Abstract: A plate belt of a moving walkway has plates arranged in succession in a movement direction and between two mutually parallel link chains formed by chain links of different widths. Each chain link is connected with one of the plates by at least one fastening device. The fastening devices include a fastening bolt and a cup washer, wherein the cup washer has a cup base ring and a cup collar encircling the cup base ring. The inner height of the cup collar corresponds with the thickness of at least one chain link strap of the chain link and the inner diameter of the cup collar is greater than the outer diameter of the region of the fastening bolt bearing against the cup base ring in the mounted state.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a gripper for gripping, moving, orienting, and depositing a pallet. The gripper includes a gripping means for gripping the pallet at the longitudinal side members of a pallet. The gripper is suitable for being hinged to an automated manipulator moving along a support structure, thus making it possible to move, orient, and deposit a pallet in a loading position on the support structure or in an unloading position, for example, on the ground.

Abstract: There is disclosed a lifting attachment for a building unit comprising sheeting and a support structure over which the sheeting is disposed, the attachment being configured such that it can be connected to or integrated into the support structure and comprising a lifting anchor that, when the attachment is so connected or integrated, is engageable by a component for lifting the unit such that a releasable interconnection between the component and the support structure passes through an opening in the sheeting.

Abstract: A fairlead assembly includes a frame structure having an opening therein. A pair of rollers are disposed on opposite sides of the opening. The frame structure includes a pair of opposed curved surfaces disposed between the end portions of the pair of rollers and defining a bordering surface of the opening. The frame can be cast as a unitary structure with the pair of rollers each rotatably supported by a support pin having opposite ends received in a first set of corresponding semi-cylindrical recesses in a surface of the cast frame. A clamp structure having a second set of corresponding semi-cylindrical recesses secure the support pins to the cast frame.

Abstract: A disclosed bottle cap removal tool provides for removal of a bottle cap without damage to the bottle cap. Removal of a bottle cap without damage is useful for collectors and crafters. The disclosed bottle cap removal tool includes a cavity within ae housing with an open front end for receiving a bottle cap secured to a bottle. A lip extends inward into the cavity for engaging a bottom edge portion of a bottle cap. The lip contacts a sufficient portion of the bottom edge of the bottle cap to enable removal of the cap with a slight upward movement of the housing.

Abstract: A filling device includes a product space that ends in a filling valve with first and second valve elements disposed in a region thereof and moved by an actuator, a sealing face, a valve stem, a valve housing having a reduced-diameter edge, and a profiled plastic sleeve that runs over the reduced-diameter edge. One of the valve elements has a plastic lining. A valve stem forms one of the valve elements and the valve housing forms the other.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed including: a housing including a conduit having an inlet port and an outlet port; an insert at least partially disposed within the conduit and including a tapered portion extending from a narrower end proximal the inlet port to a wider end distal the inlet port; and a facility for adjusting the position of the insert within the conduit. In some embodiments, the apparatus is configured to receive a mixed flow of liquid and gas at the inlet port, direct the mixed flow through the conduit around a portion of the insert disposed within the chamber, and outlet the mixed flow at the outlet port.

Abstract: A refrigerator water dispenser (10) is disclosed which includes a mounting bracket (11) and a plastic housing (12). The housing houses a water dispensing nozzle (21). The nozzle includes a control valve (22) which is operationally controlled by an electronic switch (23). The housing includes a front panel (27) having a peripheral space (28) which separates the front panel between a peripheral portion (30) and a central portion (31). Hinges (32) allow for the depressed, pivotal movement of the central portion and provides a spring like effect which aids in returning the central portion to its neutral position after it has been manually depressed. A resilient rubber touch pad (34) is coupled to the front side of the housing which includes a peripheral flange (35) that extends into the space of the housing so as to completely seal the entirety of space and therefore the front face of the housing.

Abstract: A post-mix beverage dispenser utilizing a liquid concentrate in a self-pressurized container is provided. The beverage dispenser includes a connector and flow control valve to regulate the pressure of the liquid concentrate in the system. The liquid concentrate and diluent are mixed at the nozzle of the post-mix beverage dispense.

