Abstract: A method and apparatus for sorting objects includes providing a sorter having a conveying surface, a plurality of pusher shoes capable of traveling laterally of the conveying surface, a plurality of diverting rails extending diagonally under the conveying surface, and a plurality of diverters associated with the diverting rails. The pusher shoes including an article-contacting member extending at least partially above the conveying surface to laterally displace articles on the conveying surface and a transfer assembly having a magnetic member below the conveying surface. The transfer assembly engages ones of the diverting rails to laterally displace the corresponding one of the pusher shoes. Actuators are provided at the diverters. The actuators are selectively energized to attract at least one of the magnetic members towards the associated one of the diverting rails. Residual magnetic attraction between the actuators and the magnetic members is reduced when the actuators are not being energized.

Abstract: A method for determining the thickness of a biofilm which is developed on a support which is immersed in an aqueous medium in which a biofilm develops, characterized in that it consists in the following: a) the medium is continuously circulated in an electrochemical cell comprising a reference electrode, an auxiliary electrode and at least one working electrode, b) circulation of said medium is interrupted and the cell is isolated; c) an electrochemical tracer is introduced into the medium present in the cell; d) the medium/tracer solution is circulated in the cell in order to direct a jet of said solution, perpendicular to the working electrode; e) the value of the tracer reduction limiting current is measured and recorded according to the hydrodynamic conditions on the surface of the working electrode; and f) the thickness of the porous layer of biofilm on the surface of the electrode is calculated according to the Koutecky-Levich relation, based on analysis of the transport of material through the porous l

Abstract: The present invention is an improved vessel body for use in uniform plug-flow fluid applications, such as chromatography and adsorption bed processes. The improved vessel is toroidal shaped and allows for a simpler distribution and collection system, which is likewise claimed.

Abstract: The invention relates to an arrangement for filtering plastic melts. Dirty filter elements (4, 4) can be liberated from collected dirt particles by means of backwashing. The melt (8) used for backwashing is deviated from the main melt flow and can optionally and additionally be impinged upon by conveying elements. Backwash is periodically initiated according to the time and/or the degree of soiling of the filter element to be cleaned. The aim of the invention is to improve the inventive arrangement in such a way that cleaning is optimal according to the degree of soiling of the filter element to be cleaned respectively. A control device (7) is provided which detects the melt volume and/or the flow rate of the backwashing melt during a backwashing procedure.

Abstract: Oil filter for engines, transmissions or automatic transmissions, said oil filter being integrated in an oil pan, at least one bypass valve being arranged on the oil filter, the bypass valve containing a spring whose spring resistance increases with increasing temperature, said spring opening and closing an opening of the bypass valve with the aid of a closing means.

Abstract: To purify wastewater discharged from lavatories (3), a wastewater purifying apparatus having a shell contact aeration chamber (6, 7) placed with shell microbial carrier members (15), the wastewater being fed to and purified in the shell contact aeration chamber (6, 7). Shells whose mother-of-pearl layer on the inner surface (b) is at least removed are used as the microbial carrier member (15).

Abstract: A screen system used in fluid channels has individually removable bars in a bar screenfield. The removable bars are connected to the screen system through at least two screenfield bar holders. The screenfield bar holders contain a plurality of slots in which the removable bars insert within. A removably mounted screenfield bar retainer at each screenfield bar holder attaches the removable bars. The retainers have teeth that wedge the bars between them.

Abstract: The present invention is a filter system for a curb inlet catch basin which catch basin includes a ramp in the curb front which feeds into a catch basin to allow storm water to run directly along the curb and down the ramp and which also has a grated cover so the water can enter directly through the grate. The water collecting trough is mounted inside the curb inlet catch basin at the bottom of the entrance ramp and has raised walls for collecting runoff water. A weir is formed into one of the raised walls allowing the water to run out of the trough. An elongated hydrocarbon collecting boom is removably attached adjacent the weir and positioned for the drain water passing through the weir to pass thereover. The catch basin is removably mounted to the trough adjacent the weir and positioned to receive water runoff from the trough through the weir and over the hydrocarbon collecting boom.

