Abstract: The disclosure provides blowable insulation or filling material, and apparatus and methods for making same. The blowable insulation or filling material includes a plurality of discrete elongate floccules each formed of a plurality of fibers. The floccules include a relatively open enlarged medial portion. The floccules also include relatively condensed twisted tail portions extending from opposing ends of the medial portion. The floccules can be utilized by existing garment fill blowing machines without clogging thereof, and include a superior soft hand feel, thermal resistance and launderability. The floccules may be formed by forcing staple fibers through apertures of a rotating hollow drum to partially form the floccule structure within the drum. The partially formed floccules may be retained within the rotating drum for a dwell time to finalize the floccule structure.

Abstract: In described examples, a microelectromechanical system (MEMS) includes a first element and a second element. The first element is mounted on a substrate and has a first contact surface. The second element is mounted on the substrate and has a second contact surface that protrudes from the second element to form an acute contact surface. The first element and/or the second element is/are operable to move in: a first direction, such that the first contact surface comes in contact with the second contact surface; and a second direction, such that the second contact surface separates from the first contact surface.

Abstract: The present invention is to provide an optical scanner module capable of reducing cross-talk generated between a sensor interconnect and a drive interconnect.

Abstract: According to various embodiments, there is provided a method for fabricating a semiconductor package, the method including forming a cap structure and a pillar from a first wafer; bonding the first wafer to a second wafer; and filling a gap between the pillar and the cap structure with a mold compound.

Abstract: A method for forming a microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) device may include performing a first silicon-on-nothing process to form a first cavity in a substrate. The method may include depositing an epitaxial layer on a surface of the substrate. The method may include performing a second silicon-on-nothing process to form a second cavity in the epitaxial layer. The method may include exposing the first cavity and the second cavity by removing a portion of the substrate and the epitaxial layer.

Abstract: An actively reversible and reusable dry adhesion system, and related methods for using the same, may comprise a first plurality of nanoparticles, e.g., carbon nanotubes, formed on a first substrate that may be selectively reconfigured in response to an active stimulus, e.g., electrical current, temperature gradient, magnetism, etc.; a second plurality of nanoparticles, e.g., carbon nanotubes, formed on a second substrate that may be selectively reconfigured in response to the active stimulus; and a switch or button that may be operably connected to the first and second substrates. The switch or button may be configured to selectively apply the active stimulus. When the switch or button is activated, the first and second pluralities of nanoparticles may interlock to adhere the first substrate to the second substrate. The dry adhesion system may form an interlocking fastener on a nanoscale, and may be reversible and reusable.

Abstract: Constricted nanochannel devices suitable for use in analysis of macromolecular structure, including DNA sequencing, are disclosed. Also disclosed are methods for fabricating such devices and for analyzing macromolecules using such devices.

Abstract: The embodiment relates to a method for the production of an at least partially electrically conductive or semi-conductive element on a structure, wherein the element comprises one or more layers, and is configured to serve as a capacitive touch and/or proximity sensitive film, the method comprising the steps of a) forming a formable element comprising one or more layers, wherein at least one layer comprises a network of high aspect ratio molecular structures (HARM-structures), wherein the HARM-structures are electrically conductive or semi-conductive, and b) arranging the formable element in a conformal manner onto a structure by thermoforming the formable element on a three-dimensional surface of the structure, for producing a conformal and at least partially electrically conductive or semi-conductive element comprising one or more layers, wherein at least one layer comprises a network of HARM-structures, on the three dimensional surface of the structure.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a reversible hydrogen transfer process and storage system using visible light to photocatalytically generate hydrogen from compounds comprising saturated or partially saturated carbocyclic residue and catalytically hydrogenate compounds comprising at least one carbocyclic aromatic residue.

