Abstract: A method for removing sulfate from a wastewater stream includes mixing gibbsite and a calcium source to precipitate Ettringite from the wastewater stream and produce an effluent with a reduced sulfate concentration. The gibbsite in the precipitated Ettringite is regenerated by mixing an acid with the Ettringite and precipitating gibbsite particles, after which the gibbsite particles are subjected to a crystallization process to increase the size of the gibbsite particles which are recycled back to the main stream.

Abstract: A method for removing sulfate from a wastewater stream includes mixing gibbsite and a calcium source to precipitate Ettringite from the wastewater stream and produce an effluent with a reduced sulfate concentration. The gibbsite in the precipitated Ettringite is regenerated by mixing an acid with the Ettringite and precipitating gibbsite particles, after which the gibbsite particles are subjected to a crystallization process to increase the size of the gibbsite particles which are recycled back to the main stream.

Abstract: A method for removing sulfate from a wastewater stream includes mixing gibbsite and a calcium source to precipitate Ettringite from the wastewater stream and produce an effluent with a reduced sulfate concentration. The gibbsite in the precipitated Ettringite is regenerated by mixing an acid with the Ettringite and precipitating gibbsite particles, after which the gibbsite particles are subjected to a crystallization process to increase the size of the gibbsite particles which are recycled back to the main stream.

Abstract: A method of reducing a sulfate concentration in wastewater comprises directing the wastewater stream to a precipitation reactor and mixing the wastewater stream with a calcium source and a calcium salt seed material to precipitate calcium sulfate. The precipitated calcium sulfate is then separated from a treated effluent and directed to a settling tank where the precipitated calcium sulfate is separated into heavier calcium sulfate precipitants and lighter calcium sulfate precipitants. The heavier calcium sulfate precipitants and the lighter calcium sulfate precipitants are separately recirculated to the precipitation reactor. A predetermined mass ratio of solids is maintained in the precipitation reactor.

Abstract: A method for removing sulfate from a wastewater stream includes mixing gibbsite and a calcium source to precipitate Ettringite from the wastewater stream and produce an effluent with a reduced sulfate concentration. The gibbsite in the precipitated Ettringite is regenerated by mixing an acid with the Ettringite and precipitating gibbsite particles, after which the gibbsite particles are subjected to a crystallization process to increase the size of the gibbsite particles which are recycled back to the main stream.

Abstract: A method of reducing a sulfate concentration in wastewater comprises directing the wastewater stream to a precipitation reactor and mixing the wastewater stream with a calcium source and a calcium salt seed material to precipitate calcium sulfate. The precipitated calcium sulfate is then separated from a treated effluent and directed to a settling tank where the precipitated calcium sulfate is separated into heavier calcium sulfate precipitants and lighter calcium sulfate precipitants. The heavier calcium sulfate precipitants and the lighter calcium sulfate precipitants are separately recirculated to the precipitation reactor. A predetermined mass ratio of solids is maintained in the precipitation reactor.

Abstract: An apparatus, system, and method provides blind and vision impaired (B/VI) persons with improved Detectible Guidance Markers (DGMs) for navigation in a wide variety of environments, providing information regarding the presence, type, direction, and proximity of various navigational obstacles. A representative but non-exclusive example of an invented unitary DGM includes a plurality of tactually-detectable informational members, including a base member and one or more integral directional members configured to be disposed at a surface of a navigational substrate. A discrete number of directional members conveys an obstacle identity, while different lengths of directional members, and characteristics of other informational members, convey a direction and/or a proximity to an obstacle. Additionally, numerous structural alterations to a surrounding substrate surface cooperatively supplement the detectability and information-conveying benefits of a DGM.

