Abstract: A method and apparatus for removing sulfur from a hydrocarbon-containing fluid stream wherein desulfurization is enhanced by improving the contacting of the hydrocarbon-containing fluid stream and sulfur-sorbing solid particulates in a fluidized bed reactor.

Abstract: A composition comprising a promoter and a metal oxide selected from the group consisting of a cerium oxide, a scandium oxide, a lanthanum oxide, and combinations of any two or more thereof, wherein at least a portion of the promoter is present as a reduced valence promoter and methods of preparing such composition are disclosed. The thus-obtained composition is employed in a desulfurization zone to remove sulfur from a hydrocarbon stream.

Abstract: A method of extracting hydrocarbon fuel from oil sand or shale. The oil sand or shale is admixed with a sensitizer and subjected to exposure to microwave energy. This acts to remove the hydrocarbon fuel from the oil sand or shale and can also crack the hydrocarbon, lower sulfur content as well as water content.

Abstract: A system and method for distributing and sorting discrete items into a large quantity of discrete groups is provided. The system includes multiple sorting steps including an upstream sorting step that sorts items into both discrete and non-discrete groups and a downstream sorting step that sorts the non-discrete groups into discrete groups for further processing.

Abstract: A method is devised to produce a reaction liquid, for example deionized water, containing a high concentration of ozone. The method makes use of a chemical control mechanism and a recycling mechanism to enhance the dissolution of the ozone in the reaction liquid. The chemical control mechanism includes the addition of the chemical radical scavenger to a dissolution system, and the recycling mechanism recycling a portion of the resulting ozone-containing liquid back to the dissolution system, so as to enhance the ozone dissolution to an extent that the ozone concentration reaches a saturation point attainable under thermodynamics of the dissolution system.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for treating wastewater from catering industry, especially restaurants. Said apparatus comprises a single reactor tank, said reactor tank comprising: an inlet; an outlet; and an oil-tight tank therein an upper oil film zone, an anoxic zone below said oil film zone and an anaerobic zone below said anoxic zone are divided; an upper net and a lower net are respectively located in the anoxic and anaerobic zones; and some plastic suspending media as biocarriers are introduced in the anoxic and anaerobic zones. The apparatus requires minimal space, energy and operation costs.

Abstract: One aspect of the invention relates to a support assembly configured for removable mounting inside a manhole. The support assembly includes an anchor assembly having a mounting ring and at least two adjustable anchors secured to the mounting ring, and a setter assembly secured to the mounting ring. The setter assembly is capable of holding the anchor assembly in a predetermined position relative to an inside surface of the manhole and the anchors are adjustable relative to the mounting ring to contact the inside surface of the manhole thereby mounting the support assembly to the inside of the manhole.

Abstract: A filter element for a fluid filtration system, particularly for piston cooling jets used in reciprocating piston engines, is formed from a length of filter material arranged helically in a substantially tubular form. By applying a torque the length of filter material is resiliently expandable to a fitting position in which opposing longitudinal edges of the length are spaced apart from each other. The filter element is then fitted over a fluid chamber of the filtration system and allowed to retract to a rest position in which the opposing longitudinal edges are close or in contact. In the rest position the filter element surrounds the fluid chamber and covers a fluid inlet of the fluid chamber. The filter element of the invention can be used to apply local filtration, and can be readily removed for cleaning or replacement by reversing the fitting process.

Abstract: A fluid filtration system, particularly for use in piston cooling jets, includes a fluid chamber with a filter element disposed therein. In one embodiment, the filter element comprises a tubular filter telescopically attached within a coil spring. In a second embodiment, the filter element comprises a coil spring serving as a filter. The filter element is installed within the fluid chamber, so its interior is in communication with one of an inlet and outlet of the chamber, by compressing the filter element and inserting it through an aperture in the fluid chamber which serves as the other of the fluid inlet and outlet. The filter element then expands and is held in place by its resilient bias. The filter element of the invention can be used to apply local filtration, and can be readily removed for cleaning or replacement by reversing the installation process.

