Abstract: There are provided a sterilizing method which can sterilize bacteria such as Legionella, chlorine resistant bacteria, spores and protozoa, which are bred in bathrooms and the like in particular, using bactericidal water having a high sterilizing effect, and which can avoid an accident, while using a chlorine agent, caused by generation of poisonous chlorine gas due to mixing with an acid agent, and further an electrolyzed water producing apparatus. The gist is to produce electrolyzed water containing hypohalogenous acid and active oxygen such as ozone by electrolyzing water to be electrolyzed, such as tap water, thereby to perform sterilization using the produced electrolyzed water.

Abstract: An embodiment of the invention is a basket for holding ophthalmic lenses. A basket of the present invention has a lattice structure having a lens contacting side and an opposite lens non-contacting side, wherein the lens-contacting side of the lattice has a very sharp edge structure and the lens non-contacting side can be a normal solid surface to maintain the mechanical strength of the basket. A tray that comprises a plurality of baskets is another embodiment of the invention. In addition, the invention provides a stack assembly that comprises a plurality of trays each of which comprises a plurality of baskets.

Abstract: A container assembly system for storing multiple components of a formulation in separate individual container assembly units (10, 30, 30′, 130, 130′, 230, 230′) that can be assembled easily into a single multi-compartment container. The components of a formulation may be stored in each assembly units (10, 30, 30′, 130, 130′, 230, 230′) and then assembled into a multi-compartment container so that the components can be mixed into a formula just prior to use. The assembly units, each containing a component of a formulation, can also be assembled into a single multi-compartment container first and then stored until ready for use.

Abstract: A display unit for a consumer article comprising a housing, a mount disposed in the housing, wherein the mount comprises at least one aperture therethrough, and an article support unit, the article support unit comprising an article support platform for supporting a consumer article, a cap, the cap being coupled to the article support platform and positionable on the mount, the cap further comprising at least one aperture in at least essential alignment with the at least one aperture in the mount, a tongue member, the tongue member extending from the article support unit and including a tab on a surface thereof, wherein the tab cooperates with a side wall of the housing to releasably lock the article support unit in place when the cap is positioned on the mount, wherein the side wall provides for the decoupling of the tab therefrom, and a connector, threadable through the respective apertures of the cap and the mount, for maintaining a coupling of the cap and the mount when the tab of the tongue is decoupled

Abstract: This invention provides an optical disk container that may be used for 8-cm. diameter optical disks. The container using an inset tray sized to conform with the 8-cm. disks while the outer dimensions of the case are sized to conform with the larger standard 12.5-cm. disks. This allows the container to make use of various existing items of manufacture and also utilize standard packing lines for the placement of disks in the containers that are configured to the outer dimensions of the larger disk jewel boxes. The inset tray is also provided with outer side edges that overlap the side walls of the base portion in which it is fitted to remove the gap that is otherwise created and reduce the risk of fingers or disks being damaged through pinching of skin or scratching of the disk from sharp edges.

Abstract: This invention provides a disc case which may simplify the construction of the disc case, facilitate taking out the disc from the disc case, and reduce the cost of manufacturing the disc case, and the disc case, which is a disc case for enclosing the disc-like recording medium, includes an opening part for exposing a part of the disc-like recording medium to the outside and an elastic deformation part of a cantilever structure for holding the disc-like recording medium.

Abstract: A locking device for a disc retaining hub includes a base and a head that lock together over the hub to lock a disc on the hub until a portion of the locking device is destroyed. The head or the base of the locking device includes locking fingers that allow the head and base to lock together in a one-way snap fit connection. The locking mechanism may also cooperate with the disc retaining hub to lock itself to the hub. The locking mechanism prevents the disc from being removed from the hub until the locking mechanism is destroyed by the user.

Abstract: A packaging system for CDs, DVDs, software disks and the like is provided which includes a base, an upright body having a pocket for receiving and holding CDs, DVDs, software disks and the like, and an elongate member connected to the base. The base and upright body are constructed and communicate with each other such that the packaging system has a collapsed position which it is in when it is shipped or stored, and a display position. The elongate member has a construction such that it is capable of enfolding the base thereby providing additional protection during shipping and added space for advertising or printing thereon. The elongate portion may include a spine hingedly connected between panels for displaying information when the packaging system is placed on retail shelves or stored. The upright body may also include a pocket with an edge that has upper and lower openings and opposing ends which terminate in small holes for allowing easy insertion of a CD, DVD, software disks or the like.

