Abstract: A quick release coupling for horse control gear having a rein clip having a first shaft. A trigger snip clap is attached to a clip attachment portion of the rein clip. A male attachment piece is disposed upon a second end of the first shaft. A female attachment piece includes a second shaft. A swivel harness attachment, an inner ring, and an outer ring are each retained by the second shaft. The inner ring and the outer ring have a first inner cavity and a second inner cavity, respectively. The male attachment piece is configured to reversibly engage the first inner cavity. A plurality of ball bearings, and a plurality of torsion springs are retained within retention chambers. A notch is disposed upon an inner face of the outer ring.

Abstract: Disclosed is an isolation mechanism and technique for packaging a MEMS transducer, such as a bulk acoustic wave gyroscope or accelerometer, to provide isolation from externally applied (or internally induced) stress, strain, vibration, shock and thermal transients. The disclosed methods and techniques enable the location of voids/air cavity/environmental isolations inside an encapsulant or over mold compound to be custom selected by treating at least a portion of the exterior surfaces of the MEMS device package with anti-stiction coatings to create opposing hydrophobic and hydrophilic conditions which during encapsulant and transfer molding steps create voids or air bubbles in the proximity of the anti-stiction coating due to the opposing water resistive characteristic of encapsulant.

Abstract: A micromechanical device and a method for forming the device is disclosed, wherein the micromechanical device has a laterally movable mechanically active element that has a quiescent position in which it is in physical contact with a second structural element. The device is fabricating by disposing the mechanically active element on a first substrate and disposing the second structural element on a second substrate. After the two substrates are aligned and joined such that both the mechanically active element and the second structural element are in contact and affixed to one of the substrates, the other substrate is removed leaving all structural elements disposed on a single substrate.

Abstract: A MEMS device and a method of making a MEMS device are disclosed. In one embodiment a semiconductor device comprises a substrate, a moveable electrode and a counter electrode, wherein the moveable electrode and the counter electrode are mechanically connected to the substrate. The movable electrode is configured to stiffen an inner region of the movable membrane.

Abstract: Integrated MEMS switches, design structures and methods of fabricating such switches are provided. The method includes forming at least one tab of sacrificial material on a side of a switching device which is embedded in the sacrificial material. The method further includes stripping the sacrificial material through at least one opening formed on the at least one tab which is on the side of the switching device, and sealing the at least one opening with a capping material.

Abstract: After a TEOS oxide film is formed on the surface of a semiconductor device, a PSG film and an SiN film, which have air permeability, are formed on the surface of the TEOS oxide film. Thereafter, a Poly-Si film is formed thereon. A sacrifice layer is removed by a gaseous HF that passes through the PSG film, the SiN film, and the Poly-Si film, and then, the uppermost layer is covered with a Poly-Si/SiC film. A chip scale package having a thin-film hollow-seal structure can be realized on the semiconductor element.

Abstract: Disclosed is an integrated circuit comprising a substrate (10) carrying a plurality of circuit elements; a metallization stack (12, 14, 16) interconnecting said circuit elements, said metallization stack comprising a patterned upper metallization layer comprising a first metal portion (20); a passivation stack (24, 26, 28) covering the metallization stack; and a sensor including a sensing material (40) on the passivation stack, said sensor being coupled to the first metal portion by a via (34) extending through the passivation stack. A method of manufacturing such an IC is also disclosed.

Abstract: A facile procedure to deliver nanocrystals to the cytosol of live cells that is both rapid and general. The technique employs a unique cationic core-shell polymer colloid that directs nanocrystals to the cytosol of living cells within a few hours of incubation. The present methods and compositions enable a host of advanced applications arising from efficient cytosolic delivery of nanocrystal imaging probes: from single particle tracking experiments to monitoring protein-protein interactions in live cells for extended periods.

Abstract: A process for reducing free oxygen in a gaseous nitrogen stream includes the steps of (i) reforming a hydrocarbon to generate a gas mixture containing hydrogen and carbon oxides, (ii) mixing the gas mixture with a nitrogen stream containing free oxygen, and (iii) passing the resulting nitrogen gas mixture over a conversion catalyst that converts at least a portion of the free oxygen present in the nitrogen to steam wherein the hydrocarbon reforming step includes oxidation of a hydrocarbon using an oxygen-containing gas.

