Abstract: Apparatus and methods for lithium extraction from aqueous sources are described herein. Divalent ions are removed using staged membrane separation. The aqueous source is subjected to a solvent extraction process that extracts lithium. Aqueous and organic phases of streams produced by the solvent extraction process are separated using electrical and/or gas flotation separation. The solvent is de-complexed to unload lithium. Streams produced by the de-complexing may be subjected to electrical and/or gas flotation separation. Solvent de-complexing can be performed using an electrical separator. Aqueous streams are pH adjusted for return to the environment.

Abstract: A retraction device, e.g., a programmable stiffness state tissue displacement device, for providing increased visibility during an operation is provided. The device includes one or more strips of compliant jammable layer components connected in parallel, and encapsulated within a flexible envelope such that each of the one or more strips of compliant jammable layer components are pneumatically connected. The device further includes a negative pressure pump coupled to the flexible envelope, such that the application of negative pressure to the flexible envelope by the negative pressure pump causes the one or more strips of compliant jammable layer components to jam and thereby transition the retraction device from a malleable state to a rigid state.

Abstract: A retraction device, e.g., a programmable stiffness state tissue displacement device, for providing increased visibility during an operation is provided. The device includes one or more strips of compliant jammable layer components connected in parallel, and encapsulated within a flexible envelope such that each of the one or more strips of compliant jammable layer components are pneumatically connected. The device further includes a negative pressure pump coupled to the flexible envelope, such that the application of negative pressure to the flexible envelope by the negative pressure pump causes the one or more strips of compliant jammable layer components to jam and thereby transition the retraction device from a malleable state to a rigid state.

Abstract: Methods of operating membrane processes, such as seawater purification processes, are described herein. The methods generally include flowing seawater into a membrane purification process; recovering purified seawater and concentrated seawater from the membrane purification process; sensing operating parameters of the membrane purification process; determining a state of the membrane purification process from the operating parameters using a physical model; using a statistical model to resolve a time dependence of the state of the membrane purification process; using a recursive statistical process to update the statistical model; using the updated statistical model to predict a future state of the membrane purification process; comparing the predicted future state of the membrane purification process to a threshold state; and predicting a remaining time before the membrane purification process reaches the threshold state.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for lithium extraction from aqueous sources are described herein. Divalent ions are removed using staged membrane separation. The aqueous source is subjected to a solvent extraction process that extracts lithium. Aqueous and organic phases of streams produced by the solvent extraction process are separated using electrical and/or gas flotation separation. The solvent is de-complexed to unload lithium. Streams produced by the de-complexing may be subjected to electrical and/or gas flotation separation. Solvent de-complexing can be performed using an electrical separator. Aqueous streams are pH adjusted for return to the environment.

Abstract: A retraction device, e.g., a programmable stiffness state tissue displacement device, for providing increased visibility during an operation is provided. The device includes one or more strips of compliant jammable layer components connected in parallel, and encapsulated within a flexible envelope such that each of the one or more strips of compliant jammable layer components are pneumatically connected. The device further includes a negative pressure pump coupled to the flexible envelope, such that the application of negative pressure to the flexible envelope by the negative pressure pump causes the one or more strips of compliant jammable layer components to jam and thereby transition the retraction device from a malleable state to a rigid state.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a solar tile includes a hollow body including a first half and a second half, the first half including a dark-colored side that is adapted to absorb solar energy and the second half including a light-colored side that is adapted to reflect solar energy, the first and second halves defining an open interior space through which heat exchange fluid can pass, and a central tube that enables the heat exchange fluid to enter or exit the interior space of the body, wherein the central tube also forms a central axis about which the tile can be rotated.

Abstract: A teething device for exercising gums and deciduous teeth. Two hollow receptacles sealingly mate to form a body of the teething device. A plurality of hollow knobs extend outwardly from the receptacles. The hollow interior of each knob is in a fluid communication with the interior space of the teething device. The teething device may be filled with a cold liquid to cool the exterior surfaces of the knobs. The liquid may be periodically discarded, and the hollow interior of the teething device may be refilled with a liquid of a predetermined temperature.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a variable screen includes a first panel including elongated slats having a fixed end and a free end, the slats being flexible so that they can bend without breaking, and a second panel associated with the first panel, the second panel including elongated slots that align with the slats of the first panel, wherein the free ends of the slats are attached to the second panel near ends of the slots and wherein relative movement of the panels causes the slats to bow outward to enable light or air to pass through the slots.

Abstract: The present invention is an art hanging system that uses a drywall anchor combined with monofilament to create a nearly invisible ceiling hangar. The monofilament is fed through the low profile drywall anchor, and tied to an anchor such that when force is applied to the monofilament, the anchor flattens and grabs the ceiling or wall panel. The plastic interior face of the anchor is low profile and transparent such that it presents limited visual distraction to the ceiling plane.

