Abstract: The invention relates to apparatus for use in the movement of goods and includes a transportable goods storage area or trailer. The trailer can be moved to a position adjacent a platform of lifting apparatus to allow goods to be moved to and from the trailer. A bridging assembly including one or more bridge portions is provided to form a bridge between the plat form and floor of the trailer. In one embodiment weight detection means are provided to allow the weight of the transportable goods storage area or trailer, and the goods therein, to be detected and compared to predetermined weight limits.

Abstract: A stabilizer arrangement for mobile apparatus such as an access platform having a chassis with a functional component movably mounted thereon for movement between a rest position and a use position, comprises a stabilizer member movably mounted with respect to the chassis and having a ground-engaging portion, the stabilizer member being movable between a retracted condition in which the ground-engaging portion does not engage the ground and a deployed condition in which the ground-engaging portion engages the ground, the stabilizer member and functional component being mechanically interconnected such that, in use, initial functional movement from the rest position of the functional component relative to the chassis causes movement of the stabilizer member from the retracted condition to the deployed condition.

Abstract: A conveyor and carriage assembly are synchronized to increase the speed of operation and eliminate any dwell periods to improve the rate at which a linear container filler is able to fill containers with a material. The fill rate approaches or exceeds that of prior art linear and rotary filling machines.

Abstract: Described herein is a space saving fluid dispensing container adapted for placement on a shelf. The device is generally adapted for filtration and dispensing of water and designed for placement within the refrigerator. The device includes a base portion forming a cavity and a removable and refillable tank for coupled placement to the base portion and in fluid communication with the base portion cavity for the replenishment of the fluid contents. Accordingly, the base portion is adapted to form a secondary shelf allowing only for the removal of a the refillable tank to allow for easier replenishment of fluid and the saving of space within the area surrounding the shelf the container is placed upon.

Abstract: Various apparatus and systems for chilled beverage dispensing are disclosed. The beverage dispenser can be configured such that any surface that the dispensed beverage is in contact with during the dispensing process is refrigerated to the appropriate temperature. In some examples, the beverage dispenser can extend from and retract into a refrigerated source. In some examples, the beverage dispenser can be built into a refrigeration system.

Abstract: An apparatus for dispensing a beverage comprising: a bottle; a bladder for containing the beverage; and a spigot for dispensing the beverage, wherein the bladder is sealed to the base portion of the spigot. The spigot comprises: one or more air ports; and one or more vertical ridged elements. The beverage is entirely contained within the bladder. This bag-in-bottle beverage dispenser may be used as a container and dispenser of wine and other air and photosensitive consumables.

Abstract: A moveable saddle rack that may be laterally translatable across a trailer, vertically translatable to facilitate user access to an upper saddle seat of the saddle rack, or both laterally translatable and vertically translatable.

Abstract: A moveable saddle rack that may be laterally translatable across a trailer, vertically translatable to facilitate user access to an upper saddle seat of the saddle rack, or both laterally translatable and vertically translatable.

Abstract: A safety stirrup for horseback riding having a first semi-arch element having a first end integrally connected to a first portion of a base element of the stirrup and a second end comprising a through hole for mounting a stirrup leather; a second semi-arch element having an end elastically connected to a second portion of the base element opposed to the first portion is provided. The second semi-arch element is configured to delimit a portion for inserting a rider's foot into the stirrup. The stirrup may have an elastic interposed between the end of the second semi-arch element and the second portion of the base element. Such elastic has an extension direction parallel to a main axis of the base element allowing the second semi-arch element to bend along the main axis away from the first semi-arch element and to elastically return said second semi-arch element to a rest position.

Abstract: Methods for fabricating crack resistant Microelectromechanical (MEMS) devices are provided, as are MEMS devices produced pursuant to such methods. In one embodiment, the method includes forming a sacrificial body over a substrate, producing a multi-layer membrane structure on the substrate, and removing at least a portion of the sacrificial body to form an inner cavity within the multi-layer membrane structure. The multi-layer membrane structure is produced by first forming a base membrane layer over and around the sacrificial body such that the base membrane layer has a non-planar upper surface. A predetermined thickness of the base membrane layer is then removed to impart the base membrane layer with a planar upper surface. A cap membrane layer is formed over the planar upper surface of the base membrane layer. The cap membrane layer is composed of a material having a substantially parallel grain orientation.

