Abstract: A modular roller-top conveyor belt constructed of a series of rows of belt modules having hinge elements at opposite ends of each row. The hinge elements of each row are interleaved with the hinge elements of an adjacent row and interlinked by hinge pins to form an endless conveyor belt. Each of the belt modules includes a body section extending between opposite ends of each row in the direction of belt travel. Cavities formed in at least some of the modules open onto an upper conveying surface of the belt. Rollers residing in the cavities protrude onto the upper conveying surface to engage conveyed articles in rolling, low-friction contact. The rollers may be cylindrical rollers that rotate about axles, spherical balls that rotate in all directions, or caster-like roller assemblies.

Abstract: The invention relates to an electrical connection device for contacting conductor wires of a plurality of electrical conductors (12), running in a strip-like manner, of a conductor wire combination, with the conductor wires of electrical connection lines of an electrical consuming unit, in particular a light of a lighting strip system, whereby the connection device (13) has a coupling part (13a) and a counter-coupling element (13b) having contact elements (16) which upon plugging together of the counter-coupling element (13b) with the coupling parts (13a) each make a current connection to associated conductor wires, whereby the contact elements (16) are arranged in two rows (R1, R2) extending transversely to the conductor wires and there is associated with one row (R1) a contact position selection device (25a) for displacing at least one contact element (16) between at least two neighboring contact positions.

Abstract: A multi-function steering column switch assembly for a vehicle comprising a mounting body (15) for attachment to a stationary part (11, 12) of the vehicle steering column assembly in use, a plurality of manually operable switch mechanisms (16, 17) secured to the mounting body, a circuit board arrangement (19, 21, 22) carried by said mounting body, means electrically connecting the contacts of said switch mechanisms with respective conductors of the contact board arrangement, active electronic components carried by the circuit board arrangement for interpreting signals generated by operation of the contacts of said switch mechanism and for generating corresponding databus messages, and, connection means on said circuit board arrangement for connecting said active components to the vehicle databus in use.

Abstract: Tactile-response collapsible or flip-over domes are provided which are each equipped with a dome part having a press part 74 for driving one of switch portions arranged in matrix form on a membrane switch sheet 20 and a flange part 73 around the lower end portion of the dome part. An embossed sheet 8, which has embossed cylindrical protrusions for holding the flange parts 73 of the domes from above, is provided on the membrane switch sheet.

Abstract: A method for producing inexpensively in a high yield a halogen-containing aromatic compound, particularly a halogen-containing aromatic compound incorporating therein a bromodifluoroalkyl group, and a halogen-containing naphthalene compound useful as a raw material for a resin excelling in heat resistance, chemical resistance and water repellency, and having a low dielectric constant and a low refractivity are provided.

Abstract: According to the present invention, there is provided a method for surface processing by plasma polymerization of a surface of a metal by using a DC discharge plasma, comprising the steps of: positioning an anode electrode which is substantially of metal to be surface-processed and a cathode electrode in a chamber; maintaining a pressure in the chamber at a predetermined vacuum level; blowing an unsaturated aliphatic hydrocarbon monomer gas or a fluorine-containing monomer gas at a predetermined pressure and a non-polymerizable gas at a predetermined pressure into the chamber; and applying a voltage to the electrodes in order to obtain a DC discharge, whereby to obtain a plasma consisting of positive and negative ions and radicals generated from the unsaturated aliphatic hydrocarbon monomer gas or the fluorine containing monomer gas and the non-polymerizable gas, and then forming a polymer with hydrophilicity or hydrophobicity on the surface of the anode electrode by plasma deposition, and also provided a met

Abstract: In accordance with one specific embodiment of the present invention, an ion-beam deposition apparatus uses a plurality of stationary sputter targets so located so as to provide a predetermined thickness distribution of the target material on a substrate. This distribution is obtained without mechanical motion of ion sources, sputter targets, or a shaper located between the sputter targets and deposition substrate.

