Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for controlling camshaft phasers of a variable displacement engine. In one example, the engine includes first and second cylinder banks, with the engine being configured to operate in a rolling variable displacement mode. The camshaft phasers are torque actuated camshaft phasers, and a controller of the engine may adjust operation of camshaft phasers at the first cylinder bank differently than camshaft phasers at the second cylinder bank.

Abstract: Methods of treating a high suspended solids liquor having a waste stream and a suspended solids content including powdered activated carbon and biological material by contacting the high suspended solids liquor with a membrane unit are disclosed. Methods of treating a waste stream by combining the waste stream with powdered activated carbon and biological material to produce the high suspended solids liquor and contacting the high suspended solids liquor with a membrane unit are also disclosed. Treatment systems including a membrane unit fluidly connected to a source of a high suspended solids liquor are disclosed. Treatment systems including a bioreactor fluidly connected to a source of a waste stream and a membrane unit are also disclosed.

Abstract: There are provided herein methods and systems for increasing efficiency in a multi-stage activated carbon system. The methods and systems provide a cleaned carbon solids fraction and a waste liquor from wet air regeneration, and direct the same to a second stage and a first stage, respectively, of the multi-stage activated carbon system to enhance removal efficiency therein.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for controlling camshaft phasers of a variable displacement engine. In one example, the engine includes first and second cylinder banks, with the engine being configured to operate in a rolling variable displacement mode. The camshaft phasers are torque actuated camshaft phasers, and a controller of the engine may adjust operation of camshaft phasers at the first cylinder bank differently than camshaft phasers at the second cylinder bank.

Abstract: The present invention enables a high suspended solids (SS) liquor (16) (at least about 10 g/L) comprising activated carbon (30) to be contacted with one or more membranes (14) of a membrane unit (12) to efficiently treat a waste stream (24) for contaminant removal.

Abstract: A power supply system including: a power supply configured to provide a constant AC current; a power transmission line connected to the power supply to form a closed circuit; and at least one pickup configured to accept and slidingly engage with the power transmission line such that the pickup completely encircles a portion of the power transmission line threaded through the pickup, and to inductively couple to the power transmission line, wherein the at least one pickup can be positioned at any point along the length of the power transmission line by sliding it along the power transmission line.

Abstract: There are provided herein methods and systems for increasing efficiency in a multi-stage activated carbon system. The methods and systems provide a cleaned carbon solids fraction and a waste liquor from wet air regeneration, and direct the same to a second stage and a first stage, respectively, of the multi-stage activated carbon system to enhance removal efficiency therein.

Abstract: A power supply system including: a power supply configured to provide a constant AC current; a power transmission line connected to the power supply to form a closed circuit; and at least one pickup configured to accept and slidingly engage with the power transmission line such that the pickup completely encircles a portion of the power transmission line threaded through the pickup, and to inductively couple to the power transmission line, wherein the at least one pickup can be positioned at any point along the length of the power transmission line by sliding it along the power transmission line.

Abstract: An apparatus for cleaning a rounded tank such as the tank of a gasoline tanker has a pivoting coupler between its handle and the base its cleaning head. In this embodiment the base of the head is formed with lugs which receive a tongue. The tongue is formed on an end of the pivoting coupler. A pin traverses corresponding holes in the lugs and pivoting coupler in order to allow the pivoting coupler to pivot relative to the head. Further embodiments include a water supply tank mounted to the handle and a pump arranged to urge water from the tank through a conduit out through the head of the cleaning apparatus.

Abstract: An improved method for monitoring commodities over an exchange having contracts with multiple markets is provided. Smooth scrolling embodiments in accordance with the present invention will move the pre-shift trading screen to a second position, the post-shift trading screen, which is dependent on which direction the market is moving. As the inside market changes, both the offers and bids change and therefore the inside market changes accordingly. As such, it is desirable for a user to be able to track the changes in the inside market and be able to see the highest bid price and the lowest offer price as the market changes on the user's trading screen.

Abstract: A method for reducing the amount of time for a user to submit an order is provided. Volume submission allows a user to submit and revise orders with a single action on a volume entry region. Typically, a user has to set a price and quantity. Many users wait for specific prices or track prices dynamically based on predefined criteria. These trading styles eliminate the need to set the price manually for each transaction. It is advantageous to provide a list or menu of buttons or selections with preconfigured volumes for the user to choose, thus allowing the single action of choosing the volume to submit the order.

