Abstract: Present invention relates to a locking and emptying system of a refill cartridge containing nutrients or chemicals, said system comprising at least one replaceable refill cartridge, at least one receiving socket for the refill cartridge, in every receiving socket a locking mechanism of the refill cartridge, discharge means of the refill cartridge and control means of the locking system and for each refill cartridge a emptying container. The control means of the locking system are set to release the empty refill cartridge from the receiving socket only when the emptying container has enough free volume to receive the content of the next refill cartridge.

Abstract: A remote fueling station for an above ground fuel storage tank has a fuel pump for dispensing a pressurize flow of fuel from the fuel tank to a dispenser nozzle. A lockable enclosure is supported on the fuel tank in fixed relation thereto by a threaded connection at an intermediate location along a rigid supply pipe connected between the fuel pump and the fuel tank. The enclosure includes a fuel pump compartment receiving the fuel pump therein and a battery compartment for receiving a battery of the fuel pump therein which is separate from the fuel pump compartment so that the battery is isolated from the fuel pump. A dispenser nozzle and an activation switch of the fuel pump can also be received within the enclosure so as to restrict access thereto by unauthorized persons. A solar panel is supported above the enclosure for recharging the battery.

Abstract: A console for a fuel delivery management system, including a processor, a touch-sensitive display, a plurality of ports configured to facilitate communications with a plurality of lines, tanks, containments, sensors and pumps, and a memory including a plurality of instructions which when executed by the processor cause the console to generate a home screen on the display, the home screen having a quick jump menu icon which when activated by a user, causes the processor to generate a navigation window on the home screen, the navigation window including a plurality of function icons, each corresponding to a function screen, wherein activation of one of the plurality of function icons causes the processor to generate a function screen including a graphic indication of a parameter of one of the plurality of lines, tanks, containments, sensors and pumps.

Abstract: A refillable aerosol cartridge for use with a refill station or the like, that has a unique identifier such as a serial number or the other identification. The refillable aerosol cartridge is equipped with a programmable RFID or other data transferring device that can record, store, and transfer unique information about the refillable aerosol cartridge, including the specific user-selected ingredients, and track the cartridge for the life of the product. The unique serial number or other identifier of the aerosol cartridge can be used to track the cartridge and, in the case of a recall, identify and locate the cartridge for notification.

Abstract: A fluid dispensing system including a support structure, a hose configured to dispense fluid therethrough, and a support cable coupled to the hose. The hose is directly or indirectly releasably coupled to the support structure via the cable. The system further includes an extension and refraction mechanism configured to provide an adjustable effective length to the support cable.

Abstract: There is provided a MEMS sensor including: a mass body; a support part floatably supporting the mass body; and a flexible beam having one end connected to the mass body and the other end connected to the support part. At least one end of the flexible beam connected to the mass body or the support part includes a curved portion to maximize an effective length supporting a load.

Abstract: A semiconductor device composed of a capacitive humidity sensor comprised of a moisture-sensitive polymer layer electrografted to an electrically conductive metal layer situated on an CMOS substrate or a combined MEMS and CMOS substrate, and exposed within an opening through a passivation layer, packages composed of the encapsulated device, and methods of forming the capacitive humidity sensor within the semiconductor device, are provided.

Abstract: A membrane component comprises a membrane structure comprising an electrically conductive membrane layer. The electrically conductive membrane layer has a suspension region and a membrane region. In addition, the suspension region of the electrically conductive membrane layer is arranged on an insulation layer. Furthermore, the insulation layer is arranged on a carrier substrate. Moreover, the membrane component comprises a counterelectrode structure. A cavity is arranged vertically between the counterelectrode structure and the membrane region of the electrically conductive membrane layer. In addition, an edge of the electrically conductive membrane layer projects laterally beyond an edge of the insulation layer by more than half of a vertical distance between the electrically conductive membrane layer and the counterelectrode structure.

Abstract: Electronic devices and methods for fabricating electronic devices are provided. In one example, an electronic device includes an electronic device body structure having a substantially hermetically sealed cavity formed therein. A getter film is in fluid communication with the substantially hermetically sealed cavity. Conductive features are accessible from outside the substantially hermetically sealed cavity and are operatively coupled to the getter film for electrical communication with the getter film.