Abstract: A non-activated, majority non-graphitic amorphous carbon material may be produced by supplying a carbonized precursor material, heating the carbonized precursor material in a first heating step at a temperature and for a duration sufficient to produce a heat-treated carbon material that has a specific surface area less than about 500 m2/g and is less than about 20% graphitic by mass, purifying the heat-treated carbon material, and heating the purified heat-treated carbon material in a second heating step at a temperature and for a duration to produce a non-activated, majority non-graphitic amorphous carbon material that has a specific surface area less than about 500 m2/g and is less than about 20% graphitic by mass.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and devices are described to fabricate precursor intermediaries and carbon fiber or graphene materials. In one aspect, a method to fabricate an acryl-modified polymer includes obtaining a hydrocarbon substance from one or both of a waste stream or natural gas, separating gases from the hydrocarbon substance to form hydrogen gas and a carbonaceous gas including one or more of methane, butane, or ethane, dehydrogenating the carbonaceous gas by adding heat to form a dehydrogenated carbon material, and reacting the dehydrogenated carbon material with a nitrogen material including one of ammonia or urea to produce polyacrylonitrile (PAN).

Abstract: A method for producing a graphie material for an electrode material for lithium ion batteries, including a step for exothermically graphitizing a carbon material by directly passing an electric current therethrough. The carbon material has an compact powder resistivity of 0.4 ?·cm or less when compressed to a density of 1.4 g/cm3, has an angle of repose in the range of 20° to 50° inclusive, and has a particle size (D90) in the volume-based particle size distribution measured using laser diffraction of 120 ?m or less. The average surface interval (d002) of a surface (002) of the carbon material after graphitization, measured using x-ray diffraction, is in the range of 0.3354 nm-0.3450 nm inclusive.

Abstract: We report a method of preparation of highly elastic graphene oxide films, and their transformation into graphene oxide fibers and electrically conductive graphene fibers by spinning. Methods typically include: 1) oxidation of graphite to graphene oxide, 2) preparation of graphene oxide slurry with high solid contents and residues of sulfuric acid impurities. 3) preparation of large area films by bar-coating or dropcasting the graphene oxide dispersion and drying at low temperature. 4) spinning the graphene oxide film into a fiber, and 5) thermal or chemical reduction of the graphene oxide fiber into an electrically conductive graphene fiber. The resulting films and fiber have excellent mechanical properties, improved morphology as compared with current graphene oxide fibers, high electrical conductivity upon thermal reduction, and improved field emission properties.

Abstract: An agent for reducing graphene oxide and a method for preparing reduced graphene oxide or graphene are provided. An agent for reducing graphene oxide include a mixture of a reducing agent containing a halogen element with trifluoroacetic acid (CF3COOH).

Abstract: Aggregated graphene oxide includes a range of specific surface area, and a method of preparing aggregated graphene oxide includes dispersing graphene oxide in an organic solvent and adding an anti-solvent. Aggregated graphene includes a range of specific surface area, and a method of preparing aggregated graphene includes dispersing graphene oxide in an organic solvent, adding an anti-solvent, and reducing the aggregated graphene oxide. Aggregated and nitrogen-doped includes a range of specific surface area, and a method of preparing aggregated and nitrogen-doped graphene includes dispersing graphene oxide in an organic solvent, adding an anti-solvent, and photo-reacting the aggregated graphene oxide.

Abstract: A facile method to produce covalently bonded graphene-like network coated on various solid substrates is disclosed in the present invention. According to one embodiment, a combination of chemical vapor deposition (CVD) of carbon sources and a silicon compound with or without a metal containing compound under an inert gas flow is processed at high temperatures to produce covalent carbide bonding among graphene-like structures and between graphene-like structures and substrate surface.

