Abstract: A lifting-device brake system includes at least one brake assembly configured to be activated by a spring force. The at least one brake assembly is configured to achieve a braking effect. At least one piston/cylinder assembly is configured to be actuated by a hydraulic or pneumatic pressure via which the braking effect achieved by the at least one brake assembly can be reduced by at least partially overcoming the spring force. A hydraulic or pneumatic assembly is configured to provide the hydraulic or pneumatic pressure to actuate the at least one piston/cylinder assembly. The hydraulic or pneumatic assembly comprises an apparatus configured to maintain the hydraulic or pneumatic pressure applied to the at least one piston/cylinder assembly.

Abstract: A filling element for filling containers includes a liquid valve disposed to control flow into the container. The valve has an elastic diaphragm and a valve surface. An actuator causes the diaphragm to transition between a first state, in which it butts against the valve surface, and a second state, in which it is spaced apart from the valve surface.

Abstract: Disclosed are dispensing methods and systems for beverages that improve the quality (i.e., maintain desired temperature) of product dispensed by employing periodic recirculation of stagnant product, while reducing energy usage. The methods and systems use a recirculating pump associated with a first device that provides periodic power supply to the recirculation pump. The first device may comprise a device selected from a timer, a relay or a controller. The methods and systems may include a second device in association with the first device, and the second device senses a condition in the system and determines and measures a parameter of the condition. The second device signals the first device to periodically supply power to the recirculation pump based on the determined and measured parameter of the sensed condition. Preferably, the second device senses a parameter of pressure, temperature, electric current and/or voltage and product dispense-patterns.

Abstract: A refill device for a diesel exhaust fluid tank is provided which employs a nozzle connection to the fluid tank to provide replenishment of the exhaust fluid from a reservoir. Fluid from the reservoir is communicated to the fluid tank using a pump providing a pressurized fluid supply through a first hose. A second hose engaged with the nozzle vents air from the fluid tank for the duration of filling by the first hose.

Abstract: A liquid delivery system for supplying liquid from a portable container to a destination remote from the portable container and removing vapor from the remote destination comprises a portable container for retaining liquid therein. A liquid delivery hose has a liquid inlet and a liquid outlet. The liquid inlet is in fluid communication with the portable container for receiving liquid from the portable container. A vapor recovery hose has a vapor inlet and a vapor outlet. The vapor outlet is in fluid communication with the portable container for delivering vapor to the portable container. At least one of the liquid delivery hose and the vapor recovery hose is operatively engaged with the remote destination via non-sealing engagement with the remote destination during use.

Abstract: Systems and methods for regulating the flow rate of fluid at a fluid dispensing nozzle. In one embodiment, a nozzle includes a body, a spout coupled with the body, and at least one fluid flow path disposed within the body. The at least one fluid flow path is configured for fluid communication with a fluid dispensing hose. An ultrasonic transducer is disposed within the body and operatively coupled with the at least one flow path. Control electronics are in electronic communication with the ultrasonic transducer. The control electronics are operative to cause the ultrasonic transducer to transmit ultrasonic waves into the at least one fluid flow path. The ultrasonic waves are modulated with information representative of a desired fluid flow rate.

Abstract: A portable saddle stand apparatus that can be secured to an existing structure allows a saddle to be securely placed upon the saddle stand apparatus when the respective saddle is not fastened to an animals back by a girth. The saddle stand apparatus includes a saddle supporting structure, a front mount, a rear mount, a front strap fastener, and a rear strap fastener. The front mount attaches with a front mount receiving bracket of the saddle supporting structure, and the rear mount attaches with a rear mount receiving bracket of the saddle supporting structure. The front strap fastener secures the front mount to the saddle supporting structure while securing a front end of the saddle stand apparatus to the existing structure. Similarly, the rear strap fastener secures the rear mount to the saddle supporting structure while securing a rear end of the saddle stand apparatus to the existing structure.

