Abstract: A decorative cover wherein the cover is a flattened sleeve which includes a lower portion having a base portion and a decorative skirt portion and an upper portion which are connected along a detaching element, for example, perforations. Upon opening of the sleeve, the lower portion of the sleeve defines and encompasses an inner retaining space and conforms to the outer surface of a pot. The potted plant is disposed in the inner retaining space of the lower portion of the sleeve such that at least a portion of the pot is covered by the lower portion of the sleeve. The lower portion of the sleeve is detachable from the upper portion by tearing along the detaching element forming an upper edge of the lower portion of the sleeve.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a carrier for retaining and transferring filtration devices, as well as to filtration devices configured for placement in the carrier. The carrier generally includes a tray having a plurality of filter seats along with a plurality of holes extending through the tray. Each filter has a release liner that is removably secured to a pressure sensitive adhesive on the filter, and this release liner also contains a tab that extends through one of the holes in the tray and is permanently bonded to the bottom side of the tray.

Abstract: Pharmaceutical kits are provided that reduce or prevent oxidative degradation of oxygen-sensitive pharmaceutically active ingredients in solid unit dosage forms that are supplied in oxygen permeable containers. Stabilization of the active ingredient is accomplished by incorporating an oxygen absorber into a sealed oxygen permeable container.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a reusable dispenser (10) for dispensing a unit dose of a solid product contained in a disposable blister pack (25). The dispenser (10) includes a housing (11), a back plate (30), and a dispensing tray (40). The blister pack (25) containing product is positioned between the housing (11) and the back plate (30), and the product is dispensed through the back plate (30) into the dispensing tray (40) where it can be acquired for use. A puncture tab (35) is integrated into the back plate (30) for aiding in rupturing the backing (28) of the blister pack (25) to dispense the product more easily.

Abstract: A portable dispenser for medical preparations comprising a box. An insert having several compartments arranged in columns and rows is adapted to be inserted into the box. A side cover which closes an opening in the side of the box is removable to allow the insertion and removal of the insert through the opening. The top portion of the dispenser has a plurality of surface covers slidable in grooves so that the surface cover is extractable in one direction. A locking arrangement locks the surface covers in a position closing the compartments.

Abstract: A justification insert block is adapted to be inserted into a flat mail sorting or storage container, bin, or tub and comprises an upper planar surface which is downwardly inclined from a first corner region toward a second diagonally opposite corner region. In this manner, when the justification insert block is inserted within the flat mail sorting or storage container, bin, or tub, two edge portions of mail pieces are automatically justified against two upstanding side walls of the sorting or storage container, bin, or tub so as to maintain the mail articles or pieces in a predetermined order within a stack of flat mail articles or pieces.

Abstract: A biological sample collection and storage kit s disclosed that includes a plurality of biological sample storage devices, a plurality of biological sample collection devices configured to collect biological samples for placement into the sample storage devices, identification devices for identifying the contents of the sample storage devices, and a housing including a base portion and a lid portion forming an interior cavity therebetween for accommodating the plurality of biological sample storage devices, the plurality of biological sample collection devices and the identification devices.

Abstract: A cost-effective package is described that creates a visual impression of a packaged item floating within a frame. The package includes a chassis having a compartment for holding the item and a frame for holding the chassis. The chassis includes a front panel and a rear panel. The chassis compartment is formed by a cavity in the front panel and a corresponding cavity in the rear panel. The chassis further includes a flange for installing the chassis into the frame. The flange is formed by first and second flange flaps that extend respectively from the front and rear chassis panels. The frame for holding the chassis includes a series of panels that fit around the outer perimeter of the chassis. One of the panels includes a guide channel and slot for receiving the chassis flange. The package is formed by sliding the chassis into the frame and folding the frame closed around the chassis.

Abstract: A method of desulphurizing and cracking of hydrocarbons to produce fuel oil. The fuel oil is first admixed with a sensitizer and solid source of hydrogen and, preferably, with a catalyst and a desulphurizing agent. The admixture is then subjected to microwave energy. The method acts to reduce the sulphur content of the fuel oil and cracks the fuel oil into a useful source of clean, burnable energy.