Abstract: A skimmer basket weight is provided, which is made of a heavy material having a density greater than 1.0, coated with a water proof coating, and is configured to have a circular outer periphery with a hollow opening for allowing water flowing through. The circular outer periphery has a diameter substantially matching an inner diameter of a bottom of a skimmer basket. When in use, one places the skimmer basket weight inside the skimmer basket, and affixes the skimmer basket weight on top of the bottom of the skimmer basket. The weight prevents the skimmer basket from floating and tipping over inside the skimmer well. Also disclosed is a skimmer basket assembly which includes a skimmer basket, the weight and a fastening means.

Abstract: A paint overspray particulate filtration system includes a collection tank, a floatation consolidation tank, and a vacuum filter assembly having a filter medium that traverses a pair of vacuum chambers. A positive displacement vacuum producer for the first vacuum chamber discharges a first supply of pressurized air at a temperature preferably greater than about 170° F. and a pressure preferably greater than about 6 psig, while a centrifugal compressor discharges a second supply of pressurized air at a temperature of perhaps up to 110° F. and at a pressure of perhaps 4 psig. The first pressurized air supply is heat exchanged with the second pressurized air supply, whereupon the cooled first pressurized air supply is directed through a submerged diffuser nozzle to aerate the collection tank and/or the consolidation tank. The warmed second pressurized air supply is directed onto the paint sludge carried atop the filter medium to enhance sludge dewatering.

Abstract: A high throughput plasma mass filter includes a substantially cylindrical shaped plasma chamber with structures for generating a magnetic field (B) that is crossed with an electric field (E) in the chamber (E×B). An injector introduces into the chamber a multi-species plasma having ions of different mass to charge ratios. To obtain high throughput (&Ggr;), the initial density of this multi-species plasma is considerably greater than a collisional density wherein there is a probability of “one” that an ion collision will occur within a single rotation of the ion under the influence of E×B. The length of the chamber is chosen to insure heavy ions can make their way to the wall before transiting the device.

Abstract: A single housing comprising a diluent inlet, a solution outlet, and a plurality of discrete reagent beds comprising at least one reagent in dry form, wherein said reagent is present in the discrete reagent bed in a proportion sufficient for production of a complete hemodialysate solution.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for demulsifying oil in water by dilution and impact, and for separation of the oil and suspended solids by dissolved gas floatation, are described. A produced water treating system is also described. The produced water treating system may include a dissolved gas floatation clarifier system, an oil demulsification system, and a separation system. A demulsification subsystem is also described. The apparatus may include a liquid-liquid fluid mixer and a gas generator.

Abstract: An underdrain system having a bottom formed of concrete. The concrete bottom includes a plurality of depressions formed therein. A porous plate is operably associated with at least one of the depressions. An anchor assembly is provided for anchoring the porous plate to the concrete bottom in an efficient and cost effective manner. Preferably, the anchor assembly permits the porous plate to be readily replaced. An optional insert may be used to enhance the distribution of the flow of fluid through the porous plate.

Abstract: An infusion filter comprising a bundle of hydrophilic porous hollow fibers with the outside of both ends fixed with a potting material and a housing that has a liquid inlet port and a liquid outlet port and that is packed with the hollow fibers, wherein a filtration portion is provided between the liquid inlet port and the liquid outlet port, and wherein a packing rate of the hollow fibers packed in the housing is set in the range from 15 to 40%. With such a structure, the infusion filter having the great filtration capacity can be provided at low cost.

Abstract: The invention relates to a filter device (10) for filtering a liquid, in particular a hydraulic oil, having a substantially cylindrical filter housing (12), which accommodates a filter element (30) and can be closed off by means of a cover (18), the filter element (30) having an associated untreated region (70) with an inlet (22) for supplying liquid which is to be filtered and a clean region (74) with an outlet (26) for removing filtered liquid, and the filter element (30) comprising an end plate (58) which is remote from the cover (18) and on which there is mounted a radially acting sealing element (62) for sealing the untreated region (70) of the filter element (30).

Abstract: A plasma- or serum-collecting device with simple structure and easy to handle is provided. The device comprises a vacuum blood drawing tube accommodating a blood-filtering unit, wherein the vacuum tube contains a space above the blood-filtering unit to preserve blood to be filtered and a partition wall under the blood-filtering unit to keep a backspace at reduced pressure, and the blood-filtering unit contains a communicating needle to break the partition wall at the bottom.

