Abstract: The invention relates to the filtering of liquid samples, preferably in a laboratory environment, for example for collecting micro organisms from the liquid sample for subsequent testing. The invention provides a method for filtering a liquid sample which comprises providing a blank of a deformable sheet material and a filtration medium, deforming the blank to form a funnel extending above and about the filtration medium, introducing the liquid sample to be filtered into the so formed funnel, and filtering the liquid sample from the funnel through the filtration medium, for example to a downstream receptacle. The method is accordingly based on the concept that the funnel is not or at least not completely preformed but provided in a form of a blank of a deformable material sheet which is deformed so as to form the funnel at the point and time of use during filtration.

Abstract: A dewatering roll (10) comprises a roll body (20), a mantle support structure (30) and a mantle (40). The mantle support structure (30) is attached around the roll body (20). The mantle (40) is attached against an outer surface (36) of the mantle support structure (30). The mantle (40) has a plurality of through holes (42) constituting mantle flow paths (44). The mantle support structure (30) presents support flow paths (38) from the outer surface (36) of the mantle support structure (30). The support flow paths (38) are in fluid contact with the mantle flow paths (44). The outer surface (36) of the mantle support structure (30) has a static geometric shape defining an envelope having a smaller radius in vicinity of each axial end (15) than in vicinity of a center (16). Thereby, the inner surface (48) of the mantle (44) assumes the shape of the envelope.

Abstract: The invention provides a tri-axial nuclear magnetic resonance apparatus for testing of petro-physical properties and gathering of geo-mechanical information and methods of using the same. The tri-axial nuclear magnetic resonance apparatus includes a tri-axial load frame encasing a tri-axial load cell that includes a tri-axial sample holder, at least one electrical sensor, at least one acoustic sensor, and a nuclear magnetic resonance instrument.

Abstract: A deep fat fryer with continuous oil filtering and purging of sediments therefrom during uninterrupted fryer operation is provided. The filter includes a cylindrical hollow housing with a first end and a second end and a hollow cylindrical screen with a longitudinal axis and first and second ends. The screen is disposed coaxially within the hollow housing to define an annulus therebetween. A piston mounted within the screen and reciprocatingly movable along the longitudinal axis between the first and second ends of the screen. A pump, seal, and associate motor are provided to provide continuous oil flow through the filter and the remainder of the fryer. A heat exchanger is provided downstream of the pump to transfer heat from the fryer to the oil flowing through the heat exchanger.

Abstract: In a screw extruder comprising a screw shaft on which at least one screw blade is disposed, a filter screen surrounding the screw shaft and including filter openings is arranged within oppositely located frames and a funnel-shaped filtrate trough is disposed below and on the outer side of the filter screen, the screw shaft is cylindrical in the region of an inlet port, widens conically in its central region, and is cylindrical in the region of the discharge port, and the filtrate trough comprises at least two chambers, which chambers are each provided with a drain for filtrate, and the first chamber in the region of the inlet port has a longitudinal extension corresponding to at least the length of the cylindrical portion of the screw shaft in the same region.

Abstract: In a screw extruder comprising a screw shaft on which at least one screw blade is disposed, a filter screen surrounding the screw shaft and including filter openings is arranged within oppositely located frames and a funnel-shaped filtrate trough is disposed below and on the outer side of the filter screen, the screw shaft is cylindrical in the region of an inlet port, widens conically in its central region, and is cylindrical in the region of the discharge port, and the filtrate trough comprises at least two chambers, which chambers are each provided with a drain for filtrate, and the first chamber in the region of the inlet port has a longitudinal extension corresponding to at least the length of the cylindrical portion of the screw shaft in the same region.

Abstract: A compactor system for compacting waste having liquid components. The compactor system includes a storage container having a storage chamber and a dump door. A charge container includes a compacting chamber and a loading opening. An outlet fitting is mounted to the charge container. The outlet fitting is in fluid communication with the compacting chamber. A pump is in fluid communication with the outlet fitting. A storage tank is in fluid communication with the pump. The storage tank, storage container and charge container are positioned on a support surface. The pump pumps fluid from the compacting chamber into the storage tank.

