Abstract: Provided is a wet area member for use in an indoor wet environment, comprising: a base member; and an amorphous carbon layer formed on a surface of the base member and mainly containing carbon atoms, wherein the amorphous carbon layer further contains hydrogen atoms, and the amorphous carbon layer contains the hydrogen atoms in a predetermined amount or more and has a density lower than a predetermined value so as to be capable of inhibiting sticking of water scale for a long period. This makes it possible to obtain a wet area member which exhibits a high stain release property and a high stain release durability.

Abstract: A dual-surface treated composite superabsorbent particle comprising a polycarboxylate polymer (e.g., saponified polyacrylamide) and a carboxylated starch polymer is disclosed. The surface of the particle is cross linked through esterification with a C2-C4 polyol exemplified with glycerol. In addition, the surface region is crosslinked through ionic bonds with a trivalent metal ion exemplified with aluminum. In a critical method of making, the acidification of the surface with the polyol occurs prior to treatment with the trivalent metal ion, which results is a hybrid particle that can include up to about 40% of carboxymethyl starch yet exhibit a FSC of at least 47 g/g, a CRC of at least 27 g/g, an AUL of at least 18 g/g under a load of 0.7 psi, and a SFR of at least 180 ml/min. Also disclosed is a method of making that includes a surface esterification prior to aluminum treatment.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are activated carbon having a particle size distribution of d95 ranging from 1 ?m to 28 ?m and a d95/d50 ratio ranging from 1.5 to 3, compositions comprising such activated carbons and methods of making the same, and methods of mercury removal from flue gas generated from coal combustion by injecting activated carbon into the flue gas.

Abstract: There is disclosed a catalytic substrate surface where in the substrate surface comprises particles in the size range 2-500 nm, said particles comprising TiO2, wherein at least 50 wt % of the Ti in the particles is leachable in 37% HCl. A method for its manufacture is also provided. One advantage is that the higher fractions of Ti leachable in 37% HCl give a better coating with better adhesion, in particular on objects comprising protonatable acidic oxides, such as SiO2. The higher fraction of Ti leachable in 37% HCl gives better transparency and dispersion stability. The resulting surface exhibits both improved activity and improved adhesion of the particles. There is no color change and/or speckles on the substrate, allowing anti-pollution surfaces to be produced also on decorative surfaces. The TiO2-comprising layer is thin and easily applied in the production line.

Abstract: A catalyst comprising gold, palladium, and a porous support, in the form of at least one grain, in which: the gold content in the catalyst is in the range 0.5% to 3% by weight with respect to the total weight of catalyst; the mean particle size of the gold, estimated by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), is in the range 0.5 nm to 5 nm; the gold is distributed homogeneously in the porous support; at least 80% by weight of the palladium is distributed in an eggshell at the periphery of the porous support; the gold/palladium molar ratio is more than 2.

Abstract: A method for preparing a catalyst having catalytically active materials selectively impregnated or supported only in the surface region of the catalyst particle using the mutual repulsive force of a hydrophobic solution and a hydrophilic solution and the solubility difference to a metal salt precursor between the hydrophobic and hydrophilic solutions. The hydrophobic solvent is a C2-C6 alcohol. The hydrophobic solvent is introduced into the catalyst support and then removed of a part of the pores connected to the outer part of the catalyst particle by drying under appropriate conditions. Then, a hydrophilic solution containing a metal salt is introduced to occupy the void spaces removed of the hydrophobic solvent, and the catalyst particle is dried at a low rate to selectively support or impregnate the catalytically active material or the precursor of the catalytically active material only in the outer part of the catalyst particle.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of preparing SAPO-56, (AFX) using a lower alkyl amine, preferably trimethylamine, and a 1,4-diazabicyclo [2.2.2]octane derivative, preferably comprising either 1,4-(1,4-diazabicyclo[2.2.2]octane)butyl cations or 1,5-(1,4-diazabicyclo[2.2.2]octane)pentyl cations, as structure directing agents (SDAs). A lower alkyl ammonium hydroxide, such as tetrabutylammonium hydroxide (TBAOH), can be used to control the pH. The invention also relates to SAPO-56 comprising a lower alkyl amine, such as trimethylamine, and a 1,4-diazabicyclo [2.2.2]octane derivative, such as a compound comprising either 1,4-(1,4-diazabicyclo[2.2.2]octane)butyl cations or 1,5-(1,4-diazabicyclo[2.2.2]octane) pentyl cations.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a simple process for functionalization/grafting of carbon microspheres obtained from bagasse with various active functional groups onto it and use of the same as catalyst for various organic reactions, having very high selectivity and conversion rate.