Abstract: A horseman-securing device is configured in order to prevent a horseman sitting on the back of a four-legged animal from falling off, or being able to fall off the animal. It comprises securing device by means of which the horseman, in use, is releasably secured to the animal. The securing device is configured to secure the horseman secured to the animal in such a way that the horseman retains the freedom of movement to hinge his knee joints.

Abstract: Disclosed is a rigging for a saddle, a saddle containing this rigging and a method of making the rigging wherein the rigging has a slot in the rigging material, the slot being large enough for at least a part of a stirrup leather or stirrup strap loop to pass through the slot, the rigging slot having a width for limiting the movement forward and/or rearward of a stirrup that is supported by the stirrup strap loop, the slot in the rigging located spaced downward on the saddle from a slot in a saddle tree of the saddle that supports the stirrup leather or stirrup strap loop.

Abstract: An electronic device includes a package including a base and a lid body, and a physical quantity sensor having an element piece housed in the package; a circuit device that is electrically connected to the electronic component; an IC; a base; and a support member that supports the physical quantity sensor and the IC and is fixed to the base. The physical quantity sensor is disposed to be spaced apart from the base. The physical quantity sensor is suspended from the base in a direction in which the physical quantity sensor is spaced apart from the base.

Abstract: A method for forming a micro-electro mechanical system (MEMS) device is provided. The method includes forming a first dielectric layer over a semiconductor layer and forming a blocking layer over the first dielectric layer. The method also includes bonding a CMOS substrate with the blocking layer, and the CMOS substrate includes a second dielectric layer, and the blocking layer is configured to block gas coming from the second dielectric layer. The method further includes partially removing the first dielectric layer to form a cavity between the semiconductor layer and the blocking layer. A portion of the semiconductor layer above the cavity becomes a movable element. In addition, the method includes sealing the cavity such that a closed chamber is formed to surround the movable element.

Abstract: Membrane transducer structures and thin-film encapsulation methods for manufacturing the same are provided. In one example, the thin film encapsulation methods may be implemented to co-integrate processes for thin-film encapsulation and formation of microelectronic devices and microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) that include the membrane transducers.

Abstract: A packaged micro-electro-mechanical system (MEMS) device (100) comprises a circuitry chip (101) attached to the pad (110) of a substrate with leads (111), and a MEMS (150) vertically attached to the chip surface by a layer (140) of low modulus silicone compound. On the chip surface, the MEMS device is surrounded by a polyimide ring (130) with a surface phobic to silicone compounds. A dome-shaped glob (160) of cured low modulus silicone material covers the MEMS and the MEMS terminal bonding wire spans (180); the glob is restricted to the chip surface area inside the polyimide ring and has a surface non-adhesive to epoxy-based molding compounds. A package (190) of polymeric molding compound encapsulates the vertical assembly of the glob embedding the MEMS, the circuitry chip, and portions of the substrate; the molding compound is non-adhering to the glob surface yet adhering to all other surfaces.

Abstract: A method for producing a pressure sensor comprises providing a substrate with a depression; attaching a micromechanical sensor element to the substrate in the depression; attaching an evaluation circuit to the substrate next to the depression; electrically connecting the evaluation circuit to the sensor element; covering the substrate around the depression by means of a potting die such that the depression is closed; potting the evaluation circuit between the substrate and the potting die; and removing the potting die.

Abstract: A simplified MEMS fabrication process and MEMS device is provided that allows for cheaper and lighter-weight MEMS devices to be fabricated. The process comprises etching a plurality of holes or other feature patterns into a MEMS device, and then etching away the underlying wafer such that, after the etching process, the MEMS device is the required thickness and the individual die are separated, avoiding the extra steps of wafer thinning and die dicing. By etching trenches into the substrate wafer and filling them with a MEMS base material, sophisticated taller MEMS devices with larger force may be made.

Abstract: An electromechanical device may include a first substrate, a second substrate, a connector, and a protector. The connector may be formed of a first dielectric material and may be positioned between the first substrate and the second substrate. A first side of the connector may directly contact the first substrate. The protector may be formed of a second dielectric material and may directly contact a second side of the connector.