Abstract: A mechanism for reducing stiction in a MEMS device by decreasing surface area between two surfaces that can come into close contact is provided. Reduction in contact surface area is achieved by increasing surface roughness of one or both of the surfaces. The increased roughness is provided by forming a micro-masking layer on a sacrificial layer used in formation of the MEMS device, and then etching the surface of the sacrificial layer. The micro-masking layer can be formed using nanoclusters. When a next portion of the MEMS device is formed on the sacrificial layer, this portion will take on the roughness characteristics imparted on the sacrificial layer by the etch process. The rougher surface decreases the surface area available for contact in the MEMS device and, in turn, decreases the area through which stiction can be imparted.

Abstract: A microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) structure having a stopper integrated with a MEMS substrate is provided. A first substrate has a dielectric layer arranged over the first substrate. The dielectric layer includes a device opening. A second substrate is arranged over and bonded to the first substrate through the dielectric layer. The second substrate includes a deflectable element arranged over the device opening. A stopper is integrated with the second substrate and protrudes from the deflectable element over the device opening. A method for manufacturing the MEMS structure is also provided.

Abstract: The application describes improvements to (MEMS) transducers (100) having a flexible membrane (301) with a membrane electrode (302), especially where the membrane is crystalline or polycrystalline and the membrane electrode is metal or a metal alloy. Such transducers may typically include a back-plate having at least one back-plate layer (304) coupled to a back-plate electrode (303), with a plurality of holes (314) in the back-plate electrode corresponding to a plurality back-plate holes (312) through the back-plate. In embodiments of the invention the membrane electrode has at least one opening (313) in the membrane electrode wherein, at least part of the area of the opening corresponds to the area of at least one back-plate hole, in a direction normal to the membrane, and there is no hole in the flexible membrane at said opening in the membrane electrode. There may be a plurality of such openings. The openings effectively allow a reduction in the amount of membrane electrode material, e.g.

Abstract: A microphone module includes a package including a semiconductor chip and having a recess on an upper surface and a micro-electro-mechanical microphone being electrically connected to the package. Further, the micro-electro-mechanical microphone is arranged on the upper surface of the package. The recess forms an acoustic back volume of the micro-electro-mechanical microphone.

Abstract: A method of installing a vent to protect an open port of a micro-electrical mechanical system (MEMS) device, the vent being of the type comprising an environmental barrier membrane attached to a carrier and the vent further being attached to a liner, the method comprising the steps of: (a) feeding the vent to a die attach machine with die ejectors and at least one of a vacuum head and a gripper head; (b) detaching the vent from said liner using the die ejectors; (c) picking up the vent with at least one of the vacuum head and the gripper head of the die attach machine; (d) disposing the vent over the open port of the MEMS device; and (e) securing the vent over the open port of the MEMS device.

Abstract: MEMS packages, modules, and methods of fabrication are described. In an embodiment, a MEMS package includes a MEMS die and an IC die mounted on a front side of a surface mount substrate, and a molding compound encapsulating the IC die and the MEMS die on the front side of the surface mount substrate. In an embodiment, a landing pad arrangement on a back side of the surface mount substrate forms and anchor plane area for bonding the surface mount substrate to a module substrate that is not directly beneath the MEMS die.

Abstract: A semiconductor layer having an opening and a MEMS resonator formed in the opening is disposed between first and second substrates to encapsulate the MEMS resonator. An electrical contact that extends from the opening to an exterior of the MEMS device is formed at least in part within the semiconductor layer and at least in part within the first substrate.

Abstract: Various low stress compact device packages are disclosed herein. An integrated device package can include a first integrated device die and a second integrated device die. An interposer can be disposed between the first integrated device die and the second integrated device die such that the first integrated device die is mounted to and electrically coupled to a first side of the interposer and the second integrated device die is mounted to and electrically coupled to a second side of the interposer. The first side can be opposite the second side. The interposer can comprise a hole through at least the second side of the interposer. A portion of the second integrated device die can extend into the hole.

Abstract: Microelectronic packages having hermetic cavities are provided, as are methods for producing such packages. In one embodiment, the microelectronic package includes a sensor die having first and second Microelectromechanical Systems (MEMS) transducer structures formed thereon. First and second cap pieces are coupled to the sensor die by, for example, direct or indirect bonding. A first hermetic cavity encloses the first MEMS transducer structure and is at least partially defined by the first cap piece and the sensor die. Similarly, a second hermetic cavity encloses the second MEMS transducer structure and at least partially defined by the second cap piece and the sensor die. A vent hole is fluidly coupled to the first hermetic cavity and is sealed by the second cap piece.

