Abstract: An insert for use in a sewer system to remove oils and solvents carried by surface water runoff. The insert includes a holder and a quantity of water permeable, hydrophobic, oil and solvent absorbing material such as melt blown polypropylene. The holder has two functions. It holds an effective quantity of the absorber and holds it in such a way that the surface water is exposed to the absorber to allow oils and solvents to be absorbed. The insert in preferably placed, cartridge-like, at the inlet or outlet of the sewer system so that it may be quickly checked, replaced and serviced. In one embodiment, the insert also contains a leaf trap.

Abstract: A method and device for dewatering most liquid/solid solutions and slurries is described. A dewatering device having a dewatering pump in fluid communication with a filter rack with vertically arrayed filter elements that is carried by a container. To begin the dewatering process, the filter rack is lowered to the bottom of the container and the liquid/solid slurry is introduced. Next, the dewatering pump draws the liquid from the slurry into the filter rack and then to the pump. When dewatering efficiency decreases, the dewatering operation is momentarily stopped and the filter elements of the filter rack are backpulsed with air and raised to dislodge the filter cakes that have formed. The filter rack is then relowered and the dewatering operation continues. These steps of dewatering, backpulsing, raising the filter rack, and lowering filter rack are continued until the container is full of dewatered solids.

Abstract: A process for the treatment of radioactive graphite which includes the following steps: (i) reacting the radioactive graphite at a temperature in the range of from 250° C. to 900° C. with superheated steam or gases containing water vapor to form hydrogen and carbon monoxide; (ii) reacting the hydrogen and carbon monoxide from step (i) to form water and carbon dioxide; and (iii) reacting the carbon dioxide of step (ii) with metal oxides to for carbonate salts. The process enables radioactive graphite, such as graphite moderator, to be treated either in-situ or externally of a decommissioned nuclear reactor.

Abstract: The present invention is a disposable apparatus for the rapid, low-volume solid phase extraction of analytes from a variety of sources. The apparatus of the present invention is configured as a pipette tip and contains a loosely confined stationary phase. The mobility of the stationary phase particles enables rapid mixing and equilibration with a sample solution during agitation. The analyte may thereby be extracted in less time with less solvent, removing the need for a separate concentration step.

Abstract: A method and system for separating oil form oil-absorbent materials for recycle of both the oil and the materials. The method comprises placing the oil absorbent material on a grid over a catch basin to drain, then centrifuging the material to remove additional excess oil. The excess oil is processed to separate water, grit, dirt, metal chips and shavings from it so that it can be sent to a refinery. After centrifuging to remove excess oils, the materials are dry cleaned in doubly distilled dry cleaning fluid to remove additional oil so that the materials can be reused.

Abstract: A magnet clamp for use with a hand tool is disclosed. The present invention provides a magnet that can be reversibly attached to an existing commercially-available hand-held tool without modification of the tool, thereby providing a way to securely hold various small metal items associated with said hand tool, while making said items readily available for use. Drill bits, saw blades, nails, screws, bolts, tacks, chuck keys, or any small objects made of or alloyed with a ferromagnetic substance such as iron or steel may be securely held by the present invention. The present invention also provides a simple and inexpensive process of manufacturing such a device from common items, including an automotive hose clamp, and from common operations, such as soldering and gluing.

Abstract: An improved syringe that allows one-handed operation, without requiring the user to reposition her hands during any portion of the injection process. The syringe comprises a housing having a plunger disposed therein that expels medication through a needle when the plunger is pressed toward the opposing end wall. Instead of having the needle in the same axis as the plunger, the needle port is carried by the wall of the syringe housing at an acute angle with respect to the longitudinal axis of the housing. With this configuration, the housing can be gripped between a finger and thumb, with the one of the fingers on the handle and the other finger on the end wall of the housing. A pair of rings are positioned at opposing ends of the housing receive the user's fingers so that relative movement of the finger and thumb creates both suction as well as pressure for injection of medication from the housing's chamber.