Abstract: Methods for forming alane are described. The method drives the alane producing chemical reaction by a mechanical energy source such as a ball mill and includes stabilization of the product with solvent. At least one of the reactants is insoluble in the solvent. Thus, the product is both stabilized and phase-separated from the reactant(s) immediately upon formation. The method can be used to form ?-alane, for instance for use in hydrogen storage.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a process for the synthesis of highly crystalline carbon nanotubes (CNTs). Processes known in the art employ post-synthesis processes such as oxidation or hydrothermal treatment to produce CNTs with high crystallinity. The present disclosure produces highly crystalline CNTs at a low growth temperature and without hydrogen flow condition and without employing any post-production process. The process disclosed in the present disclosure produces CNTs having a crystallinity greater than 5 which makes them suitable for various industrial applications.

Abstract: Provided is method of producing graphene directly from a pulp, paper, or paper product, the method comprising a procedure of subjecting the pulp, paper, or paper product (preferably containing post-consumer, reclaimed, or recycled product) to a graphitization treatment at a graphitization temperature in the range of 1,500° C. to 3,400° C. (preferably >2,500° C.) in a substantially non-oxidizing environment for a length of time sufficient for converting the product to a graphene material product. Preferably and typically, the method does not involve the use of an externally added undesirable chemical (other than those paper chemicals already present in the paper product) or catalyst. The method is environmentally benign, ecologically friendly, and highly scalable.

Abstract: Electrically conductive aerogel films, electrodes composed of the electrically conductive aerogel films, and supercapacitors incorporating the electrodes are provided. The aerogel films include reduced graphene oxide particles in combination with metal oxynitride fibers. By including cellulosic nanofibrils in the aerogels, the films can be made mechanically flexible and free-standing.

Abstract: The production of lime (CaO; calcium oxide) from limestone (CaCO3) is one of the oldest natural chemical processes and it is used in construction. In order to utilize the common knowledge chemical formula, per FIG. 3 (CaCO3?CaO+CO2 under 500° C. to 600° C. heat) first, lime needs to be exposed to moving air. Additionally, to speed up the carbon dioxide reaction with lime, lime is mixed with water. The lime and water mixture creates a lime slurry. The lime slurry is then poured into specially designed conveyor pans. Chains will be placed in to pans, prior to pouring the lime slurry. Chains, in this case, act as an enforcement for the lime panels and it will be possible to use magnetic holders to move the panels. After placing the lime slurry in conveyor pans, the slurry will harden. The hardened slurry panels then will be moved from conveyor to cable hangers. Moving cable hangers will provide fresh air contact with the hardened lime panels.

Abstract: Volumetric shapes of SiC starting materials for boule growth. Methods of controlling vapor deposition growth of SiC boules, and providing directional flux. Methods of increase the number of wafers, the number of electronic components and the number of operable devices from a single boule growth cycle.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for removal of bromine, bromine- and/or iodine-containing silicon compounds from compositions of chlorosilanes containing bromine, bromine- and/or iodine-containing silicon compounds, wherein the composition is subjected to a nonthermal plasma and subsequently the chlorosilanes may be separated from the bromine- and/or iodine-containing compounds present by distillation.

Abstract: A system and method for producing commercial strength solutions of aluminum chlorohydrate are provided. The method includes providing aluminum chlorohydrate monohydrate (ACHMH) powder, heating water to at least 120° F. and less than 200° F., and dissolving at least a portion of the ACHMH powder into the heated water to form the solution of aluminum chlorohydrate. The produced solution of aluminum chlorohydrate from the ACHMH powder has an aluminum oxide concentration ranging from about 18 wt % to about 27 wt %, has a basicity ranging from greater than 74% and less than 83%, and has a freezing point ranging from about 10° F. to about 16° F. The solution may also have an iron content of between about 0 to about 70 ppm as Fe.

Abstract: A method is provided for producing an article which is transparent to IR wavelength in the region of 4 ?m to 9 ?m. The method includes the steps of (a) Producing ultra-fine powders of ZnS, (b) followed by pretreatment of the ultra-fine powders under reduced gas conditions including H2, H2S, N2, Ar and mixtures there of (c) followed by vacuum (3×10?6 torr) treatment to remove oxygen and sulfates adsorbed to the surface disposing a plurality of nano-particles on a substrate, wherein said nanoparticles comprise ZnS with ultra-high purity of cubic phase; (b) subjecting the nano-particles to spark plasma sintering thereby producing a sintered ZnS product with IR transmission reaching 75% in the wavelength range of 4 ?m to 9 ?m.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a semiconductor device comprising a semiconducting material, wherein the semiconducting material comprises a compound comprising: (i) one or more first monocations [A]; (ii) one or more second monocations [BI]; (iii) one or more trications [BIII]; and (iv) one or more halide anions [X]. The invention also relates to a process for producing a semiconductor device comprising said semiconducting material. Also described is a compound comprising: (i) one or more first monocations [A]; (ii) one or more second monocations [BI] selected from Cu+, Ag+ and Au+; (iii) one or more trications [BIII]; and (iv) one or more halide anions [X].

