Abstract: A gas diffuser including a grid of aeration pipes spaced apart and in parallel alignment within a horizontal plane is provided. The aeration pipes have improved discharge hole placement along their lengths and around their circumferences to provide improved performance and reduced fouling of membrane filtration systems associated therewith.

Abstract: A gas diffuser comprises a grid of aeration pipes spaced apart and in parallel alignment with each other within a common horizontal plane and a manifold in fluid communication with the aeration pipes. A given aeration pipe (12) includes: a length (L) extending between two ends and defining an axis (Z), a hydrodynamic diameter (Dh),an elliptical cross-sectional area defining a vertical plane comprising a vertical (Y) and horizontal (X) axis intersecting through a center (C) which are perpendicular to axis (Z), an outer circumference defined by a first arc (20) comprising 30° located below the (X) axis and bisected by the (Y) axis, and a second arc (22) comprising 330° which is non-overlapping with the first arc (20.

Abstract: A filtration assembly comprising a first and second module, each module comprising a plurality of vertically aligned semi-permeable hollow fiber membranes extending along a length between first and second ends with one of said ends potted within a header, and wherein the headers of the modules are aligned and spaced apart to define a vertical flow path; and at least one fiber support positioned along the length of the hollow fiber membranes of both modules, wherein the fiber support comprises a frame including a plurality of partitions that segment the hollow fiber membranes of both modules into common fiber groupings passing through the fiber support.

Abstract: A filtration module including a plurality of vertically aligned semi-permeable hollow fiber membranes, a plurality of fiber supports spaced apart and along the length of the hollow fiber membranes wherein each fiber support comprises a plurality of partitions that segment the hollow fiber membranes into multiple groupings and wherein a plurality of the groupings of one fiber support are distinct from those of another.

Abstract: A chemical analysis method for determining chemically related differences between subject biological material such as genetically modified plant material and control biological material such as genetically unmodified plant material, which method includes at least the following six steps. The first step is to contact the subject biological material with a fluid extractant, such as a mixture of water, isopropanol and potassium hydroxide, to produce a fluid extract of the subject biological material. The second step is to contact the control biological material with the fluid extractant to produce a fluid extract of the control biological material. The third step is to chromatograph the fluid extract of the subject biological material, for example, gas or fluid chromatography, to produce a chromatogram of the fluid extract of the subject biological material.

Abstract: A shears for cutting sheet metal or similar material located in a raised position, such as above the shoulders of the operator, includes front and rear handle members and upper and lower blade members. The handle members are pivotally connected together at a handle pivot point adjacent the upper ends of the handle members. The blade members are pivotally connected together at a blade pivot point located above the pivoted upper ends of the handle members. In addition, the shanks of the upper and lower blade members are pivotally connected to the front and rear handle members at respective front and rear pivot points located along the lengths of the handle members. Each blade member includes a cutting edge that extends perpendicularly or obliquely relative to the longitudinal direction of the handle member to which the blade member is pivotally connected. The handle members may be provided with soft cushion-like hand-grips to improve the operator's comfort and grip.

Abstract: A scissors sharpening apparatus includes a motor driven sharpening member having an abrasive surface. A magnetic guide is arranged to position the scissors blade at a fixed angle relative to the principle plane of the abrasive surface in such a manner that the magnet of the guide has the axis of its poles oriented nominally perpendicular to the flat face of the blade and nominally parallel to the principle plane of the abrasive surface.