Abstract: A monolithically integrated multi-sensor (MIMS) is disclosed. A MIMs integrated circuit comprises a plurality of sensors. For example, the integrated circuit can comprise three or more sensors where each sensor measures a different parameter. The three or more sensors can share one or more layers to form each sensor structure. In one embodiment, the three or more sensors can comprise MEMs sensor structures. Examples of the sensors that can be formed on a MIMs integrated circuit are an inertial sensor, a pressure sensor, a tactile sensor, a humidity sensor, a temperature sensor, a microphone, a force sensor, a load sensor, a magnetic sensor, a flow sensor, a light sensor, an electric field sensor, an electrical impedance sensor, a galvanic skin response sensor, a chemical sensor, a gas sensor, a liquid sensor, a solids sensor, and a biological sensor.

Abstract: A monolithically integrated multi-sensor (MIMS) is disclosed. A MIMs integrated circuit comprises a plurality of sensors. For example, the integrated circuit can comprise three or more sensors where each sensor measures a different parameter. The three or more sensors can share one or more layers to form each sensor structure. In one embodiment, the three or more sensors can comprise MEMs sensor structures. Examples of the sensors that can be formed on a MIMs integrated circuit are an inertial sensor, a pressure sensor, a tactile sensor, a humidity sensor, a temperature sensor, a microphone, a force sensor, a load sensor, a magnetic sensor, a flow sensor, a light sensor, an electric field sensor, an electrical impedance sensor, a galvanic skin response sensor, a chemical sensor, a gas sensor, a liquid sensor, a solids sensor, and a biological sensor.

Abstract: An electromechanical transducer of the present invention includes a first electrode, a vibrating membrane formed above the first electrode through a gap, a second electrode formed on the vibrating membrane, and an insulating protective layer formed on a surface of the second electrode side. A region where the protective layer is not formed is present on at least part of a surface of the vibrating membrane.

Abstract: A MEMS device includes a MEMS substrate with a movable element. Further included is a CMOS substrate with a cavity, the MEMS substrate disposed on top of the CMOS substrate. Additionally, a back cavity is connected to the CMOS substrate, the back cavity being formed at least partially by the cavity in the CMOS substrate and the movable element being acoustically coupled to the back cavity.

Abstract: Disclosed is an integrated circuit, comprising a semiconductor substrate carrying a plurality of circuit elements; and a pressure sensor including a cavity on said semiconductor substrate, said cavity comprising a pair of electrodes laterally separated from each other; and a flexible membrane over and spatially separated from said electrodes such that said membrane interferes with a fringe field between said electrodes, said membrane comprising at least one aperture. A method of manufacturing such an IC is also disclosed.

Abstract: A high-aspect ratio low resistance through-wafer interconnect for double-sided (TWIDS) fabrication of microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) serves as an interconnection method and structure for co-integration of MEMS and integrated circuits or other microcomponent utilizing both sides of the wafer. TWIDS applied to a three dimensional folded TIMU (timing inertial measurement unit) provides a path for electrical signals from sensors on the front side of the SOI wafer to electronic components on the back side of the wafer, while enabling folding of an array of sensors in a three dimensional shape.

Abstract: A sealed package having a device disposed on a wafer structure and a lid structure boned to the device wafer. The device wafer includes: a substrate; a metal ring disposed on a surface portion of substrate around the device and a bonding material disposed on the metal ring. The metal ring extends laterally beyond at least one of an inner and outer edge of the bonding material. A first layer of the metal ring includes a stress relief buffer layer having a higher ductility than that of the surface portion of the substrate and a width greater than the width of the bonding material. The metal ring extends laterally beyond at least one of the inner and outer edges of the bonding material. The stress relief buffer layer has a coefficient of thermal expansion greater than the coefficient of expansion of the surface portion of the substrate and less than the coefficient of expansion of the bonding material.