Abstract: A fluid filtering system for filtering dirt and other debris from fluids being conveyed in a pipeline for snow making apparatus and other devices. An upright pipe segment is connected to a horizontal pipe segment through a pipe elbow or angle for conveying fluid such as water and/or air under pressure from the horizontal pipe segment through the pipe angle and upwardly through the upright pipe segment. A filter is provided in the upright pipe segment adjacent its lower end and an external drain is disposed in the pipe angle directly under the filter to automatically flush and clean the filter when the drain is opened.

Abstract: A filter element (10) having a supporting body (11) around which a filter medium (12) is wound. The filter medium (12) is a weldable material and is sealingly affixed to the supporting body (11) two radial weld seams (18) and/or a longitudinal weld seam (19). The welding of the filter medium (12) onto the supporting body (11) eliminates the need to produce prefabricated tubes of filter medium, and enables the filter medium to be processed directly from a roll.

Abstract: Structures treated with a microbiological interception enhancing agent comprising of a water-soluble cationic material having a counter ion associated therewith at specific sites on the cationic material, in combination with a biologically active metal salt, wherein the counter ion associated with the cationic material preferentially precipitates with at least a portion of the cation of the biologically active metal salt such that precipitation of the biologically active metal cation and the counter ion associated with the cationic material occurs in proximity to the cationic material are disclosed herein. The microbiological interception enhancing agent may be incorporated into articles of commerce by treating the starting materials of the structure or by applying the microbiological interception enhancing agent on to at least one surface of the article.

Abstract: A settling device (1) for liquid treatment including a plurality of inclined, spaced-apart panels (5) each providing an upper settling surface for receiving settled out solid contents of the liquid to be treated, wherein the panels (5) are supported in a box-like structure (2,3,4) including two side walls, and wherein said device includes an inlet or inlets for liquid to be treated and an outlet or outlets for purified liquid. At least one of the side wall sides of the box-like structure (2,3,4) is provided, at the top, with a top portion to be positioned vertically so as to obtain a purified liquid level inside the device between a low level which is below a upper portion of the inclined panels and a high level which is above said upper portion of the panels.

Abstract: The present invention is a method of recycling animal waste into a useable soil nutrient. The method involves separating the solid and liquid fraction of an animal waste slurry and separately treating both fractions with effective amounts of activated naturally occurring soil bacteria. The method also involves adding an odor eliminating microorganism to the animal waste to reduce or eliminate the foul odor of the waste material.

Abstract: Apparatus for storing water, especially purified water, for use in a beverage dispenser is provided with a microbiological agent to kill or deter microbiological growth and maintain the quality of the water. The agent is provided in a physical form to promote contact with the water and may be renewable to maintain effectiveness of the agent over a period of time. In one arrangement, the agent is contained in a cartridge 92 arranged in a re-circulation loop 89 through which the water in a reservoir 80 is passed and returned to the reservoir 80. The cartridge 92 and/or a carrier for the agent within the cartridge 92 may be replaceable to renew the agent. The agent may also be provided within the reservoir 80 and various arrangements for this are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention provides a water treatment apparatus and method for reducing toxicity in zinc containing acid stormwater runoff, the apparatus comprising a first filtrate layer of high calcium material a last filtrate layer comprising a drainpipe arrangement embedded within an aggregate; and at least one intermediate filtrate layer comprising a wood mulch material positioned between the first filtrate layer and said last filtrate layer.

Abstract: A process for producing a mixture of particulates using compressed gas and sonication. The process is particularly useful to mix reactive particulates, such as thermites.

Abstract: The present invention is a method of extracting the oxygen-containing flavor and fragrance compounds from oils obtained from natural products. Extraction is accomplished by the use of cold water typically below 100° C., but more typically below 50° C., to produce a weak aqueous solution. The oxygen-containing compounds are then concentrated by adsorption on to an appropriate solid material and then washed off by an organic solvent, such as ethanol. The resulting product is a solution in the organic solvent.

