Abstract: This invention relates in part to plant breeding and herbicide tolerant plants. This invention includes a novel aad-1 transformation event in corn plants comprising a polynucleotide sequence, as described herein, inserted into a specific site within the genome of a corn cell. In some embodiments, said event/polynucleotide sequence can be “stacked” with other traits, including, for example, other herbicide tolerance gene(s) and/or insect-inhibitory proteins. Additionally, the subject invention provides assays for detecting the presence of the subject event in a sample (or corn grain, for example). The assays can be based on the DNA sequence of the recombinant construct, inserted into the corn genome, and on the genomic sequences flanking the insertion site. Kits and conditions useful in conducting the assays are also provided.

Abstract: A rocker chiller includes a chilling tank and a baffle assembly. The baffle assembly includes a drive shaft, a baffle blade extending along a bottom of the tank and a plurality of spaced-apart and elongate baffle members extending in a radial direction from the drive shaft towards the bottom of the tank. The elongate baffle members contact the drive shaft at spaced-apart locations along the drive shaft and define a plurality of openings therebetween. The elongate baffle members are sized and shaped to push at least a majority of the carcasses laterally through the heat exchanging liquid in a direction generally orthogonal to a lengthwise forward movement of the carcasses from the first end of the tank to the second end of the tank.

Abstract: This invention relates in part to plant breeding and herbicide tolerant plants. This invention includes a novel aad-1 transformation event in corn plants comprising a polynucleotide sequence, as described herein, inserted into a specific site within the genome of a corn cell. In some embodiments, said event/polynucleotide sequence can be “stacked” with other traits, including, for example, other herbicide tolerance gene(s) and/or insect-inhibitory proteins. Additionally, the subject invention provides assays for detecting the presence of the subject event in a sample (of corn grain, for example). The assays can be based on the DNA sequence of the recombinant construct, inserted into the corn genome, and on the genomic sequences flanking the insertion site. Kits and conditions useful in conducting the assays are also provided.

Abstract: A system comprising method and apparatus for separating biologically-digestible materials from an influent sewage stream. The system may comprise a primary clarification tank to capture sixty percent or more of the total solids from an influent stream; a sludge classifying press (SCP) to isolate and concentrate biologically digestible materials from sludge formed in the primary clarification tank, releasing valuable organics, such as are found in corn kernels, by fracturing the protective casings; a grit capture mechanism in a chamber within the primary clarification tank and isolated from the bulk of the sludge containing biologically-degradable materials; a grit trap to remove grit from the sludge prior to classifying the sludge with the SCP; apparatus for adding thickener to the sludge after classification and prior to digestion; and automation of one or more elements of the process for separating and digesting the biologically digestible materials in an influent stream.

Abstract: A system comprising method and apparatus for separating biologically-digestible materials from an influent sewage stream. The system may comprise a primary clarification tank to capture sixty percent or more of the total solids from an influent stream; a sludge classifying press (SCP) to isolate and concentrate biologically digestible materials from sludge formed in the primary clarification tank, releasing valuable organics, such as are found in corn kernels, by fracturing the protective casings; a grit capture mechanism in a chamber within the primary clarification tank and isolated from the bulk of the sludge containing biologically-degradable materials; a grit trap to remove grit from the sludge prior to classifying the sludge with the SCP; apparatus for adding thickener to the sludge after classification and prior to digestion; and automation of one or more elements of the process for separating and digesting the biologically digestible materials in an influent stream.

Abstract: A screen decanter for decanting liquid from a reservoir, comprising at least one rack comprising screens and baffles forming the sides of a cavity; a frame attached to the screens and baffles and providing a barrier so that liquid cannot pass from outside into the cavity without passing through the screens; a patterned perforated drain pipe inside the cavity and leading to an opening through which liquids may drain out from the cavity. The pattern of the openings counteracts the hydrostatic head within the rack such that flow through the screens is uniform at all depths of immersion in the liquid reservoir. Preferably, the screens have a porosity of about 50 micrometers.