Abstract: A method for providing controlled salinity water for enhanced oil recovery begins by raising the pressure of, and then splitting, a treated seawater feed into two supply streams which are then processed in parallel. One supply stream is passed thorough a nanofiltration membrane system while the other is passed through a reverse osmosis membrane system. The permeate streams are then combined for an overall recovery factor in a range of 50% to 65%. The pressure of the first supply stream is preferably reduced prior to treatment and the nanofiltration membrane system may be housed in a pressure vessel rated for use with a reverse osmosis membrane system. Energy can be recovered from the nanofiltration reject stream or the reverse osmosis reject and used to reduce the feed pumping power or provide an inter-stage pressure boost. The single seawater feed allows for a simplified pumping and piping arrangement.

Abstract: A system to reduce scaling within or downstream of an electrolytic cell includes sulfate removal membranes located upstream of one or more electrolytic cells which are arranged to receive a permeate feed stream from the sulfate removal membranes. The membranes can be nanofiltration membranes. The saline feed stream, permeate feed stream, or both may be de-aerated streams. The electrolytic cells may be part of an electro-chlorination unit and can be divided electrolytic cells.

Abstract: A system and process for reducing fouling in a catalytic bed-based deoxygenation unit include a filtration system having a plurality of selectively permeable membranes arranged to contact a raw seawater feed and provide a membrane permeate. The membrane permeate is comprised of a portion of the raw seawater feed from which contaminants, such as dissolved inorganic salts and organic constituents, have been removed by passing through the selectively permeable membranes. The system and process also include a catalyst bed-based deoxygenation unit that receives the membrane permeate. The filtration system may be a nanofiltration, microfiltration, ultrafiltration, or reverse osmosis membrane system.

Abstract: A method of feeding a pulverulent batch material into a furnace in the manufacture of glass. The pulverulent batch material is fed from a first bulk batch feeder at a first batch feed rate, and from a second trim batch feeder at a second trim batch feed rate. The trim batch feed rate is equal to or less than 10% of the total batch feed rate. The use of trim electrodes and trim burners is also disclosed.

Abstract: Feed materials are melted in a first vessel to form a glass melt at a first temperature T1, the glass melt containing at least one fining agent. The molten glass is next cooled to a second temperature T2 less than T1 in a second vessel wherein an oxygen-comprising gas is not actively added (e.g. bubbled) into the melt during the duration of the time the melt is at T2. The molten glass is thereafter heated to a third temperature T3 greater than T1 and subsequently formed into a glass article.

Abstract: Feed materials are melted in a furnace to form a glass melt in a first vessel, transferred through a first refractory metal connecting tube to a second vessel for conditioning, then transferred through a second refractory metal connecting tube to a third vessel where the glass melt is fined. A gas is bubbled into the glass melt through an injection tube disposed in the first connecting tube, optionally in the second connecting tube, and optionally in both connecting tubes. The gas may be used to mix the melt and/or recharge a fining agent with oxygen.

Abstract: A method of feeding a pulverulent batch material into a furnace in the manufacture of glass. The pulverulent batch material is fed from a first bulk batch feeder at a first batch feed rate, and from a second trim batch feeder at a second trim batch feed rate. The trim batch feed rate is equal to or less than 10% of the total batch feed rate. The use of trim electrodes and trim burners is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method of forming a glass melt including heating a glass feed material in a first melting furnace to form a glass melt, flowing the glass melt into a second melting furnace through a refractory metal connecting tube, and further heating the glass melt in the second melting furnace. The refractory metal connecting tube is heated to prevent the molten glass from excessive cooling, and to ensure that the glass melt entering the second melting furnace is equal to or greater than the temperature of the glass melt in the second melting furnace. An apparatus for performing the method is also disclosed.

Abstract: A dry fragrance composition having from about 0.1 to about 20%, by total carrier weight, of a fragrance composition substantially uniformly deposited on the surface of a nonabsorbent solid inorganic particulate substrate is used to impart a fragrance to a second material. The nonabsorbent solid inorganic particulate substrate can be an alkali metal chloride, sulfates, or tripolyphosphates, soda ash, borax, or a zeolite.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for cutting sheet material in which the apparatus comprises a turntable, a cutter guide and a cutter mounted on and moveable along the cutter guide. A piece of sheet material to be cut is mounted on the turntable and a straight line is cut in the material by keeping the turntable stationary and pressing the cutter into the card and moving it along the guide. An arch is cut in the card by rotating the turntable underneath the stationary cutter. The movement of the turntable is limited by a pair of stoppers. Stoppers are provided for limiting the travel of the cutter.