Abstract: First, an ion beam is applied to a workpiece to form a tapered hole the side wall of which is inclined. Next, the application of the ion beam is stopped, and then a material gas is introduced from the gas source to the upper surface of the workpiece from an oblique direction to cause gas molecules to be adsorbed to the upper surface of the workpiece and to the upper portion of the side wall of the hole. Next, introduction of the material gas is stopped, and then the ion beam is applied again to the region of the workpiece where the hole is formed. As a result, at the upper portion of the side wall of the hole, film formation occurs using the gas molecules as the material adsorbed to the side wall of the hole, and, at the bottom portion of the hole, etching of the workpiece occurs.

Abstract: A method for producing a micromechanical component is provided, In a preparatory step, a substrate device of the micromechanical component and/or a cap device of the micromechanical component is patterned. In a first sub-step, a first pressure and/or a first chemical composition being adjusted, and the substrate device and the cap device being connected to each other so that a first cavern is formed, sealed from an environment of the micromechanical component, the first pressure prevailing in the first cavity and/or the first chemical composition being enclosed. In a second sub-step, a second pressure and/or a second chemical composition being adjusted, and the substrate device and the cap device being connected to each other so that a second cavity is formed, sealed from the environment of the micromechanical component and from the first cavity, the second pressure prevailing in the second cavity and/or the second chemical composition being enclosed.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods for decapping single wall carbon nanotubes and purifying the decapped single wall carbon nanotubes. The disclosed methods include the steps of oxidizing the single wall carbon nanotubes to remove the terminal end cap and subsequently acid washing the single wall carbon nanotubes to remove the catalyst particles. The resulting carbon nanotubes have improved BET surface area and pore volume.

Abstract: An ozone generator unit includes a housing with a first half having a first recess and a second half having a second recess. The ozone generator unit further includes an inlet and an outlet in the housing, a first dielectric disc arranged within the first recess in contact with an inner surface of the first half, a second dielectric disc arranged within the second recess in contact with an inner surface of the second half, and a high voltage electrode, having a gas passage, arranged between the first and second dielectric discs. The high voltage electrode is spaced apart from the first and second dielectric discs using a first spacer and a second spacer to constitute a first gas chamber and a second gas chamber on either side of the high voltage electrode.

Abstract: A method for carrying out a reaction between at least two reactants in a liquid reaction solution in at least one reaction zone so as to produce a reaction product includes carrying out a reaction continuously in a reaction flow for the at least one reaction zone in an extension of the at least one reaction zone as far as at least one reaction product outlet, introducing each of the at least two reactants over the extension of the at least one reaction zone via inlets in which the reaction flow is introduced, and removing the reaction product via the at least one reaction product outlet.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a hydrogen sulfide reactor vessel with an external heating system that is conductively and removably attached to an exterior portion of the reactor vessel. Also disclosed are processes for producing hydrogen sulfide utilizing the reactor vessel.

Abstract: The present invention provides a titanium ligand-modified black phosphorus and the preparation method and use thereof. The titanium ligand-modified black phosphorus is a complex of black phosphorus and a titanium ligand having a structure represented by formula (I): wherein in the formula (I), R1 comprises C1-C6 alkyl, or phenyl optionally further substituted with 0 to 5 groups each independently selected from halogen atom, C1-C6 alkyl, nitro, hydroxy, amino or C1-C3 alkoxy; the C1-C6 alkyl or C1-C3 alkoxy is optionally further substituted with 0 to 3 groups each independently selected from halogen atom, nitro, hydroxy, amino, methyl, ethyl or n-propyl. The titanium ligand-modified black phosphorus of the present invention is not likely oxidized without changing inherent properties of the black phosphorus, and the antioxidant capacity is greatly enhanced.

Abstract: A method of generating soluble polyphosphides using solution chemistry is presented. A reaction between potassium ethoxide and shelf stable red phosphorus generated soluble polyphosphides in a variety of organic solvents with the 31P NMR spectrum being used to detect the species of polyphosphides produced.