Abstract: An engine block on an engine with angled oil outlets adapted to engage a reusable fluid filter, consisting of: a pre-cast filter-connecting segment; the pre-cast filter-connecting segment having a filtered oil inlet in fluid communication with the engine and also including a number of angled oil outlets in fluid communication with the engine. The angled oil outlets are arranged circularly about a central axis of the pre-cast filter-connecting segment, and extend downwardly from the engine block at a first angle and outwardly at a tangent to a cylindrical reference surface parallel to the central axis.

Abstract: The present invention aims at improving pool cleaners. The improved pool cleaners utilize toroidal vortex technology to provide efficient fluid flow in a sealed system. The sealed system prevents dirt from escaping into surrounding fluid and retains kinetic energy of the flowing fluid. The present invention is also quieter, lighter, and simpler than conventional designs.

Abstract: A sleeve or wrap that fits over a cartridge type filter whereby enhancing the effectiveness of that filter. A preferred embodiment of the invention is to fabricate this sleeve or wrap using the category of material commonly referred to as “nonwoven” taking advantage of one or more of the functional properties possible with the composition of this material such as the ability to capture large debris, filter out chemical elements, absorb oils and many other advantages beneficial to the filtering process. This sleeve or wrap may be fabricated as a one piece tube that slides snugly over the filter. Supplied as a blanket or wrap with a thin strip of hook material along one edge similar to that used in a “Velcro tm” hook and loop fastening system and with the nonwoven material of the wrap acting as the loop so the wrap may be fit snugly over a broad range of diameter filters.

Abstract: Marine vessels used for collecting floating debris from water employing a collection bucket which dumps debris in one spot directly behind the collection area are known. A debris collection bucket locatable in an open chamber, both of which having water passageways extending therethrough is disclosed. The bucket is movable between the open chamber and a debris dumping area. Gate means is provided which cooperates with the bucket. The gate is moveable between a gate open position permitting debris to enter the debris collection area, and a gate closed position impeding entry of debris when the bucket proceeds to dump collected debris. A primary boom which extends centrally and longitudinally of the vessel is pivotally connected to both the vessel and the bucket. The boom is telescopically and vertically movable between the debris collection area and the debris dumping area which can extend centrally along a substantial length of the vessel.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for the removal and disposal of arsenic from an aqueous medium. The systems and methods include the removal of arsenic from a source by contact with either a chemically treated natural or synthetic zeolite, for example a ferric-loaded zeolite. The spent zeolite is disposed of at an appropriate arsenic disposal site. A system for monitoring and maintaining an arsenic removal/disposal system by an off-site provider is also disclosed.

Abstract: An in-tank fuel filter includes conductive features which provide a path to a grounded component of a motor vehicle to carry away static charges generated by passage of fuel through the filter. The filter includes a filter body and an in-situ molded conductive outlet fitting and runner assembly. The filter body includes a filtration layer having a plurality of conductive strands, threads or filaments which are in electrical contact with conductive runners which are molded onto the filter body and extend from the outlet fitting which is also electrically conductive. An electrically conductive path is thus provided from the conductive strands of the filter body, through the runners to the conductive outlet fitting which is attached to a conductive (typically metal) and grounded component of a fuel pump housing.

Abstract: A suction oil filter for transmissions or engines with a top shell, a bottom shell, with an oil intake opening and an oil outlet, said suction oil filter being positioned in an oil pan or in the transmission housing, characterized in that the oil intake opening has arranged therein a movable intake tube which is pressed by resilient means mounted on the inside of the intake tube outwards onto the oil pan base or the transmission housing and an oil intake opening is thus created at a defined constant distance from the oil pan base or transmission housing.