Abstract: A cathode assembly includes a monolithic target having a first surface and a center region. In addition, a sculpted section is formed in the first surface, and the sculpted section is generally recessed from the first surface and extends around the center in a racetrack configuration. The racetrack has a concentric centerline, and the sculpted section preferably is generally symmetric about the centerline. A magnetic field generator is disposed adjacent to the target and produces a magnetic field having an in-plane component. The magnetic field generator is tuned so that a distribution of the magnitude of the in-plane component in a direction transverse to the centerline at a point along the racetrack is characterized by two peaks that have a generally equal magnitude.

Abstract: High aspect ratio openings can be etched in silicon having straight walls and rounded bottoms using as an etch gas a mixture including SF6, HBr and O2in a plasma chamber wherein the chamber is connected to an RF power source and the substrate is mounted on a support connected to a bias power source.

Abstract: A system for conducting a plurality of different medical diagnostic tests comprises a hand-held portable self contained instrument for engaging a disposable test cell containing a fluid to be tested. The instrument performs a diagnostic test selected from the plurality of tests upon the fluid within the test cell, the test being selected by the instrument based upon identification information obtained from the test cell. A disposable, single use test cell is provided for receiving fluid to be diagnostically tested. The test cell includes identification information indicative of a particular test to be performed upon the fluid, the test cell being sized and shaped for engagement by the instrument.

Abstract: A method for measuring a target constituent of an electroplating solution using an electroanalytical technique is set forth in which the electroplating solution includes one or more constituents whose by-products skew an initial electrical response to an energy input of the electroanalytical technique. The method comprises a first step in which an electroanalytical measurement cycle of the target constituent is initiated by providing an energy input to a pair of electrodes disposed in the electroplating solution. The energy input to the pair of electrodes is provided for at least a predetermined time period corresponding to a time period in which the electroanalytical measurement cycle reaches a steady-state condition. In a subsequent step, an electroanalytical measurement of the energy output of the electroanalytical technique is taken after the electroanalytical measurement cycle has reached the steady-state condition.

Abstract: A flowing junction reference electrode exhibiting heretofore unattainable potentiometric characteristics is described, comprising a microfluidic liquid junction member that is situated between a reference electrolyte solution and a sample solution. This microfluidic liquid junction member has an array of nanochannels spanning the member and physically connecting the reference electrolyte solution and a sample solution, but while the electrolyte solution flows through the array of nanochannels and into the sample solution at a linear velocity, the sample solution does not substantially enter the array of nanochannels via the mechanisms of diffusion, migration, convection or other known mechanisms. The number of nanochannels in the array is preferably between approximately 108 and approximately 10. Also preferably, the nanochannels are substantially straight and are substantially parallel to one another; such an array of nanochannels is herein described as anisotropic.

Abstract: Analytical systems and methods that use a modular interface structure for providing an interface between a sample substrate and an analytical unit, where the analytical unit typically has a particular interface arrangement for implementing various analytical and control functions. Using a number of variants for each module of the modular interface structure advantageously provides cost effective and efficient ways to perform numerous tests using a particular substrate or class of substrates with a particular analytical and control systems interface arrangement. Improved optical illumination and detection system for simultaneously analyzing reactions or conditions in multiple parallel microchannels are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention comprises devices and methods for performing channel-less separation of cell particles by dielectrophoresis, DC high voltage-pulsed electronic lysis of separated cells, separation of desired components from crude mixtures such as cell lysates, and/or enzymatic reaction of such lysates, all of which can be conducted on a single bioelectronic chip. A preferred embodiment of the present invention comprises a cartridge (10) including a microfabricated silicon chip (12) on a printed circuit board (14) and a flow cell (16) mounted to the chip (12) to form a flow chamber. The cartridge (10) also includes output pins (22) for electronically connecting the cartridge (10) to an electronic controller. The chip (12) includes a plurality of circular microelectrodes (24) which are preferably coated with a protective permeation layer. Specific cells from various cell mixtures were separated, lysed, and enzymatically digested on the chip.