Abstract: A micromechanical sensor that is produced surface-micromechanically includes at least one mass element formed in a third functional layer that is non-perforated at least in certain portions. The sensor has a gap underneath the mass element that is formed by removal of a second functional layer and at least one oxide layer. The removal of the at least one oxide layer takes place by introducing a gaseous etching medium into a defined number of etching channels arranged substantially parallel to one another. The etching channels are configured to be connected to a vertical access channel in the third functional layer.

Abstract: Caging structures are disclosed for caging or otherwise reducing the mechanical shock pulse experienced by MEMS device beam structures during events that may cause mechanical shock to the MEMS device. The caging structures at least partially surround the beam such that they limit the motion of the beam in a direction perpendicular to the beam's longitudinal axis, thereby reducing stress on the beam during a mechanical shock event. The caging structures may be used in combination with mechanical shock-resistant beams.

Abstract: A semiconductor device includes a substrate, a beam, a movable structural body, a first stopper member, a second stopper member and a third stopper member. The first stopper member is arranged with a first gap from the movable structural body in an in-plane direction. The second stopper member is arranged with a second gap from the movable structural body in an out-of-plane direction. The third stopper member is arranged opposite to the second stopper member with the movable structural body interposed therebetween in the out-of-plane direction, and is arranged with a third gap from the movable structural body. Consequently, there can be provided a semiconductor device in which excessive displacement of the movable structural body can be suppressed to thereby suppress damage to and breakage of the beam supporting the movable structural body, and a method of manufacturing the same.

Abstract: Deep via technology is used to construct an integrated silicon cantilever and cavity oriented in a vertical plane which creates an electrostatically-switched MEMS switch in a small wafer area. Another embodiment is a small wafer area electrostatically-switched, vertical-cantilever MEMS switch wherein the switch cavity is etched within a volume defined by walls grown internally within a silicon substrate using through vias.

Abstract: Deep via technology is used to construct an integrated silicon cantilever and cavity oriented in a vertical plane which creates an electrostatically-switched MEMS switch in a small wafer area. Another embodiment is a small wafer area electrostatically-switched, vertical-cantilever MEMS switch wherein the switch cavity is etched within a volume defined by walls grown internally within a silicon substrate using through vias.

Abstract: A method of fabricating three-dimensional (3D) structures comprises forming a patterned area in a handle wafer, and bonding a mold wafer over the patterned area to produce one or more sealed cavities having a first pressure in the handle wafer. The mold wafer is heated past its softening point at a second pressure different from the first pressure to create a differential pressure across the mold wafer over the sealed cavities. The mold wafer is then cooled to harden the mold wafer into one or more 3D shapes over the sealed cavities. One or more materials are deposited on an outer surface of the mold wafer over the 3D shapes to form a structure layer having 3D structures that conform to the hardened 3D shapes of the mold wafer. The 3D structures are then bonded to a device wafer, and the handle wafer is removed to expose the 3D structures.

Abstract: A method of fabricating a semiconductor structure includes: providing a first wafer, providing a second wafer having a first surface and a second surface opposite to the first surface; contacting the first surface of the second wafer with the first wafer; and forming a plurality of scribe lines on the second surface of the second wafer; wherein the plurality of scribe lines protrudes from a third surface of the second wafer, and the third surface is between the first surface and the second surface.

Abstract: A method comprises forming an etch stop layer, a first titanium layer, a magnetic core, a second titanium layer, and patterning the first and second titanium layers. The etch stop layer is formed above a substrate. The first titanium layer is formed on the etch stop layer. The magnetic core is formed on the first titanium layer. The second titanium layer has a first portion encapsulating the magnetic core with the first titanium layer, and a second portion interfacing with the first titanium layer beyond the magnetic core. The patterning of the first and second titanium layers includes forming a mask over a magnetic core region and etching the first and second titanium layers exposed by the mask using a titanium etchant and a titanium oxide etchant.

