Abstract: The invention relates to a method for processing sludge, comprising the addition of a lime-based basic agent to a sludge having a first pH value in order to raise the pH to a second value higher than the first one, adding at least one anionic organic flocculating agent that is active at said second pH value, flocculating the sludge, and separating the flocculated sludge between dehydrated sludge and a liquid phase, wherein the sludge to be dehydrated has a first above-mentioned pH value lower than 9, while the lime-based basic agent induces said pH raise to said above-mentioned second value within less than 5 minutes. The invention also relates to a composition for implementing said processing.

Abstract: A protective vehicle cover is shown for protecting an outer surface of a vehicle from hail and other falling objects. The cover includes a flexible blanket having a front side, a back side and a thickness therebetween. The blanket is made up of an outer fabric cover and a protective central region, the protective central region being made up of a layer of foam cushioning material covered with a layer of flexible plastic-type material which together provide a cushioning effect to protect the outer surface of the vehicle from hail and other falling objects; Fastening elements are provided for attaching the flexible blanket to the outer surface of the vehicle.

Abstract: A tilted drive sub is disclosed with a center line of the internal diameter (ID) offset at an angle from the center line of the outer diameter (OD) starting at a point near to a top end of the tilted drive sub. This results in the ID being at an angle to the OD, with the OD of the tilted drive sub remaining straight. The offset ID has the same threads of a mud motor without a tilted drive sub. The tilted drive sub replaces the outer bearing housing of a normal performance mud motor.

Abstract: A thread form is shown which is used to make a threaded connection between two tubular members and which is capable of being screwed together and subsequently unscrewed. A pin member is provided having external threads with stab flanks and load flanks and flat crests and roots for mating with the mating internal threads of a box member to make up a pipe connection. The thread crests on the pin member are cylindrical with respect to a central longitudinal axis of the tubular member while the thread roots are cut on a taper so that the height of the threads vary over the length of the thread form. The threads on the pin and box members can also be cut oppositely so that respective members of the thread forms are mirror images of each other.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to an apparatus and method analyzing the respiratory characteristics of a human respiratory system from impulse oscillometry data, through the use of a linear network of electrical components. The present invention offers an improved alternative to the RIC respiratory circuit model, with an addition of a peripheral resistance to account for the resistance presented by the respiratory system's small airways and of a capacitor to account for extrathoracic compliance. After air pressure and air flow measurements are obtained from the subject by performing Impulse Oscillometry System testing, a graphical representation of a mechanical impedance characteristic may be derived. This allows for the estimation and adjustment of parameter values of the linear network whose components correlate to the resistances, compliances and inertances inherent in the respiratory system.

Abstract: A sculpted decorative object, such as a Christmas tree, is shown which has a motor driven vertical drive shaft and three rotating sections. Rotation of the vertical drive shaft and an associated drive gear causes relative rotation of a driven gear and, in turn, a respective rotating section of the object about the axis of the drive shaft. A fiber optic bundle is mounted within each rotating section of the object. Each bundle contains several fiber optic strands which terminate at a LED light source at one end and at a light emitting element at an opposite end. Each LED light source is supplied from a common electrical source by means of a series of wiper contacts and rotatable contact rings carried by respective stationary and rotating portions of the sculpted object.

Abstract: A nozzle assembly and related methods for separating hydrocarbon emulsions in a fluid is provided. The nozzle assembly comprises an impingement plate into which hydrocarbon emulsions are ejected causing large emulsion particles in the fluid to be broken apart upon impact with the plate, thus allowing the various constituent components of the emulsion to be more easily separated. In certain embodiments, impact of the hydrocarbon emulsions into the impingement plate also expose clean surfaces on the various components of the emulsion fluid that can more easily interact with any surfactant that may be mixed with the fluid.

Abstract: The invention provides a novel method of detoxifying highly toxic chemicals, and treating surfaces contaminated, or potentially contaminated, with toxic chemical agents such as chemical warfare agents and/or industrial toxins. The methods utilizes a novel sorbent compound which comprises Mn(VII) mineral which can be either solid supported or non-solid supported. The Mn(VII) mineral can be provided in a number of different forms including creams, lotions, powders, liquids, slurries and aerosols.

Abstract: An sealing gasket is shown for use in forming joints of plastic pipe. The gasket has a bulbous region which is bisected by a planar region which forms a pair of oppositely extending wing-like flaps. These features of the gasket allow it to be more reliably seated on the working mandrel used to bell a female, thermoplastic pipe end. The wing-like flap portions of the gasket form wiper surfaces for a subsequently installed male, spigot pipe end as the joint is formed.