Abstract: A method for reforming a sulfur-containing carbonaceous fuel in which the sulfur-containing carbonaceous fuel is mixed with H2O and an oxidant, forming a fuel/H2O/oxidant mixture. The fuel H2O/oxidant mixture is brought into contact with a catalyst composition comprising a dehydrogenation portion, an oxidation portion and a hydrodesulfurization portion, resulting in formation of a hydrogen-containing gas stream.

Abstract: A method of liberating various existing hydrocarbon fractions from emulsified hydrocarbon mixtures without the need of additives, catalysts or heating using ultrasonic cavitation. Ultrasonic energy is provided at a rate sufficient to induce cavitation in the emulsified hydrocarbon mixture without causing cracking. The high temperatures and high pressures resulting from cavitation disrupt the emulsion thereby liberating existing lighter hydrocarbons in the diesel range or lighter for recovery via more traditional separation technologies. The resulting upgraded petroleum product exhibits lower distillation curves and decreased pollution causing components. Further, a wide variety of feedstocks can be treated according to the method of this invention.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for the production of gasoline with a low sulfur content that comprises at least one selective hydrogenation of diolefins, optionally at least one stage for transformation, preferably to increase their weight, for light sulfur-containing compounds that are present in the gasoline, at least one fractionation of the gasoline that is obtained into at least two fractions: light gasoline and heavy gasoline, then optionally a stage for transformation, preferably for alkylation or adsorption, of sulfur-containing compounds and a desulfurization treatment in a stage of at least a portion of the heavy fraction.

Abstract: A method of separating at least part of one or more components from a mixture of components includes exposing the mixture to a porous barrier, the barrier being formed of a material structure having, or behaving in the manner associated with, a negative Poisson ratio. Through the use of such materials, improved reparations, improved de-fouling of barriers and a variety of other beneficial properties can be obtained.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a phosphate ore beneficiation process, which includes a method to float inadequately de-oiled phosphate particles prior to silica flotation. It is emphasized that this abstract is being provided to comply with the rule requiring an abstract that will allow examiners and searchers to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosures. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims, as promised by the Patent Office's Rule 1.72(b) for abstracts.

Abstract: A screen is described wherein one end of the screen frame is provided with an upwardly open channel profile and the other end with a similar but downwardly open channel profile, such that the outboard edge of an upwardly open profile will fit within the channel of a downwardly open profile provided along the edge of an adjoining screen frame, to enable two such screens to be connected together and to enable linear movement in a direction generally perpendicular to the line of engagement and generally in the plane of at least one of the two screens, to be transmitted from one screen frame to the other. The engagement of one profile by another also serves to close the gap between the two screen frames and prevent at least particulate material from passing therebetween. Preferably the engagement prevents liquid from passing therebetween.

Abstract: Methods for making a screen assembly for a vibratory separator, a screen assembly made by such methods, and a method for separating components of a fluid with a vibratory separator with such a scren assembly; the method in certain aspects including sewing together with sewing material at least two layers of screening material (e.g., two, three, four or more layers; e.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for increasing strength and/or reducing strength variations in multi-layer wood, plywood, and the like sandwich material. The method comprises measuring wood veneers (10) for dry substance density (&rgr;) with high-frequency electromagnetic resonance (TEM) and additionally analyzing the homogeneity and/or grain structure of wood veneers from a wood veneer surface in the way of its darkness (R). If the wood veneer comprises a number of local first regions, which are darker than a predominant darkness of the veneer surface, the wood veneer in question has its calculated dry substance density (&rgr;C) established to be lower than its initially measured value (&rgr;M).

Abstract: The invention relates to a measuring apparatus for the determination of parameters of medical fluids with a measured region which comprises a measuring chamber device for receiving a disposable cassette with at least one measuring chamber through which the fluid to be measured is guided and at least one measuring element for measuring a measured value whose value depends on the extent of the measuring chamber in a measuring direction and allows the determination of the parameter to be determined, or of a value being in a fixed relationship thereto, with a known extent of the measuring chamber. In accordance with the invention, a distance sensor unit is provided which is arranged relative to the to the measuring chamber such that the measured distance changes relative to the extent of the measuring chamber.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a filter module that may incorporate sensors to measure various characteristics of fluid flow and filtration. The sensors may be MEMS and may measure the temperature, flow rate, pressure, etc. of the fluid. Sensor measurements may be used to determine the occurrence of harmful events, such as cavitation or particle breakthrough, or to predict the remaining service life of a filter element.