Abstract: A method of producing syngas comprising receiving raw syngas from a gasification unit; introducing the raw syngas and water to a syngas scrubber to produce unshifted syngas; introducing a first portion of unshifted syngas to a first cooling unit to produce cooled unshifted syngas and a first aqueous condensate comprising cyanide in an amount of 5-200 ppmw; recycling the first aqueous condensate to the syngas scrubber; introducing a second portion of unshifted syngas to a water gas shift unit to produce shifted syngas; introducing the shifted syngas to a second cooling unit to produce cooled shifted syngas and a second aqueous condensate comprising cyanide in an amount of less than 2.5 ppmw; contacting the cooled shifted syngas with the cooled unshifted syngas to produce modified syngas; and introducing the second aqueous condensate to a sour water stripper to produce stripped water and an acid gas comprising H2S, CO2, and ammonia.

Abstract: The present invention provides a hydrogen generating apparatus and a hydrogen generating method, wherein the hydrogen generating apparatus generates hydrogen by dehydrating formic acid, and comprises: a reactor for containing water and a heterogeneous catalyst; a formic acid feeder for feeding formic acid into the reactor; and a moisture remover for removing moisture generated from the reactor.

Abstract: The present application relates to a production plant comprising—a synthesis gas generation step (1) arranged to receive a hydrocarbon or carboneous feedstock (2) and in a synthesis gas generation process provide a syngas, —a production step (4) arranged to receive the syngas and produce a product stream (5), —a reverse water gas shift step (4) arranged to receive a H2 rich gas stream (7) and a C02 feed (8) and in a RWGS step obtain a reverse shifted gas stream (9), and—means (10) for adding said reverse shifted gas stream (9) to the synthesis gas stream (3).

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel anthraquinone derivatives, 2,6-diisohexylanthracene-9,10-dione and 2,7-diisohexyl-anthracene-9,10-dione, preferably to be used for the preparation of hydrogen peroxide, and to a process for the preparation of these anthraquinone derivatives.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods and systems to isolate nitrogen from a mixture of gases. In an embodiment, a method of isolating nitrogen from a gaseous mixture involves contacting the gaseous mixture with a superparamagnetic catalyst to form a reaction mixture, and exposing the reaction mixture to a fluctuating magnetic field at ambient conditions.

Abstract: This disclosure provides systems, methods, and apparatus related to boron nitride nanomaterials. In one aspect, a method includes generating a directed flow of plasma. A boron-containing species is introduced to the directed flow of the plasma. Boron nitride nanostructures are formed in a chamber. In another aspect, a method includes generating a directed flow of plasma using nitrogen gas. A boron-containing species is introduced to the directed flow of the plasma. The boron-containing species can consist of boron powder, boron nitride powder, and/or boron oxide powder. Boron nitride nanostructures are formed in a chamber, with a pressure in the chamber being about 3 atmospheres or greater.

Abstract: The method is for producing porous calcium deficient hydroxyapatite granules and comprises the following steps: (a) subjecting granules of calcium sulfate anhydrous (CSA), calcium sulfate dihydrate (CSD) or calcium sulfate hemihydrate (CSH) to an incubation in an alkaline aqueous solution having a pH-value of less than 10 and containing PO43? ions; whereby the granules of calcium sulfate anhydrous (CSA), calcium sulfate dihydrate (CSD) or calcium sulfate hemihydrate (CSH) comprise interconnected pores with a minimum mean diameter of 3 microns; (b) washing with water the granules obtained after incubation of step a); (c) drying the obtained porous granules of calcium deficient hydroxyapatite; whereby (d) the amount-of PO43? ions present in the incubation of step a) is at least as large as the amount of SO42? ions of the granules used for step (a).

Abstract: The purpose of the present invention is to provide a method for easily producing a difluorophosphate using only low-cost starting materials without requiring cumbersome operations. According to the present invention, at least one salt selected from the group consisting of halides, carbonates, borates, phosphates, hydroxides and oxides of an alkali metal, an alkaline earth metal or an onium, at least one phosphorus compound selected from the group consisting of oxychlorides and chlorides of phosphorus, water and hydrogen fluoride are reacted.

