Abstract: System and methods for analyzing single molecules and performing nucleic acid sequencing. An integrated device includes multiple pixels with sample wells configured to receive a sample, which when excited, emits radiation. The integrated device includes at least one waveguide configured to propagate excitation energy to the sample wells from a region of the integrated device configured to couple with an excitation energy source. A pixel may also include at least one element for directing the emission energy towards a sensor within the pixel. The system also includes an instrument that interfaces with the integrated device. The instrument may include an excitation energy source for providing excitation energy to the integrated device by coupling to an excitation energy coupling region of the integrated device.

Abstract: Solids removal assemblies (14) adapted for use in flow-through or batch-type sedimentation tanks (12) are provided which increase the efficiency of solids removal and eliminate physical scraping devices common with such sedimentation tanks. The preferred removal assemblies (14) include an elongated hood (34) disposed over a cooperating and complementally configured fill structure (26,28), which fills the majority of the internal volume of the hood (34). The hood (34) includes converging sidewalls (44, 46) having lower most inlet openings (54) and spaced, tubular outlets (56) adjacent the apex thereof. Outlet pipes (64) are operably coupled with each of the hood outlets (56) for suction withdrawal of waste water-solids suspensions which are then conveyed for downstream processing.

Abstract: Solids removal assemblies (14) adapted for use in flow-through or batch-type sedimentation tanks (12) are provided which increase the efficiency of solids removal and eliminate physical scraping devices common with such sedimentation tanks. The preferred removal assemblies (14) include an elongated hood (34) disposed over a cooperating and complementally configured fill structure (26,28), which fills the majority of the internal volume of the hood (34). The hood (34) includes converging sidewalls (44, 46) having lower most inlet openings (54) and spaced, tubular outlets (56) adjacent the apex thereof. Outlet pipes (64) are operably coupled with each of the hood outlets (56) for suction withdrawal of waste water-solids suspensions which are then conveyed for downstream processing.

Abstract: A process for treating organically contaminated waste water is provided comprising an initial treatment step whereby microorganisms are replicated and either attach to support media or remain suspended in the waste water. The microorganisms reduce the incoming biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) level by consuming the organic contaminants. At least a part of the suspended portion of microorganisms are subsequently removed from the initially treated waste water, and the waste water under goes a further treatment step to further reduce the level of organic contaminants.

Abstract: A process for treating organically contaminated waste water is provided comprising an initial treatment step whereby microorganisms are replicated and either attach to support media or remain suspended in the waste water. The microorganisms reduce the incoming biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) level by consuming the organic contaminants. At least a part of the suspended portion of microorganisms are subsequently removed from the initially treated waste water, and the waste water under goes a further treatment step to further reduce the level of organic contaminants.

Abstract: A harvester platform is suspended from the implement main frame by a linkage including a pair of lower transversely spaced links each having rear and front ends respectively pivotally attached to the main frame and the platform. Associated with each lower suspension link is a hydraulic float cylinder coupled between the main frame and the associated link so as to exert a lifting force on the link. The amount of lifting force exerted by each float cylinder may be varied by adjusting the location of the anchor pin connecting the cylinder to the main frame through means of an adjustable bracket that carries the anchor pin. Side-to-side float balance of the platform is achieved through properly adjusting the anchor pin locations so that the float cylinder at the heavier end of the platform exerts a greater lifting force than the float cylinder at the lighter end of the platform.

Abstract: A self-propelled windrower is provided with a platform including a reel which sweeps crop to be cut over a sickle cutterbar and into the nip of a pair of counter-rotating center-feed augers that, in turn, deliver the crop to the nip of a pair of counter-rotating conditioner rolls; and these driven components may be reversed to disgorge slugs of crop. The reversible drive includes a hydraulic pump carried by the traction unit and coupled to a motor carried by the platform. The hydraulic motor on the platform is coupled to power a main gear box which distributes power to the driven components of the platform. Operation of the pump is electro-hydraulically controlled with a single switch being operable to effect forward operation of the platform drive train, and with a second switch being designed to be moved and held in place to effect and maintain the drive train in reverse.

Abstract: A wastewater treatment system mixes return activated sludge with influent wastewater under anoxic conditions in the presence of luxury uptake organisms to cause release of phosphorous compounds into the surrounding wastewater. The wastewater is then aerated in the presence of nitrifying organisms to convert ammonia into nitrate while the luxury uptake organisms take up the phosphorous compounds. The wastewater is next subjected to alternating anoxic and oxic conditions to reduce the nitrate to nitrogen gas using denitrifying organisms. The resulting effluent is substantially free of nitrogen-based phosphorous-based nutrients.