Abstract: In an electroplating method, a plating target article (X) disposed so as to be in contact with plating bath (14) is set as a cathode while a metal member disposed so as to be in contact with the plating bath (14) is set as an anode, and a voltage is applied between the cathode and the anode while vibrational flow is induced by vibrating vibrational vanes (16f) which are fixed in multi-stage style to a vibrating rod (16e) vibrating in the plating bath (14) interlockingly with vibration generating means (16d). Plating current flowing from the anode through the plating bath (14) to the cathode is pulsed and alternately set to one of a first state where the plating current keeps a first value I1 for a first time T1 and a second state where the plating current keeps a second value I2 having the same polarity as the first value I1 for a second time T2, the first value I1 being five or more times larger than the second value I2, and the first time T1 being three or more times longer than the second time T2.

Abstract: The parts are produced by two-component injection molding. Those regions that are to be metallized consist of a first plastic and those regions that are not to be metallized consist of a second plastic. After the entire surface of the parts has been seeded, the seeding is selectively removed with the aid of a solvent in the regions which are not to be metallized. The first plastic is insoluble and the second plastic soluble in the solvent. The selective metallization then takes place by electroless metal deposition and, if appropriate, electrodeposition of metal.

Abstract: A method of forming microstructures. An article including a metal atom precursor is disproportionally exposed to electromagnetic radiation in an amount and intensity sufficient to convert some of the precursor to elemental metal. Additional conductive material may then be deposited onto the elemental metal to produce a microstructure.

Abstract: A electrolyte for use in electrolytic platinum plating that results in reduced Cl, S, or P contaminant production. The bath comprises 0.01 to 320 g/lit of platinum in the form of the platinum salt dinitrodiammine platinum, [Pt(NH3)2(NO2)2] or variants thereof and 0.1 to 240 g/lit of alkali metal carbonate M2CO3 or bicarbonate MHCO3 where M is selected from a group comprising lithium (Li), sodium (Na), potassium (K), rubidium (Rb) and cesium (Cs). A method of improving oxidation resistance of a platinum modified aluminide diffusion coating on a substrate, comprises electroplating the substrate using this electrolyte and then aluminizing the electroplated substrate at an elevated temperature to grow a platinum modified aluminide diffusion coating.

Abstract: A hydrogen source system delivers a controlled fuel stream to applications, using wicking to control the contact between a mixture of NaBH4, NaOH and H2O and a hydrolyzing catalyst to create a feedback mechanism to automatically maintain a constant pressure production supply of hydrogen. A small compact device packaged for storage, the system operates in any orientation and is mobile. The system is a small portable packaged hydrogen generator for small fuel cells to power applications that are currently powered by batteries. These packaged devices have higher energy per unit mass, higher energy per unit volume, are more convenient for energy users, environmentally less harmful, and less expensive than conventional power sources.

Abstract: An electrolysis process is provided which comprises carrying out the process in an electrolyte that comprises an alkali metal halide and a strontium halide. The process can be carried out at a current density in the range of from about 7 to about 10 kA/m2.

Abstract: An improved method of machining slots and material feed holes in a molding die such as an extrusion die designed to form a honeycomb structure of ceramics employed as a catalyst carrier of a catalytic converter for automotive vehicles. In one of the preferred embodiments, shallow holes are drilled in a die material and subjected to electrochemical machining to remove material from the bottoms of the shallow holes so that they communicate with the material feed holes without any burrs. In the other embodiment, the slots are cut using a rotary cutter in a given order which will balance reaction forces exerted on the cutter from both side walls of each slot to minimize deformation of the cutter during cutting of the slots, thereby preventing the slots from being curved undesirably.