Abstract: A method of synthesizing soluble polyphosphides using shelf-stable reagents and common organic solvents is presented. A reaction between an alkali metal alkoxy compound or alkali metal alkyl thiolate compound, such as potassium ethoxide, and shelf stable red phosphorus generated soluble polyphosphides in a variety of organic solvents with the 31P NMR spectrum being used to detect the species of polyphosphides produced.

Abstract: Methods and devices to synthesize vertically aligned carbon nanotube (VACNT) arrays directly on a catalytic conductive substrate without addition of an external metallic catalyst layer and without any pretreatment to the substrate surface using a plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition (PECVD) method are provided. A method comprises providing a catalytic conductive substrate, that has not been pretreated through a plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition (PECVD) method or other methods, to a PECVD device, etching the catalytic conductive substrate to form catalytically active nano-features on the surface of the catalytic conductive substrate, and growing vertically aligned carbon nanotubes on the surface of the catalytic conductive substrate, without an external metallic catalyst layer, by providing a carbon source gas to the catalytic conductive substrate.

Abstract: Graphene oxide is synthesized by chemical treatment of graphite using only H2SO4, KMnO4, H2O2 and/or H2O as reagents. Graphene oxide films obtained using the method disclosed herein were characterized using various analytical techniques. These analytical techniques confirmed the creation of single to few layer graphene oxide with relatively large lateral size distribution using the method disclosed herein.

Abstract: A method of making a graphite film is provided. The method is characterized in that a polyimide film is used as a precursor, and a carbonizing heat treatment is performed, in which the carbonizing temperature ranges from 500 to 800 degrees Celsius and the heating rate is equal to or lower than 2 degrees Celsius per minute. The highest carbonizing temperature is equal to or higher than 1000 degrees Celsius. The method is also characterized in that the graphitizing temperature ranges from 2200 degrees temperature to the highest graphitizing temperature in which the average heating rate is equal to or lower than 3 degrees Celsius per minute. The highest graphitizing temperature is equal to or higher than 2500 degrees Celsius.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of preparing a high hydrophobic silica aerogel having a high specific surface area and a low tap density, and a hydrophobic silica aerogel prepared thereby. The method of preparing a hydrophobic silica aerogel according to the present invention may have good productivity and economic efficiency, because preparation time is reduced by simultaneously performing surface modification, gelation, and solvent substitution in a single step, and may control a degree of hydrophobicity of the prepared silica aerogel by controlling a surface modification reaction by including a step of adding ammonium hydroxide. Thus, the preparation method according to the present invention and the hydrophobic silica aerogel are suitable for industries that need the method and the hydrophobic silica aerogel, particularly, industries that need a silica aerogel having high hydrophobicity or industries that need a silica aerogel having various degrees of hydrophobicity.

Abstract: A new family of crystalline microporous metallophosphates designated AlPO-91 has been synthesized. These metallophosphates are represented by the empirical formula Cc+Aa+Mm2+EPxSiyOz where M is a divalent framework metal such as magnesium or zinc, C is a cyclic organoammonium cation, A is an acyclic organoammonium cation, and E is a trivalent framework element such as aluminum or gallium. The AlPO-91 compositions are characterized by a new unique ABC-6 net structure, and have catalytic properties suitable for carrying out various hydrocarbon conversion processes, as well as characteristics suitable for the efficient adsorption of water vapor in a variety of applications, such as adsorption heat pumps.

Abstract: Method for revamping a multi-bed ammonia converter, wherein said converter comprises a plurality of adiabatic catalytic beds including a first catalytic bed and one or more further catalytic bed(s), said catalytic beds being arranged in series so that the effluent of a bed is further reacted in the subsequent bed; at least a first inter-bed heat exchanger arranged between said first catalytic bed and a second catalytic bed to cool the effluent of said first bed before admission into said second bed, and optionally further inter-bed heat exchanger(s) arranged between consecutive beds; said method involves the conversion of said first catalytic bed into an isothermal catalytic bed.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of producing high-purity lithium carbonate from low-purity crude lithium carbonate.