Abstract: A pivot component (11) is inserted into a bottom component (12) positioned in a shipping container (43) and can be positioned in either a loading position or a support position. In the loading position, the pivot component (11) is tilted outwardly with respect to the bottom component (12), allowing a product (41) to be easily inserted in the container (43). When the product (41) is inserted into the container, contact between the product (41) and the pivot component (11) causes the pivot component (11) to automatically pivot into the support position. In the support position, the pivot component (11) is tilted inwardly with respect to the loading position, and is in position to support and protect the product (41) in the container (43). A top element (51) may be included over the product (41) in the received position so as to capture a top part of the pivot component (11) and thereby retain the pivot component in the support position.

Abstract: A socket suspension rack includes a U-shaped guard and a suspension rod attached to the guard to form a space to hold sockets. The suspension rod has multiple holders extending toward the guard to be received in a square hole in the socket to hold the socket in place. Each holder includes two resilient plates facing each other. A boss extends outwardly from the resilient plate and engages to a detent defined in the sidewall of the square hole in the socket. An inverted U-shaped strip is integrally formed between the two resilient plates to provide a restitution force to the two resilient plates to hold the socket in place and prevent the socket from detaching from the suspension rod.

Abstract: A container (10) includes a base (11) and a cover (19) for the base (11). A substantially flat article (20) is enclosed in a pouch (21). The pouch (21) is adhered to the base (11) by an anti-slip agent (24) and an unfilled space (26) of d mm is left between the pouch (21) and the cover (19), so as to restrain the article (20) from moving in the container (10).

Abstract: A flexible card holder and display which enables a plurality of cards to be attached, transported, displayed, and stored. The card holder comprises a sheet of thin, tear-resistant material into which a plurality of slits have been cut. The slits are arranged so as to receive portions of cards, thereby releasably retaining the cards on the sheet. A variety of slit configurations may be employed. The card holder is lightweight, portable, and foldable into a variety of compact configurations. Stress relieving apertures are provided to prevent the development of tears in the flexible card holder and display. The card holder may be provided with an aperture at one end to enable the card holder to be suspended, thus displaying cards which are releasably attached thereto. The card holder further may be adapted to store in a multiring binder. Removable stiffeners may also be employed to facilitate hanging the device upon removal from the binder.

Abstract: A cover device for covering a baby bottle. The device includes a cloth bottle cover that has a closed bottom end and an open top end. A pocket is disposed on the cloth bottle cover. An audible signal generator is provided that is placed in the pocket of the cloth bottle cover. The audible signal generator creates an audible signal when press-activated. The bottle cover with the audible signal generator is advanced over a baby bottle. The bottle cover provides a medium by which a child can better grasp the bottle. Furthermore, the bottle cover insulates the bottle and absorbs drips from the bottle. The audible signal generator is activated when a child presses against the cover above the audible signal generator. As such, the use of the present invention adds visual and audible interest to a baby bottle as well as making the bottle easier to hold and use.

Abstract: A novel packaged novelty is shown. The packaged novelty includes an individually sized package and a non-edible novelty item contained by the individually sized package. In one embodiment, the packaged novelty includes an individually sized box. In one embodiment the packaged novelty includes a second package such as a bag that contains the individually sized package. A method of packaging a novelty item is also shown. The method includes placing a non-edible novelty item into an individually sized package. Examples of novelties include, but are not limited to: stickers, temporary tattoos, scratch-and-sniff cards, scratch-and-sniff stickers, scratch off game cards, coupons, etc.

Abstract: A portable condiment container having a reservoir and a preferably having a removable and resealable lid or cover, and also having a covered adhesive attached to the exterior bottom portion of said reservoir such that the device can be resealably attached to a stable surface by first removing the liner from the adhesive attached to the bottom exterior of the container thus exposing the temporary adhesive, and then pressing the exposed adhesive onto a stable surface such as the dashboard of an automobile.

Abstract: A pizza separator for use with a pizza box of the type having an upper and lower panel, includes a separator member dimensioned for positioning within a pizza box. The separator member includes a base having at least one compartment for accommodating seasonings and upper and lower support surfaces for respectively positioning adjacent upper and lower covers of the pizza box. The upper and lower support surfaces define a height sufficient to maintain the upper and lower covers at a predetermined spacial distance. The base preferably includes a plurality of compartments, with each compartment dimensioned to accommodate a different seasoning. At least one leg may depend from the base for positioning on the pizza. Preferably, a plurality of legs are provided.