Abstract: In a first peritoneal dialysis apparatus, a therapy start time (dialysis start time) is settable even in either a first therapy mode or a second therapy mode. The first therapy mode is adapted to calculate a total amount of dialysis fluid on the basis of an amount of infusion fluid, a staying time, and the number of cycles, and the second therapy mode is adapted to calculate a total amount of dialysis fluid and a staying time on the basis of a dialysis time, an amount of infusion fluid, and the number of cycles. In a second peritoneal dialysis apparatus, a fluid infusion time or a fluid drainage time is calculated on the basis of an amount of infusion fluid or an amount of drainage fluid and a fluid infusion rate or a fluid drainage rate, and if it is decided that fluid infusion or fluid drainage is performed for a time being twice or more the calculated fluid infusion time or fluid drainage time, an alarm indicating defective fluid infusion or defective fluid drainage is generated.

Abstract: A process for reaction and separation which comprises inputting a process material into at least one column of a plurality of columns wherein each column has at least one inlet for accepting flow from another column or group of columns, an external feed stream, an external eluent stream or a combination thereof, and each column has at least one outlet for connecting to another column, a group of columns, an external product stream or a combination thereof. Each column is independently operable in an up-flow or down-flow mode and connected independently to one of the group comprising another column, an external feed stream, an external eluent stream, an external product stream and combinations thereof.

Abstract: A composition comprising a magnesium halide coated macroporous carbonaceous substrate is provided for effecting moisture removal from a hydrogen halide fluid. Moisture removal is effected by intimately contacting the hydrogen halide fluid with the magnesium halide coated macroporous carbonaceous substrate and separating the fluid from the coated substrate.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for separating ions from a stream of fluid containing ions. A magnetic field and an electrostatic field are established across a processing zone through which the fluid stream flows so that the flow vector of the fluid stream, the flux lines of the magnetic field, and the vector of the electrostatic field are mutually orthogonal. The resulting high and low ion effluents may be further processed. No thermal input is required. No vacuum, reverse osmosis or reduced pressure distillation is involved. Large volumes of fluid may be processed at relatively low cost. The disclosed method and apparatus is suitable for desalinating seawater, or for removing arsenic or other contaminants from ground water, to produce potable water. Additionally, the invention permits the recovery of valuable constituents from ground or sea water; precious metals may be recovered from sea water and gypsum may be collected from ground water.

Abstract: A paint spray booth sludge recovery system, apparatus and method is provided for water washed paint spray booths. The spray booths are used with a tank or pit which can accommodate flotation for removal of spent paint. Preferably, the tank has a drop box section, a chemical treatment section, a weir box section and a booth recirculation pump section. A series of weirs are used to separate the spent paint and send a concentration thereof from the weir box to a separator or centrifuge. The water level in the system is controlled by sensing the weir box water level to keep the water crests over the weirs at the desired levels. Scavenging and agitation are provided in the tank to keep it entirely clean for prolonged periods without any accumulation, even during downtime.

Abstract: The invention relates to a novel device for electrolytic disinfection of drinking water, service water and waste water using anodically generated disinfectants. The cathodic formation of hydrogen is prevented by using gas diffusion electrodes as the cathode. Atmospheric oxygen is reduced to hydroxyl ions and/or hydrogen peroxide at the gas diffusion electrodes. A permanent anode can be positioned between two gas diffusion electrodes. The latter then function alternately as a cathode or a second anode. This polarity change enables the removal of the deposits containing metal ions that form during the cathodic reaction from the gas diffusion electrodes. The substances with the disinfecting effect are produced through the use of different electrode materials for the anode and the diffusion electrode either at both anodes or at the anode and cathode.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for treating water, especially waste water and drinking water, containing both pathogenic germs and a substance which is difficult to decompose and is from the group comprising persistent substances, endocrine substances, odorous substances, and dyestuffs, by means of ozone supply and UV radiation. The inventive method comprises the following steps: a) ozone is supplied in a concentration of between 0.1 g/m3 and 15 g/m3; and b) UV rays are radiated in a wavelength range of between 200 nm and 300 nm and in a dose of between 50 J/m2 and 2,000 J/m2.

