Abstract: In a conventional roller connector, when a spoke member of a steering device hits against an electrical lead-through section of a movable housing, there occurs a knocking sound, which will be unpleasant to the driver. The present invention, therefore, provides a roller connector which will not produce the knocking sound. Flexible cables are connected at least at one end to the electrical lead-through section of a movable housing. An elastic member is projectingly disposed on an surface of the upper wall where the electrical lead-through section protrudes, thus being driven to turn the movable housing.

Abstract: An exhaust treatment system is provided for use with an internal combustion engine of a motor vehicle. The exhaust treatment system includes a parallel plate, monolithic plasma reactor for reducing nitrogen oxides in the exhaust gas from the engine, an electric power source for providing an electrical signal to the electrodes of the plasma reactor, and a controller interconnected between the electric power source and the plasma reactor for modulating the electrical signal to the plasma reactor. More specifically, the electric power source provides an alternating current electrical signal and the controller modulates the electrical signal off in accordance with a predetermined duty cycle, thereby achieving uniform barrier discharge in the plasma reactor.

Abstract: There are provided a plating pretreatment apparatus capable of causing a plating pretreatment liquid to flow uniformly between a cathode and an object to be treated, and a plating treatment apparatus, which can also be used for a multi-cylinder engine.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for conditioning a surface of a ceramic body in a process chamber when the process chamber has a vacuum pump, an anode and a cathode. The conditioning method consists of pumping the process chamber down to a vacuum with the vacuum pump, introducing a gas into the chamber, energizing the anode and cathode with RF power to ignite the gas into a plasma, sputter etching the surface with ions from the plasma to remove contaminants therefrom. The method is accomplished either within a process chamber to condition, in situ, a ceramic chuck or within a cleaning chamber to condition any form of ceramic body or component.

Abstract: A sensing element has a cup-shaped solid electrolytic body with one end closed and an inside space serving as a reference gas chamber, a sensing electrode provided on an outer surface of the solid electrolytic body so as to be exposed to measured gas, and a reference electrode provided on an inner surface of the solid electrolytic body so as to be exposed to reference gas in the reference gas chamber. A heater is disposed in the reference gas chamber. The solid electrolytic body has a leg consisting of a proximal portion and a distal portion. The distal portion is thinner than the proximal portion. And, the heater is brought into contact with a surface defining the reference gas chamber at least partly in the region of the distal portion.

Abstract: An apparatus and process produces salts by an electrodialysis operation. The basic electrodialysis apparatus is a cell having a number of compartments separated by membranes. A DC source is connected to drive a current through a feed stream passing through the cell which splits the salt stream into an acid and a base. The incoming feed may be nanofiltered to remove divalent metal. The base loop may be in communication with an ion exchange column packed with a material that removes multivalent cations. Depending upon the material being processed and the desired end result either or both the nanofiltration and the ion exchanged column may be used in the apparatus.

Abstract: When irradiating laser beam from the side face of the capillary array, an optical axis of the laser beam is inclined in vertical direction with respect to a plane face formed by the capillary array, thus, reflection light by the capillary array and returning light is prevented from entering into a laser beam source, thereby, instability of laser oscillation is eliminated.

Abstract: A capillary array includes a light detection portion, a sample supply portion, a buffer solution supply portion and a voltage application portion which are necessary functions for electrophoresis, thereby, when assembling the capillary array into an electrophoresis apparatus, the same can be immediately used. Accordingly, a capillary array is provided which can be easily incorporated into an electrophoresis apparatus.

Abstract: A sample plate assembly for an electrophoresis apparatus including a tray at a sample supply portion of a capillary array, an adapter for the tray, a sample plate mounted on the adapter, a septer mounted on the sample plate and a septer holder mounted on the septer. Thereby, many number of samples can be automatically supplied to capillaries in a multi capillary array.

Abstract: The present invention provides a web conveying apparatus for conveying a web while holding the web and applying tension to the web, wherein the conveying apparatus has a plurality of rollers with which the web contacts to be conveyed, and at least one roller of the plurality of rollers has a mechanism for limiting deformation of the web within Y/E, and a web conveying method using a web conveying apparatus for conveying a web while holding the web and applying tension to the web, wherein the conveying apparatus has a plurality of rollers with which the web contacts to be conveyed, and the web is conveyed while the deformation of the web is limited within Y/E by a mechanism that is provided for at least one roller of the plurality of rollers. The apparatus and the method prevent meandering of the web.