Abstract: The invention provides a method for preparation of rubidium cesium tungsten bronze particles and a composition of rubidium cesium tungsten bronze particles comprising an organic or inorganic base material, rubidium cesium tungsten bronze particles and additives. The rubidium cesium tungsten bronze particles (RbxCsy)0.33WOz is an alkali metal tungsten oxide material practical for use as a near infrared (NIR) absorbent, thermal mask additive, thermosetting resin or sputtering palladium material. The additive is practical for use in organic or inorganic substrates, such as plastic, paint, enamel, ink, adhesive, ceramic or glass, and prepared, for example, by a plasma torch.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus is described for preventing bacteria proliferation in a bottom end of a water holding tank of an electric water heater. Different water convection devices are described for convecting heated water from inside the tank and into the bottom end of the tank to raise the temperature at the bottom end sufficiently high to prevent bacteria growth and particularly at a temperature of at least 46 degrees C. where the Legionella bacteria can not survive. The temperature at the bottom end of the tank is monitored and the convection devices controlled to maintain the desired hot water temperature. An added benefit of the invention is that it also prevents sediment deposits and water temperature stratification in the tank bottom end section.

Abstract: A fluid sterilization device including a reaction chamber body, a light source, a fluid sensor and a controller is provided. The reaction chamber body has a reaction chamber through which a fluid passes. The light source is used to emit a light to the reaction chamber. The fluid sensor is used to detect the passage of the fluid and accordingly output. The controller is used to control the light source to emit the light in response to the signal.

Abstract: The present invention provides a cage particle distribution system for wastewater treatment comprising contactors. Said contactors include shells and the interior of said shells is a hollow cavity. At least one of the side walls, the upper surface and the lower surface of said shells are equipped with through-holes. Particles are loaded inside said shells and said particles can carry some microorganisms on their surfaces at least. Said cage systems are placed in the water of a wastewater system or a wastewater treatment system and one or multiple said cage systems can be placed. Separate aeration and/or liquid distribution into each individual cage system disperse particles in the system by the gas and/or liquid, which improves the efficiency of wastewater treatment.

Abstract: Embodiments of this invention provide an integrated system for clean energy generation and storage and RO desalination. The integrated system includes a first subsystem that stores hydraulic energy. The integrated system further includes a second subsystem that desalinates water. The integration system also includes a penstock that facilitates flow of the water between the first subsystem and the second subsystem. The integrated subsystem may also incorporate solar and/or wind power generation plants as a power source for the integrated system.

Abstract: Embodiments of this invention provide an integrated system for processing ore feedstock and RO treatment utilizing the principals of pumped storage hydroelectric technology including the use of an upper reservoir and lower reservoir. The integrated system includes a first subsystem that generates waste associated with processing the ore feedstock. In the integrated system, the waste includes the treatment of contaminated water. The integrated system further includes a second subsystem that treats the contaminated water included in the waste to generate recycled water and transmits the recycled water to the first subsystem. The integrated subsystem may also incorporate solar and/or wind power generation plants as a power source for the integrated system.

Abstract: The present invention provides an electrolysis system for producing an electrolyzed water composition. The system comprises a reservoir (2) comprising an aqueous electrolyte solution. The system further comprises an electrolytic flow cell (4) in fluid communication with the reservoir (2) to receive a feed stream comprising aqueous electrolyte solution. The cell (4) comprises a plurality of boron doped diamond electrodes, in which the electrodes are connected to a power supply operable to provide an over-potential to the electrolyte solution to produce an electrolyzed water feed stream comprising a plurality of active molecular and ionic species. The system further comprises a control system (8) operable to control the power supply unit (11) in dependence on the salt concentration of the electrolyte solution to provide a predetermined voltage to the cell.