Abstract: A method for easily producing a heterogeneous catalyst having excellent catalytic activity at a low cost is provided. The heterogeneous catalyst is used for the purpose of synthesizing a cyclic carbonate by reacting an epoxide and carbon dioxide. A catalyst obtained by this production method and a method for synthesizing a cyclic carbonate with use of this catalyst are also provided.

Abstract: A carbon nanotube-metal particle composite includes: carbon nanotubes, polymer layer, and metal particles. The polymer layer is coated on a surface of the carbon nanotubes and defines a number of uniformly distributed pores. the metal particles are located in the pores. A catalyst including the carbon nanotube-metal particle composite is also disclosed.

Abstract: A process for the preparation of a titanium-containing zeolitic material having an MWW framework structure, the process comprising (i) providing a zeolitic material having an MWW framework structure comprising SiO2 and B2O3, (ii) incorporating titanium into the zeolitic material provided in (i) comprising (ii.I) preparing an aqueous synthesis mixture containing the zeolitic material provided in (i), an MWW template compound and a titanium source, (ii.2) hydrothermally synthesizing a titanium-containing zeolitic material having an MWW framework structure from the aqueous synthesis mixture prepared in (ii.1), obtaining a mother liquor comprising the titanium-containing zeolitic material having an MWW framework structure; (iii) spray-drying the mother liquor obtained from (ii.2) comprising the titanium-containing zeolitic material having an MWW framework structure.

Abstract: One or more embodiments of the present disclosure include methods of improving the activity of an at least partially non-active Fischer-Tropsch (“FT”) catalyst in a tubular FT reactor, which includes heating a heat transfer fluid (“HTF”) to a vapor state, using the heated HTF in the vapor state to achieve and maintain the at least partially non-active FT catalyst at a predetermined stage temperature; and exposing the at least partially non-active FT catalyst to at least one stage FT catalyst activity-related gas for a stage duration of time to increase the activity of the FT catalyst to a desired level. Other methods, systems and apparatuses are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method of cleaning a diesel particulate filter. The method requires a step of contacting the diesel particulate filter with a cleaning composition containing one or more fatty acids or a derivative thereof. The one or more fatty acids or a derivative thereof may include a natural oil, such as a plant-based oil.

Abstract: A subject for the invention is to provide a chabazite-type zeolite that is expected to have durability and thermal resistance, which are practical properties required of catalyst supports and adsorbent bases, and that has profitability. A chabazite-type zeolite having an SiO2/Al2O3 molar ratio of 15-50 and an average particle diameter size of 1.5 ?m or more has high durability and high thermal resistance. Such a chabazite-type zeolite can be produced by crystallizing a starting-material composition in which the molar ratios of a structure-directing agent and water to SiO2 satisfy 0.05?(structure-directing agent)/SiO2<0.13 and 5?H2O/SiO2<30, in the presence of at least one kind of alkali metal ions selected from the group consisting of K, Rb, and Cs. The structure-directing agent preferably is an N,N,N-trimethyladamantaneammonium salt.

Abstract: A metal exchanged fluorinated ionomer is a copolymer minimally including repeating units of (i) a polymerized derivative of a perfluorinated cyclic or cyclizable monomer and (ii) a strong acid highly fluorinated vinylether compound in which the acid moiety is exchanged with a cation of a Group 11 metal. Metal exchanged fluorinated ionomers are readily soluble and can be formed into thin, selectively gas permeable membranes by solution deposition methods. These membranes are suitable for separating olefins from gas olefin/paraffin mixtures. Good selectivity and transmembrane flux can be obtained without humidifying the membrane feed gas mixture.