Abstract: There is provided colloidal silica particles comprising at least one polyvalent metal element M selected from a group consisting of iron, aluminum, zinc, zirconium, titanium, tin, and lead in an average content of 0.001 to 0.02 in terms of an M/Si molar ratio, and having an average primary particle diameter of 5 to 40 nm, wherein the content of the polyvalent metal element M present in an outermost layer of the colloidal particles is 0 to 0.003 atom per square nanometer (nm2) of a surface area of the colloidal particles; and a silica sol that the colloidal silica particles are dispersed in an organic solvent, a silica sol that the colloidal silica particles are dispersed in a polymerizable compound, and a silica sol that the colloidal silica particles are dispersed in a dicarboxylic anhydride.

Abstract: The method described herein provides a method for preparing trisilylamine. In one aspect, the method comprises: providing a reaction mixture of trisilylamine and monochlorosilane into a reactor wherein the reaction mixture is at a temperature and pressure sufficient to provide trisilylamine in a liquid phase wherein the reaction mixture is substantially free of an added solvent; contacting the reaction mixture with ammonia to provide a crude mixture comprising trisilylamine and an ammonium chloride solid wherein monochlorosilane is in stoichiometric excess in relation to ammonia; purifiying the crude mixture to provide trisilylamine wherein the trisilyamine is produced at purity level of 90% or greater; and optionally removing the ammonium chloride solid from the reactor.

Abstract: A flotation unit for purifying water, comprising at least a separator tank, a supply duct to a tank inlet, outlets for gas, oil and water from the tank, and a gas injector located in the supply duct, said gas injector comprising a venturi section having an inner diameter and a cross-sectional area smaller than a cross-sectional area of the supply duct, an ejector arranged in the venturi section and having an outer side facing an inside surface of the venturi section, an inner side facing a longitudinal center axis of the venturi section, a downstream side, and a upstream side, the ejector comprising an annular gas distribution chamber and a plurality of gas outlets arranged along a side of the ejector and connected to the gas distribution chamber, and a gas inlet for supplying gas to the gas distribution chamber, wherein the ejector has an outer diameter which is smaller than the inner diameter of the venturi section.

Abstract: A thermally treated expanded perlite that can be coated or impregnated with at least one active material and the use of the thermally treated expanded perlite as a light-weight filtration media. Methods for forming thermally treated expanded perlite as well as methods for forming thermally treated perlite coated or impregnated with an active material are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to amine modified clay sorbents and methods for their use. The sorbents of the present invention have particular application for the sorption of hydrophobic contaminants, particularly constituents of AFFFs, surfactants and/or perfluorinated or polyfluorinated compounds.

Abstract: A plurality of laterals operably associated with a treatment unit for treating water and/or wastewater. The plurality of laterals can form many systems including a sludge removal system and a fluid scour system. The treatment unit can take many forms including but not limited to a filter and a sludge collection basin. Preferably, each of the plurality of laterals has a hollow passageway for permitting at least one of a fluid and a material to flow through each of the plurality of laterals. Each of the plurality of laterals includes means for permitting cleaning of a corresponding lateral to remove one or more obstructions obstructing the flow of one of a fluid and a material through at least a portion of the hollow passageway without damaging or altering the corresponding lateral. Preferably, the means for cleaning is configured to seal an opening in the corresponding lateral.

Abstract: An anaerobic digester is fed a feedstock, for example sludge from a municipal wastewater treatment plant, and produces a digestate. The digestate is dewatered into a cake. The cake may be dried further, for example in a thermal drier. The cake is treated in a pyrolysis system to produce a synthesis gas and biochar. The gas is sent to the same or another digester to increase its methane production. The char may be used as a soil enhancer.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for the biological purification of coking plant wastewater that is loaded with nitrogen compounds, cyanides, phenols and sulphides. The coking plant wastewater, for removal of pollutants that inhibit a nitrification, is fed together with a biomass-containing stream of matter to a detoxification reactor that has a gas-treatment zone and a reaction zone. The feed mixture supplied to the detoxification reactor is exposed in the gas-treatment zone to a gaseous oxidizing agent. A stream of matter enriched with the oxidizing agent is fed to the reaction zone in which cyanides and other pollutants inhibiting the nitrification are biodegraded. A stream of matter is withdrawn from the reaction zone and returned to the detoxification reactor. In addition, a wastewater stream from the detoxification reactor is separated by a membrane filtration into a biomass-containing retentate stream and a purified permeate stream.