Abstract: The primary electrolyzer includes a first cathode and a first anode. The secondary electrolyzer includes a plurality of second cathodes and a plurality of second anodes, and an electrode housing case with an opening for housing the second cathodes and the second anodes. The anode chamber case is pressure joined with the opening formed in the secondary electrolyzer. Both the primary cathode and the first anode are provided so as to be parallel to the pressure joined surface between the anode chamber case and the opening. The second cathodes and second anodes are provided so that the edges of the second electrodes face the outlet for the primary electrolyzed water in the primary electrolyzer.

Abstract: A tool for use with a basket assembly is provided. The basket assembly is of the type configured for being receivably engaged with an opening defined in a drain cover skirt for covering the perimeter of a floor drain. The tool is configured for engaging the basket assembly and removing the basket assembly from the drain cover skirt upon force input from a user.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an oral care machine including: a tank for storing water; an ozone generator for generating ozone, the ozone generator mounted in the tank, wherein generated ozone mixes with water stored in the tank; a processing cartridge for treating exhaust gas of ozone generated by the machine when ozone is mixed with water, the processing cartridge mounted on the tank; a water pump for transporting treated water; and a handle for delivering the treated water to a desired location.

Abstract: Described herein is a water treatment system for simultaneously removing ammonia and nitrates from a liquid. The water treatment system comprises a floating platform, at least one columnar unit connected with the floating platform, where each columnar unit includes a bounding surface possessing multiple apertures. An air diffuser is connected with each columnar unit for supplying an air flow volume within the columnar unit.

Abstract: Devices are provided herein for the purification of free flowing or semi-free flowing bodies of water by removing impurities, such as nitrates. In one or more implementations, the impurity-removing device includes a cylindrically shaped housing that is open on both ends and defining an inner cavity. A cap is disposed at one opening at one end of the housing, the cap having multiple openings placed through the cap and being sized and shaped to fit the opening at the end of the housing. The impurity-removing device also includes a collection strip on an outer surface of the housing that is colored, sized and shaped to collect heat or energy from the environment, and an impurity-removing medium contained within the inner cavity.

Abstract: A portable water purifier which includes a housing, an inlet conduit, a first filtration station, a pump for pumping an aqueous fluid through the inlet conduit and through the first filtration station, a second filtration station, a magnetic treatment station wherein the magnetic lines of flux are angled with respect to the flow of water, a UV station, and a discharge conduit.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to methods for making a ceramic or glass-ceramic, the methods comprising spray-drying a mixture comprising batch materials to form agglomerated particles; bringing the agglomerated particles into contact with a plasma for a residence time sufficient to form fused particles; and annealing the fused particles at a temperature and for a time sufficient to form ceramic or glass-ceramic particles. Fused glass particles, ceramic or glass-ceramic particles, and ceramic or glass-ceramic articles, such as ceramic honeycombs, made by these methods are also disclosed herein.

Abstract: A system for levitating a softened, viscous or viscoelastic material by near field acoustic levitation. The system includes a support structure having a rigid surface, and a vibration generator operatively connected to the rigid surface. The vibration generator transmits acoustic waves to the rigid surface at a frequency and an amplitude sufficient to vibrate the rigid surface and create a gas squeeze film between the material and the rigid surface. The gas squeeze film has a pressure greater than ambient air pressure and sufficient to levitate the material. The system is particularly suited for transporting, forming, or casting heated glass. Also disclosed are methods for transporting, forming, and casting heated glass using near field acoustic levitation.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for producing a workpiece made of glass ceramics, and to the workpiece obtainable by the process according to the invention. Further, the invention relates to the use of the workpiece obtained as a dental restoration, and to a process allowing the translucency of a workpiece to be controlled.