Abstract: A compactor for compacting and dewatering debris comprises a housing having an inlet for enabling debris to be delivered to forwarding augers which forward the debris to a compaction chamber at the discharge end of the housing. The chamber has an outlet opening of less cross-sectional area than that of the chamber, thereby ensuring sufficient compaction of the discharged debris that it can pass through the opening. The opening is formed in an elastic wall which distorts to some extent and imposes a resistive force on the movement of debris through the opening, thereby further compacting the debris as it passes through the opening. Debris passing through the chamber may be sprayed with water to remove sludge-like substances which otherwise would cling to other types of debris.

Abstract: A drill cuttings slurry process system is disclosed for defluidizing earth drill cuttings, thereby extracting valuable drilling additives and returning them to the drilling system while producing a dense, drier material which may be discharged directly in the environment at or near the well being drilled or chemically treated for distillation and/or better dissolution into the environment, thereby reducing, cost in transportation and environmental treatment chemicals thus reducing environmental contamination. The system comprising a cuttings press having solids/fluids separation a dryer and/or a retort for flashing off any residual petroleum residue and moisture, a fines grinder and a chemical injection system. The retort including an analyzer system for weighing and determining rate of throughput and analyzing the cuttings for residual petroleum residue content prior to discharge to environment or further refinement prior to reinjection into the well or transport to environmental depository sites.

Abstract: A low friction machine for manufacturing corrugated board is described. The machine effectively extends the life expectancy of critical machine components such as the feet used in pressure applicators as well as a conveyor belt by reducing friction. The machine includes a foot operative for applying pressure to the substrate. The foot includes a conduit having a first end and a second end. An actuator attached to the foot and moves the foot between a raised position and a lowered position. The lowered position is proximate the substrate. An air supply connected to the first end of the conduit and supplies air to the foot. A check valve coupled to the second end of the conduit and regulates airflow in the foot. The check valve is opened when the foot is in the lowered position and closed when the foot is in the raised position.

Abstract: A drill cuttings slurry process system is disclosed for defluidizing earth drill cuttings, thereby extracting valuable drilling additives and returning them to the drilling system while producing a dense, drier material which may be discharged directly in the environment at or near the well being drilled or chemically treated for distillation and/or better dissolution into the environment, thereby reducing, cost in transportation and environmental treatment chemicals thus reducing environmental contamination. The system comprising a cuttings press having solids/fluids separation a dryer and/or a retort for flashing off any residual petroleum residue and moisture, a fines grinder and a chemical injection system. The retort including an analyzer system for weighing and determining rate of throughput and analyzing the cuttings for residual petroleum residue content prior to discharge to environment or further refinement prior to reinjection into the well or transport to environmental depository sites.

Abstract: A press process and structure is disclosed for defluidizing earth drill cuttings, thereby extracting valuable drilling additives and returning them to the drilling system while producing a dense, drier material which may be chemically treated for distillation and/or better dissolution into the environment, thereby reducing, cost in transportation and environmental treatment chemicals thus reducing environmental contamination.

Abstract: The present invention provides an optical fiber cable having optical fibers, a buffer tube, an outer protective jacket and at least one layer of flexible strength members made of adhesive and non-adhesive yarns. The buffer tube encloses and protects the optical fibers. The at least one layer of flexible strength members made of adhesive and non-adhesive yarns adhesively connects the buffer tube to the outer protective jacket. The adhesive yarn may include a hot-melt adhesive. The at least one layer may include a single layer of three adhesive yarns and six non-adhesive yarns, arranged so that each pair of adhesive yarns has two non-adhesive yarns therebetween. The at least one layer may also include a dual layer of adhesive and non-adhesive yarns, having an inner layer of non-adhesive yarns, and an outer layer of three adhesive yarns and four non-adhesive yarns, arranged so that each pair of adhesive yarns has at least one non-adhesive yarn therebetween.

Abstract: A process is disclosed for pressing a material selected from materials of vegetable and animal origin. The process includes the steps of mechanically compressing the material of vegetable or animal origin while simultaneously vibrating the material at an ultrasonic frequency. The ultrasonic frequency going through the material modifies the material's internal state so as to considerably reduce resistance offered by the material to mechanical compression.

