Abstract: A system for identifying users for entrance to an area comprising a point of entry into a pre-defined area. The system comprises a first computing device having a microprocessor, a memory and a screen disposed adjacent to the point of entry. There is also at least one second computing device having at least one microprocessor and at least one memory, said at least one second computing device being disposed remote from the first computing device. There is at least one third computing device having at least one screen and at least one microprocessor wherein the third computing device is in communication with the second computing device wherein the second computing device is configured to send at least one image to the first computing device and to the third computing device wherein when an image at the point of entry matches an image on the third computing device the port of entry will allow the user holding the third computing device into the point of entry.

Abstract: There is a system for admitting automobiles to a venue comprising: at least one camera for recognizing an automobile, and a license plate. A server is configured for receiving a picture of the automobile and a picture of the license plate of the automobile. Furthermore, there is at least one database for storing, matching and identifying the picture of the automobile and the license plate. In addition, there is at least one screen for allowing a user to identify their automobile taken from a list of automobiles. There is also a process for tracking an automobile within an area which comprises the steps of identifying a pre-defined area and identifying an automobile for screening into the area. Next the auto and its license plate are photographed. This information is stored in a database and then used to generate invoices and track the location of these automobiles.

Abstract: There is a system and process for pre-ticketing a user so that the ticket is printed before the user enters and/or pays for admission to an area such as an arena, a park or an event. There is also a system which can be used to track the location of a ticket purchaser as well to determine whether the ticket purchaser has entered an area only after the ticket purchaser has paid for the ticket.

Abstract: A system for identifying users for entrance to an area comprising a point of entry into a pre-defined area. The system comprises a first computing device having a microprocessor, a memory and a screen disposed adjacent to the point of entry. There is also at least one second computing device having at least one microprocessor and at least one memory, said at least one second computing device being disposed remote from the first computing device. There is at least one third computing device having at least one screen and at least one microprocessor wherein the third computing device is in communication with the second computing device wherein the second computing device is configured to send at least one image to the first computing device and to the third computing device wherein when an image at the point of entry matches an image on the third computing device the port of entry will allow the user holding the third computing device into the point of entry.

Abstract: The invention provides a system that provides a low-cost solution to populate a database with customer information. The system consists primarily of a Caller ID device connected to an incoming phone line prior to a business's phone device and to a computing device via a corn port, USB port, LAN, and the like. The computing device accesses websites on the Internet through an Internet connection (e.g., modem, cable, etc.). The system searches for hits on a predetermined list of “websites.” If a hit is registered, the system “screen scrapes” the results of that web page, parses the results for address information (e.g., first name, last name, street address, city, state and zip) and stores this information in a database on the local computer. The database update is typically conducted in real time.

Abstract: A vibratory separation system having a drive mechanism for imparting a vibratory motion to a membrane module to enhance filtration. The membrane module comprises one or more filter elements secured to one another, each having a permeable membrane. The vibratory motion imparted to the membrane module generates a dynamic flow boundary layer at the permeable membranes. This fluid shear boundary layer, in turn, generates lift, thereby inhibiting fouling of the membranes.

Abstract: A vibratory separation system having a drive mechanism for imparting a vibratory motion to a membrane module to enhance filtration. The membrane module comprises one or more filter elements secured to one another, each having a permeable membrane. The vibratory motion imparted to the membrane module generates a dynamic flow boundary layer at the permeable membranes. This fluid shear boundary layer, in turn, generates lift, thereby inhibiting fouling of the membranes.

Abstract: A dynamic filter system includes a dynamic filter assembly including one or more filter elements and one or more members disposed within a housing. The filter elements and the members are interleaved and arranged to rotate with respect to one another. The dynamic filter assembly preferably includes one or more mechanisms to prevent preferential fouling.