Abstract: A beverage tray has a floor with peripheral, upstanding side and end walls for holding a plurality of containers of beverage, for example in six-packs. The floor has a plurality of downwardly projecting detents on its bottom surface for cooperation with the tops of beverage containers in a sub-adjacent tray to impede free sliding movement of an upper tray over the beverage containers in a sub-adjacent tray to enable stable stacking of the trays, while at the same time enabling the upper tray to be slid over the cans in the lower tray to remove the upper tray from a stack of trays. The detents are rectilinear and present spaced, opposed, parallel, straight detents that define detent sets surrounding bottle top receiving areas. The upper edge of the side wall is smoothly sinusoidally curved to define spaced, alternating upper side wall sections and recessed areas.

Abstract: A crate is provided for holding and transporting products such as plastic milk containers. In accordance with one aspect, a tighter lateral tolerance or fit is provided to stabilize and strengthen telescopic stacking of crates by contouring an inner surface of the side walls to provide a smaller dimension in the opening of the crate, such as by selectively removing or reducing any outward taper or draft of the side walls. In accordance with another aspect, loading forces are directly transferred to a bottom drag rail by forming the side walls to position at least a portion of the side wall inner surface over the drag rail.

Abstract: A packaging system for protecting an article during shipment includes a larger outer bag, a smaller inner bag, and an inlet between the bags for inflating a pair of chambers situated on opposite sides of the article via a bypass passage that extends around the inner bag.

Abstract: The bag consists of two walls made from sheets of a multi-layer, synthetic material, welded together along part of the perimeter. One of the walls has two or three rectilinear, longitudinal rough stripes on its inner surface, obtained by hot-printing and extending substantially along the full length of the bag. The stripes are obtained by pressing a welding bar, coated with a rough, non-adhesive material, such as teflon cloth, against the multi-layer sheet forming the wall of the bag.

Abstract: In two parallel side walls of this packaging or in panels (6) connected to these walls (5) and folded flat against them on the inside, there are tabs (8) hinged to these walls or panels by fold lines parallel to the base part (3), these tabs (8) thus being able to be folded out at right angles to these walls or panels to form separators between the packaged items (10) or to be engaged in these items, in order to hold them in position.

Abstract: A package for blister pack strips comprises a blister guide (11), a strip guide (12), a back cover (3) having a depression (10) accommodating blisters projecting through the blister guide (11), and a front cover (8). The package is made by folding a rectangular sheet (1) having appropriate cut outs forming blister guides (11) and strip guides (12) and being by folding lines (5, 7, 9) divided into three outer zones comprising an edge zone forming the front cover (8), an intermediary zone forming the strip guides (12), and an inner zone forming the blister guides (11), and a fourth zone forming the back cover (3).

Abstract: A sleeve for providing thermal insulation to elongated substrates is disclosed. The sleeve is formed from a composite sheet having a tough, resilient reinforcing layer to which are attached a metallic reflective layer on one side and a fibrous, non-woven insulative layer on the opposite side. The composite sheet is reverse folded with the reflective layer facing outwardly and the insulative layer facing inwardly. A seam is formed lengthwise along the sleeve in spaced relation to the reverse fold, thereby defining a central space for receiving the elongated substrates. The seam is formed by fusing the inwardly facing insulative layer on each side of the reverse fold together.

Abstract: A carton for packaging fragile article comprising an outer sleeve and an inner article receiving structure. The inner structure comprises an inner sleeve having a first pair of opposed side walls secured to a first pair of opposed side walls of the outer sleeve and a second pair of opposed side walls spaced apart from a second pair of opposed side walls of the outer sleeve. The inner structure further comprises a first bridging closure panel hingedly connected to one end of the inner sleeve for movement between an open position where the bridging closure panel allows the inner and outer sleeves to collapse into a flat form and a closed position where the bridging closure panel forms a first brace structure between one of the second pair side walls of the inner structure and the adjacent one of the second pair side walls of the outer sleeve.

Abstract: Fuel-water emulsions in which an alkoxylated, preferably an ethoxylated, polyisobutene is used as an emulsifier are described. Stable emulsions, in particular of diesel-water mixtures, which have advantageous properties when used as fuel in internal combustion engines can be prepared in this manner.