Abstract: A method can be used for producing a microelectromechanical transducer. A plurality of microelectromechanical transducers are produced on a single wafer. Each transducer includes a diaphragm. The wafer is divided into at least a first and a second region. The mechanical tensions of a random sample of diaphragms of the first region are established and the values are compared with a predetermined desired value. The mechanical tensions of a random sample of diaphragms of the second region are established and the values are compared with the predetermined desired value. The tensions of the diaphragms in the first region are adjusted to the predetermined desired value, and the tensions of the diaphragms in the second region are adjusted to the predetermined desired value.

Abstract: A sensor system includes a microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) sensor, processing circuitry, measurement circuitry, stimulus circuitry and memory. The system is configured to provide an output responsive to physical displacement within the MEMS sensor to the measurement circuitry. The stimulus circuitry is configured to provide a stimulus signal to the MEMS sensor to cause a physical displacement within the MEMS sensor. The measurement circuitry is configured to process the output from the MEMS sensor and provide it to the processing circuitry, which is configured to generate stimulus signals and provide them to the stimulus circuitry for provision to the MEMS sensor. Output from the measurement circuitry corresponding to the physical displacement occurring in the MEMS sensor is monitored and used to calculate MEMS sensor characteristics. Methods for monitoring and calibrating MEMS sensors are also provided.

Abstract: Provided is an ammonia oxidation/decomposition catalyst which can decrease the reduction temperature of a support, which is required for the catalyst to have a property of being activated at room temperature, and also can render a property of being activated at a temperature lower than room temperature. The ammonia oxidation/decomposition catalyst of the present invention is an ammonia oxidation/decomposition catalyst, comprising: a catalyst support composed of a composite oxide of cerium oxide and zirconium oxide; and at least one metal selected from the group consisting of metals of group 6A, group 7A, group 8, and group 1B as a catalytically active metal deposited thereon, characterized in that the molar concentration of zirconium oxide in the catalyst support is from 10 to 90%.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a hydrocarbon-decomposing catalyst comprising magnesium, aluminum and nickel as constitutional elements, containing silicon in an amount of 0.001 to 20% by weight (calculated as Si) based on the weight of the catalyst, and having a nickel content of 0.1 to 40% by weight (calculated as metallic nickel) based on the weight of the catalyst; and a hydrocarbon-decomposing catalyst comprising a porous carrier and a catalytically active metal carried on the carrier, said porous carrier comprising magnesium and aluminum as constitutional elements and containing silicon in an amount of 0.001 to 20% by weight (calculated as Si) based on the weight of the catalyst, and said catalytically active metal comprising fine metallic nickel particles, a content of said fine metallic nickel particles being 0.1 to 40% by weight (calculated as metallic nickel) based on the weight of the catalyst.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the treatment of gases. In particular, it relates to the treatment of a gas stream comprising hydrogen sulphide and an apparatus for performing such a process.

Abstract: A process of synthesizing Ga—Se nanocrystals is provided, the process including: contacting a first precursor containing gallium with a second precursor containing selenium to obtain a Ga—Se single precursor; and reacting the Ga—Se single precursor in a solvent in the presence of a ligand compound, and optionally with a third precursor including an element (A) other than gallium and selenium, to prepare a Ga—Se nanocrystal represented by Chemical Formula 1: GaSexAy ??[Chemical Formula 1] wherein x is about 1.1 to 3, and y is about 0.1 to 4.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for cleaning carbon nanotubes comprising the following steps: provision of a carbon nanotube substrate, first washing of the carbon nanotube substrate by means of an acid and second washing of the carbon nanotube substrate by means of a solution, wherein the solution has replacement anions of at least one of the acid radical anions of the acid of different type, and the substance amount fraction of the replacement anions in the solution is greater than the substance amount fraction of the anions in the solution corresponding to the acid radical anions of the acid. The invention further relates to a carbon nanotube substrate which can be obtained by such a method.

Abstract: A method for producing carbon nanotubes and/or fibers, such as carbon nanotubes, involves sparging a gas (such as carbon dioxide) through a liquid hydrocarbon (such as crude oil) in the presence of an effective amount of magnesium oxide (MgO) particles (such as MgO nanoparticles having a size in the range from about 2 nm to about 10 microns, and which may have a bimodal particle size distribution) at a temperature in a range of between about 70 to about 90° C. to produce carbon nanotubes and fibers having a size range of from about 50 nm to about 20 microns.