Abstract: A display and carrying package is provided which is particularly adapted for displaying and carrying a bedding ensemble, but which could be used for displaying and carrying any ensemble of products of different sizes. The package is in the form of a closed flexible bag, preferably box-shaped, having generally flat transparent front and rear walls and, preferably, having non-transparent side and top walls connected thereto. The bag preferably includes a zipper for closing and opening the bag to provide access to the interior of the bag. The ensemble of products of different sizes is positioned inside the bag with the large ensemble product in juxtaposition to the transparent front bag wall for viewing therethrough and the other smaller ensemble products are positioned inside the bag, preferably in pockets attached to the inside of the rear wall, in juxtaposition to the rear transparent wall and in side-by-side position for being viewed from the outside through the transparent rear wall.

Abstract: An elongated packaging device is provided for packaging at least one disc-shaped item such as, for example, a recording media disc such as a CD, a CD-ROM or a DVD, together with other materials relating to such disc or otherwise in a stacked relationship. The packaging device includes a first member or wafer for the storage of disc-shaped media in a first chamber and a second member or container for the storage of a beverage in a second chamber, which container is sealed by a cover having an opening at the center thereof for the insertion of a straw. The first chamber is an annular inner chamber for receiving the disc media and includes a cylindrical inner structure defining central support for the disc media by means of the annular opening at the center thereof, such that the disc media is allowed to rotate, while limiting the linear movement of the disc media both perpendicular to and parallel to the plane of the media.

Abstract: A pop-out toothbrush having a toothbrush that is movable between (i) a retracted position in which the toothbrush bristle head and toothbrush handle are substantially enclosed within a housing and one or more cover portions and (ii) an extracted or extended position in which the toothbrush bristle head and toothbrush handle extend out of the housing to facilitate practical use by a user.

Abstract: A liquid container for a comestible product such as milk or juice includes a base having a substantially planar region, a top surface having a substantially planar region parallel to the substantially planar region of the base and having a pour spout. A sidewall is integrally formed with and extends between the base and top surface, and includes a structural load distributing feature that transfers loads from the top surface to the base. A handle is interposed between the base and top surface and integrally formed with the base, top surface, and sidewall. The containers can be arrayed into units and stacked on top of one another. A first flexible material such as a shrink wrap holds the individual containers together and a second flexible material maintains the stacked array of containers together so that cases that typically hold the containers can be eliminated.

Abstract: A portable waste receptacle in accordance with the present invention includes a bottom and a front wall, a pair of opposing receptacle side walls and rear wall. Each of the walls project upwardly from the bottom and define the interior of the receptacle. The back wall is formed with a flat top portion and had an increasing taper from an initial width at the rear wall midsection to a maximum width at the top leading edge of the rear wall upper section. The top leading edge is further beveled to facilitate placement of debris in the receptacle when the rear wall is placed on the ground. The receptacle includes a removable lid that has a base, and a pair of opposing lid side walls and rear end portion that extend from the base to establish a scoop configuration for the lid. A lip extends around the receptacle side walls and front wall of the receptacle, and the lid abuts an internal shoulder in the lip when the lid is placed on the receptacle.

Abstract: A compressible pet product in a packaged system including both methods and specific types of packaging addresses the need for a fully recoverable, reduced-volume package. The system may involve initially folding the pet product and the like and wrapping the pet product for insertion into a bag or other flexible encasing. This bag may then be compressed externally or through evacuation. If the compression occurs through evacuation, the flexible encasing may act in conjunction with the ambient pressure environment to hold the pet product in a compressed state. An outer encasing may then be placed over the compressed pet product to hold it in a compressed state before releasing the compressed pet product to the ambient pressure environment. Alternatively, the compressed pet product may be compressed without an encasing such as through a mechanical compression element and extruded into an outer encasing.

Abstract: A medicine dispensing apparatus includes a medicine tray, the tray including at least one closeable compartment, an information card, the information card containing at least a photograph of medication to be taken by a patient and textual information concerning the medication and a coupling means for attaching the medicine tray to the information card.