Abstract: A process of oxidizing an ash and sulfur containing fuel such as coal in order to power gas turbines using a material such as the oxides of iron which in an oxidized state can be readily reduced and which in a reduced state is readily oxidized. Preferably, the oxides of iron are circulated between two fluid bed reactors and reduced by the ash and sulfur containing fuel in the first said fluid bed reactor and oxidized by air in the second said fluid bed reactor, with ash and SO2 in the gases leaving chiefly from the first said fluid bed reactor. The temperature is controlled within the second said fluid bed reactor by use of a clean fuel and the rate of addition of the ash and sulfur containing fuel to the second fluid bed is controlled so as to limit the amount of SO2 in the gases leaving the second said fluid bed.

Abstract: A method for upgrading a hydrocarbon in which an oxygen source and a hydrogen source are ignited and the resulting synthetic gas is used to initiate a predominantly gas phase heavy oil upgrade reaction. The upgrade reaction is quenched with an additional source of un-upgraded hydrocarbon.

Abstract: Phosphates can be removed from a hydrocarbon stream by contacting said stream with a ceramic formed of a basic material which is insoluble in the hydrocarbon stream. A ceramic as used in this patent document is a solid solution formed by calcination of a compound. The removal of the organic acid is accomplished at temperatures ranging from 20° C. to 400° C., a preferred temperature is between 200° C. and 370° C. A hydrocarbon stream consists of C5+ hyrdocarbons. The basic material can be made up of one or more alkaline earth oxides, alkaline earth compounds, alkaline metal compounds, group IIIA element compounds, group IVA element compounds, group VIA element compounds. Preferred alkaline earth oxides are sodium, magnesium, potassium, calcium, aluminum and silicon. The support for the basic material can be made from any inorganic oxide.

Abstract: This invention provides a facile method for removing odor-causing species from lubricants. In this method, such species are removed by contacting the lubricant composition with at least one zeolite. Preferred zeolites include the type 13X Molecular Sieve, i.e., Na86[(AlO2)86(SiO2)106].276 H2O.

Abstract: A method of refining a petroleum product to remove aromatics and to separate paraffinic oils and waxes is provided. The method involves the utilization of phase equilibria wherein crystallized or solidified waxes, normally present in the petroleum product, are used to remove oils from a liquid solvent phase containing dissolved aromatics present in the unrefined petroleum product. The wax containing the oils is separated from the aromatic-containing solvent and is further processed to separate the waxes and oils. For petroleum products containing little, if any, wax, additional wax may be added and recycled back for further use in removing oils from the petroleum product. The method has particular application in preparing lubricating oils having a high viscosity index, where the presence of aromatics and wax can be detrimental.

Abstract: The invention is an automatic, unmanned, powered, variable speed transfer table for a finger joint machine which receives a controlled supply of blocks from a lineal block feeder The slat chain is composed of two chain loops, connected at regular, equal intervals by slats. The slat chain pushes blocks over an even ending conveyor which aligns them to the inside of one of the chains and then over a moisture detecting system. Blocks containing unacceptable moisture fall through a gap in the working table while blocks with acceptable moisture are pushed by the slats over a door covering the gap and onto an outfeed table. The slats are synchronized to the lugs on the finger joint machine's lug chain and deposit correctly aligned and orientated blocks precisely on the lug chain. The slat chain then rotates upward and loops back over the working table and then down, under the infeed conveyor to re-emerge at the even ending conveyor. 1 Inventor Stibbard; James S.

Abstract: There is described a novel fluid level control system, particularly useful for controlling the level of water flowing in an open channel. The fluid level control system comprises a gate having a flap portion interconnected to a lever portion. The flap portion is rotatable about a first pivot point and comprises a first weight. The system further comprises a frame which is fixed with respect to the flap portion. A linkage interconnects the flap portion and the lever portion, and is connected to the frame at a second pivot point different than the first pivot point. Under changing flow conditions in the channel, the present system operates by both: absolute movement of the lever portion and the flap portion, and (ii) relative movement between the lever portion and the flap portion. A fluid treatment system comprising the fluid level control system and a method for controlling the level of a flowing fluid are also described.

Abstract: A method an apparatus for filtering water dispensed by a water dispensing appliance comprises a low-profile filter cartridge releasably connected to a manifold assembly. The manifold assembly is in communication with the wafer inlet to the appliance and routs the filtered water to points of use in the appliance. The manifold assembly includes water usage sensor to monitor filter cartridge life and relay that information to the appliance, which will then alert the user when it is necessary to replace the filter. A latching mechanism is included to releasably secure the filter cartridge to the manifold assembly. A flow control valve ensures that the water circuit remains closed when the filter cartridge is removed from the manifold assembly. The cartridge and manifold assembly include registration features to ensure that reverse installation of the cartridge will not occur.

