Abstract: The invention is a device for purifying drinking water that has at least one fibrous structure. Preferably, there is an upstream and downstream fibrous structure. Each fibrous structure is a mixture of nano alumina fibers and second fibers arranged in a matrix to create asymmetric pores and to which fine, ultrafine, or nanosize particles are attached. Preferably, the device has an upstream antimicrobial for sterilization of retained microbes. The device is substantially more efficient at removing soluble contaminants such as halogens from a fluid stream than those previously available and is also able to retain turbidity, bacteria, and virus.

Abstract: A system is provided for utilizing audible, visual and textual data with multimedia forms of presenting information for real-time interactive use by multiple users in different remote environments. Library science concepts are utilized to uniformly categorize the information managed by the system, and linguistics concepts are implemented for defining information acquisition, exchange and workflow to permit categorization of the managed information using the library science concept. Managed information is stored in a database according to a unique schema which implements this categorization.

Abstract: The present invention generally provides a threaded tamper-evident closure having an annular hook-shaped flange extending radially inward from the inner surface of the tamper-evident band attached to the bottom edge of the closure body. The hook-shaped flange can be continuous or segmented and forms an upwardly angled surface for engaging the sealing flange on the bottle neck. A plurality of elevated areas extend upwardly from the tamper-evident band in spaced relation to the bottom edge of the closure body. The frangible elements connecting the tamper evident band to the lower edge of the closure depending annular flange may be configured to extend from these elevated areas as well as the non-elevated areas of the tamper-evident band. Pairs of cooperating ratchets may be used in lieu of or in combination with the elevated bridge areas to reduce the stress placed upon frangible elements and/or during cap application.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a storage device that functions as both an eyeglass case and an eyeglass holder. It comprises a first container member and second container member that are pivotably joined together to form a housing in a closed position or a pair of open housings when pivoted to an open position.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for substantially preventing tarnish from forming on metal objects such as silver, copper or brass objects. It comprises an enclosure for substantially sealing within a metal object and for substantially surrounding the metal object within the enclosure. The invention also provides for the regeneration and reuse of the adsorbent by washing the adsorbent with solvent and subsequently heating to a temperature less than about 350° C. to restore an adsorptive capacity of said adsorbent.

Abstract: An applicator mechanism for applying a layer of aggregate material on a ground surface comprising an adjustable bracket for mounting the applicator mechanism to a carrying device, a hopper attached to the mounting bracket having a first opening for receiving a supply of aggregate materials said hopper having a second opening for dispensing the aggregate material onto the ground surface, a first shaft attached to the hopper and in communication with the second opening having projections for spreading the aggregate material onto the ground surface through the second opening, a mechanism for driving the first shaft, a second shaft having at least one structure for interacting with the projections in order to control the size or amount of aggregate material exiting the hopper through use of a spring force that adjusts the tension applied to the paddle by way of a handle used to rotate the second shaft, and a mechanism for holding the tension handle in one of several predetermined positions.

Abstract: A process is provided for the production of a catalytically-active carbonaceous char. By this process, a nitrogen-containing compound is combined with an uncarbonized nitrogen-poor carbon-containing material. The resulting mixture is then carbonized and oxidized at temperatures less than 600° C. The resulting low-temperature char is next heated to temperatures greater than 600° C. and subsequently activated with H2O, CO2, or O2, singly or in any combination, to result in the catalytically-active carbonaceous char. The resulting catalytically-active carbonaceous char has utility for the chemical conversion of peroxides, hydrides, SOx, NOx, and chloramines in liquid and/or gaseous media.

Abstract: The pneumatically operated projectile launching device is preferably comprised of three principal elements: a body which houses and interconnects all of the pneumatic components and also houses the electrical power source, a grip mounted to the body which includes an electrical switch that activates a launching sequence, and an electrical control unit housed within both the body and the grip which directs flow between the pneumatic components to load, cock and fire the gun. The body preferably contains a plurality of bores in communication with each other including a bore containing and distributing pressurized gas, a bore containing a compressed gas storage chamber and mechanisms for filling the storage chamber with gas and releasing gas from the storage chamber to fire the projectile, and a bore containing mechanisms for loading and launching the projectile.