Abstract: An evacuated glazing assembly has first and second spaced-apart, non-metal substrates connected to each other by a seal element to form an evacuable interior space therebetween. The seal element is formed by bonding a metallic bridge element to at least one of the substrates by cold welding to form a first stage seal and forming a second stage seal at least partially in contact with the first stage seal. The seal element is configured to hermetically isolate the interior space from the surrounding environment, and both the first stage seal and the second stage seal contribute to the hermeticity of the seal element.

Abstract: An evacuated glazing assembly has first and second spaced-apart, non-metal substrates connected to each other by a seal element to form an evacuable interior space therebetween. The seal element is formed by bonding a metallic bridge element to at least one of the substrates by cold welding to form a first stage seal and forming a second stage seal at least partially in contact with the first stage seal. The seal element is configured to hermetically isolate the interior space from the surrounding environment, and both the first stage seal and the second stage seal contribute to the hermeticity of the seal element.

Abstract: A hermetically-sealed enclosure including at least two wall elements of substantially congruent shapes, and a spacer system that defines an interior space between the wall elements. The enclosure also includes a bridge element that has one or more flexible metal foil layers extending between adjacent, respective edges of the wall elements to isolate the interior space from a surrounding environment. The bridge element is substantially free of step discontinuities in total thickness along the intended weld path, and the bridge element is bonded to each of the wall elements via an ultrasonic weld to form a continuous bond line.

Abstract: A hermetically-sealed enclosure including at least two wall elements of substantially congruent shapes, and a spacer system that defines an interior space between the wall elements. The enclosure also includes a bridge element that has one or more flexible metal foil layers extending between adjacent, respective edges of the wall elements to isolate the interior space from a surrounding environment. The bridge element is substantially free of step discontinuities in total thickness along the intended weld path, and the bridge element is bonded to each of the wall elements via an ultrasonic weld to form a continuous bond line.

Abstract: An insulated glazing unit including a first glass element and a second glass element having congruent shapes. The insulated glazing unit also includes a plurality of elongated spacers disposed between the first glass element and the second glass element to space the first glass element from the second glass element. The spacers are in rolling, line contact with a surface of one or both of the first glass element and the second glass element, and each spacer is elongated along an axis. The spacers are oriented on the surface such that the axis of each of the spacers is tangent to one or more imaginary circular lines superimposed on the surface and having a common center.

Abstract: An insulated glazing unit including a first glass element and a second glass element having congruent shapes. The insulated glazing unit also includes a plurality of elongated spacers disposed between the first glass element and the second glass element to space the first glass element from the second glass element. The spacers are in rolling, line contact with a surface of one or both of the first glass element and the second glass element, and each spacer is elongated along an axis. The spacers are oriented on the surface such that the axis of each of the spacers is tangent to one or more imaginary circular lines superimposed on the surface and having a common center.

Abstract: In a tank for treating wastewater and including a first plurality of air diffuser elements and a second plurality of air diffuser elements, means for adjusting the relative height of the first diffuser elements with respect to the height of the second diffuser elements in response to changing operating conditions in the tank and changes in the characteristics of the diffusers.

Abstract: A diffuser assembly for diffusing a fluid from a fluid source into a medium to aerate the medium. The diffuser assembly including a diffuser body in fluid communication with the fluid source and a membrane connected to the diffuser body. The membrane is circular and includes a slitting pattern divided into a series of similar angular segments. The segments are positioned adjacent each other in a circular arrangement to substantially cover the membrane. Each segment includes a plurality of rows each having a plurality of slits. The slits within the segment are arranged in a parallelogram pattern. A first line extending between adjacent slits in a common row is substantially the same length as a second line extending between adjacent slits in adjacent rows.

Abstract: In a tank for treating wastewater and including a first plurality of air diffuser elements and a second plurality of air diffuser elements, means for adjusting the relative height of the first diffuser elements with respect to the height of the second diffuser elements in response to changing operating conditions in the tank and changes in the characteristics of the diffusers.

Abstract: A method for removing inert solids from low-yield wastewater treatment processes. The method includes combining wastewater with bacteria-laden sludge in a mainstream reactor to form a mixed liquor, separating the mixed liquor into a clear effluent and activated sludge, returning a first portion of activated sludge to the mainstream reactor, treating a second portion of activated sludge in a sidestream bioreactor prior to returning the second portion of activated sludge to the mainstream reactor, and employing a screening device within the wastewater treatment process to remove inert solids.

Abstract: An envelope assembly, the assembly consisting of a small envelope or bag made from flexible material, and a strip of flexible material, such as a label, adhesively attached to the envelope or bag sufficiently near its opening edge to improve stability in the open position when equal opposing forces are applied to the envelope edges adjacent the opening edge.

Abstract: A diffuser assembly for diffusing a fluid from a fluid source into a medium to aerate the medium. The diffuser assembly including a diffuser body in fluid communication with the fluid source and a membrane connected to the diffuser body. The membrane is circular and includes a slitting pattern divided into a series of similar angular segments. The segments are positioned adjacent each other in a circular arrangement to substantially cover the membrane. Each segment includes a plurality of rows each having a plurality of slits. The slits within the segment are arranged in a parallelogram pattern. A first line extending between adjacent slits in a common row is substantially the same length as a second line extending between adjacent slits in adjacent rows.