Abstract: A plating system is composed of a transfer device for performing transfer of a wafer, a plating unit and a washing/drying unit provided around the transfer device. Each unit is structured to be detachable from the plating system. The plating unit is divided into a wafer transfer section and a plating section by a separator, and atmosphere of each section is independently set.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for transmitting electrical signals and fluids to and/or from a microelectronic workpiece. An apparatus in accordance with one embodiment of the invention includes a shaft rotatable about a shaft axis and having a first end with a first electrical contact portion toward the first end, a second end opposite the first end, and an internal channel along the shaft axis between the first and second ends. The shaft can further have at least one first hole toward the first end with the first hole extending radially from the channel to an external surface of the shaft. The shaft can still further have at least one second hole toward the second end with the second hole extending from the channel to the external surface. A housing rotatably receives the shaft and has an aperture coupleable to a fluid source and/or fluid sink.

Abstract: An apparatus for plating a conductive film directly on a substrate with a barrier layer on top includes anode rod (1) placed in tube (109), and anode rings (2), and (3) placed between cylindrical walls (107) and (105), (103) and (101), respectively. Anodes (1), (2), and (3) are powered by power supplies (13), (12), and (11), respectively. Electrolyte (34) is pumped by pump (33) to pass through filter (32) and reach inlets of liquid mass flow controllers (LMFCs) (21), (22), and (23). Then LMFCs (21), (22) and (23) deliver electrolyte at a set flow rate to sub-plating baths containing anodes (3), (2) and (1), respectively. After flowing through the gap between wafer (31) and the top of the cylindrical walls (101), (103), (105), (107) and (109), electrolyte flows back to tank (36) through spaces between cylindrical walls (100) and (101), (103) and (105), and (107) and (109), respectively.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for controlling the recovery of a metal, such as silver, from a solution flowing through an electrolytic cell. A constant current is applied between the anode and cathode of the cell and the rate of change of the voltage monitored, the information obtained from the monitored change of voltage being used to control the rate of recovery of the metal.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for purifying aqueous effluent streams to reduce chemical oxygen demand thereof, where the method comprises direct oxidation of water-soluble organic material in an electrochemical cell that incorporates stainless steel electrodes, whose stability and lifetime are enhanced by inclusion of circulating metal chips.

Abstract: The present invention includes a method and sensor that is easy to assemble and can operate to effectively detect an air borne or exogenously introduced analyte. In one embodiment, the assembled sensor includes a top cap capable of receiving a first electrolyte and a bottom cap capable of receiving a second electrolyte. The assembled sensor also includes a flexible boot that holds together the top cap, the bottom cap and a biosensor. The biosensor is operational when it is located between the first electrolyte and the second electrolyte and enables an electrical device to detect an analyte (e.g., hazardous chemical) that enters the sensor through a passage in the top cap. In particular, the electrical device can apply a voltage to the first electrolyte, the biosensor and the second electrolyte, and then detect the presence of an analyte interacting with the biosensor by detecting a change in the electrical characteristic of the biosensor caused by the presence of the analyte.

Abstract: A modified universal exhaust gas oxygen sensor, referred to herein as a CEGA sensor, is provided which can be used to measure the concentration of a variety of components of a gaseous fuel emission including CO, CO2, O2, H2, and H2O. The CEGA sensor-employs at least one additional electrode on a ceramic substrate which possess a different catalytic activity relative to the electrodes that normally found on a UEGO sensor. The ceramic substrate may be made of any suitable ceramic and is preferably made of zirconia. The difference in catalytic activity between the additional electrode(s) and the electrodes native to the UEGO sensor create an oxygen gradient which enables a measure of combustion completeness to be calculated. In combination with an air/fuel ratio measured by the sensor, the concentrations of different components in the emission can be calculated.

Abstract: A modified universal exhaust gas oxygen sensor, referred to herein as a CEGA sensor, is provided which can be used to measure the concentration of a variety of components of a gaseous fuel emission including CO, CO2, O2, H2, and H2O. The CEGA sensor employs at least one additional electrode on a ceramic substrate which possess a different catalytic activity relative to the electrodes that normally found on a UEGO sensor. The ceramic substrate may be made of any suitable ceramic and is preferably made of zirconia. The difference in catalytic activity between the additional electrode(s) and the electrodes native to the UEGO sensor create an oxygen gradient which enables a measure of combustion completeness to be calculated. In combination with an air/fuel ratio measured by the sensor, the concentrations of different components in the emission can be calculated.