Abstract: A method of controlling an enhanced primary treatment (EPT) system that includes an EPT settling tank. A sludge drain discharges a sludge including BOD from the EPT settling tank and a clarified effluent discharge recovers decanted fluid from the EPT settling tank. A controller has at least one computer processor. A sludge sensor is communicatively coupled to the controller. The sludge sensor provides a sludge BOD concentration measurement, or a measurement from which the sludge BOD concentration is calculated. A process algorithm controls the sludge valve to control the discharge of the sludge by gravity or by pumping in response to data from the sludge sensor of the sludge BOD concentration.

Abstract: The subject invention provides novel plants that are not only resistant to 2,4-D and other phenoxy auxin herbicides, but also to aryloxyphenoxypropionate herbicides. Heretofore, there was no expectation or suggestion that a plant with both of these advantageous properties could be produced by the introduction of a single gene. The subject invention also includes plants that produce one or more enzymes of the subject invention alone or “stacked” together with another herbicide resistance gene, preferably a glyphosate resistance gene, so as to provide broader and more robust weed control, increased treatment flexibility, and improved herbicide resistance management options. More specifically, preferred enzymes and genes for use according to the subject invention are referred to herein as AAD (aryloxyalkanoate dioxygenase) genes and proteins. No ?-ketoglutarate-dependent dioxygenase enzyme has previously been reported to have the ability to degrade herbicides of different chemical classes and modes of action.

Abstract: An enhanced primary treatment (EPT) system includes an EPT settling tank. A sludge drain discharges a sludge including BOD from the EPT settling tank and a clarified effluent discharge recovers decanted fluid from the EPT settling tank. A controller has at least one computer processor. A sludge sensor is communicatively coupled to the controller. The sludge sensor provides a sludge BOD concentration measurement, or a measurement from which the sludge BOD concentration is calculated. A process algorithm controls the sludge valve to control the discharge of the sludge by gravity or by pumping in response to data from the sludge sensor of the sludge BOD concentration. A method of controlling an enhanced primary treatment (EPT) system is also described.

Abstract: A food package and related methods of food package formation with a form-fill-seal machine utilizing both a non-forming shrinkable lidding film and a thermoforming film. The thermoforming film, in either rigid or semi-rigid forms, can be formed into a base having a pocket or cavity for storing food items. The non-forming shrinkable lidding film can be attached to a perimeter and/or flange of the base for sealing and enclosing the food items. The food package provides an economical packaging solution that avoids compromising appearance and/or packaging performance.

Abstract: A settling tank for receiving an influent stream separated into first and second influent streams and recombined under pressure in the settling tank. The settling tank comprises first and second pipes for conveyance of the first and second influent streams to a turbulent mixing zone wherein the first and second pipes terminate in first and second longitudinally parallel manifolds, each having a plurality of longitudinally arrayed holes defining first and second hole arrays. Each of the first and second arrays is directed in opposition to the other of the first and second arrays such that influent flows from the respective holes thereof can collide to cause turbulent mixing in said turbulent mixing zone.

Abstract: A grit box to separate particulate matter from an influent stream. The grit box has an upper portion and a lower portion with a deflection plate separating the upper portion from the lower portion. It includes a hopper for accumulation of particulate matter settled from the influent stream. The hopper has a drainage pipe and a valve therebetween to control passage of material from the grit box into the drainage pipe. A mechanism delivers the influent stream at a predetermined and substantially constant flow rate. The influent stream is separated into two or more streams which are recombined under pressure in the grit box in a turbulent mixing zone. The fluid rise rate in the grit box is lower than the settling rate of the particulate matter to be separated from the influent stream.

Abstract: A method for static mixing in a waste water settling tank to increase the percentage of recovery of entrained solids from the waste water comprising a settling tank having a recirculation ring and a hopper bottom defining a sludge hopper, a fluid deflector centrally disposed within the space contained in the hopper bottom having a flat portion, and an inlet pipe for introduction of waste water containing second entrained solids into the settling tank and having a discharge outlet in proximity to the underside of the deflector dome and a nozzle facing downward. Influent waste water is directed vertically downward toward the flat portion and upward into the center of the fluid deflector which distributes the influent radially into contact, preferably turbulent, with previously introduced waste water containing first entrained solids to cause coalescence of the first and second entrained solids to form larger particles having increased settling velocity.