Abstract: Systems and methods for ion exchange regeneration for resins onsite at an industrial facility are disclosed. The resins can be boron selective resins and the systems and methods can utilize onsite regeneration, recycling of certain effluent streams, and/or treated water as a main water source for regeneration.

Abstract: The invention pertains to a handheld pipette (11) with a handle (13), an interconnecting part (15) to attach a pipette tip and an ejection mechanism to remove the pipette tip from the interconnecting part (15). The ejection mechanism has a movable slider (43) relative to the interconnecting part (15) in the area of the interconnecting part (15 that is designed to slide the pipette tip from the interconnection part (15) when operating the ejection mechanism. The pipette (11) furthermore possesses a first and a second operating element (45, 47) accessible from the outside to operate the ejection mechanism, whereby the first operating element (45) is arranged in the area of the handle (13) and is operable by hand, and where the second operating element (47) is intended to be operated by an external device (71).

Abstract: A droplet forming apparatus includes a liquid retaining portion that retains cell suspension containing cells; a membrane member, provided with a nozzle, that discharges the cell suspension retained in the liquid retaining portion from the nozzle as a droplet by oscillation; and an open portion that opens the liquid retaining portion to atmosphere.

Abstract: Test elements are disclosed for detecting at least one analyte in a body fluid, where the test elements include a housing having at least one base element and at least one cover element. The test elements also include at least one fluid channel formed within the housing, where the fluid channel includes a capillary region and a measurement region. The capillary region and the measurement region have differing aspect ratios. The cover element includes at least one test field having at least one test chemical, where the test chemical is adapted to change at least one optically measurable property in the presence of the analyte. In addition, the cover element is mounted to the base element via at least one adhesive that contacts the test field.

Abstract: Micro droplets are accurately placed in a reaction well. The reaction well (5) is formed in one surface of a well base (3). A channel base (11) is placed on the well base (3). The channel base (11) has, in its surface joined to the well base (3), a liquid introduction channel (12a) and a reaction well air vent channel (18a). The channel base (11) also has a recess (27) formed opposite to the reaction well (5) and recessed upward from the upper surface of the liquid introduction channel (12a). When viewed from above, a shoulder part (26) of the recess (27) is placed near the connection part between the reaction well (5) and the liquid introduction channel (12a) and is closer to the center of the reaction well (5) than a shoulder part (16) of the reaction well (5).

Abstract: A device for detecting the concentration of biological materials is formed in a body having a plurality of fluidic paths connectable to a multi-microbalance structure carrying a plurality of microbalances, each microbalance having a sensitive portion facing a reaction chamber. The body and the multi-microbalance structure are configured to be mechanically coupled together and each microbalance is configured to be coupled to a respective fluidic path. Each fluidic path includes an inlet, a duct and a liquid waste, each duct being configured to be coupled with a respective reaction chamber. The plurality of fluidic paths and microbalances form at least one first and one second reference cells and one first sample cell.

Abstract: This liquid handling device is provided with a first chip that comprises a first substrate, a first film, a first flow path, a second flow path and a partition wall. A diaphragm portion of the first film is over the first flow path, the second flow path and the partition wall, and the center thereof is arranged over the first flow path. The first chip comprises a discharge hole or a discharge flow path which, in the liquid flow direction in the first flow path, opens into the first flow path between the partition wall and the center of the diaphragm and allows communication between the inside and outside of the first flow path.

Abstract: Articles and methods for controlling flow in fluidic systems, especially in microfluidic systems, are provided. In one aspect, a microfluidic system described herein includes a configuration such that the actuation of a single valve can allow the switching of fluids from a first fluid path (e.g., a first channel section) to a second fluid path (e.g., a second channel section). This may be achieved, for example, by incorporating a valve with a first channel section, which may have a lower hydrodynamic resistance than a second channel section prior to actuation of the valve. Actuation of the valve can cause only the hydrodynamic resistance of the first channel section to increase, thereby redirecting fluid flow into the second channel section (which now has a relatively lower hydrodynamic resistance).