Abstract: A coupon dispenser assembly includes a disposable coupon dispenser and a protective shroud which is reusable with other similar coupon dispensers.

Abstract: The invention relates to a packet (20) of stacked absorbent paper tissues (64) of the type which comprises a sheet of flexible material, such as a plastic wrapping sheet (21) which comprises opening means allowing a region to be uncovered for grasping at least one tissue (64) so as to extract it individually from the wrapper (21), and of the type which is of parallelepipedal overall shape defined by a height (H), a width (L) and a thickness (E), characterized in that the height (H) and the width (L) are equal so that the packet (20) has square front (22) and rear (24) frontal faces.

Abstract: Discs are held locked in a tray by flex arms with disc-retaining extensions overlying inner peripheral areas adjacent the central opening of the uppermost disc. A push button is held within a disc-centering boss. Lock tab detents extending from the push button hold the push button above an inner edge of an annular shelf on the centering boss. The push button is connected to the flex arms with goose neck connectors. Pressing inward on the flex arms tends to move the goose necks to draw the push button downward. In the locked, tamper-evident position, the lock tabs prevent the push button from moving downward, and thus hold the disc-retaining extensions over inner surface areas of the disc.

Abstract: Electronic device case with a hollow rectangular case made of resilient material such as leather, vinyl or the like or non resilient material such as plastic or aluminum or the like, the case being comprised of an upper half and a lower half hingedly connected at one end, both the halves capable of being opened or closed with respect to each other by a zipper, the upper half having a belt clip or belt loop fixedly attached to its outer surface, the lower half having an electronic device retaining means located on the inside, said retaining means allowing said electronic device control buttons to be visible and usable while said electronic device is retained in said case, said lower half being capable of folding outwards to a suitable viewing angle, said viewing angle being secured by means of a pair of support straps that each terminate centrally at one end to the side wall of said upper half and at the opposite end to the side wall of said lower half.

Abstract: The present invention includes a peel-away protective cover to help prevent contamination of a connector prior to insertion into a radiation source delivery device. The protective cover comprises a top sheet and a bottom sheet that are sealed together to create a protective pouch within which a connector may be positioned. The top sheet and bottom sheet may be peeled away in a proximal to distal direction in order to expose the connector for insertion into a radiation source delivery device. The proximal to distal peel-away directs any contaminants present on the protective cover away from the exposed connector. In one embodiment, the protective cover may be completely peeled away from the connector. In another embodiment, the protective cover may be partially peeled away so that the separated top and bottom sheets shield the connection to the radiation source delivery device.

Abstract: A gift wrapping storage organizer for storing wrapping paper and gift wrapping accessories is provided. The gift wrapping storage organizer includes a transparent container that has a front side, a back side, first and second sides extending between the front and back sides, a bottom, and an open top. The sides and bottom define an interior of the container in which vertical dowels extend from the bottom of the container to vertically support and display rolls of wrapping paper. Cutouts are provided in the sides to facilitate carrying of the container. A receptacle is fixedly disposed inside the container to hold sheets of wrapping paper. A box for holding accessories such as bows, tape, ribbon, writing instruments is removably disposed in the upper interior of the container and rests supports attached to the sides of the container. A removable lid may be provided for the box or for the container.

Abstract: A roll package with die-cut edge protection having a Kraft paper layer surrounding the outer roll surface. A header is positioned adjacent the roll end and the Kraft paper layer has a die-cut edge folded radially inwardly adjacent the header without crimping. An outer plastic wrap layer is positioned adjacent the Kraft paper layer and the die-cut edge.

Abstract: A shipping and display container for bottles or other frangible articles, in which mating insert half sections of cardboard or other material have recessed portions defining supports for nesting and supporting the articles along three spatial axes. An insert section may be used as a display container for the article or articles, and two insert sections placed together in mirror image relationship from opposite sides of the articles and placed in a box form a container for shipment. The insert sections are each formed from a single blank, and may be shipped flat or in an erected or partially erected condition. Panels of the insert sections interlock when erected to hold the insert section in erected condition, and adhesive may be used between some panels to assist in holding the insert section erected and to enhance the strength and rigidity of the insert section.