Abstract: This invention provides a resist recycling apparatus and the method for resist recycling. A resist recycling apparatus includes a viscosity control tank being supplied with wasted resist liquid, a solvent tank supplying a solvent to the viscosity control tank, a viscometer measuring viscosity of the resist in the viscosity control tank, a control portion calculating the resin density of the resist according to the viscosity measured by the viscometer and the temperature of the resist, determining an amount of solvent to supply to the viscosity control tank according to the difference between the calculated resin density and a predetermined resin density, and a filter for removing dust from the resist.

Abstract: A filter backflushing system including an accumulator containing a pressurized bladder which propels a supply of backwash fluid contained within the accumulator in a reverse direction through a filter element. While the backwash fluid is pumped within the accumulator, an inert gas inside the bladder is compressed against the inside walls of the accumulator. Upon reaching a pressure of approximately 300-600 psi, the filtered fluid is released from the accumulator and the full energy of the compressed gas is released as well. This release produces a high pressure rapid burst of backwash fluid which effectively removes clogging contaminants from a filter element.

Abstract: A multiple stage fuel strainer assembly for a fuel tank in a vehicle includes a strainer adapted to be connected to an inlet of a fuel pump disposed in the fuel tank. The multiple stage fuel strainer assembly also includes a valve connected to the strainer to allow fuel to flow through the strainer to the inlet when an external surface of the strainer is restricted with contaminants in the fuel.

Abstract: An embolic protection device for use in a blood vessel when an interventional procedure is being performed in a stenosed or occluded region to capture any embolic material which may be created and released into the bloodstream during the procedure. The device includes a filtering assembly having a self-expanding strut assembly and a filter element attached thereto. The filtering assembly is capable of allowing controlled backwards flow of blood through the filter assembly, or blocking the backwards flow entirely, during aspiration of embolic material trapped within the filter assembly.

Abstract: A filtration device for separating concretions, fragments or other body material from liquids which are processed by means of a catheter connected to a suction device equipped with a peristaltic valve and sucked out of body cavities. The device has a functional zone having an inlet zone connected at one end to the catheter, and an outlet zone connected to the suction device. There is a collection zone mounted on the functional zone and connected to the other end of the inlet zone. A filter element is disposed between the functional zone and the collection zone, so that body material processed by the catheter will be deposited in the collection zone, and the filter element will separate the body fluids collected by the catheter from the body material.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for the purification of bio-molecules, especially nucleic acids, comprising a column body with inlet and outlet opening and at least one membrane disposed therein, preferably a silica membrane. Bio-molecules such as isolated nucleic acids are recovered with less dilution and requiring less concentration of the recovery solution by employing a membrane that is 1% to 57% less than the internal diameter of the purification column.

Abstract: The present invention intends to provide a liquid chromatography system capable of improving analytical accuracy and a sample injector and a cleaning device and a method for cleaning. In order to attain the above intention, a liquid chromatography system equipped with a sample injector is provided with a cleaning device for cleaning a sample injection portion disposed in the sample injector, and thereby many samples whose analysis results are different from one another can be consecutively analyzed with high precision.

Abstract: A method of plugging an area of damaged mesh in a sifting screen is described. The method is applicable to screens of the type in which woven wire mesh is stretched, tensioned and secured over a supporting frame containing a plurality of windows and in which local damage to the mesh is in an area of the mesh which overlies one of the windows. The method comprises the steps of inserting into the window a device which is a close fit therein, and securing the device in the window so as to completely cover the area of damaged mesh. The device may comprise a former having stretched thereacross and secured thereto mesh similar to that stretched across the window in question, or simply a plate or block. The device may be secured in place by a force or interference fit, mechanical means, or adhesive, or the device may be resiliently deformable to allow it to be pushed past a projection in the window, so as to snap fit the device in place.