Abstract: A nitrogen-containing carbon material to the present invention comprises a carbon material having a carbon skeleton formed of carbon atoms and nitrogen atoms introduced into the carbon material, wherein part of carbon atoms in the carbon skeleton are substituted with nitrogen atoms. The nitrogen-containing carbon material according to the present invention can be produced by a production method including the steps of bringing the carbon material into contact with a first treatment gas containing a fluorine-containing gas to subject a surface of the carbon material to a fluorination treatment; and bringing the carbon material after being subjected to the fluorination treatment into contact with a second treatment gas containing a nitrogen-containing gas with heating to perform a nitriding treatment.

Abstract: There is provided a simple method for producing an exfoliated graphite derivative. A method for producing an exfoliated graphite derivative, comprising steps of providing a mixture comprising exfoliated graphite and a reactive compound to be grafted on the above exfoliated graphite by irradiation with active energy rays; and irradiating the above mixture with active energy rays to graft the above reactive compound on the above exfoliated graphite.

Abstract: Systems, methods and tools for the synthesis of products via mechanosynthesis, including a set of atomically-precise tips and associated reactions, methods for determining build sequences for workpieces, exemplary build sequences, and methods for creating new reactions, build sequences and tips.

Abstract: Deposition on a sightglass in a reactor for CVD deposition of silicon is reduced by conducting a first purge gas stream substantially parallel to the reactor end surface of the sightglass, and conducting a second purge gas stream within the sightglass tube at an angle from the sightglass surface toward the interior of the reactor.

Abstract: The present invention relates to intermediate compounds for the preparation of hydrido-tricyano-borate anions, their preparation and their uses.

Abstract: Methods for introducing mesoporosity into zeolitic materials are described herein that employ an acid treatment, an optional surfactant treatment, and a base treatment without filtration or purification steps between the steps. In particular, the process generally involves subjecting a zeolitic material to an acid treatment followed by a surfactant treatment and base treatment. The methods can efficiently introduce mesoporosity into various zeolitic materials, such as zeolites.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to new methods for generating energy and useful nitrogen compounds from captured carbon dioxide. It involves employing an osmotic engine, draw solution, and feed solution. An osmotic gradient between the solutions assists in generating energy and a solution of ammonium carbonate, ammonium bicarbonate or mixture thereof. This solution may be decomposed to form ammonia, carbon dioxide, a precipitate, or a mixture thereof.

Abstract: Described is a method for the production and recovery of hydrogen cyanide, which includes removing ammonia from a crude hydrogen cyanide stream. The method integrates heat removed from a crude hydrogen cyanide stream into other areas of the hydrogen cyanide recovery process. The crude hydrogen cyanide stream may be passed through a first waste heat boiler and a second waste heat boiler prior to being fed to an ammonia absorber, which produces a hydrogen cyanide rich stream. Hydrogen cyanide is recovered from the hydrogen cyanide rich stream. Equipment fouling with HCN polymer is reduced.

Abstract: A process for reducing the amount of magnesium in a lithium-containing brine by adding an aqueous solution of KCl to the brine to precipitate at least some of the magnesium as carnallite salt is disclosed. Lithium salts prepared using this magnesium removal process are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention provides a process for preparing a precipitated calcium carbonate product comprising the steps of: (a) preparing an aqueous suspension of precipitated calcium carbonate seeds by carbonating a suspension of Ca(OH)2 in the presence of 0.005 to 0.030 moles of Sr, in the form of Sr(OH)2, per mole of Ca(OH)2, (b) dewatering and dispersing the precipitated calcium carbonate seeds prepared in step (a) to obtain an aqueous suspension of precipitated calcium carbonate seeds having a d50 of less than or equal to 0.1 to 0.3 um and a BET specific surface area of 10 to 30 m2/g, and (c) forming an aqueous suspension of a precipitated calcium carbonate product by carbonating a slurry of Ca(OH)2 in the presence of 0.

Abstract: There is presented a method for providing a permanent magnetic material comprising hexagonal ferrites, which method does not necessitate neither large magnetic fields nor organic solvents. The produced permanent magnetic materials have excellent properties, in particular in terms of energy product, such as in terms of energy product and density. In further aspects, the invention relates to particles for providing the permanent magnetic material, and a corresponding method of manufacture. In particular embodiments of the invention the hexagonal ferrite is given by CaFe12O19, SrFe12O19 or BaFe12O19, such as given SrFe12O19 or BaFe12O19.

