Abstract: Arsenic and TOC are removed from drinking water or wastewaters by use of finely-divided metallic iron in the presence of powdered elemental sulfur or other sulfur compounds such as manganese sulfide, followed by an oxidation step. A premix may be produced for this process, by adding the iron, sulfur and oxidizing agent to water in a predetermined pH range. The iron and sulfur are mixed for a period of time dependent upon the temperature and pH of the water and the presence of complexing or sequestering minerals and organic acids in the water. An oxidizing agent is added to the mixture and agitating is continued. In a preferred embodiment the oxidizing agent is hydrogen peroxide. Water is decanted from the mixture after a sufficient reaction time, to produce a concentrated premix. This premix can be added to water intended for drinking or to industrial effluents containing toxic materials.

Abstract: An underdrain unit of the type having air and water backwash for backflushing a granular filtration system has improved retention structure for retaining folded, perforated stainless steel underdrain plates against the floor of the tank drain. The retention structure is in the form of hollow horizontal tubes which not only hold the folded plates in place but also serve to deliver backwashing air. Thus, instead of air delivery tubes being mounted above a series of brackets that hold the folded plates in place against the floor, the air delivery in the system of the invention is via the same structural element which retains the folded plates. Embodiments are described for gravel bed systems and for sand filter systems.

Abstract: A modular plastic conveyor belt is formed of interconnected modules having upper sides which divide the belt into longitudinal or transverse lane;, for conveying items which are either generally elongated so as to fit lengthwise in the lanes, or are generally round or otherwise adapted for lying together in extended rows, for aid in inspection, sorting or packaging. Ridges between lanes may support items for cooling, such as cooked foods. Formed as parallel troughs, the lanes in one embodiment are defined by the upper surfaces of forward and rearward link ends and of a transverse connecting section of the modules. Two specific embodiments have lanes defined on top of a solid platform belt, one with longitudinal lanes and one with transverse lanes.

Abstract: An instrument for use in alignment, plumb and leveling functions includes a laser diode projecting a beam through a liquid contained in a vessel. Floating in the liquid is a compensator float which includes telescope optics so as to diminish the angle of rays leaving the telescope as compared to rays entering the telescope. The laser beam passes through the liquid and through the telescope, exiting from a window at the top or side of the instrument. By selecting the proper relationship between the telescope's magnification and the index of refraction of the liquid, the instrument is made to correct for small tilt angles of its housing. Various embodiments are disclosed for projecting upward or downward plumb beams, level beams or both.

Abstract: A clarifier in a sewage treatment process includes efficient scum removal within the influent well, with discharge of the scum and other floatables as a dedicated waste stream separate from return activated sludge and biological scum collected in the clarifier. In one embodiment the scum removal system has an inclined scum ramp at the leading edge of each of two scum removal troughs, with a forward edge below the liquid surface. The scum troughs pass through an arc of rotation, building up scum, which accumulates and is pushed forward by the scum ramp. At least once per revolution, the moving scum ramp approaches a stationary scum surface blade that extends partially under the liquid surface and provides a barrier to the forwardly pushed scum. This blade contacts and slides up the ramp, sweeping the scum up the ramp and into the scum trough.

Abstract: A system for checking alignment of laser beam projecting instruments, and for enabling accurate calibration of an instrument, includes a high resolution video camera positioned to receive a laser beam from the instrument. The spot from the detected laser beam is compared on a video monitor to a spot or target position showing the location corresponding to accurate alignment of the beam. Multiple orthogonal beams from an instrument may be directed to the same video sensor using mirrors. By use of the described system the need for long beam paths to check beam alignment accuracy is avoided.