Abstract: A magnetic-hydrodynamic force fluid logic controller is provide that includes a solid or flexible or flexible substrate, a fluid chamber disposed above the substrate, where the chamber includes a fluid under test that includes an active magnet, where the active magnet is disposed to control a magnetic north pole of the droplet and a magnetic south pole of the droplet, a two-dimensional distribution of magnetic elements a surface the solid or flexible substrate, where the magnetic elements comprise a magnetization in a magnetic north pole and magnetization in a magnetic south pole, where the magnetic elements are activated by an external magnetic field of the active magnet, where the droplets have a droplet magnetization, where the droplet magnetization is configured for droplet self-interaction by the magnetic elements and the active magnet, where the self-interaction comprises splitting, merging, propagation, logic, storage, memory and all possible combinations of logical circuit operations.

Abstract: A closed system chemical handling and delivery system includes an enclosure having a sealable opening accommodating the ingress and egress of chemical containers with an interior of the enclosure, a glove opening formed in the enclosure to which a glove is attached to and extends into the interior of the enclosure, a viewing window coupled to the enclosure providing a view into the interior of the enclosure, a chemical delivery drain in fluid communication with the interior of the enclosure, and a mixing valve in selective fluid communication with the chemical delivery drain.

Abstract: A slot extender includes a reservoir. The reservoir includes a reservoir floor defining a drain opening, a continuous reservoir sidewall extending from the reservoir floor, and a concave fillet running along at least a portion where the reservoir sidewall joins the reservoir floor. The concave fillet has a variable radius.

Abstract: A centrifuge tube holding assembly includes a body having a front side, a back side, a top edge, a bottom edge, a first lateral edge and a second lateral edge. The top edge has a plurality of apertures extending downwardly therein and each of the apertures may be used for removably receiving an ultracentrifuge tube. The front wall has an opening therein for viewing an open space positioned below the top edge. A panel is positioned over the opening. The panel is transparent to allow viewing through the panel. The panel has measurement indicia thereon configured to be positioned to be alignable with the ultracentrifuge tube.

Abstract: Provided herein are pipette tip racks, and in particular, pipette tip rack plates that restrict lateral displacement of pipette tips loaded therein.

Abstract: A method of fragmenting and/or weakening of material is provided that utilizes high voltage discharges. The material is together with a process liquid introduced into a process area, in which two electrodes face each other at a distance, and is arranged therein in such a manner that the area between the two electrodes is filled with the material and process liquid. Between the two electrodes high voltage discharges are generated for fragmenting or weakening of the material. During the fragmenting or weakening, respectively, of the material, process liquid is discharged from the process area and process liquid is fed into the process area. The process liquid which is fed has a lower electrical conductivity than the process liquid which is discharged.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for sorting particles moving through a closed channel system of capillary size comprises a bubble valve for selectively generating a pressure pulse to separate a particle having a predetermined characteristic from a stream of particles. The particle sorting system may further include a buffer for absorbing the pressure pulse. The particle sorting system may include a plurality of closely coupled sorting modules which are combined to further increase the sorting rate. The particle sorting system may comprise a multi-stage sorting device for serially sorting streams of particles, in order to decrease the error rate.

Abstract: A separator device for removing particles from suspension in a liquid includes a housing having first and second chambers with apertures for ingress and egress of liquid into the first chamber. Means are provided for setting up a swirl of liquid within the first chamber. Apertures enable flow of liquid between the first chamber and the second chamber. Means are also provided for setting up a swirl of liquid within the second chamber. The swirl in the second chamber is in substantially the opposite direction to the swirl in the first chamber, and there is no substantial flow in the second chamber which is in the same direction as the swirl in the first chamber.

