Abstract: An apparatus and method for preparing, chilling and dispensing a beverage is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a plate of frozen plate material supported by a base block. At least one conduit is cut into the frozen plate. The conduit 40 may be an open channel, partially enclosed channel or a tube. When the apparatus is oriented for use, the plate is fixed at a downward slope angle such that the conduit follows a overall downward path. A beverage is poured from a dispenser into the conduit at a beverage entry. The beverage flows down the conduit contacting and being chilled by the conduit surface. A portion of the conduit surface may melt and enter the beverage. The beverage is then collected in a receptacle.

Abstract: A hydrophobic polymer is adhesively coated on the surfaces of the wound string within its interstitial voids, while the exterior surfaces remain uncoated. The polymer is applied by soaking the string in a liquid polymeric solution to flow the solution into the interstitial voids. The string is removed from the bath and the residual solution is removed from the exterior surface of the string using a resilient scraper. The string is hung to dry for 8 hours in a clean room environment at ambient temperatures and, more preferably, maintained at a temperature of between 20° C. and 25° C. Alternatively, the string is treated by a combination of heat and drying.

Abstract: A system and method for treating wastewater including: delivering untreated wastewater into a permeable container disposed in an impoundment. A wastewater input moves untreated wastewater to the interior of the permeable container. Treated wastewater is flowed through the permeable container and is removed via a wastewater output. A method of practicing wastewater treatment, comprising the steps of delivering untreated wastewater into a permeable container contained within an impoundment; treating the wastewater in the permeable container; moving treated wastewater from the interior of the permeable container to a position between the interior of the permeable container and the exterior of the impoundment; and removing the treated wastewater from the impoundment.

Abstract: A system for mounting a writing instrument to a user's hand, comprising: at least one socket attachable to a side of the writing instrument; a ring member; and a connecting member secured to the ring member for separably coupling the ring member to the at least one socket. Alternatively, a writing system to be employed by the hand of a user, comprising: a writing instrument; at least one mortise portion integral to a side of the writing instrument; and a holding portion, the holding portion comprising a ring portion and an attaching portion, the ring portion being adapted to slidably receive and retain a finger of the user's hand, the attaching portion comprising a tenon adapted to be releasably attached to the at least one mortise portion, the attaching portion further comprising a connecting member for connecting the ring portion to the attaching portion.

Abstract: An inlet port filter plate for attachment between a compressor inlet port and a suction hose assembly. The inlet port filter plate includes a main body and mounting surfaces for attachment between the compressor and the suction hose assembly or between the compressor and the compressor hose block. The main body defines a passage that allows for refrigerant flow through a filter which is positioned in the passage. The filter is adapted to stop debris in the refrigerant flow.

Abstract: An air duct that comprises one or more air duct segments that comprises a polymeric cellular material, or foam. The ducts or segments may be part of an air duct system that comprises a primary air duct, at least one secondary air duct, and at least one branch duct. Each of the aforementioned ducts comprises a cellular thermoset polymeric material. Additionally, the present invention relates to an HVAC system that comprises an HVAC unit for thermally conditioning air, and a duct system comprising a polymeric cellular material, or foam that has an R value of at least 5, and a density of from about 1.5 pounds per cubic foot to about 4 pounds per cubic foot.