Abstract: Methods of forming solid carbon products include disposing a plurality of nanotubes in a press, and applying heat to the plurality of carbon nanotubes to form the solid carbon product. Further processing may include sintering the solid carbon product to form a plurality of covalently bonded carbon nanotubes. The solid carbon product includes a plurality of voids between the carbon nanotubes having a median minimum dimension of less than about 100 nm. Some methods include compressing a material comprising carbon nanotubes, heating the compressed material in a non-reactive environment to form covalent bonds between adjacent carbon nanotubes to form a sintered solid carbon product, and cooling the sintered solid carbon product to a temperature at which carbon of the carbon nanotubes do not oxidize prior to removing the resulting solid carbon product for further processing, shipping, or use.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for manufacturing a dopant composition-nanomaterial composite, which method makes it possible to simply and efficiently change a Seebeck coefficient value of a nanomaterial. This manufacture method of the present invention includes the step of putting a dopant composition in contact with a nanomaterial in a solvent, the dopant composition containing an anion, a cation, and a scavenger.

Abstract: A method for preparing a carbon powder from an organic polymer material and a method for detecting the crystal morphology in the organic polymer material. A method for preparing a carbon material product comprises a carbonization step in which: a straight-chain polymer material containing nanoscale crystals is carbonized by using a strong oxidizing agent free of heavy metal ions, thus acquiring a nanoscale carbon material. Also disclosed is a method for acquiring either a material having a carbonized surface or a powder material containing graphene by using an acid in treating the organic polymer material.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for preparing a sulfonated graphene from an organic material and to the sulfonated graphene prepared therefrom. The method comprises the following steps: a first contact step: a reaction medium containing oxidative sulfonating agent is allowed to come into contact with the organic macromolecular material at a first temperature; and, a second contact step: when the first contact step is completed, in same reaction medium, the reaction temperature is increased to a second temperature to allow for continued reaction, thus producing the sulfonated graphene.

Abstract: The invention relates to a gelled aqueous polymer composition for forming, by means of drying then pyrolysis, a monolithic porous carbon, to a pyrolysed carbonated composition produced by the drying, followed by the pyrolysis, of said gelled composition, to a porous carbon electrode for a supercapacitor comprising said pyrolysed composition, and to methods for producing said respectively gelled and pyrolysed compositions. A gelled composition according to the invention, produced from the polycondensation of polyhydroxybenzene(s) and hexymethylenetetramine, is such that the hexymethylenetetramine comprised therein represents a mass fraction of between 7% and 15% inclusive. Said gelled composition is produced by a) polycondensation in an aqueous solvent of the polyhydroxybenzene(s) and hexymethylenetetramine, followed by b) gelling by heating of said polycondensate.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides devices and systems that utilize concurrent and countercurrent exchange platforms to produce purified silicon.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides devices and systems that utilize concurrent and countercurrent exchange platforms to produce purified silicon.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a method of using a waste silicon slurry. The method includes the steps of: (A) obtaining a waste silicon slurry containing a cutting oil and a metal; (B) treating the waste silicon slurry with a first reagent for reacting with the cutting oil; (C) treating the waste silicon slurry with a second reagent for reacting with the metal; (D) separating products resulting from step (B) and step (C) to obtain a solid portion; and (E) treating the solid portion with a third reagent to obtain products, including silicates and hydrogen gas.

Abstract: The metal complex oxide particles according to the present invention are represented by general formula MCu2O2 and include copper. M is at least one of the alkaline earth metals Sr and Ba, and the metal complex oxide particles have a particle size of 1 to 100 nm and are transparent. M may further include at least one of the alkaline earth metals Mg and Ca. These metal complex oxide particles are granular p-type inorganic oxide semiconductor particles which are transparent and have a narrow particle size distribution and a uniform particle size, with there being few coarse particles of 1 ?m or greater. In addition, a method for producing the metal complex oxide particles according to the present invention can easily and reliably produce transparent granular metal complex oxide particles.