Abstract: An apparatus introduces partially-purified, softened makeup water into an open recirculating cooling system by injecting proportionated softened makeup water into a secondary side system (such as for filtering the system water) and connected to its primary recirculating system. Proportional unsoftened makeup water is introduced through the secondary side system lines. In particular, the present apparatus and method includes controlling proportional additions (via batch or continuously) of softened and unsoftened makeup water based on cycles of concentration of the system water, and based on characteristics (e.g. conductivity) of the unsoftened makeup water. For example, the present innovation allows the water softener equipment to be placed inside the building where components are easier to install, service, and maintain, while still resulting in optimal control for purposes of minimizing total makeup water required.

Abstract: Methods and systems for treating contaminated flow-back water produced by hydraulic fracture are provided. The method involves precipitating metals from the flow-back water stream in a first reaction using at least one oxidizing agent, at least one pH adjusting agent, a source of sulfate and carbonate ions, and at least one co-precipitation agent. The precipitated metals may be dewatered using a first filter and may be used as an additive to drilling mud. The flow-back water may be further purified in a second reaction by addition of at least one pH adjusting agent and hydrated lime to precipitate salts. The precipitated salts may be dewatered using a second filter and may be used as an accelerating additive to concrete. The purified flow-back water may be stabilized by the addition of at least one pH adjusting agent to provide a water stream that may be reused in the hydraulic fracture drilling process.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of manufacturing a vitreous silica crucible having a transparent layer by use of waste vitreous silica, and silica powder suitable for the manufacturing. According to the present invention, there is provided a method of manufacturing granulated silica powder comprising a process for pulverizing waste vitreous silica generated in the manufacturing process of a crucible to form silica fine powder having an average particle diameter of 100 ?m or less, and a process for granulating the silica fine powder to obtain granulated silica powder having an average particle diameter of 50 ?m or more under helium atmosphere.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a fused refractory product having the following average chemical composition, as a percentage by weight on the basis of the oxides and for a total of 100%: ZrO2: 60.0%-80.0%; SiO2: 4.0%-10.0%; Al2O3: balance to 100%; Y2O3?5.0%; Na2O+K2O+B2O3?0.3% and SiO2/(Na2O+K2O+B2O3)?5.0; other oxide species: ?2.0%; the ratio of the ZrO2/Al2O3 weight contents being between 2.0 and 6.0.

Abstract: An apparatus for forming a glass sheet with reduced zircon inclusions in the glass sheet is disclosed. In one embodiment, the apparatus comprises heating elements distributed vertically between the weirs of a forming wedge and the root of the forming wedge, and wherein a thermal barrier is disposed between adjacent heating elements. A method of using the apparatus is also disclosed.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus provide for: feeding glass batch material into a plasma containment vessel; directing one or more sources of plasma gas into an inner volume of the plasma containment vessel in such a way that the plasma gas swirls in a cyclonic fashion within the plasma containment vessel; and applying first and second electromagnetic fields to the plasma gas to facilitate production of a plasma plume within the inner volume of the plasma containment vessel, where the plasma plume is of a generally cylindrical configuration, and is of sufficient thermal energy to cause the glass batch material to thermally react.

Abstract: Methods provide for post processing at least one flexible glass sheet with the step of providing the glass sheet with an initial shape. The method then further includes the step of flexing the glass sheet into a secondary shape from the initial shape. The method then further includes the step of post processing the glass sheet while biasing the glass sheet into the secondary shape. The method then still further includes the step of releasing the glass sheet to at least partially return to the initial shape.

Abstract: A method for bending a sheet of material into a shaped article includes providing the sheet of material. A reformable area and a non-reformable area of the sheet of material are heated to a first temperature range corresponding to a first viscosity range. The reformable area of the sheet of material is subsequently heated to a second temperature range corresponding to a second viscosity range. The reformable area of the sheet of material is reformed into a selected shape by at least one of sagging the reformable area of the sheet of material and applying a force to the sheet of material outside of or near a boundary of the reformable area.