Abstract: The material compactor in accordance with the present invention generally includes a feed apparatus, a preliminary compaction apparatus, and a final compaction apparatus. The final compaction apparatus generally includes a compaction chamber having an adjustably taperable choke tube. The area of the inner cavity of the final compaction chamber can be tapered to become measurably smaller or larger at the discharge or expelling end. Consequently, compacting movement of the material within the compaction chamber and through the tapered choke tube significantly subjects the material to restrictive compacting pressure which in turn compacts the material and performs liquid separation with each operationally continuous movement through the final compaction apparatus.

Abstract: A filtering system for cleaning a pool. The system including a casing for immersing in the pool, and at least one filtering unit located within the casing. The floor of the pool or an appendage thereto define at least one chamber together with the casing.

Abstract: The apparatus and methods of the present invention enable efficient and appropriate treatment of Urban Water Runoff, so that the treated Urban water Runoff can be can be introduced into public waterways without contaminating such waterways. The system apparatus utilizes adsorptive Organoclay media, mechanical filtration and ultraviolet sterilization. The methods and apparatus of the present invention remove contaminants from Urban Water Runoff to a level which enable the resulting effluent to meet appropriate standards for introducing the treated Urban water Runoff in to public waterways. The method and apparatus of water treatment of the present invention does not utilize chlorine containing compounds which, when combined with organic compounds can produce THM's that can become problematic when re-introduced to the downstream environment. The systems of the present invention can be made sufficiently compact so as to enable their use in remote locations.

Abstract: A fine filter assembly for a dishwasher includes a filter body having a soil accumulation trough. The soil accumulation trough defines a substantially helical flow path between a fine filter inlet and an outlet. A natural flow path is therefore provided to efficiently clean fine the filter assembly with downwardly directed fluid jets generated by a lower spray arm assembly. Soil is directed to a fine filter drain tube with relative ease, thereby facilitating use of more efficient use of a drain pump inlet as a soil collection chamber during wash cycles.

Abstract: There is described a novel fluid level control system, particularly useful for controlling the level of water flowing in an open channel. The fluid level control system comprises a gate having a flap portion interconnected to a lever portion. The flap portion is rotatable about a first pivot point. The system further comprises a frame which is fixed with respect to the flap portion. A linkage interconnects the flap portion and the lever portion, and is connected to the frame at a second pivot point different than the first pivot point. Under changing flow conditions in the channel, the present system operates by both: absolute movement of the lever portion and the flap portion, and (ii) relative movement between the lever portion and the flap portion. A fluid treatment system comprising the fluid level control system and a method for controlling the level of a flowing fluid are also described.

Abstract: An integrated apparatus that contains both the gravity settling mechanism and the dissolved-air floatation (DAF) mechanism in a compensating manner is provided. The said apparatus comprises a gravity settling chamber (34), a DAF chamber (42), a chamber connection channel (22), an air-dissolving device (38), a means for collecting treated water (24), and a water level control device (16). During treatment, heavy solid particles in water or wastewater can be quickly removed by gravity settling, while the remaining light solid particles and/or oil can be quickly removed by DAF. Thus, the apparatus of this invention is more effective and efficient compared with conventional clarifiers that employ only one clarification mechanism. Therefore, the apparatus of this invention is more compact and can achieve better effluent quality.

Abstract: A bactericidal descaler particularly for the treatment of water used for drinking, comprising a coil which is supplied electrically with a square-wave AC voltage or with a half-wave rectified voltage.

Abstract: A separation end cap adapted for connecting adjacent separation elements is provided. The end cap may be located at the distal ends of a separation element and is adapted for connection with a permeate tube located within the separation element. In one embodiment the end cap includes an inner hub for receiving an O-ring to seal against an inner hub of an end cap on an adjacent separation element. The inner hub of the end cap may be spin-welded to the outer surface of the permeate tube. A locking structure on an outer hub of the end cap co-acts with a locking structure on an end cap of an adjacent separation element to releaseably lock the end caps and, therefore, adjacent separation elements. The locking structure preferably provides a predetermined axial force on the O-ring to seal the connection between permeate tubes of adjacent separation elements.

