of the composition. Also provided are methods of making such materials, and wound dressings comprising such materials. In another aspect the invention provides a solid wound dressing material comprising: at least about 5 wt % collagen; from about 10 wt % to about 90 wt % Cadexomer iodine; and from 0 wt % to about 20 wt % water, wherein the weight percentages are based on the dry weight of the composition. Also provided are wound dressings comprising the materials.

Abstract: A container extends along a longitudinal axis and includes a base, a body extending axially from the base, and a generally radially outwardly facing external surface having sharply outlined indicia. The indicia includes generally V-shaped depressions having outer slopes, inner slopes, and vertices connecting the slopes. A method of making the container is also disclosed.

Abstract: A decorative container assembly and method are provided for storing traction-enhancing materials such as salt pellets or tablets, sand or gravel. The decorative container includes a container cover and a container base configured for mating together, where at least the container cover has a decorative outer shape and/or surface ornamentation, such as in a winter theme. The base defines an inner storage cavity for holding the traction-enhancing materials, and has a lower mating element for cooperatively engaging an upper mating element of the cover. The upper mating element is removably attachable to the lower mating element in a manner that substantially seals the inner storage cavity. Optionally, the base has a decorative outer shape or ornamentation that cooperates with the cover so that the assembled container forms a complete winter theme. Optionally, the container base may be substantially non-decorative, such as part of the original packaging of the traction-enhancing material.

Abstract: A poultry tray for shipping and displaying a dressed poultry. The poultry tray comprises a receptacle including a bottom wall and a peripheral wall having an upper end defining a receptacle opening. The poultry tray also comprises a flap pivotally connected to the receptacle at a rear end thereof. The flap is pivotable between an open configuration wherein the flap extends outwardly from the receptacle opening and a closed configuration wherein the flap covers a section of the receptacle opening and has a distal end detachably secured to the receptacle.

Abstract: An apparatus for storing both clean and used baby bottle nipples and collars includes a transparent cylindrical tubular member with a first open end and a second open end, a first nipple-shaped cap pivotably mounted to the first open end, a second cap pivotably mounted to the second open end, and a flexible insert with a nipple-shaped member having a concave side wall affixed to the bottom of the nipple-shaped member, the concave side wall having a top portion and a bottom portion both slidably in contact with the interior of the cylindrical tubular member, the top and bottom portions of the concave side wall able to provide a seal between the side wall and the cylindrical tubular member that prevents a cross-contamination between the clean bottle nipples and collars stored above the flexible insert and the used bottle nipples and collars stored below the insert.

Abstract: A lubrication oil fine-tuning device includes a tank having a nano electromagnetic wave coating coated on the outside of the tank. The nano electromagnetic wave coating fine-tunes the lubrication oil particles and the lubrication oil is circulated between parts to smooth the operation of the parts and saves expense of the fuel.

Abstract: Provided is a clarifying agent composition which is capable of yielding a molded article having excellent transparency whose initial coloration is suppressed. The clarifying agent composition is characterized by comprising 1.0 to 10 parts by mass of a colorant with respect to 100 parts by mass of a clarifying agent represented by the following Formula (1): (wherein, R1 to R4 each independently represent a hydrogen atom or an alkyl group having 1 to 9 carbon atoms; R5 represents a hydrogen atom or a methyl group; n represents 1 or 2; and M represents an alkali metal when n is 1, or Al(OH) when n is 2).

Abstract: A cosmetics container includes a shelf portion with a cosmetic material retention area which is configured to receive a cosmetic material. The container can include a base portion which can include a shelf portion-receiving section. The container can have a top portion which includes a base portion-receiving section, whereby the top portion can releasably engage with the base portion or the shelf portion or both. The top portion can form a transverse line along a portion of an exterior of the container when the container is in an assembled configuration. The transverse line can form a plane which bisecting the container. The base portion can have a truncated region with a substantially flat area. The substantially flat area can form an angle with the bisecting plane when the container is in the assembled configuration.

Abstract: A child-resistant blister package. The package has a top face, a bottom face, and a periphery. The package also has a protection layer with a top face, a bottom face and a periphery; a blister layer with one or more cavities; and an access layer with a top face, a bottom face, and a periphery. The bottom face of the access layer has a line of weakness that allows the unit dose to be removed from the cavity in one-step by applying a force to the top of the cavity and pressing the unit dose through the line of weakness. The bottom face of the protection layer and the top face of the access layer are permanently joined along substantially the entire periphery of the package. The blister package can also contain a tear resistant layer.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an open-top container for shipping and displaying products which comprises a plurality of side walls and end walls. Bottom wall flaps are foldably joined to bottom edges of the side walls and end walls and are folded inwardly therefrom into overlapping relationship with one another to form a bottom wall closure. A respective plurality of beams foldably joined to upper edges of the respective plurality of side walls and end walls. Each of the plurality of the beams is defined by a shoulder panel and three folding flaps foldably joined to one another. A bumper sticker panel is foldably joined to upper edge of one of the plurality of side walls forming a partial top closure when the open-top container is in the shipping position and partially prevents products from falling out when the open-top container is in the displaying position.