Abstract: A disposable sealed package with dual distinct functions of containing a consumable product and dispensing it through a knife-like handle. The package allows an individual to consume the product from the container or to dispense and apply it using the knife-like handle. The package seal is lifted from the handle-portion only to use the package as a dispenser and applicator. The package seal is lifted from the containment-portion only to use the package to hold the product for consumption.

Abstract: Disclosed are apparatus and methods for conversion of hydrocarbon feed streams into liquid products. One embodiment of an apparatus includes a pressure vessel that contains a synthesis gas production device, a synthesis gas conditioning device and a synthesis gas conversion device wherein the synthesis gas production device and the synthesis gas conditioning device are nested within the synthesis gas conversion device. One embodiment of a method includes providing a hydrocarbon feed stream and producing a synthesis gas stream from the hydrocarbon feed stream in a synthesis gas production device. Subsequently, the synthesis gas stream is conditioned by removing heat from the synthesis gas stream through a first hollow body into a reactant feed stream that is then fed into the synthesis gas production device. Finally, the synthesis gas stream is converted to form a liquid product stream.

Abstract: Bromine reactive hydrocarbon contaminants are removed from aromatic streams by first providing an aromatic feedstream having a negligible diene level. The feedstream is contacted with an acid active catalyst composition under conditions sufficient to remove mono-olefins. An aromatic stream may be pretreated to remove dienes by contacting the stream with clay, hydrogenation or hydrotreating catalyst under conditions sufficient to substantially remove dienes but not mono-olefins.

Abstract: A novel process for the production of an extract useful as a process oil and a raffinate useful as a high-viscosity base oil by solvent refining is provided, characterized in that reduced pressure distillation is effected under the condition that the end point of distillate is 580° C. or higher as calculated in terms of atmospheric pressure or the initial boiling point of the residue is 450° C. or higher as calculated in terms of atmospheric pressure, the resulting residual oil is deasphalted under the condition that the carbon residue content in the deasphalted oil reached 1.6% or less, and the resulting deasphalted oil is subjected to solvent refining under the condition that the yield of extract is from 35% to 60%. It is a novel and economically excellent process for the preparation of a rubber process oil having a high safety, a high penetrating power with respect to rubber polymer and the content of PCA extract of less than 3%.

Abstract: Application of surface marking to metal stock, such as aluminum sheet, prior to or during scrap-generating manufacturing operations, to provide a detectable mark on pieces of manufacturing scrap derived from the marked sheet and commingled with scrap of other aluminum alloy sheet, so that the scrap can be sorted and the marked alloy scrap pieces separated from scrap of other alloy sheet to which the marking was not applied. Different markings, providing detectably different marks, may be respectively applied to sheet of different compositions if scrap pieces of more than two different compositions or compositional families are to be sorted and separated from each other.

Abstract: A screen, for screening material used in the production of paper, board and the like, having a screen basket and a rotor supporting several blades which can be moved along the wall of the screen basket when the rotor rotates. The blades having a convex curvature on the side facing the screen basket. The radial clearance between the surface of the blade facing the screen and the screen being lowest between the front sector, viewed in the direction of rotation, and increasing towards the rear edge of the blade.

Abstract: A self-contained and free floating spa chemistry monitor unit is provided for automated checking and adjustment of water chemistry in a spa or hot tub or the like to maintain the spa water in a clean and substantially sanitary state. The spa chemistry monitor unit comprises a relatively compact buoyant housing having an on-board controller coupled to a plurality of sensor electrodes in contact with the water, wherein the controller is programmable to cause the sensor electrodes to take water chemistry readings such as hydrogen ion concentration (pH) and oxidation reduction potential (ORP) levels at predetermined time intervals. The monitor unit responds to the water chemistry readings to deliver a selected metered dose of one or more chemicals to maintain water chemistry readings within a selected target range for substantially optimized water clarity and hygiene.