Abstract: The invention relates to a bundle (16) of stacked products (18) consisting of absorbent paper, of the type which comprises a sheet of flexible material, such as a plastic wrapping sheet (20), and of the type which comprises opening means making it possible to release a zone (86) for gripping at least one paper product (18) in order to extract it individually from the wrapping (20), and of the type of which the opening means comprise a flap (36) which is movable between an opening position and a closing position, covering the gripping zone (86), and which is a part of the wrapping sheet (20) delimited by a precut (72) or a cut of the wrapping sheet (20), characterized in that the precut (72) or cut is arranged in a corner (74) of the bundle (16) and comprises at least two portions which are connected to one another and which each extend over a separate face (22, 28) of the bundle (16).

Abstract: A battery package is disclosed which permits only required batteries of a plurality of accommodated batteries to be removed and which can be used as a container after the battery package has been opened. The battery package incorporates a cover having a plurality of battery accommodating portions which are opened in either principal plane of the cover, each of which accommodates each battery and which are integrally formed with the cover such that the battery accommodating portions project inwards; and a mount bonded to the principal plane of the cover to seal openings of the battery accommodating portions, wherein each battery accommodating portion has a battery holding portion formed at a position more adjacent to the opening as compared with the center of the accommodated battery and structured to reduce the inner diameter of the battery accommodating portion as compared with the outer diameter of the battery.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a thin-plate supporting container 1 having a container body 2, and a thin-plate supporting unit 3 for supporting the semiconductor wafers from both sides thereof in the container body. There are provided a lid 4, and an easy attach/detach mechanism for attaching and detaching the lid 4. The easy attach/detach mechanism 31 is composed of a lid engaging claw 32 provided on the circumference of the lid 4, and object engagement part 28, provided on the container body 2, for engaging with the lid engagement claw 32 so as to secure the lid 4 to the container body 2, an arm 34 for releasing the lid engagement claw 32 from the object engagement part 28; and an elevating mechanism for slightly elevating the lid 4 from the container body 2 when the lid engagement claw 32 is released by means of the arm 34. The thin-plate supporting unit 3, the top flange 5, the carrying handle 6 are detachably mounted. The thin-plate supporting unit 3 is formed with a V-shaped groove 38.

Abstract: A component tape includes a carrier tape with an elongate cover tape applied over pockets of the carrier tape. The component tape includes information printed on a portion of the component tape. The printed information includes a count or quantity of electronic components carried by the component tape, where the count at a particular location on the component tape indicates the position of the corresponding electronic component on the component tape. An indicator is printed corresponding to each quantity count that indicates which component position of the tape corresponds to the printed count. The printed information may also include a variety of information associated with the components, information comprising part number, tolerance and value description, batch number, lot number, component manufacturer, and component vendor. The printed information is produced by direct marking, as with laser etching or printing, or by imaging.

Abstract: The present invention is a fluidized catalytic cracking process that incorporates a zoned riser reactor. The process provides an in-situ method for feed upgrading in a riser reactor. The process assists in the removal of undesirable contaminants, such as nitrogen, from FCC feedstocks.

Abstract: A sieving device with a vibratory supporting frame and a vibration frame which is held against said supporting frame so as to be able to vibrate freely. A simple, compact design which provides good sieving and conveying performance is achieved in that the vibration frame is spring-elastically coupled to the supporting frame by torsion-bar-like spring elements.

Abstract: A recharge and filter assembly includes a housing with a removable recharge and filter cartridge. The housing includes a canister with a removable cover allowing access to the cartridge. The cartridge includes a filter element comprising a ring of media and upper and lower end caps. The upper end cap carries a peripheral seal which provides a fluid-tight seal with the housing canister. An annular channel is provided between an annular portion of the upper end cap and the seal. An annular support member from the cover is received in the annular channel to support the upper end cap. Latching fingers on the upper end cap and a mating ring on the cover removably couple the cartridge to the cover. The cartridge further includes a recharge canister supported by tabs on the upper and lower end caps. Fluid is recharged by inhibitor material, while particulates and other contaminants are removed by the filter media.

