Abstract: A method and a settling tank for use in separating a solids containing fluid, such as a drilling fluid. The settling tank includes a settling compartment comprised of an inlet and an upper outlet so that the fluid passes through the settling compartment generally in a first direction from the inlet toward the upper outlet. Further, a backwash fluid source directs a backwash fluid within the settling compartment generally in a second direction which is substantially opposite to the first direction. The method includes the steps of passing the fluid through the settling compartment generally in the first direction and directing the backwash fluid within the settling compartment generally in the second direction. Finally, a method is also provided for clarfying a solids containing fluid using a settling tank, wherein the settling tank is comprised of at least three isolatable settling compartments connected in series.

Abstract: The present invention is related to guiding cable, wire, chain etc. (7) on to a cable drum, orderly and layered, such that the moments of force experienced by the device according to the present invention is minimized thereby providing a simpler design that is cheaper to manufacture and maintain.

Abstract: A stapling operation can be performed with a comparatively small force. The stapler includes a base frame with a support element, and an operation frame pivotally attached to the support element through a main shaft. A staple pressure lower plate is disposed at the operation frame and drives staples stored in a staple magazine upon rotation of the operation frame. The stapler further includes a handle frame at an upper part of the operation frame pivotally attached to the support element such that a rear end part of the operation frame is located above the main shaft. An intermediate element is pivotally attached at one end to the handle frame. The other end of the intermediate element is pivotally attached to the operation frame.

Abstract: The method of handling an empty beverage container having a bottom end and a mouth region and includes moving the container, from a return vending machine inlet, in a direction towards an outlet thereof. Through use of the method there is detected by means of a video camera the container when moved in a lying posture into or past a detection zone of the video camera and the manner by which the container is inserted at said inlet. Further, there is determined whether the container is moved into the detection zone bottom end first or mouth region end first. If the container is delivered into the detection zone with its bottom end first, the container is transported to said outlet. If, however, the container is delivered into the detection zone with its mouth region end first, then the container is caused to be returned to the inlet.

Abstract: An exercise apparatus for strengthening a person's muscles when the person is in contact with an apparatus part for support of the person's buttocks and/or back and/or stomach/chest. One apparatus part, for example, a support board for the person's back and/or buttocks is made having positional instability in connection with a support bearing.

Abstract: A magnesium based alloy consists of, by weight: 1.4–1.9% neodymium, 0.8–1.2% rare earth element(s) other than neodymium, 0.4–0.7% zinc, 0.3–1% zirconium, 0–0.3% manganese, and 0–0.1% oxidation inhibiting element(s) the remainder being magnesium except for incidental impurities.

Abstract: The present invention relates to new biocompatible polymer derivatives including peptide spacers of formula (I) and their methods of preparation. The present invention also relates to the conjugates formed by covalent or non-covalent bonding and their methods of preparation. These biocompatible polymers with peptide spacers providing regions of hydrophobicity and positive charge can enhance their interaction with cell membrane to increase the cell trafficking, endosomal disruption, the circulation half-life in blood, and the stability of conjugated therapeutic drug.

Abstract: Progressive cavity (PC) pump drive heads require a stuffing box to seal crude oil from leaking onto the ground where the polish rod passes from the crude oil passage in the wellhead to the drive head. Because crude oil typically contains fine sand particles, alignment between the stuffing box and the polished rod is imperfect, and PC drive heads run continuously, it is very difficult make stuffing boxes that last as long as desirable by oil production companies. By using a flexibly mounted standpipe in various configurations, around which is a bearing supported shaft carrying the sealing means, long term durability of the stuffing box can be achieved. By using a pressurization system such that the pressure output exceeds the pressure at the wellhead, stuffing box seal life can be extended and external leakage from the stuffing box can be eliminated. A double wall standpipe may be provided in some applications as part of the pressurization system.

Abstract: A capacitive sensor device for measuring properties of a medium to be measured when this medium surrounds and flows past the sensor. The sensor has a housing of metal, an opening in the housing transverse to the flow of said medium to be measured which is adapted to house at least one capacitive electrode, and where the electrode(s) of the sensor is/are electrically insulated from said medium to be measured by means of a glass ceramic material that is arranged to be flush with the outer surface of the sensor.