Abstract: An apparatus for sensing RF current delivered to a plasma includes an RF conductor along which the current is delivered to the plasma and which is divided into two parts along part of its length so that substantially equal currents flow in each part. A sensor device is inserted into the gap between the two parts of the conductor and includes first and second inductive loops disposed one n each side of the gap such that when an RF current flows along the RF conductor t magnetic flux surrounding the conductor which is generated by the RF current couples with the loops respectively in opposite directions relative to the sensor device. If a stray magnetic flux normal to the current direction couples with the loops in the same direction relative to the sensor device it will induce voltages in the loops which respectively add to the voltage induced by the RF current in one loop and subtract from the voltage induced by the RF current in the other loop.

Abstract: A glue head delivers lines or spots of glue onto a substrate, such as packaging materials, with precision positioning of the glue pattern, with short and balanced on/off compensation times essentially independent of glue pressure, and at high nozzle velocity. Pressurized glue advances into a plenum of the glue head preferably in a horizontal direction, then into a short and low-volume exit tube and through a nozzle, flowing in a direction perpendicular to the inflow direction. Flow to the nozzle is closed by a diaphragm valve comprising flexible elastomeric material which seats against the upstream end of the exit tube. An important feature is that glue actuator pressure is balanced, and smooth operation and glue delivery are achieved, by a rocker arm above the glue valve which, when the valve is closed by pushing the elastomeric material against the glue delivery tube, releases pressure on the glue at an upstream point in the glue plenum.

Abstract: The invention is a method ofmaking a fire retardant and a fire retardant including seeds for replanting a fire area.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a carousel with an upper rotating beam (2) arranged on a central mast (1). Carrier rods (3) carrying gondolas or seat carriers (4) are arranged in the circumference of the rotating beam, which may be swiveled outwards and inwards. According to the invention the carrier rods can by inducement of force be swiveled outwards and inwards at angles to the radial or circumferential direction of the rotating beam, which, particularly with the alternate swiveling of successive carrier rods (3) on the rotation, reduces the entire floor space for the carousel and increases the passenger frequency.

Abstract: A cover for an elongated and relatively narrow tank or channel is formed from a series of panels arranged in parallel, edge-to-edge fashion, each panel spanning across the channel and resting on rims of the channel. Each panel is formed of a large plurality of side-by-side, preferably edge-connected deck slats having lengths extending in the longitudinal direction of the channel. At junctions between adjacent panels, structural transverse members have deck slat receiving channels for engaging with and supporting ends of the deck slats. In preferred embodiments the transverse structural members are generally L-shaped, with the L-shaped structural member of one channel nesting into the L-shaped structural channel of an adjacent panel, providing for removal of alternate panels by lifting. Deck slats include special handle slats for inclusion near the two transverse ends of the removable panels to enable lifting of the panels for access to the tank or channel.

Abstract: A tool resembling a carpenter's level is used in establishing a precise level line and projecting an existing line using a visible laser beam projector in the same instrument. A manual selector device is provided for switching from a laser beam parallel to a reference surface to one which self-levels in one axis. Methods for switching between modes are described as well as a tilt compensator.

Abstract: A snowshoe is constructed of molded plastic nose and tail pieces, both connected to a pair of rigid rails to complete the snowshoe frame. A stretched deck membrane, in an area over the heel of a user's shoe or boot, has left and right sides secured to the rails, and preferably is also supported on the tail piece and on aft portions of the nose piece. In one embodiment the rails are of tubular metal, secured to aft portions of the nose piece and forward portions of the tail piece via reinforced, shaped cavities in the molded plastic, contoured to receive the rails. The snowshoe construction is efficient in assembly and cost because there is no need for bends in the rails, the molded plastic components are relatively inexpensive, and snowshoes of different lengths may be produced simply by changing the lengths of the rails and of the deck membrane.