Abstract: A process for reactivating an iron-contaminated FCC catalyst is disclosed. The process comprises contacting the iron-contaminated FCC catalyst with an iron transfer agent. The iron transfer agent comprises a magnesia-alumina hydrotalcite material that contains a modifier selected from the group consisting of calcium, manganese, lanthanum, iron, zinc, or phosphate.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for desulfurizing hydrocarbon streams are provided herein. In one embodiment, a method for desulfurizing a hydrocarbon stream includes separating the hydrocarbon stream into a heavier fraction and a lighter fraction. The heavier fraction includes a relatively higher amount of lower octane mono-unsaturates and the lighter fraction includes a relatively higher amount of higher octane mono-unsaturates. The method further includes hydrodesulfurizing the heavier fraction in a first hydrodesulfurization zone and hydrodesulfurizing the lighter fraction in a second hydrodesulfurization zone. Further, the method forms a hydrodesulfurized stream from the heavier fraction and the lighter fraction.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a simplified valuable mineral sorting apparatus including, a first storage tank which accommodates a mixture of water and heavy powder and includes a specific gravity measurement module; a second storage tank accommodating a portion of the mixture exceeding a capacity level line of the first storage tank; a first discharge tube which is connected to the first storage tank and the second storage tank to introduce the excess portion of the mixture into the second storage tank, and which is positioned at the capacity level line of the first storage tank; a second discharge tube which is connected to the first storage tank to discharge the mixture in the first storage tank and which includes a flow rate control module; a specific gravity sorting device which includes a sorting container for receiving the mixture discharged from the second discharge tube and which changes a slope of the sorting container to sort minerals from the mixture in the sorting container; and a control unit for controll

Abstract: Collector compositions and methods for making and using same to purify one or more crude materials are provided. The collector composition can include one or more amidoamines having the chemical Formula I and one or more amines having the chemical Formula IV, where a weight ratio of the amidoamine to the amine can be about 99:1 to about 1:99.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for controlling the flotation process of sulphide ores including separation of sulphide minerals from pyrite in an alkaline environment created by lime. The method comprises measuring the molybdenum electrode potential of an aqueous slurry of the ore and adjusting the addition of lime based on the measured molybdenum electrode potential to maintain the molybdenum electrode potential of the slurry in a preselected range. The apparatus comprises means (6) for measuring the molybdenum electrode potential and a control unit (7) for controlling the addition of lime to the slurry based on the measured molybdenum electrode potential of the slurry.

Abstract: A filtering system includes a container assembly configured to receive a radioactive fluid contaminated with radioactive particles. The container assembly includes a radiation shielding assembly configured to contain radiation produced by the radioactive fluid. A delivery system is coupled to the container assembly and configured to remove the radioactive fluid from the container assembly. A filter assembly coupled to the delivery system and configured to remove all or a portion of the radioactive particles included within the radioactive fluid, wherein the filter assembly includes: a screen assembly including a plurality of passages that are sized to filter the radioactive particles from the radioactive fluid, thus producing a filtered radioactive fluid.

Abstract: A separator device (10) for removing particles from suspension in a fluid comprising: a housing (12), having a central axis extending between first and second opposing ends; an inlet (34) and an outlet (36) provided in an end of the housing (12); a separation chamber (46) for separating solid particles from the fluid, including obstruction means (60) to slow the flow of fluid within the chamber.

Abstract: The filter includes: a structure with a C-shaped profile defining side walls and nozzle pipes, each connected to the structure. Each nozzle pipe has a longitudinal axis and an end; a plate connected over a border of the nozzle pipe end to close the nozzle pipe. The plate extends beyond the border. The end of the nozzle pipe is inserted between the side walls of the C-shaped profile. The plate is connected between the side walls of the C-shaped profile. A U-shaped pin defines a first and a second leg, wherein the first leg is inserted in holes of the side walls of the C-shaped profile. The first and the second leg rest on the nozzle pipe and embracing the nozzle pipe. The plate is at an angle (A) greater than 0° with a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the nozzle pipe. The second leg has a protrusion that rests against the plate.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a separation membrane module in which a plurality of spiral-type separation membrane elements for use in separating and removing ingredients present in a fluid to be treated are loaded. The present invention provides a separation membrane module in which a plurality of spiral-type separation membrane elements are loaded in a cylindrical pressure-resistant vessel and which allows easy loading and removal of the separation membrane elements while maintaining sealing property even when high-hardness foreign particles are present on sealing surfaces and fully achieving its performance, thereby ensuring reductions in maintenance time and labor, and provides a replacement method for such separation membrane elements.

Abstract: Provided is a filter element having an annular resilient sealing device having a bead that undulates axially back and forth for mating with a correspondingly undulating top surface of a base in a filter assembly. The undulating bead provides for a fluid tight seal while restricting relative rotation of the filter element relative to the base.