Abstract: A totalization meter system for a water treatment device, the device having an inlet aperture and an outlet aperture, and a channel for channeling water between the inlet and outlet apertures. A flow reactive device is positioned in the channel and is exposed to the flowing water, and a signal generating member is positioned on the flow reactive device. A switch is positioned proximately to the flow reactive device, and is sensitive to the proximity of the signal generating member. The switch is able to communicate electric signals indicative of the motion of the signal generating member A resettable processor having a performance threshold programmed therein and an output device is included. The microcontroller is in electrical communication with the switch for receiving electrical signals from the switch.

Abstract: An assembly for purifying water, the assembly consisting of a tube for carrying the water, the tube for carrying water having an upstream and a downstream end; a high intensity ultra-violet light or corona discharge ozone generator for introducing ozone into said tube for carrying water at an ozone introduction point within said tube; an ozone contact time tube segment situated between the ozone introduction point and the downstream end of the tube for carrying water; a bubble separator column having a water input port and a water output port, the downstream end of the tube for carrying water being positioned so that water emitting therefrom may pass through the water input port; and a water level sensitive electrically actuated valve for alternating collection of water within and discharging water from the bubble separator column.

Abstract: A filter system especially useful in the treatment of waste material, in particular liquid waste material which may include particulate matter therein. The filter system includes a series of filters of progressively finer porosity in order to selectively eliminate particulate (or semi-particulate) matters from a carrier material, typically, but not exclusively, of a fluid or liquid nature. The filters are mounted within a housing which includes one or more inlet ports and at least one outlet port.

Abstract: A growth pollutant trap (50) to be installed in a storm water channel so as to receive storm water flowing through the channel and to filter growth pollutants from the storm water. The trap (50) includes a growth pollutant collection area (61) toward which there extends generally parallel sets (63) and (67) of veins (64) and (68). The area (61) is at least partly defined by a mesh wall (72) through which water returns to the storm water channel.

Abstract: In a fluoride including waste water processing device which comprises a reaction vessel and a sedimentation vessel, a calcium compound adding device adds calcium compound in fluoride including waste water in the reaction vessel to react the calcium compound with fluoride of the fluoride including waste water to generate calcium fluoride. The sedimentation vessel has a bottom which is associated with a bottom of the reaction vessel through an opening hole. The fluoride including waste water is sent to the sedimentation vessel from the reaction vessel through the opening hole. The sedimentation vessel has an inclined bottom surface. The calcium fluoride is sent back, by a self-weight of the calcium fluoride, to the reaction vessel from the sedimentation vessel along the inclined bottom surface. An agitator aggregates the fluoride including waste water in the reaction vessel. A polymer solution adding device adds polymer solution in the fluoride including waste water in the reaction vessel.

Abstract: An apparatus for separating solid particles from the suction effluent of, for example, a dental office, preferably driven by a dental office vacuum pump, includes a surge tank for accommodating effluent overfill connected to a sedimentary deposit tank for sedimentation of effluent particles. A bypass conduit is connected to the surge tank inlet which is equipped with a vacuum break valve for allowing air into the system when the suction openings are closed. The sedimentary deposit tank has a series of baffle chambers through which effluent flows in sequence, and in each of which chambers sediment is deposited for later removal. The surge tank preferably has a liquid level sensor and warning device. Modular filters or adsorbants may be installed in the sedimentary deposit tank, or a modular auxiliary filter may be connected downstream of the tank. Chemical injection may be used to improve sedimentation.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a dialysis machine with a device for preparing dialysis solutions. Simple and reliable preparation of dialysis fluids of different concentrations is achieved by the fact that the device has a detector device, at least two connections and at least two interchangeable storage containers to hold the solution ingredients to be metered, each being connected to at least one connector, and with the connectors being connectable to the connections, and with the connectors or the areas of a connecting tube near the connectors having identification means which can be detected by the detector device. The present invention also relates to a connector for connecting a storage container with solution ingredients to a medical apparatus, where the connector or areas of a connecting tube near the connector has identification means. The present invention also relates to a method of detecting a connection of a solution ingredient storage container.

Abstract: The invention relates to a filtering device comprising a pressure vessel provided with a feed connection and a filtrate connection, and one or more capillary filtration membrane modules, said membrane modules comprising an inlet coupled with the feed connection, an outlet coupled with the filtrate connection, and a filter housing provided with a membrane compartment accommodating a bundle of capillary filtration membranes, and said capillary filtration membranes being cased at both ends of the membrane module in membrane holders. At least one of the membrane modules is provided with at least one feed-through conduit extending substantially in the longitudinal direction through the membrane module.