Abstract: A filter assembly includes housing enclosing a replaceable filter element. A support core is provided in the housing, and includes an extension and locking assembly. The element includes a ring of filtration media with a pair of end caps. The first end cap includes a central opening to receive the support core. The extension and locking assembly prevents the cover of the housing from being attached to the housing body without a proper filter element installed. The extension and locking assembly includes a bypass member and a locking member, which are in locking engagement when an element is absent in the housing. The second end cap includes internal protrusions which engage the locking member when the filter element is installed to disengage the bypass member from the support core, and allow the element to be inserted and the cover to be installed.

Abstract: It is desired to remove matter on a fluid surface of a tank. The tank defines a circular tank orifice comprising a tank orifice rim, the tank orifice rim containing a fluid surface of a fluid, the fluid overflowing the tank orifice rim to form a fluid overflow, the fluid surface defining a fluid surface center. The matter is removed by discharging from near the tank orifice rim a plurality (n) of jets of the fluid towards the fluid surface center. Any matter on the fluid surface is thereby urged toward the tank orifice rim and eventually removed from the fluid surface by the fluid overflow. In one application, the tank comprises a dip tank and the fluid comprises photoreceptor coating solution or components thereof such as solvents, additives, or both.

Abstract: A method of biological waste treatment with membrane separation of biomass having at least one chemical and/or biological oxidizing step and at least one chemical and/or biological reducing step, and further comprising a step of charging at least one recuperable oxidation-reduction specie selected from transitional elements, for example, iron ions, wherein biomass generation is reduced and biomass-water separation improve.

Abstract: A flow rate of unconnected first and second fluid flows is matched, such as, but not limited to, matching the flow rate of the replacement water stream with the waste water stream in kidney dialysis. The first and second flow paths are interconnected so substantially the same flow from a positive displacement pump in the first path encounters a flow-rate transducer in the second path. Transducer readings are taken for various values of the controllable pump speed of the pump. Then, the first and second flow paths are disconnected, a transducer reading is taken, and the flow rate of the fluid flow in the first flow path is controlled by controlling the pump speed using the value of the pump speed from the previous interconnected paths which corresponds to the value of the transducer reading from the previous interconnected paths which matches the transducer reading for the disconnected paths.

Abstract: A device and method for removal of liquid from the downstream side of a membrane or a well, such as a well of a multiwell plate. More specifically, the present invention is directed to a wicking structure, which channels droplets of liquid away from a membrane in communication with a plurality of wells. In the preferred embodiment, the wicking structure is placed in a manifold.

Abstract: An electrolytic method is provided for purifying an aqueous stream, including at least one contaminant ion. In one embodiment, the eluent stream flows through a purifying flow channel, including ion exchange bed, an electric field is applied through the flowing eluent stream in the purifying flow channel, and the contaminant ion is removed from the eluent stream. In another embodiment, no electric field is applied and the ion exchange bed is periodically regenerated. Two beds may be used with one bed on line while the other bed is regenerated followed by a reversal of flow.

Abstract: The present invention provides a controller for a water softener having an ion exchange resin capable of receiving hard water ions from hard water during a softening step and releasing the hard water ions during a regeneration step. The controller includes a processor programmed to cause termination of the softening step and initiate the regeneration step when both a first and a second condition are met. The first condition is met when the resin is saturated with hard water ions, and the second condition is met when current demand for soft water is at or below a prescribed flow rate.

Abstract: A device for treating liquid medium has an ultrasound emitter located relative to a compartment of a container holding a liquid medium and a microbubble emitter located relative to the compartment. The ultrasound emitter emits high-frequency ultrasound between about 200 KHz and 10 MHz. The microbubble emitter emits bubbles with an average diameter of less than 1 mm.

Abstract: A method of treating mine drainage water including the step of adding a scale control agent to the mine drainage water and, optionally, adding an oxidizing agent to the mine drainage water and/or precipitating and settling the metals in their hydroxide form from the water. The treated water may be safely returned to the environment.