Abstract: A multiple flow sink counter-top water sprayer and filter system includes a selectably by-passable filter cartridge. The system includes a housing having an upstream portion and a downstream portion, defining, through these portions, channels for the flow of water. An inlet to the upstream portion permits flow of water into the channels, and respective outlets in the downstream portion of the housing discharges respective flows of water from the channels. Also provided is an annular water-purifying cartridge having a tubular shell including concentric interior and exterior walls to contain a filter material, the cartridge including an axial bore running lengthwise of the cartridge and the exterior wall of the cartridge secured within the upstream portion at a radial offset from an interior surface of the upstream portion of the housing to establish an annular path of flow which by-passes the cartridge.

Abstract: A multi-function showerhead filter system includes a ball-like swivel-mounted inlet joint having a fluid input to the housing, the inlet joint including a fluid input cavity converging, at a distal end, into a venturi outlet. The system also includes a pressure chamber formed within the housing, downstream of the venturi outlet and in fluid communication with it, the chamber having an inlet at least equal to a largest radius of the venturi outlet. The system also includes a turbulence-inducing water filter cartridge secured within the housing downstream of the pressure chamber and having an inlet surface in fluid and mechanical communication with it. The system further includes an output within the housing, secured downstream of the filter cartridge and in fluid communication with it, the output of which is passed through the cartridge, into one of the function modes of spraying, bubbling and massaging.

Abstract: The invention discloses a test device comprising a substrate suitably adapted so as to provide aperture(s) wherein said aperture(s) are suitably adapted so as to support selected supportive material (3) so that fluid samples can be efficiently dispensed onto said supportive material (3) located within said apertures. Furthermore, said supportive material is further adapted so as to provide suitable guide means for checking the adequacy of the sample collected. Subsequently said test device can be placed in a suitable pouch (12) or the like, wherein said pouch (12) is adapted so as to provide desiccant properties (13) and thus to dry a fluid sample more efficiently. Eventually said test device is presented to an automated analyser for processing or the like, alternatively, said test device may be adapted so as to provide on the spot results. The device can said test device may be adapted so as to provide on the spot results.

Abstract: A cable management system for securely holding one or more cables in position. The system includes a base, a lock, and an elastic member. The elastic member holds one or more cables against the base when the lock is engaged. The lock may be any one of a number of different types of locking structures including atab, velcro, or a screw for example. The cable management system may further include a mounting mechanism for mounting the cable management system to a chassis containing components to which the one or more cables are connected. The mounting mechanism may allow the cable management to be cantilevered away from the chassis. In another embodiment, the mounting mechanism may simply be a screw mount such that the back of the base lies flush with a surface on which the cable management system is being mounted. The cable management system may include a groove in the base for providing two or more points of friction preventing the one or more cables from slipping across the base when the lock is engaged.

Abstract: An apparatus for threshing tobacco includes a rotatable stripper and a feeder which includes a pair of cooperating counter-rotatable elements for delivering tobacco leaves to the stripper. The feeder and the stripper are arranged such that, in use, the tobacco leaves experience shearing forces as they pass from between the counter-rotating elements to the rotating stripper. These forces at least partially strip the lamina from the stems.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for processing tobacco, in which tobacco leaves are threshed to form a mixture of free lamina, clean stem pieces from which lamina has been completely or substantially completely removed and uncleaned stem pieces which have useful pieces of lamina attached thereto. This mixture is sifted to separate the clean stem pieces from the unclean stem pieces. The unclean stem pieces are subjected to additional threshing by recycling the unclean stem pieces to the thresher. A sieve may be used to carry out the method and as a part of the apparatus.

Abstract: A process for treating smoking material comprising the steps of (i) heating smoking material having a moisture content of from 5 to 75% by weight at a temperature of from 70.degree. to 220.degree. C. at about or above atmospheric pressure in the presence of air and (ii) reducing the pressure on the heated smoking material to a level of from 0.1 to 50 kPa at a rate such that the water contained within the smoking material evaporates causing the smoking material to expand, the smoking material being heated during pressure reduction to accelerate water evaporation.