Abstract: Disclosed is a manifold for a replaceable fluid filter cartridge. The manifold possesses inlet and outlet passages and a housing. A first valve assembly is provided in the inlet passage. The housing is provided with first and second fitting mechanisms which have second and third valve assemblies. Fitting portions of the first and second fitting mechanisms are fitted into outer and inner flanges of the filter cartridge. Upon coupling the filter cartridge to the manifold, a valve stem of the second valve assembly is positioned on an upper end surface of the inner flange, and thereby a flow channel is defined. Thus, fluid flows through the inlet passage into the filter cartridge. Upon decoupling the filter cartridge from the manifold, the valve stem of the second valve assembly is separated from the upper end surface of the inner flange to shut off fluid flow from the inlet passage into the filter cartridge.

Abstract: Disclosed is a manifold for a replaceable fluid filter cartridge. The manifold possesses inlet and outlet conduits and a housing. A first valve assembly is provided in the inlet passage. A solenoid of the first valve assembly can be operated under the control of a controller when coupling and decoupling the filter cartridge to and from the manifold. The housing is defined with a flow bore through which water filtered in the filter cartridge can flow and a reservoir in which the filtered water is stored after flowing through the flow bore. One end of the outlet conduit is provided with a chamber. A second valve assembly is provided in the chamber. The second valve assembly includes an electromagnetic valve, and a sealing block is disposed in the chamber. The sealing block is defined with a flow path. A flow path switchover member functions to divert fluid flow through the outlet conduit into a first or second outlet conduit part.

Abstract: Horizontal solids recycler to treat waste water comprising refuse solids from hog farms which comprises an intake and loading hopper adapted to establish a uniform curtain of the waste water, a mesh to which an over flow of the waste water is directed, a tumbler cilinder to which is mounted the mesh and which is mounted to a frame which rests on guide wheels, blades mounted within the tumbler cilinder to raise moistured solids, wherein said water of said moistured solids is passed through a mesh, a collecting bin to collect the solids coming from the tumbler cilinder and raised by the blades which comprises a separator to separate the remaining water from the solids, a screw to transport the solids, which is mounted to the collecting bin, a pressing section which comprises a perforated cilinder to which the solids are fed by the screw, a collecting and recycling hopper to which said perforated cilinder is mounted to, and which said collecting and recycling hopper collects and recycles the wastewater to the tu

Abstract: The filter has a framework with an inlet end, a solids outlet end and an outlet for a separated product between the ends. A fabric filter extends in the framework from end to end and is supported by movable rings, resilient members and dampers enabling axial extension and contraction of the filter. The resilient members, rings and dampers form a unit removable from the framework. A propeller turbine extends through the filter and is supported at opposite ends, and a drive is coupled with the turbine at the one end of the framework. A quick assembly/disassembly mechanism with a rail extends along the framework and is engageable with its cap for removing same and affording access to the unit enabling withdrawal of the unit from said framework and reinsertion of a filter unit composed of a filter and respective movable rings, resilient members and dampers.

Abstract: A multi-ply filter and a water-purification kit. The filter comprises at least two adjacent plies, wherein at least one of the plies comprises a multi-density fibrous structure having a plurality of discrete pseudo-apertures disposed therein, the pseudo-apertures having individual areas of at least about 3 square millimeters and a basis weight from about 0.1 to about 5 gram per square meter. The kit comprises the multi-ply filter and a water-purification composition comprising a flocculation agent and a coagulation agent.

Abstract: In a filter element comprising a pleated pack of planar porous filter material sheets with pleat backs, which are reinforced by impregnation or coating with a casting resin or another self-hardening plastic material, the filter element includes transition areas between the impregnated or coated and the non-impregnated or non-coated filter areas wherein the hardened state of the filter material gradually changes to the non-hardened state thereby to reduce chances of fatigue fractures between the hardened and the non-hardened filter areas.