Abstract: In the present invention, a potable water treatment system and apparatus for purifying and treating potable water that is being transferred from a potable water source to a number of potable water user(s) via a potable water line is presented. Said potable water purification and treatment system and apparatus has a filter capable of filtering the potable water to an NTU of less than 0.10, removing TOC and disinfection by-products, as well as a chemical feed system which comprises a measuring device for measuring at least one of: the potable water flow and the potable water quality, at least one proportioning device for determining any amount(s) of chemical additives utilizing input(s) from the measuring device(s) and at least one chemical feed pump to transfer at least one chemical additive to the potable water, wherein at least a disinfectant is added to the potable water downstream of filtration.

Abstract: The method and apparatus are provided for preparing a slurry for a CMP apparatus with which mixing accuracy for a slurry is improved and accurate measurement is automatically accomplished for H2O2 as a small amount of additive. A slurry preparation apparatus for a CMP apparatus comprises a tank for preparing the slurry, a stock solution feeder for the slurry which feeds a stock solution for the slurry into the tank, and a concentration measurement instrument located outside the tank, which is capable of measuring an additive concentration in the slurry in the tank. The concentration measurement instrument measures the additive concentration in the slurry in the tank, and the amount of the stock solution for the slurry to be supplied is controlled according to the measurements.

Abstract: A filter underdrain system and a method for measuring the water flow through the underdrain filter system. The apparatus includes panel members assembled to form a perforate grid on the filter base structure of an underdrain block. The panels are generally rectangular and have an upper and lower surface. Multiple apertures are provided in the panel member. The number and/or size of the apertures are dimensioned to prevent the egress of filter media and to obtain substantially uniform backwash flow in the underdrain thereby reducing or eliminating water maldistribution.

Abstract: A river pollution management method comprised of a main river course and a water catchment. Each water catchment consists of an inflow mouth adjacent to seawater, an inflow gate emplaced at the inflow mouth area, a water discharge outlet located a certain distance away from the seaside outflow mouth of the main river course, and a water discharge gate emplaced at the water discharge outlet. The inflow gate at the water catchment inflow mouth is opened when the ocean tide is rising, at which time clean seawater flows into the main river course with the incoming tide and enters the water catchment where it is accumulated until the water in the main river course recedes to a certain level due to the onset of low tide. The water discharge gate at the water discharge outlet is then opened, enabling the high level of pure seawater in the water catchment to flush the turbid polluted water in main river course and evacuate it through the seaside outflow mouth.

Abstract: The natural ability of an aquifer formation to remove radionuclides from ground water is recharged by injecting a leaching solution a well. The leaching solution replaces the radionuclides at natural sorption sites in the aquifer formation with ions that can be displaced subsequently by other radionuclides in the ground water. The leaching solution remains in the aquifer formation for a given period of time after which it is pumped out through the well. Thereafter, as water is pumped from the well, other radionuclides become lodged at the sorption sites in the aquifer formation thus being removed from the water.

Abstract: A water purification apparatus used to prevent the formation of scale around electrodes which form part of the apparatus. The apparatus comprises at least one electrode containing a proportion of an ion-emitting electrode such as copper, silver or a copper and silver alloy and at least one electrode containing a proportion of a non-emissive metal such as titanium. The electrodes are connected to a DC power supply which has switching means to reverse the polarity of the electrodes at predetermined intervals. The apparatus ensures accurate control of disinfection and minimal equipment maintenance.

Abstract: A process for killing microorganisms and controlling biofouling in high chlorine demand waters comprises mixing two components, one of which is an oxidant and the other an ammonium salt, and adding the mixture immediately to the aqueous system to be treated.

Abstract: A ceramic filter includes a separation layer made of titania having an average pore size of 0.08 to 1 &mgr;m and a thickness of 5 to 20 &mgr;m. The ceramic filter has both good fouling characteristic and high bacteria removal capability and used suitably for water purification or the like.