Abstract: A method for making a spherical cobalt oxyhydroxide requires a controlled crystallization reactor. A buffer agent is put into the controlled crystallization reactor. The buffer agent is capable of controlling a reacting speed of reactants. A cobalt salt solution and an alkaline solution as the reactants are added into the buffer agent in the controlled crystallization reactor. The reactants react together in a controlled crystallization method, the reactants being agitated only at a bottom region of the container of the controlled crystallization reactor.

Abstract: A filter housing can be configured to receive a filter media to form a filter assembly. Water filter media housings can be adapted for filter-as-you-pour filtration in the context of container (e.g., pitcher) systems where filtering is achieved as the user pours water from the container. The filter housing can have a frame and an optional casing securable about the frame. A filter assembly can include a filter media within, connected to, or associated with a filter housing. The filter media can be securable in an at least partially curved configuration and/or within, connected to, or associated with the filter housing.

Abstract: Embodiments of water filters comprise a filter housing configured to be disposed in a pour tray of a water filter pitcher, wherein a filter media cartridge is disposed inside the filter housing. The filter housing includes a housing floor, housing sidewalls extending upwardly, away from the housing floor, and at least one filter housing outlet disposed in one or more of the housing floor or the housing sidewalls. The filter media cartridge includes filter media, where the filter media cartridge comprises a cartridge floor spaced above the housing floor, cartridge sidewalls extending upwardly, away from the cartridge floor, and at least one filter media cartridge outlet disposed along one or more of the cartridge floor or the cartridge sidewalls. The water filter pitcher further includes a riser extending upwardly, away from the housing floor, and spaced between the housing sidewalls and the cartridge sidewalls, where the riser extends a distance above the cartridge floor. The riser forms a conduit volume.

Abstract: Described herein is a filtration medium and method for treating a chloramine-containing liquid. The active chloramine removal material comprises carbon, nitrogen, and sulfur, and the sum of the sulfur and nitrogen in the active chloramine removal material is at least 4.0 mass %.

Abstract: A cavitation device is provided for use in a method for the treatment of water by cavitation. The water to be treated passes through an annular cavitation zone which exists between two mutually opposite annular structures which rotate relative to one another and which have teeth directed substantially axially towards one another. Here, the water flows along cavitation surfaces which are provided on the face sides of the teeth of a first of the two annular structures and which are inclined in the circumferential direction such that, viewed in the relative direction of rotation of the other, second annular structure, the spacings between said teeth and said second annular structure increase.

Abstract: The invention is a capacitive, aka electrostatic, deionization apparatus and method that solves the problem of short lifetime of conventional capacitive deionization (CDI) and of membrane capacitive deionization (MCDI) devices and methods by shifting the Potential of Zero Charge of electrode surfaces through surface modifications. Such electrode surface modifications provide very long lifetime capacitive deionization devices and methods.

Abstract: A method, for removing contaminants from wastewater includes electrolytic treatment of wastewater with the use of an anode containing materials which withstand electrolysis as well as so-called sacrificial materials which are dissolved during electrolysis, both of which are simultaneously exposed to the wastewater. An apparatus for carrying out the method includes a dimensionally stable anode cage made from platinum, titanium, niobium, palladium, ruthenium, Iridium oxide, tantalum oxide or platinized titanium, as the part of the anode that withstands electrolysis, which anode cage is provided with aluminum, iron, magnesium, calcium or mixtures of these metals as sacrificial material.

Abstract: Systems and methods for reducing corrosion of components of a reactor system, such as a supercritical water gasification system are described. A current carrying element may be arranged about the outside surface of a system component, such as a valve, conduit, heater, pre-heater, reactor vessel, and/or heat exchanger. The current carrying element may be in the form of a continuous solenoid, rings, tubes, or rods, including a conductive material, such as copper. A current may be applied to the current carrying element to generate an electromagnetic field within the system component. The current may generate an electromagnetic field within the system component. The electromagnetic field may force corrosive ions moving within a fluid flowing through the system component to move in pathways away from an inner surface of the system component.