Abstract: A method for separating mixtures of solid materials includes incorporating a ferromagnetic particulate material into a mixture of solid materials and, after the incorporating step, separating the mixture of solid materials into at least two groups based on the magnetic and frictional properties of the different components of the mixture of solid materials. The ferromagnetic particulate material can differentially incorporate into or adhere to different components of the mixture of solid materials. The different components of the mixture have different frictional properties and, after the incorporating step, the different components have different magnetic properties.

Abstract: A method for separating mixtures of solid materials includes incorporating a ferromagnetic particulate material into a mixture of solid materials and, after the incorporating step, separating the mixture of solid materials into at least two groups based on the magnetic and frictional properties of the different components of the mixture of solid materials. The ferromagnetic particulate material can differentially incorporate into or adhere to different components of the mixture of solid materials. The different components of the mixture have different frictional properties and, after the incorporating step, the different components have different magnetic properties.

Abstract: A Portable Dry Dock (PDD) system designed for commercial servicing of recreational vessels (RVs) in inland waterways (IW). This PDD is disassembled and transported from one IW to another. This PDD was designed specifically to improve the efficiency in the most typical maintenance jobs in RVs. The convenient layout of the equipment and the closed environment of the PDD reduce the execution time and improve the working conditions. The isolated environment created by the superstructure, deck and roof of the PDD significantly reduces the environmental impact. The isolated environment inside the PDD is controlled in temperature and humidity. The air filtering and waste water collection systems remove dust and other substances coming from the operation, stopping pollutants from getting into the IW.

Abstract: A method for separating mixtures of solid materials includes incorporating a ferromagnetic particulate material into a mixture of solid materials and, after the incorporating step, separating the mixture of solid materials into at least two groups based on the magnetic and frictional properties of the different components of the mixture of solid materials. The ferromagnetic particulate material can differentially incorporate into or adhere to different components of the mixture of solid materials. The different components of the mixture have different frictional properties and, after the incorporating step, the different components have different magnetic properties.

Abstract: The invention relates to a purified water dispensing device comprising a base and a water container which is positioned on top of the base. The base consists of a vertical structure comprising numerous stacked housing sections which are intended to store purified water in special bags. The container includes: a removable valve assembly which is equipped with an element comprising a tip and holes, an upper lid which covers said assembly, and a water-dispensing valve which is disposed in the lower part of the container. In order to fill the container with water, one or more flexible plastic bags containing water are positioned on the tip of the valve assembly, such that each bag is perforated by the tip under its own weight and the water contained therein flows into the container through the above-mentioned holes.

Abstract: The invention relates to a jug comprising a cylindrical water intake device which is connected to the lid by means of a circular base. According to the invention, one end of the water intake device or tube terminates in a point which is used to pierce or burst a plastic bag full of water. Once the bag has been pierced by the pointed tip of the device, water flows quickly into the container through holes that are provided in the middle section of said device.

Abstract: A Portable Dry Dock (PDD) system designed for commercial servicing of recreational vessels (RVs) in inland waterways (IW). This PDD is disassembled and transported from one IW to another. This PDD was designed specifically to improve the efficiency in the most typical maintenance jobs in RVs. The convenient layout of the equipment and the closed environment of the PDD reduce the execution time and improve the working conditions. The isolated environment created by the superstructure, deck and roof of the PDD significantly reduces the environmental impact. The isolated environment inside the PDD is controlled in temperature and humidity. The air filtering and waste water collection systems remove dust and other substances coming from the operation, stopping pollutants from getting into the IW.

Abstract: A connection device for preparing multiple electrical wires for connection to terminals includes multiple wire adapters each of which is shaped and dimensioned to fit onto one of the wires. A top shell forms multiple recesses each of which is adapted to receive at least a portion of one of the wire adapters, and a bottom shell adapted to enter into engagement with the top shell secures the wire adapters within the recesses in the top shell when the top and bottom shells are engaged with each other to prevent movement of the wires and wire adapters relative to the shells. A fastener locks the shells together with the wire adapters in the recesses.

Abstract: Described is a portable confocal microscope which includes a microscope stand including a shaft having top and bottom ends, a platform connected to the shaft by a height adjustment mechanism, a base member connected to the bottom end of the shaft and first and second elongated channel members slidably and rotatably connected to the base member, an optical assembly including an objective lens including a first position adjustment mechanism for adjusting a position of the objective lens along a first axis, a confocal module transmitting light to and receiving light from a specimen to be imaged via the optical assembly, an image acquisition system recording images through the optical assembly, a specimen stage including a position adjustment mechanism for moving the stage along a second and third axis, and a computer controlling the first and second position adjusting mechanisms to generate an image for recording by the image acquisition system.

Abstract: A locking mechanism for securing a jumper tube to a shunt tube in a well screen assembly for use in gravel packing is disclosed. The jumper tube features a telescoping connector that extends to engage the shunt tube and a locking mechanism that extends the connector the proper distance and then locks the connector into place by engaging lugs that are connected to the jumper tube. Also disclosed is an apparatus and method for securing a connector tube to a well screen assembly using a receiver that is attached to the well screen assembly and is configured to receive a connector tube and secure the connector tube into place with screws. The receiver can be mounted to the well screen assembly via the shunt tube, a top/middle-bottom ring assembly, directly to the base pipe.

Abstract: Circuits and methods for dynamically stabilizing a circuit having a relatively small capacitive load two current loop sub circuits are provided. A main current loop and an associated sensing loop are coupled such that a compensation capacitance supplied to each sub circuit loop individually will remain isolated and will not be cumulative with respect to the remainder of the circuit.

Abstract: Described is a portable confocal microscope which includes a microscope stand including a shaft having top and bottom ends, a platform connected to the shaft by a height adjustment mechanism, a base member connected to the bottom end of the shaft and first and second elongated channel members slidably and rotatably connected to the base member, an optical assembly including an objective lens including a first position adjustment mechanism for adjusting a position of the objective lens along a first axis, a confocal module transmitting light to and receiving light from a specimen to be imaged via the optical assembly, an image acquisition system recording images through the optical assembly, a specimen stage including a position adjustment mechanism for moving the stage along a second and third axis, and a computer controlling the first and second position adjusting mechanisms to generate an image for recording by the image acquisition system.