Author: claimsbot

1. Apparatus for modifying a power flow in a segment of an electric power line, each segment including phase lines each having n conductors, where n is equal to or greater than 2, electrically insulated from one another and short-circuited at ends of the segment, the apparatus comprising a power exchange unit including:
a power converter for converting power between first and second pairs of terminals, the first pair of terminals being connected in series with at least one of the n conductors of the segment; and
an electric component connected to the second pair of terminals and capable of circulating power through the power converter for modifying said power flow.
2. Apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the power exchange unit further comprises a switch for selectively connecting and disconnecting the first pair of terminals in series with said at least one conductor of the segment, in response to a control signal.
3. Apparatus according to claim 2, comprising n\u22121 power exchange units connectable by means of their switch respectively to n\u22121 of the n conductors of a phase line belonging to the segment.
4. Apparatus according to claim 2, comprising at least one additional power exchange unit for forming a set of n power exchange units, the n power exchange units being connectable by means of their switch respectively to n conductors of a phase line belonging to the segment.
5. Apparatus according to claim 2, comprising an additional power exchange unit for forming a set of two power exchange units, the two power exchange units being connectable by means of their switch respectively to conductors of two phase lines belonging respectively to said segment and to another segment, the two power exchange units sharing a common electric component for allowing a power flow between the two segments.
6. Apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the switch of each power exchange unit is able to connect and disconnect, for the corresponding phase line, n\u22121 conductors that are short-circuited among each other on each side of the switch.
7. Apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the switch of each power exchange unit is able to connect and disconnect, for the corresponding phase line, more than one and at most n\u22121 conductors that are short-circuited among each other on each side of the switch.
8. Apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the switch is able to connect and disconnect more than one and at most n\u22121 conductors of a phase line belonging to the segment, said more than one and at most n\u22121 conductors being short-circuited among each other on each side of the switch.
9. Apparatus according to claim 2, comprising at least one additional power exchange unit for forming a first set of n\u22121 power exchange units, the switches of the n\u22121 power exchange units being able to connect and disconnect respectively n\u22121 conductors of a phase line belonging to the segment, said n\u22121 conductors being short-circuited among each other on a side of the switches.
10. Apparatus according to claim 9, comprising at least one additional power exchange unit for forming a second set of n\u22121 power exchange units, the switches of the n\u22121 power exchange units of the second set being able to connect and disconnect respectively n\u22121 conductors of a second phase line belonging to another segment, said n\u22121 conductors of the second phase line being short-circuited among each other on a side of the corresponding switches, the first and second sets of power exchange units sharing common electric components for allowing a power flow between the two segments.
11. Apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the electric component is selected among the following components: a capacitor, a battery, an inductance, a resistance, and a resistance connected in parallel to a capacitor.
12. Method for modifying a power flow in a segment of an electric power line, the segment having phase lines each having n conductors, where n is equal to or greater than 2, insulated from one another and short-circuited at ends of the segment, the method comprising the following steps:
a) providing a power unit having a power converter for converting power between first and second pairs of terminals, and an electric component connected to the second pair of terminals and capable of circulating power through the power converter, the first pair of terminals being connected in series with at least one conductor of the n conductors of one of the phase lines; and
b) controlling the power converter for modifying said power flow.
13. Method according to claim 12, further comprising step c) of selectively connecting and disconnecting the first pair of terminals in series with said at least one conductor of the segment, by means of a switch in response to control signals, said switch being part of the power exchange unit.
14. Method according to claim 13, wherein:
in step a), n\u22121 power exchange units are provided;
in step b), the power is converted by at least one of the n\u22121 power converters; and
in step c), the n\u22121 power exchange units are connected and disconnected by means of their switch respectively to n\u22121 conductors of a phase line belonging to the segment.
15. Method according to claim 13, wherein:
in step a), at least one additional power exchange unit is provided for forming a set of n power exchange units;
in step b), the power is converted by at least one of the n power converters; and
in step c), the n power exchange units are connected and disconnected by means of their switch respectively to n conductors of a phase line belonging to the segment.
16. Method according to claim 13, wherein:
in step a), an additional power exchange unit is provided for forming a set of two power exchange units;
in step b), the power is converted by means of two power converters; and
in step c), the two power exchange units are connected and disconnected by means of their switch respectively to conductors of two phase lines belonging respectively to said segment and to another segment, the two power exchange units sharing a common electric component for allowing a power flow between the two segments.