Abstract: A filter cartridge endplate (12) is described herein that has an integrated flow structure. For example, the integrated flow structure has concentric flow portions disposed at a center of the endplate (12), where a separator (10) is built into the endplate (12) that separates fluid flow. The endplate (12) includes a plate with a major surface, a separator (10) that protrudes axially away from the major surface. The separator (10) includes a first flow portion (14) and a second flow portion (16), where the first flow portion (14) is disposed radially inward relative to the second flow portion (16). The first flow portion (14) includes a channel (22) and the second flow portion includes a channel (24). The respective channels (22,24) are configured to allow axial fluid flow relative to the plate, and configured to allow fluid flow that is localized toward the center of the plate (12).

Abstract: A filtration article and a method for manufacture of the filtration article. The filtration article includes a filtration medium that includes a porous membrane. A thermoplastic end cap component is potted onto the filtration medium along the peripheral edge of the filtration medium. To enhance the quality of the seal between the end cap component and the filtration medium, a thermoplastic material is imbibed through at least a portion of the thickness of the filtration medium along the peripheral edge. Methods for the manufacture of such a filtration article and the filtration medium are also provided.

Abstract: A preparation method of a homogeneous-reinforced PVDF hollow fiber membrane includes steps of: a) preparing a reinforced matrix membrane, wherein a PVDF hollow fiber membrane is utilized as the reinforced matrix membrane; b) preparing a PVDF casting solution, wherein mass fractions of the PVDF casting solution are: PVDF 6˜20 wt %; hydrophilic polymers or hydrophilic inorganic particles 0.6˜2 wt %; pore-forming agent 6˜10 wt %; and solvent 68˜87.4 wt %; mixing the above solutes in a water bath with a temperature of 70˜90° C.

Abstract: Membranes including functionalized carbon nanotubes, nanodiamonds and/or graphene oxide immobilized in or on the membranes are disclosed. The membranes including the immobilized nanocarbons increase interactions with water vapor to improve desalination efficiency in membrane distillation. The membranes may be deployed in all modes of membrane distillation such as air gap membrane distillation, direct contact membrane distillation, vacuum membrane distillation and other separations.

Abstract: A microfluidic device for increasing convective clearance of particles from a fluid is provided. A network of first channels can be separated from a network of second channels by a first membrane. The network of first channels can also be separated from a network of third channels by a second membrane. Fluid containing an analyte can be introduced in the network of first channels. Infusate can be introduced into the network of second channels, and waste-collecting fluid can be introduced into the network of third channels. A pressure gradient can be applied in a direction perpendicular to the direction of fluid flow in the network of first channels, such that the analyte is transported from the network of first channels into the network of third channels through the second membrane.

Abstract: A portable water purification system is disclosed. The system can have a water storage receptacle, a reverse osmosis filter, a pump, and a solar panels array group. The reverse osmosis filter can be configurable to convert source water into drinkable water, and the pump can be configurable to provide the source water from a water source to the reverse osmosis filter. The array group can have at least one bi-fold solar panel array, and the array group can be configurable to provide power for the pump. The water storage receptacle can be configurable to contain the drinkable water in one configuration and configurable to contain at least one component of the purification system for storage in another configuration.

Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods for depleting fluids of immunoglobulins and leukocytes are disclosed.

Abstract: Systems and methods are presented for removing an ionic material from a fluid using a capture polymer that sequesters the ionic material and an anchor particle bearing a tethering polymer. The tethering polymer complexes with the capture polymer after the capture polymer has sequestered the ionic material, thereby affixing a complex of capture polymer and ionic material to the anchor particle to form a removable complex. The removable material can be segregated from the fluid via a removal system, thereby removing the ionic material from the fluid.

Abstract: The present invention relates to water treatment, in particular to a process for the removal of contaminants in a raw water source where the contaminants consist of organic species and inorganic species.

Abstract: A water treatment system including: a flow regulation control system configured to combine oxo-anion-contaminated water with a reduction-promoting agent, a hole scavenger, or both; a reactor fluidically coupled to the flow regulation control system; a first set of system control probes configured to monitor the concentration of oxygen and oxo-anion in the contaminated water; a second set of system control probes configured to monitor concentration of the oxo-anion and reduction products of the oxo-anion in treated effluent from the reactor; and a controller configured to control the flow regulation control system, thereby controlling the flow rate of the contaminated water and the at least one of the reduction-promoting agent and the hole scavenger to the reactor based at least in part on the concentration of oxo-anion and the reduction products of the oxo-anion in the treated effluent.

Abstract: A method of measuring and controlling a temperature distribution at a member is disclosed. A probe is placed proximate the member. The probe has a plurality of longitudinally-spaced reflective elements. An ultrasonic pulse is generated at a selected location of the probe so as to propagate along the probe. Reflected pulses are received at the selected location from the plurality of longitudinally-spaced reflective elements. The distribution of temperature at the member is determined from the reflected pulses. The determined distribution of temperature may be used in controlling the temperature of the member. The member may be a solid or fluid.

Abstract: An aquarium filter and a method of indicating reduced flow through the filter. The aquarium filter includes a first chamber, a second chamber, and a filter cartridge separating the first chamber and the second chamber. A first flow path is defined through the filter cartridge separating the first chamber and the second chamber. The aquarium filter also includes spillway defining a second flow path and an indicator positioned in the second flow path.