Abstract: A container for a liquid is disclosed, generally comprising an elongate bottle having an exterior wall which defines an elongate internal primary chamber and a primary mouth opening at one end of the bottle in communication with the primary chamber, the other end of the bottle having a recess formed in the exterior wall projecting generally coaxially into the primary chamber to form a secondary chamber isolated therefrom having a secondary mouth opening axially opposite the primary mouth opening; a primary closure adapted to cooperate with the primary chamber for enclosing the primary chamber; a secondary closure adapted to cooperate with the secondary chamber for enclosing the secondary chamber; and a wipe member placed within the secondary chamber. The primary chamber can retain liquid being enclosed therein by the primary closure. The secondary chamber can retain the wipe member being enclosed therein by the secondary closure.

Abstract: A package comprised of a plurality of clothes hangers bound together by spaced frangible straps encircling their arms and an indicia bearing tag which has an aperture receiving therethrough hooks of at least one or more of the hangers encircling the same and extending downwardly below the main body portions of the hangers between the encircled hangers and an abutting hanger providing indicia thereon identifying the hangers.

Abstract: Novel optical disc storage units comprising transparent polypropylene are provided. Such storage units exhibit sufficient impact resistance to protect the target disc and sufficient clarity that any informational literature may be placed entirely within the storage unit and easily viewed and read through the walls thereof without impediment. Furthermore, the target storage unit must also include a spine section of sufficient width to permit a section of the informational literature to be placed internally thereon and viewed and easily read (such as, for example, the title and accompanying language describing the target disc placed therein) substantially without impediment as well. Specific novel storage units, in addition to these necessarily transparent walls and spine portions, are also possible to maximize the benefits of the transparent properties thereof.

Abstract: A permanent flattened, inverted U-shaped retainer clip is provided for securing sheet-like sleeves to a binder for storing and protecting disc type objects such as records, compact disc, or DVD's. One embodiment of the retainer clip includes a body portion as well as downwardly extending legs on each end. Each leg terminates in a bifurcated coupling device having outwardly extending fingers having a notch on the outer surface of each finger. A pair of flanged receptacles is used in conjunction with each clip and is designed to receive the coupling devices and engage the notch on each finger to secure the clip within the receptacles. The receptacles are installed in the binder through the back side of apertures formed in a reinforcement strip provided on the inside of the spine. After the sleeves are threaded on the body portion of the clip the ends are inserted into the receptacles to permanently retain the sleeves and clip in the binder. One or more clips can be used in a binder.

Abstract: A container for shipping golf equipment. The container includes a back panel, side panels, and a front panel which define the interior of the container. The interior includes an upper portion and a lower portion. The front panel is at least partially removable from the side panels to allow access to the interior of the container. An air bladder is affixed to the side panels within the upper portion of the interior. The air bladder includes a sealable fill stem through which the air bladder may be inflated. The inflated air bladder is used to substantially immobilize the golf equipment during shipping.

Abstract: A golf bag includes a divider received in an opening of the golf bag to receive therein golf clubs. The divider has a top cover, a bottom cover and multiple tubes securely received between the top cover and the bottom cover. Each tube extends through the top cover and the bottom cover and is so configured that only one golf club is able to be received in a corresponding one of the tubes.

Abstract: A surgical instrument holder for positioning of a surgical tool on the holder for sterilization and containment of sharp ends, The holder includes a first end having a first biased flap for containment of a first end of the tool. A second end of the holder includes a second biased flap for containment of a second end of the tool with each biased flap being folded onto the tool when positioned therebetween to limit longitudinal movement of the tool. A retainer clip is positioned between the first end and the second end and is adapted to receive the surgical tool therethrough to limit the lateral movement of the tool. The first biased flap includes a flap extension for positioning against the surgical tool for biasing the tool in a partially open position during sterilization. A method of preparation of a surgical tool for sterilization is also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a multipurpose device for the safe handling of sharp surgical implements and comprises a molded thermoplastic body that includes a container portion and a scalpel holder section. Magnetic material in the container holds scalpel blades and/or needles after use and magnetic material on the holder section presents a needle for pick-up by a needle holder. The scalpel holder section supports a scalpel or scalpels in cantilever fashion for convenient gripping and withdrawal by a surgeon. The body has a shape and surface characteristics that assures a secure hand grip even in wet conditions.

Abstract: A tool bag having a bag body defining an interior area and a central panel coupled to the bag body bifurcating the interior area. Openings in the bag body provide access to the interior area. A tool deflector is coupled to the central panel. At least one tool pocket is coupled to and defined in part by the tool deflector. The tool deflector is made from a suitable material such as plastic to provide a hard surface to prevent the edges of tools from damaging the central panel when placed in or removed from the tool pockets. A handle is attached to the bag body for carrying the tool bag. The tool bag provides for safe, orderly and convenient storage and transport of tools.

Abstract: A tool case adapted to store tools comprises a main body and at least one cover member adapted to store tools. The cover member is coupled to the main body such that when the cover is closed, a portion of the cover member at least partially covers a storage side of the cover member. The cover member, while in an open or a closed position, may be positioned such that it covers differing amounts of the storage side of the main body. The cover member may also be detached from the main body.