17. Method according to claim 16, wherein in step c), the switch of each power exchange unit connects and disconnects, for the corresponding phase line, n\u22121 conductors that are short-circuited among each other on each side of the switch.
18. Method according to claim 16, wherein in step c), the switch of each power exchange unit connects and disconnects, for the corresponding phase line, more than one and at most n\u22121 conductors that are short-circuited among each other on each side of the switch.
19. Method according to claim 13, wherein in step c), the switch connects and disconnects more than one and at most n\u22121 conductors of a phase line belonging to the segment, said more than one and at most-1 conductors being short-circuited among each other on each side of the switch.
20. Method according to claim 13, wherein:
in step a), at least one additional power exchange unit is provided for forming a first set of n\u22121 power exchange units;
in step b), the power is converted by at least one of the n\u22121 power converters; and
in step c), the n\u22121 power exchange units are connected and disconnected by means of their switch respectively to n\u22121 conductors of a phase line belonging to the segment, said n\u22121 conductors being short-circuited among each other on a side of the switches.
21. Method according to claim 20, wherein:
in step a), at least one additional power exchange unit is provided for forming a second set of n\u22121 power exchange units;
in step b), the power is converted by at least two of the power converters that belong respectively to the first and second sets and that are linked by a common electric component; and
in step c), the n\u22121 power exchange units of the second set are connected and disconnected by means of their switch respectively to n\u22121 conductors of a phase line belonging to a second segment, said n\u22121 conductors of the phase line belonging to the second segment being short-circuited among each other on a side of the corresponding switches, said at least two power converters allowing a power flow between the two segments.

The claims below are in addition to those above.
All refrences to claim(s) which appear below refer to the numbering after this setence.

1. A gutter guard apparatus comprising:
an elongate guard panel defining a plurality of spaced filter openings, the guard panel being adapted to extend laterally across an opening of a gutter and longitudinally along the length of the gutter;
a mesh layer overlying the guard panel in an area of the filter openings, the mesh layer having first and second opposing side edges, first and second opposing end edges, and a surface extending across the filter openings; and
a continuous bond securing the mesh layer to the guard panel, wherein the bond extends across substantially the entire surface of the mesh layer from the first side edge to the second side edge, and extending from one end edge of the mesh layer to the opposing end edge of the mesh layer, whereby the mesh layer is secured to the guard panel at substantially all points of contact between the mesh layer and guard panel.
2. The gutter guard of claim 1, wherein the gutter guard is adapted for being positioned at an opening of a longitudinally extending, generally U-shaped gutter used for collecting and distributing rainwater runoff from the roofs of residential homes and other buildings.
3. The gutter guard of claim 1, wherein the guard panel comprises a polymer.
4. The gutter guard of claim 1, wherein the mesh layer and guard panel cooperate to capture and separate debris from rainwater runoff entering the gutter.
5. The gutter guard of claim 1, further comprising a connecting member for securing the guard panel in position at the opening of the gutter.
6. The gutter guard of claim 5, wherein the connecting member comprises a generally C-shaped connecting strip having resilient spaced-apart top and bottom walls adapted for receiving an inwardly-extending flange of the gutter to hold the gutter guard in position during use.
7. The gutter guard of claim 1, wherein the mesh layer comprises a polymer-coated mesh.
8. The gutter guard of claim 1, wherein the mesh layer comprises fiberglass fabric.
9. The gutter guard of claim 1, wherein the mesh layer comprises a PVC coating.
10. The gutter guard of claim 1, wherein the filter openings in the guard panel are between 0.5 and 1.5 centimeters in diameter.
11. The gutter guard of claim 1, wherein the mesh layer includes between about 30 to about 40 openings per square centimeter.
12. A method of forming a gutter guard adapted for being positioned at an opening of a longitudinally extending, generally U-shaped gutter used for collecting and distributing rainwater runoff from the roofs of residential homes and other buildings, the method comprising:
forming a plurality of filter openings in an elongate polymer guard panel, the guard panel being adapted to extend laterally across the opening of the gutter and longitudinally along the length of the gutter;
applying a mesh layer over the guard panel in an area of the filter openings, the mesh layer having first and second opposing side edges and first and second opposing end edges, and the mesh layer cooperating with the guard panel to capture and separate debris from rainwater runoff entering the gutter; and
bonding the mesh layer to the guard panel across substantially the entire surface of the mesh layer from the first side edge to the second side edge, and extending from one end edge of the mesh later to the opposing end edge of the mesh layer, whereby the mesh layer is secured to the guard panel at substantially all points of contact between the mesh layer and guard panel.