Abstract: A propylene oxide/styrene monomer aqueous purge stream is contacted with a catalyst at conditions effective to decompose peroxides contained therein, and oxygen formed by the decomposition swept from the decomposition with a nitrogen vapor stream from ethylbenzene oxidation.

Abstract: A catalyst for the purification, e.g., disinfection, of water is disclosed. The catalyst of the invention comprises a substrate, a first metal, and at least one additional metal. The metals are codeposited on the substrate to form a unified structure. Methods of using the catalyst to disinfect water and devices for the purification of water are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention refers to an apparatus (11) and a method for milk filtration and filter regeneration. The apparatus comprises a filter vessel (13); a loose filter material (37) housed within the vessel for filtering out contaminants in the milk; and a grid (31) arranged in front of the milk flow outlet to prevent the loose filter material from leaving the vessel. The vessel includes inner walls (15, 17); a milk inlet (21); a milk outlet (23); a cleaning fluid inlet (23) arranged substantially vertically at the lowermost portion of the vessel, through which a cleaning fluid jet can be injected, and a cleaning fluid outlet (21) arranged at the upper portion of the vessel. The lower portions (17) of the inner walls of the vessel form an angle (&agr;) with respect to the horizontal plane, the angle being larger than the angle of repose for the filter material in the cleaning fluid.

Abstract: A bicycle stand that supports a bicycle frame to maintain the bicycle in an upright position and method of use are provided. The bicycle stand includes a first portion that supports a frame member of the bicycle and a second portion having a front-wheel-engaging member that interacts with a front wheel of the bicycle. The second portion of the bicycle stand includes ground-engaging members that contact a surface upon which the bicycle rests. The ground-engaging members contact the surface on opposite sides of a plane defined by the frame of the bicycle.

Abstract: An adapter element is provided for interfacing with a card guide of a card cage system to enable ready definition of various card storage configurations within the card cage system. The adapter element is configured to be removably attached to a card guide so that different card storage configurations may be readily defined within a particular card storage level by removing one or more adapter elements from the corresponding card guides and/or positioning one or more adapter elements in corresponding card guides. Additionally, the adapter element is configured to engage the fasteners of a functional module so as to securely retain the functional module in position in the card cage assembly when the adapter element is attached to the card guide.

Abstract: The magazine of the present invention is provided with two opening portions that enable insertion and extraction of a tray and are approximately orthogonal to each other, and a regulation portion for regulating insertion and extraction of the tray from the opening portions. The tray component feeding device has a loading port for loading the magazine and an extraction port for extracting a tray plate of the magazine, which are approximately orthogonal to each other. Further, the component mounting device is provided with the tray component feeding device loaded with the magazine on the lateral side of the component mounting device to which a transfer conveyer for transferring a circuit board extends.

Abstract: The invention relates to a holding device for knives comprising at least one housing for a knife. The aim of the invention is to avoid as much as possible that the holding device gets dirty. Therefore, the holding device (1, 50, 80) comprises base elements (2, 51, 81)which can be assembled and which define at least one housing (9, 65, 85).

Abstract: An apparatus for removing a stopper from a bottle by rotating a threaded capsule surrounding the threaded neck of a bottle. The capsule is preferably received over a narrowed neck of the bottle to maintain the appearance of a foil-wrapped and cork-closed bottle. The bottle may be sealed with plugs (natural cork, synthetic cork, molded plugs), planar seals, or a combination thereof. The capsule may engage the stopper directly or by way of a stopper anchor. Aspects of the invention include preventing uncontrolled egress of stoppers from pressurized bottles, the resealing of various forms of bottles after removal of the stopper, locking the closure in place, and providing evidence of tampering.