Abstract: A belt filter press for deliquifying a material comprises two endless filter belts disposed adjacent each other so that a portion of the belts travel together and converge towards one another and between which a material is progressively compressed, and a belt washer for cleaning the belt of residual material, wherein the belt washer has at least one wiper holder and at least one belt wiper, wherein the at least one belt wiper is disposed against a first surface of one of the belts and removably retained thereagainst by the at least one wiper holder.

Abstract: A filter assembly includes a bowl assembly and a head member enclosing a filter cartridge. A filter center tube is permanently fixed to the bowl but allowed to rotate within a pocket in the bottom of the bowl. The top of the center tube is threaded for fastening to a stud on the filter mounting head. The center tube cannot be threaded onto the stud without the filter assembled over the center tube and into the bowl. In order to assemble the bowl to the head, the operator must turn the outside of the bowl. If a filter is not present, the bowl will turn independently of the center tube and no torque is transmitted to the threads. When the filter is properly installed, a series of tabs or features spaced around the inner perimeter of the wall of the bowl interlock with corresponding grooves or features in the outside diameter of the end cap of the filter. Tabs or features on the outer diameter of the center tube also interlock with grooves or features in the inside diameter of the end cap.

Abstract: A blown micro-fiber filtration unit having multiple overlapping layers of fibrous material and an active material applied over said layers. The fibrous material layers being fused together.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel filter element having a septum with a staged pleating that repeats a pleating sequence having a major (longest) pleat, a minor (shortest) pleat and at least one intermediate pleat therebetween. The intermediate pleat(s) have pleat heights that are evenly distributed within the range of pleat heights bounded by the pleat height of the minor pleat and the pleat height of the major pleat. In two particular embodiments of the invention, the pleat height ratios of the major, intermediate and minor pleats are 3:2:1 and 4:3:2:1. In an filter element, the pleated septum may be held between an inner core and an outer guard. The tip of the major pleat in each pleating sequence may be in contact with the inner core of the filter element. The septum may also include drainage layers on upstream and downstream of the filter material layer.

Abstract: A cyclone separator includes a housing generally symmetric about its central longitudinal axis and an inlet for introduction of a fluid containing dispersed substances. An outlet for the cleaned fluid includes a tube through the bottom wall of the housing having an axis coaxial with the longitudinal axis. An outlet for the dispersed substances has the shape of an annular channel in the bottom wall disposed adjacent the tube and adjacent a rotation axis of the fluid whereat high-density substances settle.

Abstract: A system and method for removing pollutants from wastewater. The system includes a constructed wetland cell in which the filtered wastewater is flowed generally vertically. The flow of wastewater is unsaturated through the wetland cell to aerate the wastewater. The wastewater may be further aerated by a blower or injector. The treated wastewater from the wetland cell is blended with untreated wastewater, then either recirculated through the wetland cell or conveyed to a disposal system.

Abstract: A bioreactor that has an internal sludge return function for treating wastewater is provided. Said bioreactor comprises a mixing zone (18), a static zone (28), and a mixed liquor circulation channel (26). The internal sludge return is accomplished by the integration of said static zone (28) that settles sludge, and said mixed liquor circulation channel (26) that provides a circulating stream of the mixed liquor for carrying settled sludge back to the mixing zone (18). Therefore, the microorganism concentration in the bioreactor of this invention is increased compared with conventional suspended-growth bioreactors, resulting in the improved wastewater treatment performance, reduced bioreactor size, simplified operation, reduced clarifier size, etc. The bioreactor of this invention can be operation in aerobic, anoxic, and anaerobic conditions to serve various wastewater treatment purposes.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a method for treating solid waste with an organic fraction. A slurry (4) of the waste (1) diluted with water (3) is sieved, at least by means of a sieving device (5) which lets pieces through whose dimension in at least one direction, and preferably in at least two standing directions, is situated between 2 and 20 mm, after which, from the slurry (7) which has passed through, a part of the ferrous metals (8) which are present in the waste (1) is removed from said waste by means of magnets, and the slurry (7) is finally dewatered.

Abstract: A device allowing rapid and gentle concentration of cells at essentially unit gravity using solvent flow, under hydrostatic pressures equivalent to as little as ≦1 cm of water, through capillary-pore walls, more or less vertical, of a construct serving as both the separation device and receptacle for accumulating cells. The device can be used in a batch or continuous mode. The device contains a solid lower end fabricated with a shape to facilitate collection of the desired cells in an appropriate volume, and a more or less vertical active wall, extending upward from the solid lower end and providing an appropriate surface area with pores having a diameter appropriate for retention of the desired cells and outward passage of all smaller cells or solvent.