Abstract: Processing customer communications may include receiving a communication from a customer device via a messaging application. One example method of operation may include receiving a conference initiation notification from one of a plurality of conference participant devices at a conference server, identifying a plurality of different communication mediums corresponding to the plurality of conference participant devices, selecting an initial communication medium to establish a conference with the plurality of conference participant devices, and transmitting a conference contact message to the plurality of conference participant devices to initiate a conference.

Abstract: A ballast water monitoring and reporting system for seagoing vessels includes a sensor for monitoring a selected parameter of a ballast water system component and transmitting an electronic signal indicative of a condition of the parameter, a distal acoustic modem for receiving the signal from the sensor and for transmitting an acoustic signal equivalent to the electronic signal received, a shipboard metal structure extending substantially throughout the vessel and adapted to carry the acoustic signal, a proximal acoustic modem adapted to receive the acoustic signal from the metal structure and to transmit an electronic equivalent thereof, and a shipboard data acquisition computer adapted to receive the electronic signal from the proximal acoustic modem and to generate at least one of a display, a report relative to the selected parameter, and a recording of data relative to the selected parameter.

Abstract: A ballast water monitoring and reporting system for seagoing vessels includes a sensor for monitoring a selected parameter of a ballast water system component and transmitting an electronic signal indicative of a condition of the parameter, a distal acoustic modem for receiving the signal from the sensor and for transmitting an acoustic signal equivalent to the electronic signal received, a shipboard metal structure extending substantially throughout the vessel and adapted to carry the acoustic signal, a proximal acoustic modem adapted to receive the acoustic signal from the metal structure and to transmit an electronic equivalent thereof, and a shipboard data acquisition computer adapted to receive the electronic signal from the proximal acoustic modem and to generate at least one of a display, a report relative to the selected parameter, and a recording of data relative to the selected parameter.

Abstract: A cavitation assembly for purification of drinking water includes a generally cylindrically-shaped open-ended tube for flow of water therethrough, the tube comprising a transducer for converting electrical energy to acoustic energy and transmitting ultrasound through the water in the tube to induce cavitation in the water in the tube. A water moving means flows the water through the tube, and an electrical power source provides electrical power to the tube. The cavitation inactivates microorganisms in the water.

Abstract: A tension wrap packaging machine has a supporting frame and a driving assembly mounted in the supporting frame, a main drive shaft is mounted in the supporting frame and at one end has a combined supporting member and safety closure disc fixedly connected thereto to be rotated by the drive shaft when the driving assembly is in operation. Mounted and rotatable with the combined supporting member and closure disc are a package supporting assembly for supporting a package to be wrapped thereon and in spaced relation thereto a wrapping material supporting assembly for the material to wrap the package. Package supporting assembly and wrapping material supporting assembly in addition to rotating with the closure disc are independently rotatable, the package supporting assembly being rotated by a planetary driving means, and the wrapping material supporting assembly being rotated by an auxiliary driving means operatively connected between the driving assembly and wrapping material supporting assembly.

Abstract: A material supporting assembly preferably for holding material for wrapping a package in packaging machinery has an elongated rotatably mounted inner supporting mandril, an elongated hollow outer support shaft slidably mounted on said inner support mandril for longitudinal telescopic movement relative the same and to provide means for mounting a roll of wrapping material thereon, an inner shoulder formed on said outer support shaft having a beveled face thereon disposed to engage the inner end of said wrapping material roll, and a gripping element threadably connected to the end of said outer support shaft remote from said beveled face including angled gripping members for engaging and holding the outer end of the wrapping material roll on said outer support shaft.

Abstract: A tension wrap packaging machine has a supporting frame and a driving assembly mounted in the supporting frame, a main drive shaft is mounted in the supporting frame and at one end has a combined supporting member and safety closure disc fixedly connected thereto to be rotated by the drive shaft when the driving assembly is in operation. Mounted and rotatable with the combined supporting member and closure disc are a package supporting assembly for supporting a package to be wrapped thereon and in spaced relation thereto a wrapping material supporting assembly for the material to wrap the package. Package supporting assembly and wrapping material supporting assembly in addition to rotating with the closure disc are independently rotatable, the package supporting assembly being rotated by a planetary driving means, and the wrapping material supporting assembly being rotated by an auxiliary driving means operatively connected between the driving assembly and wrapping material supporting assembly.

Abstract: This apple rootstock originated as a single seedling selected from a group of seedlings obtained from open-pollinated Malling 9 rootstock. It was chosen because of its dwarfing characteristics. It has been increased by vegetative propagation, such as stooling, and by soft- and hard-wood cuttings. Also, this clone is compatible with commercial apple cultivars.