13. The method of claim 12, wherein the bonding comprises heat welding comprising the use of ultrasonic welding, a hot roller or a heat lamp.
14. The method of claim 13, wherein the heat welding is ultrasonic welding, wherein the ultrasonic welding comprises a welding horn, a knurl roller and an amplifier.
15. The method of claim 13, wherein the temperature of the heat weld ranges from 160 degrees Fahrenheit to 250 degrees Fahrenheit.
16. The method of claim 12, wherein the bonding comprises use of a radiant heater or heat lamp.
17. The method of claim 12, wherein the bonding comprises use of one or more heated rollers.
18. The method of claim 12, wherein the bonding comprises coating the mesh layer or the guard panel with a chemical bonding agent.
19. The method of claim 18, further comprising using a Kiss roller or doctor blade to apply the chemical bonding agent.
20. A device for forming a gutter guard adapted for being positioned at an opening of a longitudinally extending, generally U-shaped gutter used for collecting and distributing rainwater runoff from the roofs of residential homes and other buildings, the device comprising:
a mechanism for feeding a guard panel and mesh layer into the device;
a mechanism for bonding the mesh layer to the guard panel; and
a control device.
21. The device of claim 20, wherein the mechanism for feeding a guard panel and mesh layer into the device comprises one or more rolls of mesh layer and one or more rollers or guides for feeding a guard panel and mesh layer.
22. The device of claim 20, wherein the mechanism for bonding the mesh layer to the guard panel is selected from the group consisting of: radiant heater, heated roller, adhesive applicator, ultrasonic welder and combinations thereof.
23. The device of claim 22, wherein the mechanism for bonding the mesh layer to the guard panel further comprises one or more pressure rollers adapted for applying pressure to the mesh layer and guard panel to thereby form a bond therebetween, whereby the mesh layer is secured to the guard panel at substantially all points of contact between the mesh layer and guard panel.
24. The device of claim 20, wherein the control device controls the mechanism for feeding a guard panel and mesh layer into the device, and the mechanism for bonding the mesh layer to the guard panel.

1. An antimicrobial composition comprising:
an organic acid; and
an anionic surfactant,
wherein composition is characterized by a LysisDenaturation (LD) ratio greater than 100.
2. The antimicrobial composition of claim 1, wherein said anionic surfactant is selected from the group consisting of:
alkyl sulfonates, secondary alkane sulfonates, alkyl sulfates, alkyl ether sulfates, aryl sulfonates, aryl sulfates, alkylaryl sulfonates, alkylaryl sulfates, alkyl ether sulfonates and combinations and salts thereof.
3. The antimicrobial composition of claim 1, wherein said anionic surfactant is selected from the group consisting of:
alkali lauryl sulfates, alkali dodecylbenzenesulfonates, alkali octane sulfonates, alkali secondary alkane sulfonates and alkali lauryl ether sulfates and ammonium salts thereof.
4. The antimicrobial composition of claim 1, wherein said anionic surfactant is one of: Sodium Octane Sulfonate (SOS), sodium secondary alkane sulfonate (SAS) Sodium Lauryl Sulphate (SLS), and Sodium Lauryl Ether Sulfate (SLES).
5. The antimicrobial composition of claim 4, wherein said anionic surfactant is SOS and said composition also includes SLS.
6. The antimicrobial composition of claim 1, wherein the organic acid is selected from the group consisting of lactic acid, salicylic acid, tartaric acid, citric acid, glycolic acid, maleic acid, ascorbic acid, succinic acid, mandelic acid, dodecylbenzenesulfonic acid, propionic acid, hexanoic acid, octanoic acid, nonanoic acid, decanoic acid, undecanoic acid, gluconic acid, malic acid, benzoic acid, aspartic acid, acetic acid, oxalic acid, glutamic acid, adipic acid, and combinations thereof.
7. The antimicrobial composition of wherein the organic acid comprises lactic acid.
8. The antimicrobial composition of claim 1, wherein the organic acid and the anionic surfactant are each present in an amount from 0.02 to 30% ww.
9. The antimicrobial composition of claim 1 further comprising an additive.
10. The antimicrobial composition of claim 9, wherein the additive is a viscosity controlling agent selected from hemicellulose, plant gum, cellulose and derivatives thereof; starch and derivatives thereof; microbial polysaccharides, plant polysaccharides, sea-weed polysaccharides; and combinations thereof.