Abstract: Provided is a method for the preparation of a porous hollow shell WO3/WS2 nanomaterial, comprising: (1) adding a hexavalent tungsten salt to a sol A comprising mesocarbon microbeads, and stirring to obtain a sol B; (2) drying and grinding the sol B, and then heating a resulting powder at 200-500° C. for 0.5-2 hours to obtain a porous hollow shell WO3 nanocrystalline material; (3) placing the porous hollow shell WO3 nanocrystalline material obtained by Step 2 and a sulfur powder separately in a vacuum furnace, controlling such that a degree of vacuum is ?0.01 to ?0.1 MPa and a temperature is 200-500° C., and reacting for 0.5-3 hours to obtain a WO3/WS2 porous hollow shell nanocrystalline material. Also provided is a porous hollow shell WO3/WS2 nanocrystalline material obtained by the method.

Abstract: A process for producing and storing hydrogen includes providing an intermediate gas mixture having an increased proportion of hydrogen and contacting of the intermediate gas mixture with a hydrogen carrier medium in order to hydrogenate the hydrogen carrier medium.

Abstract: A method of producing a graphene-based material, namely a direct sonication assisted method for producing a graphene-based material, in particular comprising 2D porous graphene includes subjecting a mixture of at least one carbide compound and at least one etching compound to sonication. This method enables the production of large amounts of a graphene-based material in a short time at ambient temperature and pressure and without the need for toxic reactants. The obtained porous graphene-based material has excellent electrical conductivity, due to the direct chemical synthesis, and is free of any template and not attached to any substrate. The 2D porous graphene can be directly used without transfer processes. The invention further relates to the graphene-based material obtained or obtainable by the method and the use of the graphene-based material.

Abstract: A chemical vapor deposition (CVD) system for forming carbon nanotubes from solid or liquid feedstock. The system includes a reactor including a housing that includes an inlet and an outlet. The housing defines an interior for receiving the feedstock, and the interior receives inert gas. The CVD system includes a first stop valve in flow communication with the inlet and a second stop valve in flow communication with the outlet. The first and second stop valves seal the inlet and the outlet such that a static environment is formed in the interior when reacting the feedstock. A heater heats the interior to a temperature such that the feedstock is vaporized, thereby forming vaporized feedstock. The CVD system further includes a controller coupled in communication with the first and second valves and the heater. The controller is configured to selectively actuate the first and second valves and the heater.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a method of preparing a graphene metal nanoparticle-composite, including: preparing graphene by applying a shearing force to a first solution containing a graphite-based material and thus exfoliating the graphite-based material; preparing metal nanoparticles by applying a shearing force to a second solution containing a metal precursor, a capping agent, and a reducing agent; and physically combining the metal nanoparticles on the graphene by applying a shearing force to a third solution containing the graphene and the metal nanoparticles, and a graphene metal nanoparticle-composite prepared according to the method.

Abstract: A method of modifying surfaces of diamond particles comprises forming spinodal alloy coatings over discrete diamond particles, thermally treating the spinodal alloy coatings to form modified coatings each independently exhibiting a reactive metal phase and a substantially non-reactive metal phase, and etching surfaces of the discrete diamond particles with at least one reactive metal of the reactive metal phase of the modified coatings. Diamond particles and earth-boring tools are also described.

Abstract: Carbon particles are disclosed, as well as methods and systems for forming the particles. In one embodiment, the system may include a receiving vessel configured to receive a liquid carbon precursor and at least one orifice at a bottom of the receiving vessel and configured to release droplets of the precursor. A cooling vessel may be positioned below the receiving vessel to receive the droplets and configured to hold a coolant for solidifying the droplets into carbon precursor particles. The method may include introducing a liquid carbon precursor into a tank having a plurality of orifices defined therein such that droplets of the precursor are released from the orifices and solidifying the droplets in a cooling vessel positioned to receive the droplets from the orifices. The method may then include carbonizing the solidified droplets to form carbon particles. The particles may be solid or hollow.

Abstract: Lake Kivu contains ˜50 million tonnes (MT) dissolved biomethane. Efficient use is problematic from massive associated CO2: ˜600 MT. Conventional extraction scrubs CO2 with ˜50% overall CH4 loss, and returns ˜80% CO2 into the deep lake, preserving a catastrophe hazard threatening >2 M people. Methods and systems are disclosed coupling: (1) efficient CH4+CO2 degassing; (2) optional oxyfuel power generation and CO2 power cycle technologies; and (3) CO2 capture, processing, storage and use in a utilization hub. The invention optimally allows power production with >2× improved efficiency plus cryo-energy storage and large-scale greentech industrialization.