Abstract: A press process and structure is disclosed for defluidizing earth drill cuttings, thereby extracting valuable drilling additives and returning them to the drilling system while producing a dense, drier material which may be chemically treated for distillation and/or better dissolution into the environment, thereby reducing, cost in transportation and environmental treatment chemicals thus reducing environmental contamination.

Abstract: Apparatus for reducing the water content of water-containing, granular brown coal under the action of thermal energy and pressure on the material (14) distributed flat in bed form using a press (9, 10) in which the brown coal is subjected to a mechanically applied initial surface pressure and which is furnished with orifices (21) for feeding steam (HD) which, supplying thermal energy to the brown coal, heats this, with condensation, and the hot water (HW) contained in the heated brown coal is expressed for use as a waste-heat source, a vessel (30) being provided for collecting the hot water (HW), from which vessel the hot water (HW) is passed to the orifices (21) in the press (9, 10), and which vessel is furnished with an inlet for the steam (HD) for expelling the hot water (HW).

Abstract: An apparatus for production of dewatered and loosened biopulp, wherein precrushed raw biopulp is press fed by pistons (2) against a pair of counter-rotating press rolls (4, 5) between which the biopulp is dewatered. The pulp is then fed into a backpressure vessel (7) maintained at an overpressure, which prevents water from entering the backpressure vessel and remoistening the biopulp. The biopulp leaves the backpressure vessel through an air-tight compartment feeder (9) constructed like a revolving door. The press rolls include one of solid metal (5) and another (4) with a number of elastically mounted plates which can move radially in response to a radial load.

Abstract: A height-adjustable, free standing tray stand having a tray-supporting surface with a cut-out section in the forward edge of the surface. Not only is it adjustable in height, it is readily set for an individual waiter's comfort during use.The tray top, when viewed from above, is "U" or horseshoe shaped and defines a forward facing opening that allows a waiter to approach the stand with a loaded tray carried from about waist to shoulder height. In use, the waiter simply moves the loaded tray over the top of the U-shaped opening which allows his arm to move between the forward facing arms of the horseshoe and lower the loaded tray until it firmly rests securely on the upper surface on top of the tray stand. The waiter may then lower his wrist, hand and arm and conveniently remove them from beneath the tray.

Abstract: A core sample from an oil or gas well can be quickly and easily inserted and removed relative to a reusable sealing sleeve fixed within a test housing wherein the core sample is tested for both longitudinal and lateral strain in response to applied stress. Young's modulus and Poisson's ratio can be determined from the strain and stress information. Pressures and temperature can be set to simulate downhole conditions inside the apparatus.

Abstract: Improved connectors of the type used for attaching shelves and bins to slot boards are generally shaped like the known W-clips and Z-clips but have ribbed channels to receive one edge portion of a shelf or bin. The edge portions of the shelves and bins are shaped to fit within the channels and grooved to fit around the ribs on the connectors when a connector is attached to a shelf or bin by seating the corresponding edge portion of the shelf or bin in the channel of the connector and seating the rib on the connector in the groove in the shelf or bin to mechanically interlock the connector with its shelf or bin. A combination connector is also provided which can be used either as a W-clip or a Z-clip.

Abstract: The invention is used to extract pore fluid from porous solids through a combination of mechanical compression and inert-gas injection and comprises a piston for axially compressing samples to force water out, and top and bottom drainage plates for capturing the exuded water and using inert gas to force water to exit when the limits of mechanical compression have been reached.

Abstract: A method of pressing and draining whey from cheese curd particles in manufacturing large sized blocks of cheese. Cheese curd is placed into a pressing container mold which has a removable internal draining means having dimple-like projections maintaining a space between the plates of the screen. In one embodiment of the invention, pressure is applied in a vertical direction on the curd particles uniformly draining the whey. The drain means is extracted, and a second application of pressure closes remaining interstitial voids. In a second embodiment of the invention, a first application of pressure is applied to the curd particles in two separate directions at the same time. A spreading spade is inserted between substantially vertical parallel foraminous plates thereby moving these plates further apart exerting a relatively horizontal force on the curd particles and, in conjunction, a press plate pushes down on the curd particles exerting a relatively vertical force on the curd particles.