Abstract: An alumina sintered body according to the present invention includes a surface having a degree of c-plane orientation of 5% or more, the degree of c-plane orientation being determined by a Lotgering method using an X-ray diffraction profile obtained through X-ray irradiation at 2?=20° to 70°. The alumina sintered body contains Mg and F, a Mg/F mass ratio is 0.05 to 3500, and a Mg content is 30 to 3500 ppm by mass. The alumina sintered body has a crystal grain size of 15 to 200 ?m. When a field of view of 370.0 ?m long×372.0 ?m wide is photographed with a 1000-fold magnification and the photograph is visually observed, a number of pores having a diameter of 0.2 to 0.6 ?m is 250 or less.

Abstract: A method for producing a nickel cobalt complex hydroxide includes first crystallization of supplying a solution containing Ni, Co and Mn, a complex ion forming agent and a basic solution separately and simultaneously to one reaction vessel to obtain nickel cobalt complex hydroxide particles, and a second crystallization of, after the first crystallization, further supplying a solution containing nickel, cobalt, and manganese, a solution of a complex ion forming agent, a basic solution, and a solution containing said element M separately and simultaneously to the reaction vessel to crystallize a complex hydroxide particles containing nickel, cobalt, manganese and said element M on the nickel cobalt complex hydroxide particles crystallizing a complex hydroxide particles comprising Ni, Co, Mn and the element Mon the nickel cobalt complex hydroxide particles.

Abstract: A water filter and infusion pitcher apparatus includes a pitcher housing, a water filter disposed within the pitcher housing, and an infusion apparatus disposed inside the pitcher housing and detachably connected to the water filter. The infusion apparatus constructed to contain and/or hold material such as, for example fruit, vegetables, tea, medicines, flavorings, vitamins, minerals, and/or other items to infuse, seep, and/or dissolve into a liquid within the pitcher housing.

Abstract: The present invention provides an improved catalytic fast pyrolysis process for increased yield of useful and desirable products. In particular, the process comprises an improved catalytic fast pyrolysis process for producing aromatic compounds, such as, for example, benzene, toluene and xylenes, from biomass feedstock containing impurities, such as, for example alkali and alkaline earth metal, sulfur and nitrogen components.

Abstract: Embodiments of a gravity filter for potable water comprise a loose filter bed comprising ion exchange resin particles and activated carbon particles, and a porous non-woven filter substrate disposed downstream of the loose filter bed, wherein the porous non-woven filter substrate comprises an impregnated heavy metal scavenger.

Abstract: A reverse osmosis system and method includes a pump pressurizing a feed stream, a first and second membrane array that generates permeate and brine streams. A first energy recovery device uses first energy from the second brine stream to pressurize the first brine stream. A first and second auxiliary and bypass valves are associated with the first and second energy recovery device. A second energy recovery device uses second energy from the second brine stream to increase a second pressure of the feed stream. A first flowmeter generates a first flow signal for the first permeate stream. A second flowmeter generates a second flow signal for of the second permeate stream. A third flowmeter generates a third flow signal for the second brine stream. A motor drives the first energy recovery device. A controller controls the in response to the flow signals.

Abstract: A wastewater treatment method and a wastewater treatment apparatus securely and readily remove selenium, which is considered harmful, by removing not only 0-valent selenium, 4-valent selenium, and 6-valent selenium, but also -2-valent selenium. In the wastewater treatment method and the wastewater treatment apparatus for treating wastewater including selenium, -2-valent selenium included in the wastewater is oxidated by using an oxidant, or -2-valent selenium included in the water is removed by using a remover.

Abstract: Processes and systems for maintaining a live culture of activated sludge in the activated sludge unit of a petroleum refinery during an extended refinery shut-down. In the absence of a source of refinery wastewater, a living culture of activated sludge comprising aerobic prokaryotes and/or eukaryotes that nitrify ammonia is maintained by redirecting at least a portion of clarified wastewater leaving the clarifier portion of an activated sludge unit. The redirected clarified wastewater is mixed with an organic food source that may be ammonia and/or ethyl acetate, a source of phosphate ion, and the pH is adjusted to produce a growth media that is returned to the aeration chamber of the activated sludge unit. After a time exceeding one week, the input of refinery wastewater to the aeration chamber is resumed while discontinuing the redirecting of the clarified wastewater.