Abstract: An optical fiber production method includes: drawing an optical fiber from an optical fiber preform in a drawing furnace; and cooling the optical fiber. The optical fiber is passed through a plurality of annealing furnaces while the optical fiber is cooled. Equation (1) is held in a given period during the cooling, where a time constant of relaxation of a structure of glass forming a core included in the optical fiber is defined as ?(T), a temperature of the optical fiber at a point in time during the cooling is defined as T, a fictive temperature of glass forming the core at the point in time is defined as Tf0, and a fictive temperature of glass forming the core after a lapse of time ?t from the point in time is defined as Tf. 20° C.<Tf?T=(Tf0?T)exp(??t/?(T))<100° C.

Abstract: A porcelain enamel composition may includes a glass component including: at least one alkali oxide in an amount ranging from about 6 to 21 wt %, SiO2 in an amount ranging from about 20 to 50 wt %, ZnO in an amount ranging from about 0.1 to 10 wt %, AI2O3 in an amount ranging from about 5 to 20 wt %, B2O3 in an amount ranging from about 0.1 to 20 wt %, and P2O5 in an amount ranging from about 5 to 30 wt %, all weight percentages expressed relative to the enamel composition. Methods of using such compositions and formed products are also described.

Abstract: Glasses comprising SiO2, Al2O3, and P2O5 that are capable of chemical strengthened by ion exchange and having high damage resistance. These phosphate-containing glasses have a structure in which silica (SiO2) is replaced by aluminum phosphate (AlPO4) and/or boron phosphate (BPO4).

Abstract: A conductive paste including a conductive powder, a glass frit, and an organic vehicle, wherein the conductive powder includes copper and/or nickel as a main component(s), and the glass frit is substantially free of Pb, Cd, and Bi, comprises 40 to 65% by mass of BaO, 15 to 23% by mass of B2O3, 2 to 12% by mass of Al2O3, 4 to 8% by mass of SiO2, 0 to 5% by mass of ZnO, 0.5 to 7% by mass of TiO2, 3 to 7.5% by mass of CaO, and comprises any one or more of MnO2, CuO, and CoO in the ranges of 0 to 7% by mass of MnO2, 0 to 16% by mass of CuO, and 0 to 5% by mass of CoO, in terms of oxide.

Abstract: The invention relates to a high-performance compacted ceramic material, comprising between 40%-85% by weight of glassy phase, having a density between 2.3 and 3.0 g/cm3, and characterized in that it has an internal porosity of less than 4% by volume. This material is highly resistant to mechanical and chemical action, sparingly permeable and prevents staining, so it is ex tremely suitable as a building material, particularly for kitchen countertops.

Abstract: The object of the present application is ?-quartz glass-ceramics (having very interesting optical, thermal expansion and feasibility properties), the articles including said glass-ceramics; the precursor glasses of said glass-ceramics, as well as the methods for elaborating said glass-ceramics and said articles. Said glass-ceramics having a composition, free, except for inevitable trace amounts, of arsenic oxide, antimony oxide and rare earth oxide, which contains, expressed in percentages by weight of oxides: 64 to 70% of SiO2, 18 to 24% of Al2O3, 4 to 5% of Li2O, 0 to 0.6% of SnO2, >1.9 to 4% of TiO2, 1 to 2.5% of ZrO2, 0 to 1.5% of MgO, 0 to 3% of ZnO, >0.3 to 1 of CaO, 0 to 3% of BaO, 0 to 3% of SrO, with BaO+SrO?3%, 0 to 1.5% of Na2O, 0 to 2% of K2O, with 0.

Abstract: Mineral fibers have a chemical composition including the following constituents, as weight percentages: SiO2 30% to 50%, Al2O3 10% to 20%, CaO+MgO 20% to 35%, Na2O+K2O 1% to 10%, wherein the mineral fibers include a content of total iron, expressed as Fe2O3, of from 5% to 15% and a redox, which corresponds to the weight ratio between the content of ferrous iron, expressed as Fe2O3, and the total content of iron, expressed as Fe2O3, of less than 0.6.