Abstract: An irrigation sprinkler can include a reversing mechanism configured to transition the nozzle turret of the irrigation sprinkler between a forward direction of rotation and a reverse direction of rotation. The reversing mechanism can include shifting frame having an input gear and at least one output gear. The at least one output gear can be mounted on an axle of rotation which permits lateral movement of the at least one output gear between a power transmitting position, wherein rotational power from a gear reduction is transferred to the nozzle turret, and a disengaged position wherein rotational power from the gear reduction is not transferred to the nozzle turret.

Abstract: A foam spray gun is illustrated in which a third hose is attached to the gun for the application of either a liquid or a gas.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a multi-component fragrance dispensing apparatus comprising at least an aqueous based composition and a volatile solvent based composition, wherein the apparatus comprises two separate containers, two separate non-spray dispensers, and one exit orifice therein. Methods of using the apparatus for providing a longer lasting fragrance is also encompassed by the present invention.

Abstract: A device for dispensing a fluid, including: a feed pipe, a dispensing pipe arranged in order to convey a fluid in a dispensing direction, a deformable pouch, a feed valve, and a dispensing valve. In an open state the feed valve allows fluid to pass from the feed pipe to the inside of the pouch, and, in a closed state, does not allow this. In an open state the dispensing valve allows fluid to pass from the inside of the pouch to the dispensing pipe, and, in a closed state, does not allow this. The dispensing valve is held in the device by tightening between inner walls of the dispensing pipe.

Abstract: Among other things, a dispensing device and/or a refill container are provided. The dispensing device may comprise a dispenser component configured to dispense a refill material. A sensor component may be configured to identify an optical property (e.g., whether an optical brightener is present in the refill material) of the refill material. The dispensing device may evaluate the optical property against an optical profile to determine whether the refill material is a valid refill material (e.g., comprises the optical brightener) or an invalid refill material (e.g., does not comprise the optical brightener). Operation of the dispensing device may be enabled based upon the refill material being the valid refill material. If the refill material comprises the invalid refill material, then operation of the dispensing device may be disabled and/or a flush option (e.g., evacuating the invalid refill material from the dispensing device) may be activated.

Abstract: A support trolley for supporting a door of an aircraft to permit working on the door comprises a frame with an upper support portion having at least two pairs of support bolts for engagement with locking bolts of the door to be supported so that the door is supported at each lateral side by a pair of support bolts. For engagement with the locking bolts the support bolts comprise recesses at their free ends.

Abstract: A kit containing four round, convex, flexible protective covers to shield tire rims from harsh solvents and chemicals used when cleaning and polishing tires, and four drop cloths is provided. Each cover comprises on its outer edge an extended lip and loops for use in easily handling the cover when applying the cover and removing it from the tire rim.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to an apparatus for repairing damaged or bent airbrush needles. Specifically, embodiments of the present invention are directed to an apparatus comprising one or more sharpening stones of various grits configured to allow for the sharpening of airbrush needles with precision.

Abstract: An end effector cleaner for removing excess sealant from an end effector is provided. The end effector cleaner includes a first spool, a second spool, a medium for removing excess sealant from the end effector, a support member configured to support a portion of the medium, a motor for rotating the second spool, an advancement sensor for detecting a presence of the end effector and sending a signal for rotating the motor, and a roll sensor for detecting a dimension of the medium wound on at least one of the first spool and the second spool. One end of the medium is wound on the first spool and the other end of the medium is wound on the second spool, and the portion of the medium is positioned to receive excess sealant of the end effector.

Abstract: An improved apparatus and methods are presented for a new and improved ultrasonic aerosol generation apparatus and air/gas and deployed aerosol movement system, which is able to increase and improve the reliability and quality of coverage and treatment of the various targeted surfaces within an enclosed space, with the generated and deployed disinfecting aerosol, by providing an improved system to detect one or more of any layers and stratifications of gas(s) and deployed aerosols within the atmosphere of the treated area(s) at any time, and a means to remove and effectively disrupt, the said layers, so the deployed aerosol can effectively treat the targeted area(s), as well as additional enhancements to the systems used for processing the atmosphere in the targeted area(s) after the treatment cycle has completed deploying the aerosol, such as improving the cleaning of the dehumidification device, and the effective operation of the dehumidification and filter components.