Abstract: For evaluating a polycrystalline silicon rod to be used as a raw material for production of FZ Si single crystals, novel evaluation values (values of characteristics×amount of crystals) including the amount of crystals grown in the growth direction (radial direction) are defined and the homogeneity in crystal characteristics in the growth direction (radial direction) is evaluated. Specifically, the homogeneity of the polycrystalline rod is evaluated by sampling a plurality of specimen plates each having, as a principal plane thereof, a cross-section perpendicular to a radial direction of the polycrystalline rod grown by a Siemens method at equal intervals in the radial direction, determining values of characteristics of the crystals of the specimen plates by measurements, and by using evaluation values obtained by multiplying amounts of the crystals (relative amounts of the crystals) at sites where the specimen plates have been sampled by the values of the crystal characteristics.

Abstract: A core wire holder 3 attached on an electrode 2 placed on a bottom panel of a device 20 for producing silicon by Siemens process includes a silicon core wire holding portion 9 being generally circular truncated cone-shaped, and holding and energizing a silicon core wire 4. The silicon core wire holding portion 9 includes a generally circular truncated cone having an upper surface formed with a silicon core wire insertion hole 7 for holding the silicon core wire 4, and the silicon core wire holding portion 9 includes an upper surface and a side surface, which form a ridge having a curved surface and serving as a chamfered portion 8.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a process for preparing an inorganic aerogel, the process comprising the steps of providing a composition (I) suitable to form an inorganic gel with a gelation time tG, spraying the composition (I) into supercritical carbon dioxide at a spraying time tS to obtain gel particles, and drying the gel particles obtained in step (ii) by supercritical liquid extraction, wherein the ratio tS:tG is in the range of from 0.2 to 0.99. The present invention further is directed to the inorganic aerogel as such as well as the use of the inorganic aerogel according to the invention in particular for medical and pharmaceutical applications or for thermal insulation.

Abstract: Described are composite photonic materials that incorporate magnetic nanoparticles inside hollow or solvent-filled nano-scale or micro-scale shells and methods of making and using such composite photonic materials. When these photonic materials are present in a magnetic field, they exhibit a change in reflected, scattered, and/or transmitted light as compared to when the materials are not in the presence of the magnetic field. This results in the materials appearing to have a different color, such as when observed by the human eye or a light detecting device, such as a camera.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for synthesizing molecular sieve SSZ-63 using 1-(decahydronaphthalen-2-yl)-1-methylpyrrolidinium cations as a structure directing agent.

Abstract: A new family of crystalline microporous metalloalumino(gallo)phosphosilicate molecular sieves has been synthesized and are designated high charge density (HCD) MeAPSOs. These metalloalumino(gallo)phosphosilicate are represented by the empirical formula of: Rp+rA+mM2+wExPSiyOz where A is an alkali metal such as potassium, R is at least one quaternary ammonium cation such as ethyltrimethylammonium, M is a divalent metal such as Zn and E is a trivalent framework element such as aluminum or gallium. This family of metalloalumino(gallo)phosphosilicate materials are stabilized by combinations of alkali and quaternary ammonium cations, enabling unique, high charge density compositions. The HCD MeAPSO family of materials have catalytic properties for carrying out various hydrocarbon conversion processes and separation properties for separating at least one component.

Abstract: The present disclosure generally relates to methods of preparing spherical salt particles for industrial, medical, and other uses. The methods can include combining the angular salt particles with a quantity of finishing media, for example, into a receptacle. Thereafter, the angular salt particles and the finishing media can be moved or agitated until the angular salt particles have a desired sphericity.

Abstract: Disclosed are embodiments of a barium magnesium tantalate including additional components to increase the Q value of the material. In some embodiments, complex tungsten oxides and/or hexagonal perovskite crystal structures can be added into the barium magnesium tantalate to provide for advantageous properties. In some embodiments, no tin is used in the formation of the material.