Abstract: A fluid vapor distillation system. The system includes a control system for controlling a fluid vapor distillation apparatus including a blow down controller for controlling a blow down valve, a source flow controller for controlling a source flow valve, and a blow down level sensor in communication with a blow down controller and a source flow controller, the blow down level sensor sends signals related to the blow down level to the blow down controller and the source flow controller indicative of the blow down level, wherein the source flow controller actuates the source flow valve based at least on the blow down level sensor signals, and wherein the blow down controller actuates the blow down valve based at least on the blow down level sensor signals, whereby the blow down level and the source flow level are maintained using the blow down level sensor signals as input.

Abstract: A water treatment method includes: calculating a total amount of ions contained in a total amount of an aqueous solution introduced into a first tank; when the calculated total amount of ions is greater than a first threshold value, introducing part of slurry in the first tank into a second tank; introducing, with an introducing unit, one of a marker molecule and a stain into the second tank; irradiating, from a second light source, the second tank with visible light; detecting, with a detector, first intensity of the visible light having transmitted through the second tank; and outputting, when the activity of photocatalytic particles calculated based on the first intensity is equal to or smaller than a second threshold value, information prompting replacement of the photocatalytic particles, an instruction of recovering the activity of the photocatalytic particles, or information indicative of deterioration of the photocatalytic particles.

Abstract: A water softening ball for use for a pet is provided, comprising a shell having a generally hollow ellipsoidal shape, wherein a plurality of openings are thrilled in the shell for the inside and the outside of the shell to communicate; and a filter unit included within the shell and comprising an ion exchange resin. The ellipsoidal shape includes a spherical shape.

Abstract: Cross-linked cyclopolymeric resins from N,N-diallyl quaternary ammonium monomers and tetrallylpiperazinium cross-linking monomer or salts, solvates, tautomers or stereoisomers as adsorbent materials for the removal of heavy metals from aqueous solution. A process for producing the cross-linked cyclopolymeric resins by Butler cyclocopolymerization of the monomers with a free radical initiator. The cross linked cyclopolymeric resins are polyzwitterionic or polyzwitterionic and dianionic and feature repeating units with multiple chelating centers that heavy metal ions can bind to. In addition, a method for removing heavy metals from aqueous solution via contacting and treatment with the cross-linked cyclopolymeric resins.

Abstract: A water softening ball for generating softened water by immersing it in water is provided, comprising a shell having a generally hollow ellipsoidal shape, wherein a plurality of openings are formed in the shell for the inside and the outside of the shell to communicate; and a filter unit included within the shell and comprising an ion exchange resin. The ellipsoidal shape includes a spherical shape.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an underwater low temperature plasma generating device. The device includes: a first electrode of a tubular type; a second electrode that is arranged inside the first electrode to generate bubbles in water introduced into the first electrode; and an insulator arranged between the first electrode and the second electrode. The plasma generating device further includes a power supply. The plasma generating device generates low temperature plasma by generating an electric field underwater. The present invention has an advantageous effect of realizing a tubular low temperature intensive plasma generator that can sterilize contaminated water with low temperature plasma that is generated underwater.

Abstract: A magnetic treatment apparatus comprising an outer housing, a plurality of parallel water conditioning devices mounted within the outer housing, each conditioning device having a cylindrical inner tube, a cylindrical outer tube surrounding the cylindrical inner tube, a fluid path formed between the cylindrical outer tube and cylindrical inner tube, a plurality of helical flights extending through the fluid passageway, a plurality of magnets within the cylindrical inner tube, each having a length equal to a distance between adjacent helical flights, the magnets in the inner tube being magnetically aligned.

Abstract: The invention relates to a microbial control system for treating influent water and sump water for control of microbial material in machines which process water such as ice making machines, humidifiers such as cool mist humidifiers and cooling towers. The microbial control system includes antimicrobial treatment media housed in a containment vessel. The treatment media can include any one or more of transition metals and transition metal oxides. The transition metal may be any of Sc, Ti, V, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, Y, Zr, Nb, Mo, Tc, Ru, Rh, Pd, Ag, Cd, Hf, Ta, W, Re, Os, Ir, Pt, Au, Hg, Rf, Db, Sg, Bh, Hs, Mt, Uun, Uuu and Uub.