11. The antimicrobial composition of claim 9, wherein the additive is a barrier forming agent selected from latex, arabinoxylanes, glucomannanes, guar gum, gum arabic, johannistree gums, cellulose, methyl cellulose, ethyl cellulose, hydroxymethyl cellulose, hydroxyethyl cellulose, carboxymethyl cellulose, carboxyethyl cellulose starch, hydroxyethyl starch, xanthan gum, curdlan, pullulan, dextran, chitosan, starch, modified starch, hydrolyzed starch, glycerol, sodium alginate, sodium alginate cross-linked with calcium salt, carrageenan, ethyleneoxidepropylene oxideethyleneoxide block copolymers, high molecular weight polyacrylate, high molecular weight cross-linked polyacrylate, carbomer, poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA), and poly(N-vinylpyrrolidone) (PVP) and combinations thereof.
12. The antimicrobial composition of claim 9, wherein the additive is an opacifying agent.
13. The antimicrobial composition of claim 1 having a pH ranging from 2.0 to 8.0.
14. The antimicrobial composition of claim 1 having a dynamic viscosity ranging from 1 cPs to 3000 cPs.
15. The antimicrobial composition of claim 1 in concentrated form such that the composition retains antimicrobial effective amounts when diluted by a volume of diluent not less than an equal volume of the antimicrobial composition in concentrated form.
16. A method for the prophylactic treatment of a lactating animal against mastitis comprising applying to the teats of a lactating animal in need of the prophylactic treatment a composition comprising the antimicrobial composition of claim 1.
17. The method of claim 16, wherein the lactating animal is a bovine.
18. The method of claim 16, wherein the antimicrobial agents are present in amounts that result in a prophylactic effect against mastitis when the composition is applied topically.
19. A method for controlling bovine mastitis comprising contacting the teats of a cow with a substantially nonirritating teat dip that contains
an organic acid, and
an anionic surfactant, wherein the composition is characterized by a LysisDenaturation (LD) ratio greater than 100.
20. The method of claim 19, wherein the anionic surfactant that is used in the step of contacting is selected from the group consisting of:
alkyl sulfonates, secondary alkane sulfonates, alkyl sulfates, alkyl ether sulfates, aryl sulfonates, aryl sulfates, alkylaryl sulfonates, alkylaryl sulfates, alkyl ether sulfonates and alkaline earth and ammonium salts and combinations thereof.
21. The method of claim 19, wherein the anionic surfactant that is used in the step of contacting is selected from the group consisting of:
alkali lauryl sulfates, alkali dodecylbenzenesulfonates, alkali octane sulfonates, alkali secondary alkane sulfonates and alkali lauryl ether sulfates and alkaline earth and ammonium salts thereof.
22. The method of claim 19, wherein said anionic surfactant is Sodium Octane Sulphonate and Sodium Secondary Alkane Sulfonate.
23. The method of claim 19, wherein said anionic surfactant is Sodium Octane Sulphonate (SOS) and said composition also includes Sodium Lauryl Sulphate (SLS).
24. The method of claim 19, wherein the organic acid is selected from the group consisting of lactic acid, salicylic acid, tartaric acid, citric acid, glycolic acid, maleic acid, ascorbic acid, succinic acid, mandelic acid, dodecylbenzenesulfonic acid, propionic acid, hexanoic acid, octanoic acid, nonanoic acid, decanoic acid, undecanoic acid, gluconic acid, malic acid, benzoic acid, aspartic acid, acetic acid, oxalic acid, glutamic acid, adipic acid, and combinations thereof.
25. The method of claim 19, wherein the organic acid comprises lactic acid.

The claims below are in addition to those above.
All refrences to claim(s) which appear below refer to the numbering after this setence.

1. A process of preparing copper foil for use in fine geometry circuit boards, comprising the steps of: forming spaced apart islands in the copper foil, with the islands being smaller in dimension than crystals in the foil so that most of the islands are single crystals, and growing the islands out until they meet one another to form a continuous foil having a columnar structure that etches preferentially along the intersections of the islands in directions perpendicular to the surface of the foil thus formed.
2. The process of claim 1 wherein the islands are also grown in height to the final thickness of the foil, and the islands do not finish growing out to meet one another before the final thickness of the foil is reached.
3. The process of claim 1 wherein growing of the islands is terminated before the islands have grown completely together at the surface of the foil, leaving indentations in the top surface above the intersections of the islands which further promote etching perpendicular to the top surface of the foil.