Abstract: An adsorbent block that has a high adsorption efficiency and can be produced at a low cost is provided. A paste comprising water having mainly active carbon powder dispersed therein is prepared, and a molded block is formed with the paste. Water is removed from the molded block to bind mainly the active carbon powder, so as to obtain an adsorbent block formed to have cells. The paste contains an agar component that is capable of shrinking the molded block and of increasing the surface area of the cell by disappearance.

Abstract: The method and apparatus for processing of animal excreta or manure for further use or environmentally friendly disposal introduces a new first stage and ancillary elements for improved processing of manure material. The improvement involves an initial process to rapidly sterilize the material to remove undesirable microorganisms prior to further processing. This new first stage processing results in a refined end product for further use or environmentally friendly disposal. Additionally, ancillary equipment for digesting the initial material input to extract methane gas for use as a fuel in the process is included. Further, a thermal oxidizer to treat extracted gasses created in the new first stage process is used to reduce pathogens, other pollutants and toxic gasses prior to passing the gas to the environment.

Abstract: A process for treating BOD, nitrogen and phosphorus containing wastewater. The process includes introducing wastewater influent into an anaerobic zone having activated sludge and mixing the wastewater influent with the activated sludge in the anaerobic zone to form a mixed liquor. The mixed liquor is introduced into an oxygen-deficit aeration zone, and denitrified mixed liquor from the oxygen-deficit aeration zone is recycled to the anaerobic zone for mixing therein with wastewater. The process also includes transferring the mixed liquor from the oxygen-deficit aeration zone to an oxygen-surplus aeration zone, transferring a portion of the mixed liquor from the oxygen-surplus aeration zone to a settling zone wherein a supernatant is separated from settled sludge and recycling at least a portion of the settled sludge to the oxygen-deficit aeration zone as recycled activated sludge.

Abstract: An improved method and apparatus for aeration of septic tanks and the like. Because of the interrelationship of the rotating impeller, an air plate and the horsepower of the unit in comparison with the volumetric size of the sludge tank, the unit disperses extremely small reduced pressure microbubbles adjacent the area of the impeller. These reduced pressure microbubbles are thereafter dispersed throughout the wastewater by Brownian movement without agitating the sludge. As a result, there is substantially increased lateral oxygen transfer to replace the oxygen used by the aerobic bacteria. The sludge is therefore efficiently digested without the need for huge, expensive and energy inefficient equipment.

Abstract: A point-of-use apparatus and methods for producing medical grade drinking water. Preferred embodiments encompass the use of one or more beneficial reagent delivery devices with which the medical grade drinking water can be fortified with various vitamins, minerals, and various pharmaceutical products.

Abstract: There is provided the use of a low molecular weight thrombin inhibitor for the manufacture of a medicament for the treatment by dialysis, particularly haemodialysis, of a patient in need of such treatment, in which the thrombin inhibitor is provided in the dialysing solution, as well as dialysing solutions and concentrates including low molecular weight thrombin inhibitors, such as melagatran.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a solid and method useful in separating chemical components in a complex mixture when at least one of the chemical components of the mixture is capable of being selectively adsorbed. The solid of the present invention comprises an inorganic substance and moieties (R10) located on at least one surface of the inorganic substance, wherein said inorganic substance is an inorganic oxide and the surface moiety is selected from the group consisting of —CH2OH, —CH(OH)2, —CH(OH)CH3, —CH2CH2OH, —C(OH)2CH3, —CH2CH(OH)2 and —CH(OH)CH2(OH). Binding moiety, optionally attached to the inorganic substance via a linker, can also be located on the surface of the solid.

Abstract: Glyphosate and other phosphonates including the bone resorption-inhibiting bisphosphonates are extracted from samples using immobilized forms of zinc, including zinc methacrylate polymers. The method provides a simple and sensitive method for detecting phosphonates present in aqueous samples, including wastewater and urine.

Abstract: Granulated products are provided and include carbonaceous particles and a carbonized agent or binder. The agent or binder is preferably a synthetic resin, pitch component, or mixture thereof Packing materials for packing columns used in chromatographic separations are also provided as are methods of chromatographic separation using the materials. In addition, methods are provided to provide a variety of different types of carbonaceous products. A variety of chemical groups can be, prior to heat-treatment and/or thereafter, attached to the granules to form modified granules.