Abstract: A filter element for separating a water from a petroleum-based fluid, the filter element having a hollow, fluid permeable porous support structure, a fluid permeable first ceramic coating positioned adjacent to the support structure, and a fluid permeable second ceramic coating positioned adjacent to the fluid permeable first ceramic coating, and a thin film of dry petroleum-based fluid, wherein the thin film of dry petroleum-based fluid substantially coats the filter element and permeates the fluid permeable porous support structure, the fluid permeable first ceramic coating, and the fluid permeable second ceramic coating, the dry petroleum-based fluid having a water content of approximately 100 ppm or less.

Abstract: A frame for housing plate materials includes a pair of laterally opposed side boards having formed equally thereon a plurality of parallel, mutually opposed support grooves; bases (top and bottom plates) formed on and beneath the side boards; joints for interconnecting the side boards and the bases; a device provided in the frame to adjust an interval between the side boards in order that given plate materials may be accommodated in the frame as spaced at predetermined intervals by causing paired edges of the plate materials to be inserted into the opposed support grooves; adjusting projections protruding slightly from the support grooves and disposed on at least either of mutually opposed inner surfaces of members suitably selected from among the side boards, bases and joints; and auxiliary adjusters disposed near the adjusting projections and adapted to allow terminal parts on at least one side of the plate materials to collide against the mutually opposed inner surfaces by simply moving one of the side boa

Abstract: Jig for adjusting curvature of a substrate permits to measure an amount of sag of the substrate coming from variation of a length of the slot or the support bar by varying the length of the slot or the support bar, thereby permitting easy fabrication of the cassette according to a trend of fabricating thinner substrate.

Abstract: This invention is an integrally molded display floor for a gravity feed display tray where the floor has no integrally molded side walls extending upward but has a plurality of longitudinal ribs which can receive upward extending partitions which are releasably attachable to the floor and extend longitudinally, thus dividing the display tray into laterally spaced compartments. Each display tray has opposite marginal side walls extending downward and transversely extending support beams intersecting the longitudinal ribs. The downward extending side walls extend below the bottom surfaces of the longitudinal ribs thus establishing a basement where the bottom surfaces of the ribs constitute the ceiling of the basement. This basement is a space suitable for receiving downward extending tabs of the partition to engage and stabilize such partition with the display track.

Abstract: Means for supporting tools with two or more tool hangers each having an upright member for attachment to a vertical supporting surface, an upper horizontal member for attachment to a horizontal supporting surface, and a lower horizontal member. The upper horizontal member and lower horizontal member are attached on one end to the upright member. The lower horizontal member is the same width and located directly below and in line with the upper horizontal member and are spaced apart in order create two pairs of supporting sides located on the outer sides of the tool hanger and perpendicular to the upper horizontal member in order to hold a tool in the vertical position. A preferred embodiment further comprises a gauge for interlocking and setting said tool hangers at various specified distances apart.

Abstract: A roller board display device includes a base having two lugs on a side thereof and two stubs extend from bottom of said base so that the display devices can be connected in series by inserting the stubs in the holes of lugs. A rest board is connected to said top surface of said base and a recess is defined in said rest board. One of the roller frame is engaged with the notch in the rest board and an end of the roller board is engaged with two recesses defined in a top surface of the base. A side of the roller board may also be engaged with the two recesses and the other side of the roller board is rested on the rest board.

Abstract: An adjustable-length shelf system attached to a telescoping rod assembly formed by two hollow tubes, allowing this rod to house a chosen tension mechanism, so that the shelf can then be secured between two supports. The shelf system consists of the main shelf piece attached to the first hollow tube, a telescoping section of shelf not attached but fitting within the main shelf piece, and a shelf bracket attached to the end of the second hollow tube. In the closed position, with the telescoping section positioned into the main shelf piece, the rod is extended to fit in a given space between 2 supports. Once the rod is installed, the telescoping section is extended and secured to the bracket.

Abstract: A depth-extendable display unit consists of at least two essentially identical standard depth display tracks for forming a single depth-extended display track from one of the tracks and at least one section of another of the tracks. Each track has a front section, a breakaway back section with a rear connector at the rear thereof, and an interconnected series of breakaway intermediate sections connecting the front and back sections. The intermediate and back sections define at the front thereof forward connectors for engagement with the rear connectors, the forward connectors being exposed for engagement by breaking away of the immediately forward section.