Abstract: A beverage bottle is provided, with a sidewall detail representing a gemstone, in which the gemstone representation is carried by and secured to the sidewall of the bottle, either directly on the surface thereof, or in a recess thereof, with or without a setting, with the gemstone representation preferably having a plurality of facets for reflecting light outwardly of the gemstone and thereby suggesting a quality product in the bottle.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention relate to a method for preventing gate oxide thinning in a recess LOCOS process. A method of forming a gate oxide on a substrate comprises providing a substrate having thereon a plurality of trenches having gate oxides formed therein, wherein the plurality of trenches are separated by a patterned pad oxide and a patterned silicon nitride layer disposed thereon and used to form the plurality of trenches. The patterned silicon nitride layer and the patterned pad oxide layer are removed to expose a surface of the substrate as an active area of the semiconductor device. An ion drive-in to the active area on the substrate is performed by directing a flow of oxygen and nitrogen toward the substrate at a predetermined temperature and with a sufficient amount of oxygen to at least substantially prevent silicon nitride from forming on the field oxide regions.

Abstract: An ink jet printhead chip includes a wafer substrate. A CMOS drive circuitry layer is positioned on the wafer substrate. A plurality of nozzle arrangements is positioned on the wafer substrate and the CMOS drive circuitry layer. Each nozzle arrangement includes nozzle chamber walls and a roof wall that define a nozzle chamber and an ink ejection port defined in the roof wall. A micro-electromechanical actuator is connected to the CMOS drive circuitry layer. The actuator has at least one movable member that is positioned to act on ink in the nozzle chamber to eject the ink from the ink ejection port on receipt of a signal from the drive circuitry layer. The movable member is spaced between 2 microns and 15 microns from the CMOS drive circuitry layer.

Abstract: A CAD/CAM device for an electric discharge machine comprises a check means (32) for checking whether or not a level (HC) of a clamp is lower than a safe level (HLS) Of the machining solution surface when the safe level (HLS) Of the surface of the machining solution, which is obtained when a predetermined safe distance is added to an upper level of the workpiece (W) on the basis of drawing data (19) of the workpiece, is found and when the safe level (HLS) of the surface of the machining solution is compared with a level (HC) of a clamp which is found when a length of the electrode (E) is added to a level of a machining finishing position of the workpiece with respect to the predetermined reference position on the basis of drawing data (18) of the electrode before conducting actual machining. The machining tank (7) can be automatically driven so that machining solution surface level HL is set at safe level (HLS) while safe level (HLS) necessary for actual machining is being recognized.

Abstract: The invention relates to a shielding gas for use in the arc welding of metallic work pieces. The invention further relates to a process for the arc welding of metallic work pieces using consumable electrodes, whereby a shielding gas stream is supplied to the work piece adjacent to the electrode.

Abstract: An improved automatic feedback control scheme enhances plasma spraying of powdered material through reduction of process variability and providing better ability to engineer coating structure. The present inventors discovered that controlling centroid position of the spatial distribution along with other output parameters, such as particle temperature, particle velocity, and molten mass flux rate, vastly increases control over the sprayed coating structure, including vertical and horizontal cracks, voids, and porosity. It also allows improved control over graded layers or compositionally varying layers of material, reduces variations, including variation in coating thickness, and allows increasing deposition rate. Various measurement and system control schemes are provided.

Abstract: A method and device for welding pin contacts and socket contacts to an optical waveguide, the welding device has a contact loading station, a contact transport carriage, a laser welding device, and an electrical control unit. The contact loading station has a socket contact transfer device and a pin contact transfer device. The contact transport carriage has a pin contact holder and a socket contact holder. The contact transport carriage is displaceable between the contact loading station and the laser welding station. The elecrical control unit controls the combination and number of socket-contacts and pin contacts transferred from the socket contact transfer device to the socket contact holder and from the pin contact transfer device to the pin contact holder without having to re-tool the welding device.

Abstract: In a laser processing method for accurately forming a convexo-concave structure on the surface of a glass substrate, a periodic optical intensity distribution of a laser beam is obtained by an interference between diffracted light beams of +1 degree and −1 degree emitted from a phase mask, onto which the laser beam is irradiated, in the vicinity of the emission side of the phase mask, and a glass substrate, on which a thin film is formed, is set in the area where the periodic optical intensity distribution is provided. As a result, the thin film is evaporated or ablated depending on the periodic optical intensity, thereby a diffraction grating, which has the same period as that of the varying optical intensity, is formed on the glass substrate.