Abstract: A method for treating a urea aqueous solution includes a first stripping step of steam stripping an aqueous solution containing urea, ammonia and carbon dioxide at 0.2 to 0.6 MPaA in a first stripper to separate ammonia and carbon dioxide from this aqueous solution into a gas phase; a hydrolysis step of hydrolyzing urea in the solution obtained from the first stripping step at an LHSV of 10 to 20 h?1, at 1.1 to 3.1 MPaA and 180 to 230° C. in a catalytic hydrolyzer; and a second stripping step of steam stripping a liquid obtained in the hydrolysis step in a second stripper to separate ammonia and carbon dioxide from this liquid into a gas phase. The residual urea concentration can be reduced to 1 ppm or lower; the residual ammonia concentration can be decreased; LHSV can be increased; and an increase in apparatus size is minimized.

Abstract: A method of chemical extraction and power generator cooling includes receiving an aqueous solution with dissolved inorganic carbon. The method further includes extracting the dissolved inorganic carbon from the aqueous solution and collecting the dissolved inorganic carbon. The aqueous solution is then acidified and supplied to the power generator to cool the power generator.

Abstract: A system for treating a wastewater stream produces an effluent having an acceptable level of turbidity. A PID controller is operatively coupled to at least one turbidity meter for monitoring turbidity of the effluent stream. A plurality of chemical treatment additive pumps are provided for adding a plurality of treatment chemicals to the wastewater stream in real time under supervision of the controller, and responsive to monitored turbidity.

Abstract: The present invention provides compositions for removal of arsenic or heavy metal contaminants in the process of fluid filtration comprising an organically modified inorganic adsorbent, wherein the composition is produced by reaction with 1,3-dipolar compounds prior to filtration. Also provided are systems for fluid filtration, comprising compositions as provided herein, in a column or column-like format, wherein a fluid is provided to the column such that the fluid flows through the organically modified inorganic adsorbent, and wherein contaminants present in the fluid are bound to the composition. Additionally provided are methods for fluid filtration, comprising contacting a fluid sample with the composition of claim 1 and collecting the filtered fluid sample after filtration.

Abstract: Cross-linked polymeric resins from anilines linked together with dithiocarbamate alkyl chains. A process for producing the cross-linked polymeric resins by Mannich-type polycondensation of anilines and diaminoalkanes linked together by an aldehyde and subsequent conversion of one or more amine functionalities to dithiocarbamate moieties. In addition, a method for removing heavy metals, such as Hg(II) from aqueous solution via contacting and treatment with the cross-linked polymeric resins.

Abstract: Method and systems are disclosed for the removal of metal contaminants from aqueous mediums. In an example, a chamber contains activated sorptive media and a primary ligand and optionally, a secondary ligand that has been loaded onto the activated sorptive media using hydraulic loading. A pre-treatment of the sorptive media, a specific volume of the activated sorptive media within the chamber, specific pH ranges of aqueous mediums, and hydraulic loading of the primary ligand and optionally, a secondary ligand, known as dynamic fluidized loading. Pore pressures of the seeding solution within the media are at least sufficient to overcome the gravitational forces acting on the media within the column. The methods and systems provide a highly uniform and predictable loading of the primary ligand and optionally, the secondary ligand, onto the activated sorptive media throughout the sorptive media for effective sorption and increased capacity for metal removal from aqueous mediums.

Abstract: Disclosed is a water treatment apparatus including a pipe. Elements disposed in the pipe are respectively made of lead-free brass and nontoxic ultra high molecular weight polyethylene instead of brass and plastic polyethylene that are conventionally used materials. Therefore, when the elements come into contact with water, neither heavy metals, such as lead (Pb), nor organic and inorganic substances harmful to the human body are produced.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system (17) for real-time monitoring and/or controlling wastewater or sludge dewatering and/or thickening processes, said system (17) comprising a wastewater piping (13) comprising a wastewater inlet (1) and a concentrated wastewater outlet (18); at least one dewatering or thickening device (14), attached to said wastewater piping (13) between the inlet (1) and the outlet (18); at least one total solids measurement device (2, 8, 11), attached to said wastewater piping (13); at least one total suspended solids measurement device (3, 7, 10), attached to said wastewater piping (13) or a fluid outlet (9) of the dewatering or thickening device (14); an inorganic coagulant container (4) connected to said wastewater piping (13); a feeding valve (5) to control a flow of inorganic coagulant from said inorganic coagulant container (4) to said wastewater piping (13); and a control unit (15); wherein the flow of inorganic coagulant is adapted to be controlled to uphold at least a predet