Abstract: A wound film dispenser with exterior retainer and method of assembling same are disclosed. The wound film dispenser includes a base to which a lid is hingedly attached via a fold. The interior end walls of the base include false walls which are biased into the base. The false walls include aperture through which the ends of the roll extend to at least partially receive the ends of the roll of wound film material. In so doing, the retainers are provided exterior to the roll of film. The false walls may be biased into the base using braces pushing the top edge of the false wall away from the end walls.

Abstract: A sports container has a top and a bottom container portions, the two portions of approximately equal size and joined at a midline of the container forming abutting cutting plain surfaces. Each of the portions provides a cavity, the cavities formed in mirror image relationship. One of the cavities provides a peripheral lip extending from the cutting plane surface and has an outwardly convergent cross-section. The other of the cavities provides a peripheral groove extending into the cutting plain surface and has an inwardly convergent cross-section. The container is made of a pliable and resilient foam material having a skin. The lip has a girth exceeding that of the groove, wherein the lip is compressed upon entry into the groove when the portions are mated. The portions are secured together by the gripping of the lip by the groove.

Abstract: A film hand wrapper includes two cylindrical grips, two friction elements and two sleeves. The cylindrical grip has a large-diameter portion and a small-diameter portion, and a push member provided in the large-diameter portion and combined with the friction element. When the push member is pressed by a finger of a user, the friction element produces a stopping force against a friction ring of the sleeve so that a film winding cylinder positioned between two of the film hand wrappers combined with two ends of the film cylinder may be stopped, with the film on the film winding cylinder impossible to unwind so as to permit the user pull tight the film for wrapping an object.

Abstract: A water soluble package comprises a polymeric film, the polymeric film comprising a polymeric backbone derived from a polymer which is water soluble, as defined herein, and one or more derivatising groups attached to the backbone, the derivatising group(s) being derived from a material having a ClogP of from 0.5 to 6 and/or being derived from a parent material comprising a C4 to C22 hydrocarbyl chain.

Abstract: A cold-storage appliance (2) includes an open-topped insulating container defining an external surface; an insulating lid (22) adapted to close the open top of the container (16); a cooling means (24) adapted to cool the interior of the container (16); and a structure supporting the container (16), the lid and the cooling means; wherein the container (16) is mounted to the structure (4) for movement relative to the structure (6) and the lid (22) to open the container (16) and afford access to its interior or to close the container (16). A major component to open or close the drawer (4) and a minor component (114) transverse to the major component to separate the drawer (4) from the lid (22) at opening.

Abstract: A holder for displaying in a fan formation a deck of sample swatches wherein an edge of each swatch is clearly displayed for easy viewing.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for converting Fischer-Tropsch wax to high quality lube basestocks using a molecular sieve Beta catalyst followed by a unidimensional intermediate pore molecular sieve with near circular pore structures having an average diameter of 0.50 nm to 0.65 nm wherein the difference between the maximum diameter and the minimum is ≦0.05 nm. Both catalysts comprise one or more Group VIII metals. For example, a cascaded two-bed catalyst system consisting of a first bed Pt/Beta catalyst followed by a second bed Pt/ZSM-48 catalyst is highly selective for wax isomerization and lube hydrodewaxing with minimal gas formation.

Abstract: Catalytic dewaxing of paraffin containing feeds, preferably feeds produced from a non-shifting Fischer-Tropsch catalyst, is accomplished at relatively low hydrogen partial pressures without substantial affect on the life of a catalyst having a certain pore structure.

Abstract: Catalytic dewaxing of paraffin containing feeds with a catalyst having a certain pore structure, the feeds preferably produced from syn gas using a non-shifting Fischer-Tropsch catalyst, is accomplished in the substantial absence of added hydrogen, and a cyclic isomerization-catalyst regeneration process is provided.

Abstract: A heavy lubricant base stock is made by (a) producing a synthesis gas from natural gas, (b) reacting the H2 and CO in the gas in the presence of a cobalt Fischer-Tropsch catalyst, at reaction conditions effective to synthesize waxy hydrocarbons boiling in the heavy lubricant oil range, which are hydrodewaxed it at least two stages, with interstage separation and removal of the lighter material.

Abstract: The invention concerns an improved process for producing very high quality base stock and for simultaneously producing high quality middle distillates, comprising successive hydroisomerisation and catalytic dewaxing steps.

Abstract: Catalytic dewaxing of paraffin containing feeds with a catalyst having a certain pore structure, where the feeds are preferably produced from syn gas using a non-shifting Fischer-Tropsch catalyst, is accomplished in the substantial absence of added hydrogen, and a cyclic isomerization-catalyst regeneration process is provided.

Abstract: A process to prepare a base oil having a saturates content of more than 90 wt %, a sulphur content of less than 0.