Abstract: In the carbonated water supply system 1, water supplied from the water supply 2 through the water supply conduit 3 is supplied to the carbonator 5 through the water supply valve 4 and high pressure strong carbonated water is produced in the carbonator 5 and supplied to the water purifier 7 through the conduit 8A. Further, high pressure strong carbonated water in the water purifier 7 is purified therein while retaining its high pressure and is supplied to the pressure releasing valve 9 through the conduit 8B, the water supply valve 10. High pressure strong carbonated water is discharged out of the system 1 through the pressure releasing valve 9 as low pressure carbonated water the pressure of which is as same as the atmospheric pressure.

Abstract: The apparatus of the present invention generally comprises a wastewater contact tank that is broken into three distinct zones: a selector zone positioned between a stabilization zone and a contact zone. The entire influent is introduced into the selector zone which is maintained in an anoxic condition. Baffles positioned within the selector zone permit control of microorganisms levels present in the zone. The wastewater introduced into the selector zone and treated via the microorganisms present therein, flows over a weir into the contact zone. In the contact zone, the solids suspended in the liquor (the mixture of the wastewater and activated sludge) settle to the bottom and pass through a line which returns it to the selector zone. The return line, however, includes a valve which controls the rate of passage. The treated wastewater (which includes waste activated sludge and treated water) passes from the contact zone into the clarifiers for final processing.

Abstract: A water treatment system, method and apparatus for removing sediment, chemical pollutants and debris from contaminated stormwater runoff using physical, chemical and biological processes by passing runoff water preferably through a two-stage filtering and treatment system. The apparatus includes a first stage chamber filter system comprising a water storage area, a mulch layer a soil mixture of aggregate, organic material, soil, and live woody and/or herbaceous plants. The second stage treatment system is a water-filled lower chamber with baffles to increase the flow path of treated runoff through the chamber. Contaminated stormwater runoff or wastewater effluent is directed to and passes through the first stage chamber by gravity where the contaminated water is filtered and treated by the mulch, soil and plant filter media under aerobic conditions.

Abstract: A method and compound for the purification of proteins including the attachment of a non-peptidic, small compound which simulates the affinity of Protein A for immumoglobulins to a support matrix. Once attached on the support matrix, the resulting monochloro-triazine derivative is reacted with an excess of an amino compound at a higher temperature to achieve high levels of substitution. The resulting support matrix with ligand is useful in the affinity separations of antibodies. Further, a mercapto heterocyclic system ligand may be attached to the super matrix and useful in affinity separations of antibodies.

Abstract: A molded base module for a filter assembly includes a header portion that defines a receiving cavity for a replaceable cartridge and may include integral inlet and outlet structures for communicating with the received filtered cartridge. The header portion includes an integrally formed retainer having a retaining channel for receiving tabs projecting from the cartridge, thereby retaining the cartridge to the module. The retaining channel is defined by a retaining lip and axially spaced shoulder connected by a side wall. In an illustrated embodiment, the retaining lip includes a plurality of angularly spaced axial slots and the side wall includes ramp-like projections which mate with correspondingly shaped tabs projecting from the cartridge.

Abstract: Fluid separation assembly that allows easy and fast change-out even in confined spaces, and also minimizes or eliminates leakage during change-out. A fluid separation unit having a housing containing separation means, the housing having an inlet and an outlet spaced from the inlet, each including a fitting for attachment of the housing to a manifold or other device allowing fluid communication through the separation means to a point of use is provided. The fittings are designed for quick connect/disconnect, and for minimal or no leakage. The fittings may be on opposite ends, with top and bottom fittings of different configurations, thereby ensuring proper installation of the assembly. The particular medium to be separated is not particularly limited, and can include slurries, fluids including water, and pre-loaded chromatography columns.

Abstract: A plasma- or serum- collecting device with simple structure and easy to handle is provided. The device comprises a vacuum blood-drawing tube accommodating a blood-filtering unit, wherein the vacuum tube contains a space above the blood-filtering unit to preserve blood to be filtered and a partition wall under the blood-filtering unit to keep a backspace at reduced pressure, and the blood-filtering unit contains a communicating needle to break the partition wall at the bottom.