Abstract: A process for the treatment of contaminated water includes contacting the contaminated water with a cryptocrystalline magnesite-bentonite clay composite thereby to remove one or more contaminants from the water. The invention extends to a method for the manufacture of a cryptocrystalline magnesite-bentonite clay composite wherein an admixture of cryptocrystalline magnesite and bentonite clay is milled to a desired particle size with amorphization of the magnesite and bentonite clay in the resultant cryptocrystalline magnesite-bentonite clay composite, and to a cryptocrystalline magnesite-bentonite clay composite.

Abstract: A system, a method and a process is provided for removing selenium from coal mine wastewater. The method and system include the steps of providing a quantity of ferric chloride in a predetermined relative ratio to a volume of mine wastewater, using sodium hydroxide to adjust the pH of the mine wastewater between 7.5 and 8, introducing the volume of mine wastewater into a sediment pond or tank having turbidity curtains.

Abstract: A waste liquid treatment device (20) treats water to be treated that contains at least hydrogen peroxide, by decomposing the hydrogen peroxide. The waste liquid treatment device (20) is equipped with a housing (21), an introduction port (22) that is provided to the housing (21) and that introduces the water to be treated into the housing (21), a discharge port (23) that is provided to the housing (21) and that discharges treated water to be obtained by treating the water to be treated, and one or more channel-defining members (24) that are disposed within the housing (21) and that have a surface that a catalyst is disposed on, wherein the one or more channel-defining members (24) define, between the introduction port (22) and the discharge port (23), a channel (P) for the water to be treated, the channel (P) having a turning in at least one position.

Abstract: A sewage treatment chlorinator for use at a site not connected to a municipal sewer system and system and method for use of the same are disclosed. In one embodiment of the sewage treatment chlorinator, a housing includes an external conduit coupled in a t-connection to a flow tube. An inner canister is sized to be selectively inserted and removed from the external conduit and includes a perforated end cap having a flow deck sized to suspend a chlorine tablet within a contact chamber of the flow tube. The flow tube receives effluent form an aerobic tank and discharge treated effluent to a post-treatment tank. At least a portion of the discharge from the flow tube is gravity-based discharge into the post-treatment tank.

Abstract: Methods and systems for bioremediation of heavy metal contaminants in waste materials (e.g., sludge and combustion wastes from a coal-fixed power plant). The systems described in the present application include at least one waste treatment unit (e.g., a flue gas cleaner or a waste lagoon) that includes one or more selected bacterial strains disposed therein consume and/or reclaim at least a portion of the heavy metal in the combustion wastes. Methods include inoculating a waste treatment unit with one or more selected bacteria that consume and/or reclaim at least a portion of the heavy metal in the combustion wastes. Methods may include periodic reinoculation of the waste treatment unit with fresh bacteria and period recovery of the bacteria from the waste treatment unit.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for degrading and inactivating at least one xenobiotic, the at least one xenobiotic being present in an aqueous medium. The method comprises the steps of (a) grafting at least one enzyme onto a solid support, (b) incubating the solid support with the at least one enzyme into the aqueous medium and (c) measuring the evolution of the concentration of the at least one xenobiotic. The method is remarkable in that the at least one enzyme is New-Dehli metallo-?-lactamase 1, a laccase extracted from Pleurotus ostreatus and/or a ?-lactamase extracted from Pseudomonas aeruginosa and in that the solid support is a moving bed carrier.

Abstract: A method for producing a glass product having a low bubble content from a melt is provided, wherein the melt at least partly comes into contact with a noble metal-comprising component.

Abstract: Heating apparatuses and methods for glass tubing manufacturing are disclosed. A heating apparatus for glass tubing manufacturing includes a bowl configured to receive molten glass and a plurality of heating elements thermally coupled to the bowl. The bowl has a bowl height and includes a tub portion configured to hold the molten glass, a bowl well extending beneath the tub portion, and an orifice at a distal end of the bowl well. The plurality of heating elements include a first heating element disposed at a first vertical location along the bowl height, a second heating element disposed at a second vertical location along the bowl height, wherein the first vertical location is vertically spaced apart from the second vertical location.