Abstract: A portable extractor apparatus is shown which includes a wheel mounted base having a solution tank for dispensing and recovering cleaning solution. A cleaning wand is connected to the solution tank and has a head which contacts the surface to the cleaned for dispensing and recovering cleaning solution. A fluid pump circulates cleaning solution in a path between the solution tank and the cleaning head. A vacuum motor provides a vacuum source for the cleaning head for suctioning the surface being cleaned and has an exhaust fan for exhausting excess heat created by the operation of the vacuum motor. A fluid operated heat exchanger is mounted in the vicinity of the vacuum motor. The heat exchanger is plumbed in the circulation path of the cleaning fluid, whereby excess heat generated by the vacuum motor is transferred to the cleaning fluid being applied from the cleaning head onto the surface to be cleaned. The cleaning head can also be integrally mounted on the wheel mounted base.

Abstract: An energy recovery system for a pipe manufacturing process is shown. A compression or injection molding operation is used to form a sealing gasket which is used in the subsequent pipe manufacturing operation. A Stirling engine cycle is used to recover heat during the gasket manufacture. The Stirling engine is driven by waste heat from the mold members or other associated parts of the injection or compression molding apparatus. The recovered waste heat is used to subsequently heat the female pipe end which is being belled in the pipe manufacturing process.

Abstract: The invention relates to a powder composition based on a calcium/magnésium compound having formula (I), xCaA.(1?x)[yMgA+(1?y)MgO], in which A is a group ?(OH)2 or ?CO3 and x and y are mole fractions where 0<x=1 and 0=y=1, containing an amount of mineral solid flow agent that is less than 5 wt.-% of the composition, said agent being selected from the group containing vermiculite, perlite, diatomaceous earth and silica, in the form of particles having a size greater than 90 ?m.

Abstract: An installation technique is shown for use with a pre-insulated steam piping system having an inner steel carrier pipe surrounded by a layer of foam insulation and then by an outer protective jacket. An expansion loop is used to create an artificial low point in the overall pipeline which allows the pipeline to avoid a buried obstruction without the necessity of increasing the depth of the remaining portion of the pipeline on either side of the loop. The expansion loop has a pair of oppositely arranged side legs which are joined by a cross-leg portion of the loop, the cross-leg portion of the loop being angled downwardly at a predetermined angle, to thereby provide a change in elevation which avoids the buried obstruction in the pathway of the pipeline.

Abstract: A naturally occurring zeolite is coated with a special nanophase Fe oxide, thereby forming a nanophase Fe oxide coated zeolite. The composition thus formed can be used for a variety of horticultural and floricultural end applications. When the nanophase Fe oxide coated zeolite is dosed with plant nutrients and is then mixed with a suitable potting compound, the result is a Complete Plant Growth Medium (CPGM). Blending 5% to 25% CPGM by weight with sand, peat, compost, vegetable and flower beds, and native and manufactured soils, provides a number of beneficial properties. Also, CPGM alone can be used for growing indoor plants to avoid plant pests and compost odor.

Abstract: A regenerator core for use in a gas turbine regenerator has integral manifold openings formed in the tube plates used to make up the core and has special reinforcing elements which provide high pressure containment in critical portions of the plate-and-fin heat exchanger construction. The reinforcing elements include a series of hoops of U-shaped cross section which are used to bridge the juncture lines of the heat exchanger manifolds. An outer channel region of the hoops is provided with a reinforcing strip of gusset material. The hoops with their reinforcing strips provide structural reinforcement in the region between the manifolds and the conventional side bar reinforcing members in the central core section.

Abstract: A utility pocket is shown for use with a tool pouch or bag, or with such items as a brief case, soft sided cooler, or a backpack. The utility pocket has a clam shell shaped outer member which is biased toward an associated sidewall panel by means of elastic webbing. A pair of mating permanent magnets come into contact as the pocket moves from the open position to the closed position and help to bias the pocket to the closed position, as well as imparting a snap-closure action to the pocket. The material chosen for the pocket helps it to retain its clam shell shape without requiring internal reinforcing members, such as wire springs or other metal reinforcing elements.

Abstract: A fluid filter draining device is shown for draining fluid from a fluid container, such as an oil filter, in a controlled manner. An engagement ring is frictionally engaged on the outer sidewalls of a fluid filter. The engagement ring carries a threaded screw with a sharpened tip and a channel communicating between an opening at a forward end of the screw and a rear region of the threaded screw. When the screw is turned it penetrates the sidewall of the fluid container and enters the fluid containing cavity of the filter. Fluid is drained through the channel in the drill tip and out through an associated swivel hose connection and swivel hose to a collection container.

Abstract: A cement includes a cement mixture and a permeable, micro-cluster silica material present in an amount from about 10 percent to about 30 percent by weight of the cement mixture. The cement blend may be used in casing a borehole when appropriate fluid loss agents are included in the cement blend. Additionally, a cement additive is added to a cement mixture to provide the cement blend. This cement additive can be formulated in a kit form.