Abstract: A means for controlling/eliminating algae or other biological growth in the weir of a clarifier of waste water.

Abstract: High purity water, particularly that intended for the pharmaceutical or electronics industry, is analyzed for the presence of pyrogen or other impurities by causing the water to come into contact with a direct affinity sensor, which may be a surface plasmon resonance (SPR) device or other sensor relying on an evanescent wave phenomenon. A property of the surface—refractive index in the case of SPR—changes on the binding of impurity, thereby enabling impurity to be detected. The invention overcomes the cumbersome nature and batch-to-batch variability of the conventional in vivo tests as well as the in vitro Limulus Amoebocyte Lysate (LAL) assay and for the first time allows the continuous or real time monitoring of high purity water for pyrogen.

Abstract: Organic waste disposal equipment and systems that make use of microbes' bioactivities with a feature of circulation mechanism so that wastes stored at the bottom part of a treatment tank is transferred to the upper part of its own or other tanks by lifting conveyors, and organic waste disposal equipment and systems that make use of microbes' bioactivities with a feature in its structure of having treatment tanks and lifting conveyors so that wastes stored at the bottom part of a treatment tank is transferred to the upper part of its own or other tanks by lifting conveyors.

Abstract: A magnetic unit 12 having yokes 15 made of magnetic material, with a permanent magnet on one end and a magnet treatment part 14 contacting a conduit 11 through which fluids move on the other end, is utilized for the purpose of treating fluids by exposure to the line of magnetic force. A plurality of said magnetic units 12 are arranged such that the N and S magnetic poles generated at the magnetic treatment parts 14 alternate along the flow path of the fluids.

Abstract: Ozone is generated and combined with water. The combined water and ozone are then mixed to provide a substantially homogeneous mixture which subsequently is transported along a confined flow path having a length sufficient to provide substantially complete decomposition of the ozone.

Abstract: Oxygen is mixed with waste water at an early stage in a water treatment facility, to reduce odor caused by anaerobic reactions of sulfur. Waste water is withdrawn from a collection basin, by a pump connected to a suction pipe, and is mixed with oxygen from an external source. The mixture, having been saturated with oxygen, is then returned to the collection basin through a discharge pipe. The end of the discharge pipe is positioned at a higher vertical level than the end of the suction pipe, to prevent gas from entering the pump which would cause cavitation. Also, the end of the discharge pipe has a blind flange, such that the oxygen-enriched water exiting the discharge pipe flows in a direction which is non-parallel to the axis of the pipe. This arrangement provides better mixing of the oxygen with the water in the basin, and prevents the oxygen-enriched water from flowing too soon to the suction pipe.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of treating waste water including nitrogen-containing organic compounds to convert harmless gases without post-treatment. The method comprises steps of spraying the waste water in a heated space to gasify the waste water to waste gas, and oxidizing the waste gas by contacting with a catalyst to convert the nitrogen-containing organic compound into harmless gases.

Abstract: A glass or pretreated meltblown fiber having a cationically charged coating thereon, the coating including a functionalized cationically charged, silicon containing carbohydrate polymer crosslinkable by heat, in which the functionalized cationic polymer has been crosslinked by heat after being coated onto the glass fiber. Also provided is a fibrous filter including a fibrous filter media having a cationically charged coating thereon, the coating including a functionalized cationic polymer crosslinkable by heat, in which the functionalized cationic polymer has been crosslinked by heat after being coated onto the fibers. Further provided is a method of preparing a fibrous filter.

Abstract: A method for separating a lighter liquid from a heavier liquid according to one embodiment of the present invention may comprise the following steps. First, the lighter liquid and the heavier liquid may be introduced into a settling tank and thereafter allowed to form a first upper liquid fraction and a first lower liquid fraction. The first upper liquid fraction may comprise the lighter liquid with residual amounts of the heavier liquid contained therein. The first upper liquid fraction is then decanted into a trough. The first upper liquid fraction decanted into the trough is then allowed to form a second upper liquid fraction and a second lower liquid fraction. The second lower liquid fraction may comprise the heavier liquid with residual amounts of the lighter liquid contained therein. The second lower liquid fraction is thereafter drained from the trough and allowed to form a third upper liquid fraction and a third lower liquid fraction.