Abstract: Processes for the manufacture of a hollow cylindrical porous body of synthetic vitreous silica soot by outside vapor deposition on a mandrel are described, in which the temperature of the mandrel is controlled to be substantially constant throughout the deposition process. In preferred embodiments, the mandrel is composed of metal or metal alloy. Hollow ingots of pure or doped synthetic vitreous silica glass manufactured by such processes are also described.

Abstract: There is provided a method for producing a coating solution used on glass for solar collector modules to enhance optical transmittance, comprising: preparing a sol of particles having a diameter of about ten nanometers to about several hundred nanometers by adding a coagulation-inducing agent to a coating solution to induce coagulation of the coating solution by the sol-gel reaction, wherein the coagulation-inducing agent reacts with aluminum alkoxide.

Abstract: There is provided a glass for chemical strengthening having a gray-based color tone and excelling in characteristics preferred for the purposes of housing or decoration of an electronic device, that is, bubble quality, strength, and light transmittance characteristics. A glass for chemical strengthening contains, in mole percentage based on following oxides, 55% to 80% of SiO2, 3% to 16% of Al2O3, 0% to 12% of B2O3, 5% to 16% of Na2O, 0% to 4% of K2O, 0% to 15% of MgO, 0% to 3% of CaO, 0% to 18% of ?RO (where R represents Mg, Ca, Sr, Ba or Zn), 0% to 1% of ZrO2, 0.01% to 0.2% of Co3O4, 0.05% to 1% of NiO, and 0.01% to 3% of Fe2O3.

Abstract: An optical glass is provided. The optical glass is suitable for use in optical elements including lenses, prisms, light guide rods, arrays, optical fibers, gradient components and optical windows in the fields of imaging, sensor technology, microscopy, medical technology, digital projection, telecommunication, optical messaging technology/information transmission, optics/illumination in the automotive sector, for solar technology, photolithography, steppers, excimer lasers, wafers, computer chips and/or integrated circuits and electronic instruments which contain such circuits and chips. The optical glass contains the components La2O3, B2O3, GeO2, HfO2 and In2O3 and in which the following components are present in the following proportions, in % by weight on an oxide basis: SiO2O2 1-8; Sb2O3 0-<2; SiO2+B2O3 1-<20; and SiO2+B2O3+GeO2+HfO2+In2O3 15-25.

Abstract: Provided are: a low-emissivity transparent laminated body having a multilayer structure comprising a substrate and a coated layer, wherein the coated layer comprises, sequentially from the substrate, a low-emissivity electrically-conductive layer, a dielectric layer, and a light-absorbing metal layer; and a building material in which same is used.

Abstract: Methods for chemically strengthening glass articles, e.g., glass sheets, are disclosed, in which computer-implemented techniques are employed to select the conditions, e.g., times, temperatures, and bath compositions and sizes, used in the chemical strengthening. The computer-implemented techniques can be applied to chemical-strengthening methods that employ more than one ion-diffusion treatment, e.g., more than one ion-exchange treatment or a combination of at least one ion-exchange treatment and at least one heat treatment. Through the use of the computer-implemented techniques, more precisely-controlled ion concentration profiles can be achieved in chemically-strengthened glass articles, which can improve the ultimate mechanical properties of the articles.

Abstract: A method is provided of thermally processing carbonaceous ash and ancillary carbonaceous material to produce a carbon-free inert, pozzolanic, or cementitious material and synthesis gas. The carbonaceous ash and ancillary fuels are fed into a thermal reactor along with oxides provided in the ash or in additives including limestone or glass. Carbon in the ancillary fuel and coal fly ash is converted to synthesis gas that is combusted to generate process steam and electricity. Remaining ash exits the thermal reactor chamber for processing at high temperature in a kiln gasifier to react the remaining fixed carbon and produce carbon-free partially-fused nodules or clinker that are cooled and ground to a desired fineness for cementitious or aggregate material in concrete. Carbonaceous ash, especially high carbon coal fly ash and other carbonaceous waste, are converted to energy and non-toxic, carbon-free aggregate or cementitious material used as architectural fill or in concrete mixes.