Abstract: A process for treating and storing freshly cut pineapple greatly enhances flavor and increases shelf life of the cut pineapple, maintaining the enhanced flavor. The freshly cut pineapple is first surface-disinfected. Its Brix and acid, and thus Brix/acid ratio, are measured or estimated. Then selection is made from batches of previously stored pineapple juice, which may be from a different season or different part of the same season. The juice is selected to have a Brix/acid ratio which counterbalances that of the fresh fruit, so that the combined fruit/juice has a Brix/acid ratio of around 19, or preferably in the range of about 16 to 23. The previously stored juice is from prior pineapple crops, varying from batch to batch in Brix/acid ratio, filtered and pasteurized, then frozen or maintained near freezing. The freshly cut fruit, preferably chilled to just above freezing, is immersed in the selected juice, which may be a blend of several batches, and is stored and shipped preferably close to freezing.

Abstract: Accessories are disclosed for use with a laser tool which may or may not be self-leveling. The accessories include one or more diffraction elements, effective to receive the incoming beam and produce a plane of diverging laser beams. In preferred embodiments the diffraction elements are self-leveling. When the diverging beams are directed against a surface such as a floor, wall or ceiling, a series of discrete spots define a visible reference line useful in construction layout. The spots themselves may each locate the position of a fastener to be installed, for example, by giving the approximately correct spacing for reference of the user. In another embodiment, lenticular arrays are used to create beams which diverge in a plane and overlie one another to form a visible reference line on a wall or other surface. The line preferably is plumb or level and in one embodiment the user can select among two or more arrays to form a plumb or level line of selected length.

Abstract: A system which is preferably employed in a laser alignment instrument produces up to five orthogonal beams from a single laser diode beam. The optics take advantage of the elliptical shape of the beam from a laser diode to produce a plurality of masked, parallel collimated beams which are then reflected by combinations of 45.degree.-angled and 90.degree.-angled mirrors, some fully reflective and some partially transmissive, to produce the orthogonal beams.

Abstract: A lock cylinder of standard size and configuration, interchangeable with conventional mechanical cylinders, includes electronic access control features as additional security or in some embodiments as the sole security feature. A microcontroller, memory, solenoid, battery, one wire bus connection and other electric and electronic elements are self contained within the cylinder, being positioned in the cylinder shell or the cylinder plug. The microprocessor can be programmed as to authorized users, entry times, etc. using a special programming key, which itself is programmed with a computer. User keys have a memory cell or ID chip which is read by the cylinder's microcontroller on insertion of the key; however, a system of locks can include locks which are mechanical/electronic, solely electronic and solely mechanical, and keys can also be electronic, mechanical or both.

Abstract: A wine closure replaces the traditional cork and foil and includes a gasket/stopper which engages into the neck of the bottle. Encasing the finish and upper neck of the bottle is a plastic outer closure cap, generally cylindrical, with a top center disc which is adhered to the top of the stopper. A circle of frangible elements at the periphery of the disc provide for breakage of the disc away from the sleeve, causing it to remain with the stopper when the plastic cap is opened. Coarse, shortlength threads are formed on the outside of the container neck, spaced appreciably below the finish, to be engaged by internal thread lugs of the plastic cap. On initial unscrewing of the cap, the disc breaks away from the remainder of the cap. A small vertical clearance is provided in the engagement between the internal cap structure and the gasket/stopper, so that the cap does not begin to lift the gasket/stopper until static friction against the elastomeric gasket/stopper has been overcome.

Abstract: An aerobic treatment process is operated to reduce overall oxygen requirements, to maintain general pH balance and to produce a low-coliform solids effluent. From the system's clarifier a slurry of concentrated solids is moved to a premix basin, where the slurry is vigorously aerated for a sufficient time to raise microbial activity and dissolved oxygen content. The aerated, microbially active sludge is then moved to a gravity thickener basin, in which solids are allowed to settle to the bottom without aeration, to establish a quiescent state in the settled sludge and also an anoxic stage. This causes the sludge to be denitrified by microbial action, raising and stabilizing the pH of the sludge. Separated supernatant liquid is decanted and removed from the gravity thickener. The sludge is moved into an aerobic digester, where the sludge is aerated and nitrification occurs but using less aeration than normally required in a digester, due to the effect of anoxic/aerobic phases.