Abstract: An applicator for delivering a glutinous substance to a workpiece from an end-effector is disclosed. The applicator comprises a body and a plunger. The plunger comprises a gate, movable within an outlet portion of a first channel of the body between, inclusively, an open position, allowing the glutinous substance to flow from an inlet of the first channel to an outlet of the first channel and a closed position, preventing the glutinous substance from flowing from the inlet of the first channel to the outlet of the first channel. The applicator further comprises an actuator, selectively operable to move the plunger such that the gate moves between, inclusively, the open position and the closed position.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a print medium for inkjet printing and a method of producing such a print medium. In particular, the present invention is directed to a print medium comprising a base layer having a first side and a reverse side, an absorptive layer being in contact with the first side of the base layer, and a topcoat being in contact with the absorptive layer.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of producing at least one layer of solid material.

Abstract: The invention relates to the application of a coating to a substrate in which the coating includes a polymer material and the coating is selectively fluorinated and/or cured to improve the liquid repellance of the same. The invention also provides for the selective fluorination and/or curing of selected areas of the coating thus, when completed, providing a coating which has regions of improved liquid repellance with respect to the remaining regions and which remaining regions may be utilized as liquid collection areas.

Abstract: A method is provided for manufacturing an image on a substrate, wherein the image includes an indicia and a frame. The method includes covering at least a portion the substrate with a carrier comprising magnetically alignable flakes, aligning the magnetically alignable flakes with a magnetic field of a magnetic assembly comprising a metal plate with an opening, and solidifying the carrier. The frame is formed at an edge of the opening and the indicia is visible within the frame. The magnetic assembly includes two magnets disposed so that the North pole of one magnet and the South pole of another magnet are proximate to the metal plate at opposite sides of the opening.

Abstract: A sieve for microparticles includes a seat having a chamber and a plurality of boards mounted in the chamber. Each of the plurality of boards includes a first face and a second face opposite to the first face. The first face includes at least one notch. The second face includes at least one groove. The first face of each of the plurality of boards abuts the second face of an adjacent board. The at least one notch and the at least one groove respectively of two adjacent boards are partially aligned and intercommunicated with each other.

Abstract: A wire screening for classifying material. The screening may include a plurality of interwoven warp and weft wires where the weft wires are individually coated with a coating that expands and collapses to enhance performance and longevity of the screen. The coating of one or more weft wires may differ in at least one characteristic from the coating of one or more other weft wires. The warp wires can be individually coated to enhance performance and/or longevity of the screening. Binding blocks can be used in place of weft wires. The coating of one or more warp wires may differ in at least one characteristic from the coating of one or more other warp wires and/or one or more weft wires. The screening can include a plurality of uncoated weft and warp wires where the crimp depth of each wire forming each opening has a different crimp depth.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for grading sensitive products. The apparatus and method treat the objects to be graded gently and are accurate and may be constructed so as to handle extremely large quantities. The grading device has grading channels that are wider at the outlet than at the intake. The belt machine draws the objects forward between two inclined belts which form the channel. An adjusting device is implemented perpendicular underneath the belts of the apparatus having alternatively arranged support members and adjusting members arranged on an adjusting screwing shaft. Both components have screwing sections which regulate an increase or a decrease in the gap between the support members when the adjusting screwing shaft is rotated.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for sorting particles moving through a closed channel system of capillary size comprises a bubble valve for selectively generating a pressure pulse to separate a particle having a predetermined characteristic from a stream of particles. The particle sorting system may further include a buffer for absorbing the pressure pulse. The particle sorting system may include a plurality of closely coupled sorting modules which are combined to further increase the sorting rate. The particle sorting system may comprise a multi-stage sorting device for serially sorting streams of particles, in order to decrease the error rate.