Abstract: A subsurface sewage disposal system includes leaching members oriented substantially vertically and positioned in a non-linear arrangement. A first volume is defined within the leaching members by a permeable enclosure configured to provide temporary storage of an effluent introduced by a distribution pipe. A plurality of balancing pipes is configured in a non-linear arrangement to redistribute the effluent from one leaching member to another leaching member. As the effluent rises within one leaching member, the effluent is redistributed by the balancing pipes to another leaching member. In the event of a failure of the distribution pipe, the plurality of balancing pipes is configured to bypass the distribution pipe and redistribute the effluent to the leaching members downstream of such failure.

Abstract: The present invention relates to microbial compositions useful in treating swimming pool water to reduce water evaporation.

Abstract: A water purification system comprises a bioreaction subsystem receiving contaminated input effluent and having a gas-lift anaerobic membrane bioreactor removing urea and organic matter to create a first effluent. A light-treatment subsystem receives the first effluent and exposes the first effluent to UV light to create a second effluent free from microorganisms. A reactor subsystem fluidically connects an ammonia-reducing reactor to the UV output and receives UV-treated second effluent and has a struvite regenerator connected to the ammonia-reducing reactor output, separating ammonia from the second effluent in the ammonia-reducing reactor, and outputting the ammonia. A separation subsystem fluidically connects to the reactor output and receives the second effluent substantially free from ammonia and has a continuous electro-deionization device separating brine/salts from the second effluent to produce potable water. A closed-loop includes an ammonia-converting subsystem and a sequential fertilizer producer.

Abstract: There is provided herein a system and method for effectively de-scaling source water and producing useful inorganic compounds. As a result of the effective de-scaling, a much needed effective desalination system and method is also provided, which maximizes distillate production, minimizes operating costs, reduces reject brine and produces scale-depleted reject brine. Yet, as a result of the effective de-scaling, an effective flue gas scrubbing system and method is further provided, which not only aids in protecting the environment but also aids in enhancing the performance of the effective desalination system and method.

Abstract: A portable water treatment system includes at least one sub-system to treat water including a flocculation system, a chlorination system, and a bio-sand filter system. The water treatment system may include multiple sub-systems for treating water that feed into one another. The sand filter system may include a mini bio-sand filter, a foam filter, or a pressed block filter. The flocculation system may include a tank bottom that urges settling particles toward a sump and a ladle that removes settled particles. A manual pump or siphon may be included in the water treatment system.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for melting solid batch material, comprising the steps of introducing solid batch material into a melter, and melting the solid batch material in the melter by submerged combustion and subjecting the melt to a flow pattern which when simulated on a computer by making use of common fluid dynamic equations shows a substantially toroidal melt flow pattern in the melt, comprising a major centrally inwardly convergent flow at the melt surface, the central axis of revolution of the toroid being substantially vertical. The invention further relates to a melter assembly for carrying out the process. The toroidal melt flow pattern is achieved by suitable arrangement, angle and spacing of multiple submerged combustion burners in the floor of the melter.

Abstract: A method for producing foam glass with high open pore content using recycled waste glass. The size of the pores of the foam glass is small and uniform, and such foam glass is suitable for building material with thermal insulating and sound proofing properties. The foam glass produced by this method is lightweight, durable and has high compression strength.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a formed glass includes using a heating apparatus. The heating apparatus includes a heating element and a heat reservoir having a transmittance of 50% or more in a wavelength of 0.5 ?m to 2.5 ?m. The heat reservoir is arranged between the heating element and a glass substrate as an object to be heated. The glass substrate is heated with the heating element, and the glass substrate is formed into a desired shape.

Abstract: Disclosed are apparatuses for shaping a glass structure, the apparatuses having a plurality of rib members, each rib member comprising at least one void and at least one shaping edge; and at least one support member. The apparatuses can further comprise a shaping member and/or a guide member and/or a shaping groove. Also disclosed herein are methods for shaping a glass structure, the methods comprising positioning the glass structure on a shaping apparatus and heating the glass structure to shape the glass structure.