Abstract: A strengthened article (and methods for making it) is provided that includes a glass, glass-ceramic or ceramic, having a plurality of primary surfaces, side edges, and a thickness. The article also includes a compressive stress region extending from one of the primary surfaces to a first selected depth in the article; a central region extending from a boundary located at a depth of 200 ?m from the primary surfaces and the edges to the centroid of the article; and an outer region extending between the primary surfaces and edges to the boundary. Further, the maximum principal stress within the outer region is no more than two times the maximum principal stress within the central region. The primary surfaces and side edges may define a plurality of corners, and the corners may be defined by a chamfer, a fillet, or a curved shape.

Abstract: The present invention relates to amino acid-containing sizing compositions for glass fibers, to glass fibers at least partially coated with such sizing compositions, to a variety of fiber glass products at least partially coated with such sizing compositions, and to composite materials comprising glass fibers at least partially coated with such sizing compositions. In one non-limiting embodiments, a sizing composition for glass fibers comprises an amino acid, a protein, or a hydrolyzed protein. A sizing composition for glass fibers, in another non-limiting embodiment, comprises an amino acid, a protein, or a hydrolyzed protein, at least one film-former, and at least one silane.

Abstract: The present invention belongs to the field of composite materials, particularly to an underwater non-dispersible quick-setting and rapid-hardening cement-based composite material and the preparation method and application thereof. The material consists of the following raw materials in percentage by weight: 32%-34% of silicate cement, 8.8%-9% of calcium aluminate, 5%-7% of magnesium oxide, 0.5%-2% of sulfur trioxide, 0.2%-0.3% of polycarboxylate high performance water-reducing agent, 0.3%-0.7% of flocculant, 0.05%-0.2% of setting accelerator, 0.05%-0.2% of air-entraining agent, 0.05%-0.3% of rust inhibitor, 26%-31% of fine aggregate, 13%-18% of coarse aggregate, and 8.4%-8.5% of water. The material can be used for rapid repair of cement buildings in water conservancy projects, the repair material can be quickly set and the initial strength can be guaranteed.

Abstract: A method for accelerating the strength of cement involves providing an activated fly ash processed to increase the surface area of the fly ash and reacting the activated fly ash with a polycarboxylate heteropolymer that acts as a catalyst to produce a pozzolanic cementitious material having as much as a 28% increase in strength (e.g., compressive strength). In one embodiment, the heteropolymer includes hydrophilic and hydrophobic components that assist in providing an optimal equilibrium for the formation of cementitious structures. The increase in strength permits reducing the amount of Portland Cement mixed with the pozzolanic cementitious material to as little as 30%, thus achieving a significant cost reduction.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a composite material including at least one superabsorbent polymer in a geopolymer matrix as a material for 3D printing.

Abstract: A concrete composition having, in a mixture with water, a hydraulic binder, sand, aggregates, an expanding agent and a shrinkage reducing admixture, wherein the expanding agent is calcium oxide having a low reactivity such that the concrete casted using the composition does not expand by more than 0.05 vol. % during the first 10 days, preferably not expanding more than 0.05 vol. % during the first 7 days, after having been cast.

Abstract: A low-density, high-strength concrete composition that is both self-compacting and lightweight, with a low weight-fraction of aggregate to total dry raw materials, and a highly-homogenous distribution of a non-absorptive and closed-cell lightweight aggregate such as glass microspheres or copolymer polymer beads or a combination thereof, and the steps of providing the composition or components. Lightweight concretes formed therefrom have low density, high strength-to-weight ratios, and high R-value. The concrete has strength similar to that ordinarily found in structural lightweight concrete but at an oven-dried density as low as 40 lbs./cu.ft. The concrete, at the density ordinarily found in structural lightweight concrete, has a higher strength and, at the strength ordinarily found in structural lightweight concrete, a lower density. Such strength-to-density ratios range approximately from above 30 cu.ft/sq.in. to above 110 cu.ft/sq.in., with a 28-day compressive strength ranging from about 3400 to 8000 psi.

Abstract: A gypsum board according to the invention comprises • calcium sulphate dihydrate; • Tartaric acid in an amount in the range of 0.01 to 0.1% w based on the weight of calcium sulphate hemihydrate; • A fluidizer in an amount of 1.0 to 10.0 kg/m3; • Starch in an amount of 3.0 to 12.0 kg/m3.