Abstract: An adequate control of a pH of circulating water circulating through a wet paint booth enables an efficient coagulation treatment of a paint included in the circulating water. A method for treating circulating water circulating through a wet paint booth and including a paint includes treating the paint included in the circulating water by adding an alkaline solution of a phenolic resin to the circulating water, and adjusting a pH of the circulating water to 6.5 to 8.0. An amount of the alkaline solution of the phenolic resin added to the circulating water is increased when the pH of the circulating water is a predetermined value of 8.0 or less. An acidic aluminum salt is further added to the circulating water. An amount of the acidic aluminum salt added to the circulating water is increased when the pH of the circulating water is a predetermined value of 6.5 or more.

Abstract: The present disclosure is in the field of chemical sciences. The present disclosure relates to a process for removal of anion from aqueous solution. The process involves removal of sulphate ion from aqueous solution using cation and organic solvent that enables precipitation of the sulphate ion from the aqueous solution. The process is simple, efficient, cost-effective, ecofriendly, enables recovery of sulphate ions, calcium ions as calcium sulphate with high purity and also enables the recovery of organic solvent in the range of about 88% to about 99%.

Abstract: A water treatment and filtration apparatus includes an enclosed water treatment tank. The water treatment tank includes an upper area with an air pocket and a lower area including filter media. A tube extends in the tank between the upper and lower areas and includes a tube opening in the upper area. A fluid control valve is operative to receive untreated water including oxidizable contaminants. The valve is selectively operative to cause untreated water to be passed through the tube and into the air pocket where the contaminants undergo oxidation. The water is filtered through the media in the tank and passed through the valve which delivers filtered water therefrom. The valve is also selectively operative to enable backflushing of the filter media, air to be released from the upper area of the tank, and air and disinfectant to be introduced into the tank.

Abstract: A method for inhibiting silica scale formation in an aqueous system by adding an amine-terminated polyoxyalkylene anti-scalant to the water used in the aqueous system.

Abstract: A water treatment device and methods of treating water such as cooling tower water, agricultural water, water used in the production of oil and/or gas, swimming pool water, and hot tub or spa water, are described. The water treatment device utilizes ultraviolet radiation, a magnetic field, and ozone fortified air to treat the water, typically resulting in reduced microbial contamination and reduced alkalinity in cooling tower water. Cooling tower water may consequently be run at higher cycles of concentration while reducing or eliminating deposition of minerals on cooling tower components. Swimming pool water and hot tub water treated with the water treatment device typically requires less chlorine, and chlorine levels are typically more stable than without the device.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for a food loading station having a disposer that grinds food waste that is located at a facility that processes food waste. A storage tank receives a slurry of food waste and water from the disposer for storage until the slurry is collected for transportation to an anaerobic digestion facility. An agitator is installed in the storage tank for mixing the slurry stored in the storage tank prior to collection for transportation to the anaerobic digestion facility. A discharge outlet is installed on the storage tank for connection to a discharge hose of a collection truck. The discharge outlet has an air admittance valve for admitting ambient air into the discharge hose while the slurry is sucked out of the storage tank through the discharge hose and into the collection truck.

Abstract: A method of continuous hydrothermal carbonization of sludge containing organic matter, involving a stage of hydrothermal reaction carried out in a reactor (4), includes: a step of introduction of sludge in which the sludge is introduced into the reactor (4) by a first inlet (11), a step of endogenous injection of steam in which steam is injected into the reactor (4) by a second inlet (15) distinct from the first inlet (11), a step of extraction in which at least a portion of the sludge contained in the reactor (4) is extracted continuously by a sludge outlet (16), a step of preheating in which the temperature of the sludge is raised prior to its introduction into the reactor (4) up to a temperature of preheating greater than 70° C. Also disclosed is a device making it possible to carry out such a method.