Abstract: Methods of reshaping ferrules (20) used in optical fiber cables assemblies (170) are disclosed. The reshaping methods reduce a core-to-ferrule concentricity error (E), which improves coupling efficiency and optical transmission. The methods include measuring a distance (?) and angular direction (?) from a true center (30) of the ferrule to the core (46), wherein the true center (30) is based on an outer surface (26) of the ferrule. The methods also include reshaping at least a portion (26P) of the ferrule (20) to define a new true center (30?) of the ferrule (20) and reduce the distance (?). A variety of reshaping techniques are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method for producing rare earth metal-doped quartz glass includes the steps of (a) providing a blank of the rare earth metal-doped quartz glass, and (b) homogenizing the blank by softening the blank zone by zone in a heating zone and by twisting the softened zone along a rotation axis. Some rare earth metals, however, show a discoloration of the quartz glass, which hints at an unforeseeable and undesired change in the chemical composition or possibly at an inhomogeneous distribution of the dopants. To avoid this drawback and to provide a modified method which ensures the production of rare earth metal-doped quartz glass with reproducible properties, during homogenization according to method step (b), the blank is softened under the action of an oxidizingly acting or a neutral plasma.

Abstract: A glass is disclosed that is particularly suitable as pharmaceutical packing medium and as a chemically pre-stressable glass comprising at least the following components (in mol-% on oxide basis): 64-77 SiO2, 5-14 Al2O3, 4-12 Na2O, 1-12 CaO, 0-14 MgO, 0 -2 ZrO2, 0-4.5 TiO2, wherein the ratio Al2O3/Na2O?1, wherein the ratio Al2O3/CaO?1.5, and wherein the total content SiO2+Al2O3<82 mol-%. Preferably, a working temperature T4 of less than 1350° C. and a hydrolytic resistance according to DIN ISO 719 HGB1 and according to ISO 720 HGA are obtained.

Abstract: A UV-blocking glass material having precipitated cuprous halide crystals and including by weight percent, on an oxide basis: from 30 wt % to 65 wt % SiO2; from 12 wt % to 25 wt % B2O3; from 3 wt % to 10 wt % Al2O3; from 0 wt % to 7 wt % Na2O; from 0 wt % to 10 wt % K2O; from 0 wt % to 5 wt % Li2O; from 0.5 wt % to 10 wt % Ho2O3; from 0.25 wt % to 1.50 wt % CuO; and from 0.5 wt % to 5.0 wt % halogens.

Abstract: A slip composition includes an electromagnetic-absorbing, magnetic powder having a mean particle size of not more than about 6 microns, a glass or vitreous frit having a mean particle size of not more than about 6 microns, and a methyl alcohol vehicle. A method of making a slip composition void of clay and aluminum oxide, includes mixing a wet milled vitreous frit, a powdered magnetic material, and a methyl alcohol vehicle. The disclosed embodiment is particularly useful in making an electromagnetic wave absorption coating suitable for application to stainless steel and many nickel base alloys.

Abstract: A ceramic composition for coating metallic surfaces, a method and a resulting ceramic layer, which layer refers to a ceramic composition which, after deposition, is subjected to a thermal treatment to generate a ceramic layer. The resulting ceramic layer displays, among other characteristics, appropriate adhesion to the metallic surface and remains stable at temperatures between 750° C. and 950° C.

Abstract: A coating composition is provided comprising nanoparticles and certain silane compounds. When applied to articles, particularly glass articles, the coating that is formed is resistant to soiling by both dry dust and wet soil.

Abstract: A low-emissivity (low-E) coating includes first and second infrared (IR) reflecting layers of or including a material such as silver. The coating includes a bottom dielectric portion including a layer of or including silicon zirconium oxynitride, and a center dielectric portion including a layer of or including zinc stannate. The coating is configured to realize a combination of desirable visible transmission, consistent and low emissivity values, thermal stability upon optional heat treatment such as thermal tempering, desirable U-value, desirable LSG value, and desirable coloration and/or reflectivity values to be achieved. In certain example embodiments, an absorber layer sandwiched between a pair of dielectric layers may be provided in. Coated articles herein may be used in the context of insulating glass (IG) window units, or in other suitable applications such as monolithic window applications, laminated windows, and/or the like.