Abstract: An optical system having a light source means and a detector means for detecting one or more articles which by means of a conveyor move or are temporarily stationary under the means, where said article(s) has/have at least one reflective portion, and where light is emitted towards the article(s) from the light source means and reflected back towards the detector means. The optical system is characterised in that at a distance above the conveyor there is provided a lens, that the light source means and the detector means are located in or essentially in the same plane which is parallel to the plane of the lens and coincident with the focal plane of the lens, and that the optical axis of the lens is coincident with an axis perpendicular to the focal plane and located halfway between the light source means and the detector means.

Abstract: A rotatable cylinder, a threaded cylinder and a center threaded rod are sequentially inserted in their mutually threadingly engaged states in the inner side of a guiding inner cylinder part which is vertically disposed at the case body through an inner periphery thread and an outer periphery thread. A large bevel gear disposed at a lower end part of the rotatable cylinder is threadingly engaged with a small bevel gear which is borne by the case body, a thrust bearing having a large inside diameter is sandwiched between the large bevel gear and a bottom plate of the case body, and the center threaded rod is provided at its upper end face part with an engagement part for preventing the rotating motion of the center threaded rod when engaged with a jack attachment part of a body to be lifted up such as an automobile.

Abstract: A pneumatic dental care device for private use which by means of a combination of air, liquid and powder at high pressure cleans the user's teeth and removes plaque and discoloration. The device consists of a base unit (100) and a hand unit (300) which are connected via a flexible, sheathed tube and wire bundle (200). The base unit contains a microcompressor (120), a liquid container (130) and a powder container (140). Liquid and/or powder are discharged at high pressure through an exchangeable nozzle unit (400) on the hand unit. The nozzle unit consists of one or more flexible (bendable) jet stems (401). The microprocessor, the powder container and the liquid container can be replaced by an exchangeable compressed air tank and/or pressurized liquid and/or powder containers in different configurations. The components of the device can also be integrated into a hand-held unit.

Abstract: The steered vehicle, which may be a road vehicle or a vehicle devised to be usable upon road surfaces and also upon a rail line, has road wheels or a combination of road and rail wheels as required. The wheels are mounted upon a bogie pivoted about a generally vertical pivot and the vehicle has a main steering control to align at least some of the wheels with the intended direction of travel of the bogie, and a supplementary steering control to modify the steered path produced by that main steering control.

Abstract: A replaceable pressure sensor insert adapted for removable connection with an insert carrier. The pressure sensor insert is comprised of a housing defining an exterior and an interior of the housing, a pressure sensor connected with the housing such that the pressure sensor is capable of sensing an ambient pressure at the exterior of the housing and an electronics assembly contained within the interior of the housing and electrically connected with the pressure sensor. In addition, the insert is comprised of a first insert mounting component adapted to be removably connectable with a second insert mounting component associated with the insert carrier in order to facilitate connection and replacement of the insert. Finally, a housing sealing mechanism is provided for sealing the insert relative to the insert carrier and a sensor sealing mechanism is provided for sealing the pressure sensor relative to the housing.

Abstract: A cover gas composition for protecting molten magnesium/magnesium alloy includes a fluorine containing inhibiting agent and a carrier gas. Each component of the composition has a Global Warming Potential (GWP) (referenced to the absolute GWP for carbon dioxide at a time horizon of 100 years) of less than 5000.

Abstract: A motor has twenty-four segments and a commutator. Each of eight short-circuit members short-circuits three of the segments with one another. Each short-circuit member includes an annular base portion and three arms radially extending from the base portion. Each arm is connected to one of the three segments to be short-circuited. Each arm has a segment connection portion at the distal end. The segment connection portion is connected to the corresponding segment. The base portions are laminated in the axial direction of the commutator such that the short-circuit members form a laminated body. The arms are formed such that all the segment connection portions are located in the same position with respect to the axial direction of the laminated body. As a result, the manufacture of the motor is facilitated.

Abstract: A highway marker device is provided for marking the location of an object, such as a culvert, located adjacent to a highway. The marker device is comprised of a coil spring having a first end and a second end, wherein the coil spring is comprised of a plurality of windings around a spring axis. Further, a marker post is connected with the first end of the coil spring, wherein the marker post has a post axis and wherein the post axis is substantially perpendicular to the spring axis. Finally, the marker device is comprised of a mounting mechanism for connecting the device with the object such that the coil spring is substantially restrained from bending about the spring axis.