Abstract: A method for removing an organic solute from a solution, comprising contacting the solution with a polymer formed by copolymerizing one or more hydrophobic monomers and one or more hydrophilic monomers, whereby the solute is adsorbed onto the polymer. The solution can comprise a polar solvent such as a polar organic solvent or water or an aqueous buffer. The hydrophobic monomer can be, for example, divinylbenzene. The hydrophilic monomer can be, for example, a heterocyclic monomer, such as a vinylpyridine or N-vinylpyrrolidone.

Abstract: A dispensing device (10) for dispensing a measured amount of a chemical (60) into a fluid piping system including a cap member (24) having a fluid inlet port (33) and a fluid outlet port (34) between which is a tubular flow conduit (28). The cap member (24) also includes bypass and control members (44), which align with an inlet passageway (36) and an outlet passageway (42) in the cap member (24). Fluid flows into the cap member (24) through the inlet port (33). The tubular flow conduit (28) has the inlet passageway (36) therein to divert a portion of the fluid passing through the system into a canister (11) operatively connected to the cap (24). A container (16) is disposed within the canister (11) containing the chemical (60), which is partially dissolved by fluid introduced into the container (16) to create a use solution.

Abstract: A coolant additive composition comprising a sustained release component and an additive component, the additive component is effective to provide at least one benefit to a coolant when released into the coolant, the sustained release component includes a polymeric material and is effective to reduce the rate of release of the additive component into the coolant relative to an identical composition without the sustained release component.

Abstract: The invention provides a flocculant which in sludge dewatering gives flocs having an excellent balance among flocculating strength, filtration rate and moisture content, and a method of sludge dewatering with the flocculant.

Abstract: An apparatus for generating an electromagnetic field in water. The apparatus comprises a set of spaced electrically conductive rings, which are respectively positively charged (rings 2, 6) and negatively charged (rings 3, 5). The rings are on a common axis between a negative plate (1) and a positive plate (7) and have precise spacings and dimensions. A central neutral ring (4) separates the pairs of rings. The electromagnetic field generated is such as to produce increases in the organic electrolytic functionality of living cellular material which is contacted with the water.

Abstract: A combined filter for removing an aqueous fluid and entities, such as bacteria, existing in such aqueous fluid, from a nonaqueous fluid. The combined filter consists of a hydrophilic filter and a hydrophobic filter that are arranged in fluid communication and serially to be placed along the flow path of a fluid. The hydrophilic filter and the hydrophobic filter may touch one another or be located some distance from one another. Also, a structure may be inserted into the space between the hydrophilic filter and the hydrophobic filter that will maintain the space between the hydrophilic filter and the hydrophobic filter without significantly restricting the flow of fluid. And, in one embodiment, the combined filter may be composed simply of material having both hydrophilic and hydrophobic characteristics on the molecular level. Preferably, however, the filters and spacing structure are contained within an encasement having an inlet and an outlet.

Abstract: Apparatus producing a vacuum in several cavities configured in a microtitration filter plate, each cavity comprising an upper sample liquid input aperture and a lower aperture fitted with a filter covering the aperture cross-section, said apparatus including a device which produces a vacuum and which can be connected to the lower apertures in such manner that upon connection a vacuum can be applied to the apertures and that during the vacuum stage the sample liquid in the cavities shall be aspirated through the filters, said apparatus being characterized in that a flexible plate can be mounted to make planar contact at the side of the upper cavity apertures on the microtitration filter plate, and in that said plate, when mounted on the microtitration plate and when the vacuum is applied, shall hermetically seal the upper apertures of unfilled cavities.

Abstract: A process for the removal of oil from oil-contaminated water is efficient, inexpensive, and capable of oil removal to a level where the water may be disposed of by conventional sewage treatment or reused. The apparatus which performs the process consists of an elongate housing having at least one upwardly extending oil collection tower and an oily water inlet mediate the oil or oil-enriched water outlet and the “clean” water outlet. The elongate housing and preferably also the oil collection tube are filled with beads of hydrophobic polymer.