Abstract: The present invention provides a supported membrane assembly comprising a membrane adhered to a support material by way of a nonwoven web of multicomponent fibers therebetween, wherein the multicomponent fibers comprise a first polymer and a second polymer such that the second polymer is present on at least a portion of the surface of the multicomponent fibers and has a softening temperature below the softening temperatures of the first polymer, the membrane, and the support material, and the supported membrane assembly has a water flow rate at least about 20% of the water flow rate of the membrane alone. The present invention also provides a filter element comprising a housing and such a supported membrane assembly, as well as a method of preparing such a supported membrane assembly and methods of using such a supported membrane assembly.

Abstract: A composite structure comprises a porous filter medium, a substrate provided with at least one drainage pathway, and a support and drainage medium sandwiched between the porous filter medium and the substrate. The porous filter medium, the support and drainage medium, and the substrate are bonded free of any adhesive.

Abstract: The present invention provides a supported fibrous web assembly comprising a support material adhered to a nonwoven web of multicomponent fibers comprising a first polymer and a second polymer such that the second polymer is present on at least a portion of the surface of the multicomponent fibers and has a softening temperature below the softening temperatures of the first polymer and the support material, wherein the supported fibrous web assembly has a water flow rate of at least about 20% of the water flow rate of the nonwoven web of multicomponent fibers alone. The present inventive supported fibrous web assembly can further comprise a second fibrous web, which is adhered to the nonwoven web of multicomponent fibers such that the nonwoven web of multicomponent fibers is positioned between the second fibrous web and the support material, and wherein the supported fibrous web assembly has a water flow rate of at least about 20% of the water flow rate of the second fibrous web alone.

Abstract: The present invention provides an affinity separation method involving dynamic filtration.

Abstract: A method for treating raw milk to produce treated milk having a lower bacterial content than the raw milk. The milk is homogenized and within about 5 minutes from the homogenization, subjected to dynamic microfiltration, to yield a filtrate which has a lower bacterial content than the initial raw milk. The resultant milk can be sterile, free from Bacillus cereus bacteria that usually causes degradation of milk quality during refrigerated storage. The milk can be shipped even under non-refrigerated conditions without spoilage, for extended periods of time.

Abstract: A rapid method for fractionating a fat composition, such as butter, containing a mixture of fatty glycerides into two or more fractions. The method comprises heating the initial fat composition, such as butter to liquify all of the fatty glycerides contained therein and then very rapidly cooling the liquified fat compositions, to quickly obtain filterable crystals of the fatty glycerides. By selective choice of the rate of cooling and the temperature to which the liquified fat composition is cooled, it is possible to adjust the nature of the fatty glycerides that are induced to form crystals, and commensurately, to control the nature of both the resulting filtrate and concentrate, after filtration.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of pretreating a porous medium for use in filtering a protein-containing fluid, such as milk, beer, wine, or the like, which method comprises contacting a porous medium with an aqueous citrate solution prior to passing the protein-containing fluid through the porous medium.

Abstract: A method for treating raw milk to produce treated milk having a lower bacterial content than the raw milk. The milk is homogenized and, within about 5 minutes from the homogenization, subjected to dynamic microfiltration, to yield a filtrate which has a lower bacterial content than the initial raw milk. When the flow rate of milk through the microfilter drops below a predetermined level, the dynamic microfilter is removed from milk filtration service, flushed with water, and returned to milk filtration service, the steps being repeated as necessary until the membrane cannot be rejuvenated to a minimum filtration capacity, at which time the membrane is subjected to chemical cleaning to essentially restore the original filtration capacity of the membrane.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of treating a clogged porous medium comprising contacting a porous medium clogged in the course of filtering a protein-containing fluid, such as milk, beer, or wine, with an aqueous citrate solution.

Abstract: A method for treating raw milk to produce treated milk having a lower bacterial content than the raw milk. The milk is homogenized and within about 5 minutes from the homogenization, subjected to dynamic microfiltration, to yield a filtrate which has a lower bacterial content than the initial raw milk. The resultant milk can be sterile, free from Bacillus cereus bacteria that usually causes degradation of milk quality during refrigerated storage. The milk can be shipped even under non-refrigerated conditions without spoilage, for extended periods of time.