Abstract: A method for static mixing in a waste water settling tank to increase the percentage of recovery of entrained solids from the waste water comprising a settling tank having a hopper bottom defining a sludge hopper, a deflector dome centrally disposed within the space contained in the hopper bottom, and an inlet pipe for introduction of waste water containing second entrained solids into the settling tank and having a discharge outlet in proximity to the underside of the deflector dome. Influent waste water is directed vertically upward into the center of the deflector dome which distributes the influent radially into contact, preferably turbulent, with previously introduced waste water containing first entrained solids to cause coalescence of the first and second entrained solids to form larger particles having increased settling velocity.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for treatment of waste water, comprising a tank for receiving a waste water influent via an influent pump and discharging a treated waste water effluent via an effluent pump; a screen decanter disposed in the tank, the screen having a pore size of about 50 micrometers; and a timer operationally connected to the floating decanter and the effluent pump. Solids are settled from the waste water and drawn off through the tank bottom after a supernatant fluid is drawn off through the floating screen decanter. The supernatant fluid may be passed through a filtration and membrane water purification apparatus to generate purified water.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of treating Pneumocystis pneumonia infection in a subject. This method involves administering to a subject having a Pneumocystis pneumonia infection one or more antibodies that bind specifically to a Pneumocystis cross-reactive antigen 1 (PCA1) protein under conditions effective to treat the Pneumocystis infection in the subject. Another aspect of the present invention relates to a method of treating a subject at risk for Pneumocystis pneumonia infection. A further aspect of the present invention relates to an isolated protein or polypeptide comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:1. Another aspect of the present invention relates to a pharmaceutical composition comprising the isolated protein or polypeptide of the present invention and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.

Abstract: An adaptive waste water treatment plant includes an influent intake configured to receive an influent flow from a waste water influent stream. A first settling tank is in a controllable fluid communication with the influent intake. The first settling tank includes a first decanter in fluid communication with a first effluent discharge pipe. A first effluent discharge valve is communicatively coupled to a controller. A first flow meter is in communication with the controller and adapted to measure a rate of flow through the first effluent discharge pipe. A second settling tank is similarly configured. The controller is configured to control the controllable fluid communication between the influent intake and the first settling tank and the controllable fluid communication between the influent intake the second settling tank in response to a change in a rate of influent flow.

Abstract: A screen decanter for decanting liquid from a reservoir, comprising at least one rack comprising screens and baffles forming the sides of a cavity; a frame attached to the screens and baffles and providing a barrier so that liquid cannot pass from outside into the cavity without passing through the screens; a patterned perforated drain pipe inside the cavity and leading to an opening through which liquids may drain out from the cavity. The pattern of the openings counteracts the hydrostatic head within the rack such that flow through the screens is uniform at all depths of immersion in the liquid reservoir. Preferably, the screens have a porosity of about 50 micrometers.

Abstract: A settling tank for receiving an influent stream separated into first and second influent streams and recombined under pressure in the settling tank. The settling tank comprises first and second pipes for conveyance of the first and second influent streams to a turbulent mixing zone wherein the first and second pipes terminate in first and second longitudinally parallel manifolds, each having a plurality of longitudinally arrayed holes defining first and second hole arrays. Each of the first and second arrays is directed in opposition to the other of the first and second arrays such that influent flows from the respective holes thereof can collide to cause turbulent mixing in said turbulent mixing zone.

Abstract: A waste water treatment system including primary settling tanks. The waste water treatment system includes a trough which causes waste water to flow in a direction parallel to a bar screen placed in the trough with the base of the bar screen being at a lower elevation than the trough weir. Each primary settling tank has a fine screen box for screening waste water. Each primary settling tank has a scum and floatables trough for collecting scum and floatables which pass through or over a top edge of the bar screen. The scum and floatables troughs are in fluid communication with one another. When a scum valve is open, scum, floatables and waste water in the scum and floatables trough flow from the scum and floatables trough of the first primary setting tank to the scum and floatables trough of the second primary settling tank and into a collection container.