Abstract: An apparatus, system, and method provides blind and vision impaired (B/VI) persons with improved Detectible Guidance Markers (DGMs) for navigation in a wide variety of environments, providing information regarding the presence, type, direction, and proximity of various navigational obstacles. A representative but non-exclusive example of an invented unitary DGM includes a plurality of tactually-detectable informational members, including a base member and one or more integral directional members configured to be disposed at a surface of a navigational substrate. A discrete number of directional members conveys an obstacle identity, while different lengths of directional members, and characteristics of other informational members, convey a direction and/or a proximity to an obstacle. Additionally, numerous structural alterations to a surrounding substrate surface cooperatively supplement the detectability and information-conveying benefits of a DGM.

Abstract: The present invention provides a surgical handpiece having a switch end cap detachably and rotatably connected to the handpiece body. A surgical instrument is inserted within the handpiece body so that a portion thereof extends beyond the handpiece body and is actuated to perform a surgical operation. The switch end cap includes a switch mechanism having one or more switch button members for selectively signaling the level of power to be delivered to the handpiece from a power source. According to one aspect of the present invention, the switch mechanism within the switch end cap is electrically connected to the handpiece body in such a manner that permits the switch end cap to be freely rotated about the handpiece body, while still maintaining the electrical connection therebetween. This is accomplished by having conductive finger members and complementary conductive members provide the electrical connection between the switch end cap and the handpiece body.

Abstract: A linear surgical stapler having clamping and firing triggers pivotally mounted to the frame of the instrument for pivotal rotation toward a hand grip is disclosed. The clamping trigger is positioned between the firing trigger and the hand grip. Each of the triggers are pivotally mounted to pivot pins spaced from each other within the body portion of the frame. Pivotal rotation of the first trigger is independent of pivotal rotation of the second trigger. When the clamping trigger is pivotally rotated toward the hand grip, the clamping and firing transmission assemblies move distally in tandem. Before the first trigger is pivoted, the firing transmission assembly blocks pivotal rotation of the second trigger. When the first trigger is pivoted, the initial distal movement of the firing transmission assembly enables the firing trigger to be in a position to pivotally rotate, and therefore cause the firing of staples.

Abstract: A remotely controllable circuit breaker device for interrupting power in a circuit path between a source and a load includes local and remote monitoring capabilities and a worm-gear mechanism for reliable control of the interruption mechanism. The device includes a first contact and a second contact cooperatively arranged in the circuit path so as to provide current from the source to the load. At least one of the contacts are movable for interrupting the power provided to the load. The worm gear mechanism includes a motor with a rotatable shaft which responds to open and closed control signals generated from a remote location, and a gear, rotatably responsive to the rotatable shaft, for controlling the movable contact so that the circuit path is interrupted and established, respectively. The worm gear mechanism controls the movable contact using a coupling arrangement, which has a first part coupled to the movable contact and a second part coupled to the gear.

Abstract: A preferred embodiment of a water conditioner dispensing apparatus is disclosed for use with a toilet having a bowl, a bowl supply pipe, and a filler tube which emits a jet of bowl makeup water into the bowl supply pipe to refill the bowl after flushing. The apparatus has a conditioner container with a reservoir for holding liquid conditioner. A wick extends from the container reservoir for placement in a jet of bowl makeup water so that liquid conditioner is dispensed through the bowl supply pipe into the toilet bowl to selectively treat only the bowl water and not the flush water stored in the tank.

Abstract: A remotely controllable circuit breaker device for interrupting power in a circuit path between a source and a load includes local and remote monitoring capabilities and a worm-gear mechanism for reliable control of the interruption mechanism. The device includes a first contact and a second contact cooperatively arranged in the circuit path so as to provide current from the source to the load. At least one of the contacts are movable for interrupting the power provided to the load. The worm gear mechanism includes a motor with a rotatable shaft which responds to open and closed control signals generated from a remote location, and a gear, rotatably responsive to the rotatable shaft, for controlling the movable contact so that the circuit path is interrupted and established, respectively. The worm gear mechansim controls the movable contact using a coupling arrangement, which has a first part coupled to the movable contact and a second part coupled to the gear.