Abstract: A process for providing biological denitrification of a previously nitrified wastewater includes the initial step of supplying to a tank an influent including a relatively small concentration of biomass and a fraction of nitrates. The influent is supplied adjacent a bottom of the tank, and a volume of waste water is retained in the tank. This volume in the tank has a biomass concentration greater than the influent biomass concentration, and the biomass in the tank provides biological denitrification of the wastewater during movement of the wastewater through the tank. Effluent is delivered from the tank, and includes a biomass concentration substantially equal to the influent biomass concentration and is substantially free of nitrates relative to the influent, the effluent being drawn from a top of the tank. During the process, the wastewater in the tank is intermittently mixed to maintain the biomass in suspension within the tank and to assist in controlling the concentration of biomass in the tank.

Abstract: A light weight apparatus for introducing a gas or liquid from a supply source into an open-topped liquid treatment tank includes an elongated support rail mounted in the tank, and a fluid delivery pipe assembly having at least one nozzle at the bottom end thereof, and a union at the top end thereof for connecting the pipe assembly with the fluid supply source. The pipe assembly is supported on the rail by spacers when the assembly is in a lowered position in which the at least one nozzle is disposed within the tank and the top end of the pipe assembly is aligned with the union. The spacers allow the pipe assembly to be axially translated along the rail, when the pipe assembly is disconnected from the supply source, between the lowered position and a raised position in which the at least one nozzle is removed from the tank for cleaning or repair.

Abstract: A waste treatment module (10) designed for placement within an aeration basin (12) is provided which performs all of the desirable functions of aeration, flocculation, sedimentation, sludge return, effluent collection and skimming. the module (10) includes walls (20) defining an upright chamber (22); the latter is provided with a pair of side marginal, slotted inlets (28, 30) with corresponding flocculators (24, 26) below the respective inlets (28, 30). Each flocculator (24, 26) is equipped with a plurality of vertically spaced baffle plates (86, 88, 90) having offset openings (92, 94, 96, 98) so as to cause solids within the wastewater to traverse a tortuous descending flow path which promotes flocculation. An agglomerated flocculent is collected within a lower sedimentation zone (34) and then passes into a central collector (108) of inverted V-shaped configuration.

Abstract: A filter for removal of suspended solids from fluids utilizes pressurized air for fluidizing filter media as the latter is exposed to backwashing water. The filter includes a casing having upright walls defining an annular chamber in horizontal cross-section, and a portion of the walls have openings that are pervious to liquid and substantially impermeable to the media particles. The flow of the backwash water is directed toward the upright, outer casing wall such that the backwash water flows at a direction at an angle relative to the upward flow of the pressurized air in the bed as the particles are fluidized, to facilitate removal of the accumulated solids without enabling escape of the media particles. Desirably, pressurized air is introduced into the chamber at vertically spaced locations to insure complete fluidization.

Abstract: The basic heat pipe principle is extended by providing means for interrupting and modulating the return of liquid condensate to the evaporator end of the heat pipe. This is done by interposing a metallic screen (called the control grid) in the fluid path. This will stop the flow if the pressure drop across the screen is insufficient to overcome the resistance offered by surface tension. Because this surface tension increased as the temperature of the control grid decreases, the resistance of the screen, and hence the strength of the return flow of condensate to the evaporator, can be varied by changing the temperature of the control grid. This control temperature can be considerably lower than the operating temperature of the heat pipe, which means that low-temperature control devices can be used to control high-temperature heat flow.

Abstract: A simplified, energy efficient, low cost liquid flow controlling weir apparatus is provided for "in tank" flow equalization and surge control. The apparatus is especially adapted for use in waste water treatment plants at tank outlets, and includes first and second, opposed, spaced apart upright weirs; the inboard first weir adjacent tank water is of lesser height than that of the outboard weir, and the latter is provided with one or more apertures therethrough at a level below the upper margin of the first weir. When water within the tank rises past and overflows the inboard weir plate, liquid flow is controlled by the outboard weir plate openings, water is rapidly backed up in the tank as storage, and tank discharge is maintained at a relatively uniform rate until the tank storage capacity is reached. The outboard weir plate prevents tank overflow, and is advantageously set at a height for overflow at 125-135 percent of design flow through the system.

Abstract: An efficient, modular, drop-in type aeration and separation assembly for use in relatively small sewage treatment facilities is disclosed which includes perforated aeration conduits or diffusers situated adjacent the sewage inlets of the apparatus for inducing an upwardly directed hydraulic suction or "pumping action" which serves to increase the turbulence and aeration of sludge and other solids entering and collected within the unit. The assembly preferably includes a multi-tube particulate removal unit which effectively removes entrained solids from sewage passing upwardly therethrough, in conjunction with an inverted V-shaped grease collector positioned below the multi-tube separator which also serves as an air diffuser to facilitate selective air cleaning of the latter.