Abstract: The invention proposes an apparatus characterised by its versatility for continuously adjusting the length of a lifting sling (H) designed to carry a load (F), which is provided with a U-shaped clamp (2) having a bearing (6, 7) for a swivel axis (8) constructed at each of its legs (4, 5) projecting from the ends of a central part (3) of the clamp (2), a load-lifting element (13) secured to the clamp (2) to which the load.(F) can be attached, and a clamping element (16) supported on the swivel axis (8), which has two side legs (14, 15) running parallel to one another at a distance, which each have their one free end coupled to the swivel axis (8), an end cross-piece (17) formed at the other end of at least one side leg (14) which covers the distance between the side legs (14, 15), and a centre cross-piece (21) arranged between the end cross-piece (17) and the swivel axis (8).

Abstract: Stackable plastic container including side portions having at least one of protrusions and depressions which nest with one of matching protrusions and depressions of a second container, and with the bottom portion including depressions which nest with the pouring spout and handle of a second container.

Abstract: An easy to use, squeezable device with a soft, flexible tube for feeding liquid nutrition to a person, includes:

Abstract: Method and apparatus for blow molding a plastic container with a mouth and neck portion thereof which is inclined or angled with respect to the body portion of the container, plus a plastic container having an inclined or angled mouth and neck portion.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for blow molding a plastic container with a mouth and neck portion thereof which is inclined or angled with respect to the body portion of the container, plus a plastic container having an inclined or angled mouth and neck portion.

Abstract: An improved technique of threading for metallic bottles where as the neck of the metallic bottles will receive a protrusion or profile, onto which an independently made threaded collar is shot. And fastened by seaming (this discards the slow process of seaming each unit individually), the seam is then bent/curled inwards forming a neat drinking orifice; the ROPP cap, screw cap, crown cap or pull cap etc. is fitted on and after filling, a profiled, concave dome end shell is added to the bottom of the aluminium or metallic bottle and sealed by seaming.

Abstract: A closure for receptacles such as bottles which includes an annular sealing member which is internally reinforced by a cylindrical core. The cylindrical core includes a helically or spirally shaped frangible structure along which the cylindrical core can be pulled, stripped, unwound or torn apart. The closures can be pressed into receptacles using conventional methods. To remove the closures, one pulls, strips or tears the cylindrical core apart. The remaining, unreinforced annular sealing member can be easily removed.

Abstract: A molded polymeric container that is shaped to be easier to mold, have improved rigidity under pressure and improved strength includes a substantially cylindrical body portion having a longitudinal axis and a circumferential sidewall, and a bottom portion. The bottom portion includes a central pushup area that is substantially symmetrical about the longitudinal axis and that is substantially flat. The pushup area preferably has a radius that is within the range of 0.100 inches to 0.500 inches. The bottom portion further includes a plurality of support feet surrounding and protruding downwardly from the pushup area, each of which has a bottom support surface and a pair of sidewalls that help define a valley between the support feet. The sidewalls have a substantially straight portion that defines an angle with respect to a line that is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, and this angle is at least 25 degrees.

Abstract: A scanning probe microscope probe is formed by depositing probe material in a mold that has a cavity in a shape and of a size of the desired form of the scanning probe microscope probe that is being fabricated. In the preferred embodiment, the cavity is formed by lithographically defining, in the body of the mold, the shape and the size of the desired scanning probe microscope probe and etching the body of the mold to form the cavity. Prior to depositing the probe material in the cavity in the mold, the cavity is lined with a release layer which, upon activation after the probe has been formed, permits removal of the probe.

Abstract: A flexible printed board contains an unroughened electrodeposited copper foil, a zinc-based metallic layer provided thereon in an amount of 0.25 to 0.40 mg/dm2, and a polyimide resin layer formed through the imidation of a polyamic acid layer provided on the zinc-based metallic layer.