Abstract: A soup ladle structure comprises of a soup ladle having a spoon portion with a perforated strainer pore, an elastic element and a stop straining plate; wherein the elastic element is inserted and axially conjoined to handle bodies of the soup ladle and the stop straining plate by means of an axle pin for always maintaining a cover body covering closely on the strainer pore of the soup ladle, while the press handle on the upper end of the stop straining plate makes the cover plate on the lower end lift to open or close tightly on the strainer pore by the axially engaged point and the elastic element to further achieve the purposes of either straining the liquid while leaving the fat for scooping up and removing the floating fat of the broth or only picking up the solid food.

Abstract: The present invention provides a mechanical lock for securing one or more filters within a filtration device and methods for producing the mechanical lock. The use of an interference fit punch causes a portion of the inner surface of the wall to be skived and rolled along the wall until it reaches the desired location where it forms a mechanical crimp to retain the one or more filters within the device. In one embodiment, the inner surface has an inwardly taper. In the other, it has straight walls or outwardly tapered walls. The use of a gasket such as an O-ring on top of the filter before the wall is skived provides a liquid tight seal.

Abstract: A wastewater treatment process providing nitrogen, phosphorus, biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) and suspended solids removal comprises the steps of:

Abstract: A method of treating sewage or waste water for removing nitrogen and phosphorus as well as organic materials in the sewage or waste water, and an apparatus therefor are provided. The method applies intermittent aeration and dynamic flow to an equipment having at least a pair of reaction basins with intermittent aeration means, a clarifier with sludge transfer means, and a filter for passing liquid without passing solid between the reaction basins. According to the method, the efficiency of removing nutrient salts is excellent and stable even in the treatment of waste water having low content of influent organisms and low C/N ratio.

Abstract: A wastewater treatment system is disclosed whereby trickling filters remove a high proportion of biochemical oxygen demand, total suspended solids, and nutrients from wastewater using, in one embodiment, a pressurized media container. The system accomplishes this in an improved way by combining venturies or blowers to aerate the wastewater, and recirculating the wastewater and air down through the treatment media, improving the overall efficiency of the system and reducing its size. A screen at the base of the pressurized media container supports the media and allows the wastewater to exit the pressurized media container. The system also includes a low pressure nozzle that aids in the proper distribution of the wastewater.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for lowering the pH of leather processing solutions by adding a pH reduction agent that is urea sulfate, urea hydrochloride, triethanolamine hydrochloride, or triethanolamine sulfate as a replacement for conventional pH lowering acids, such as sulfuric acid, formic acid, acetic acid, etc. The invention may be used with respect to any leather processing step that requires pH adjustment, including deliming, pickling, tanning, dyeing, finishing, and retanning. The pH lowering method of the invention results in safer handling, more environmentally acceptable effluents, and decreased corrosion of process equipment.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for the reprocessing respectively purification of aqueous solutions of a tertiary amine oxide, particularly of process waters, e.g. used precipitation baths, which occur during the production of cellulosic moulded bodies, comprising the separation of turbidifying agents and solid impurities from the solution. The process in accordance with the invention is characterised in that the turbidifying agents and impurities are at least partly separated by means of a flotation process.

Abstract: A multipurpose hemofiltration system and method are disclosed for the removal of fluid and/or soluble waste from the blood of a patient. The system and method are equally applicable to adult, pediatric and neonatal patients. In one embodiment, the system continuously monitors the weight of infusate in a first reservoir and drained fluid in a second reservoir and compares those weights to corresponding predetermined computed weights. When necessary, the pumping rates of the infusate, drained fluid and blood are adjusted in order to achieve a preselected amount of fluid removal from the patient's blood in a preselected time period. Application of this system and method provide repeatable and highly precise results. Alternatively, predetermined patient parameters can be monitored and the adjustment of pumping rates may be responsive to these monitored parameters.