Abstract: Hydraulically setting compositions containing mineral binders exhibit improved adhesion when polymer powders produced by drying a silica sol and a redispersible polymer powder emulsion are added.

Abstract: The present invention provides an additive blend containing cellulose ether and psyllium suitable for use in dry mix compositions containing a hydraulic binder. The dry mix compositions are particularly useful as a mortar composition, especially for tile adhesives because the compositions improve slip resistance of cement containing tile adhesives, the present invention also provides improved cement containing tile adhesives for larger tiles.

Abstract: Cement compositions may comprise an aluminosilicate; a sodium aluminate, a calcium aluminate, a potassium aluminate, or a combination thereof; and water. In some cases, the cement does not include Portland cement. The cement may be used in a subterranean formation having corrosive components therein, wherein the set cement sheath is resistant to degradation from the corrosive components within the subterranean formation.

Abstract: The invention is in the field of construction and can be used for constructing industrial floors and foundation slabs. The offered composite concrete mixture, comprising cement, sand-stone mixture, water, plasticizer, nano-size pozzolans, shrinkage reducing additive, and steel and/or synthetic fibers, allows the construction of thin, completely jointless without limitation of area, large composite concrete slabs, with no observable shrinkage cracks or curling.

Abstract: The invention provides a cementitious composition comprising a cement component comprising (i) an accelerant, (ii) a calcium sulphate source and (iii) an ettringite forming cement; an aggregate; and optionally water; wherein the cement has a minimum unconfined compressive strength of 1500 psi when tested in accordance with ASTM C1140 and/or C1604 at 15 minutes after placement; methods for its use and concrete formed from it.

Abstract: A structural component for use in oil, gas, exploration, refining and petrochemical applications in the form of a pipe system is provided. The pipe system contains at least two pipe sections are that fusion bonded together, each pipe section comprises a plurality of layers, an inner layer in contact with the corrosive petroleum product comprising a thermoplastic material, a structural layer comprising a composite material, and an outer layer comprising a fire resistive material. In one embodiment, the pipe system meets level II fire endurance standard according to IMO A 18/Res.753 fire testing protocol.

Abstract: The invention relates to a communication device using radio waves with frequencies of 800 MHz to 3 GHz, comprising a ceramic cover at least partially exposed to the external environment of the device, at least one portion of said waves passing therethrough during the use of the device, said cover being at least partially made of a sintered product having a chemical composition such as, by weight and for a total of 100%, 32%?ZrO2?95%, 1%<Y2O3+CeO2+Sc2O3+MgO+CaO, 0%?CeO2?26%, 0%?MgO?43%, 0%?CaO?37%, 0%?SiO2?41%, 0%?Al2O3?55%, 0%?TiO2?30%, 0%?lanthanide oxide, except for CeO2?50% 0% SrO?24%, o %?iAlON compounds ?50%, and other compounds ?15%.

Abstract: A carbon composite contains a plurality of expanded graphite particles; and a second phase comprising a carbide, a carbonization product of a polymer, or a combination thereof; wherein the second phase bonds at least two adjacent basal planes of the same expanded graphite particle together. Methods of making the carbon composite and articles comprising the carbon composite are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel process for producing ceramic materials, in particular refractory materials having a reduced relative density. In particular, the invention relates to a process for producing light, refractory materials having non-contiguous pores based on shaped and unshaped materials. These materials can be used as working lining in high-temperature applications. The process is based on the production of spherical, closed and isolated pores in the microstructure of the material. The pores having a pore diameter which can be set in a targeted manner are generated by use of polymer particles, in particular polymethacrylates, in particular polymers or copolymers prepared by means of suspension polymerization, as pore formers which can be burnt out. The polymers or copolymers are present in the form of small spheres having a defined diameter.

Abstract: A turbine power generation system with enhanced stabilization of refractory carbides provided by hydrocarbon from high carbon activity gases is disclosed. The disclosure also includes a method of using high carbon activity gases to stabilize hot gas path components.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a solid blend of urea based and ammonium nitrate based particles, the blend comprising ammonium nitrate based particles with salts able to bind crystallization water and urea particles with ammonium sulphate.