Abstract: Dewaxed fuel and lubricant base stocks are made by (a) producing a synthesis gas from natural gas, (b) reacting the H2 and CO in the gas in the presence of a cobalt Fischer-Tropsch catalyst, at reaction conditions effective to synthesize a waxy hydrocarbon feed boiling in the fuel and lubricant oil ranges, which is hydrodewaxed in a first stage to produce a dewaxed fuel and a partially dewaxed lubricant fraction. The partially dewaxed lubricant fraction is separated into heavy and lower boiling fractions each of which is separately hydrodewaxed, to produce lubricant base stocks. A hydrodewaxing catalyst comprising a hydrogenation component, binder and solid acid component used to hydrodewax at least one, and preferably at least two of the waxy feed and partially dewaxed heavy and lower boiling lubricant fractions.

Abstract: A process for the conversion of hydrocarbons that are solid or have a high boiling temperature and may be laden with metals, sulfur or sediments, into liquids (gasolines, gas oil, fuels) with the help of a jet of gas properly superheated between 600 and 800° C. The process comprises preheating a feed 5 in a heater 8 to a temperature below the selected temperature of a reactor 10. This feed is injected by injectors 4 into the empty reactor 10 (i.e., without catalyst.) The feed is treated with a jet of gas or superheated steam from superheater 2 to activate the feed. The activated products in the feed are allowed to stabilize at the selected temperature and at a selected pressure in the reactor and are then run through a series of extractors 13 to separate heavy and light hydrocarbons and to demetallize the feed. Useful products appearing in the form of water/hydrocarbon emulsions are generally demulsified in emulsion breaker 16 to form water laden with different impurities.

Abstract: A bitumen/steam pre-mixer and atomizing nozzle combine to produce a jet of minute liquid droplets (bitumen) in carrier gas (steam). The jet is injected into a draft tube mixer positioned in a fluid bed of hot coke particles suspended in steam and contained within a fluid coking reactor. The movement of the jet through the draft tube passageway induces a stream of coke particles in steam to be drawn into the passageway, where the jet and stream mix vigorously and bitumen droplets have an enhanced probability of contacting coke particles.

Abstract: A defined catalyst withdrawal and replacement program for optimizing the productivity and the economics of catalyst consumption in a multi-reactor system is disclosed. Catalyst cost is reduced by minimizing removal of the newest catalyst and maximizing removal of older catalyst to achieve an overall reduction of catalyst age in the multi-reactor system.

Abstract: A grain dropping passage constituted below a husking unit (D) serves as a winnowing room (A). A winnowed grain conveyor (1) is provided as the sole conveyor below the winnowing room (A). A winnowing wind blown by a winnowing fan (F) through a blowing room (B) passes through below the winnowed grain conveyor (1) and then rises in the winnowing room (A). The grains mixed with hulls and others are winnowed in the winnowing room (A) so as to be sorted into two kinds: winnowed grains to be received by the winnowed conveyor (1), and the other including hulls to be received by a hull conveyor (2) arranged oppositely to the winnowed grain conveyor (1) with respect to the winnowing fan (F). In this manner, powerful separation can be executed by means of winnowing wind having a large amount and large speed so as to improve a winnowing ability remarkably.

Abstract: A device for concentrating cells of interest from a fluid sample comprises an array of electromagnets associated with an array of holders for containers of the fluid samples, said electromagnets controlled by a microprocessor to generate controllable magnetic fields. Magnetic beads having an affinity for certain of the cells in the fluid sample are added to the fluid sample. When the microprocessor applies electrical current to the electrical magnet(s), the cells linked with magnetic beads will be attracted to the tube wall. Liquid aspirated from the sample will contain comparatively few of the cells for which the magnetic beads have an affinity, thereby allowing concentration of cells of interest. Optionally, aspiration may be accomplished using a robotic pipette system.

Abstract: A system for separating a gaseous constituent from a gaseous mixture includes a substantially sealed passageway extending between a first exhaust port and a second exhaust port. An entry port for a gas mixture to be separated opens into the passageway. At least three gas-permeable electrodes are disposed across the passageway at intervals. The electrodes divide the passageway into multiple sections. Each section is bounded at opposing ends by an electrode, and the sections are disposed in serial fashion through at least a portion of the passageway. A high-voltage static electric field may be applied to opposing electrodes of one or more sections. When voltage is so applied, gas may be drawn through a static electric field in one or more sections, by applying suction to the exhaust ports.

Abstract: A single pass sequencer having a transport system for transporting the mail pieces and a character recognition system proximate to the transport system for reading destination information associated with the mail pieces. The system includes a first carriage system and a second carriage system with a a plurality of holders slidable between the first carriage system and the second carriage system. Each of the plurality of holders holding a mail piece of the mail pieces received from the transport system. A sorting device stores information from the mail pieces and assigns a code to: (i) the mail pieces based on the destination information, (ii) the plurality of holders on the first carriage based on an initial sequence of each of the plurality of holders on the first carriage, and (iii) a position on the second carriage which corresponds to the initial sequence and a destination sequence of the mail pieces.

Abstract: A method using a single pass sequencer having a transport system for transporting the mail pieces to a transport system having a first carriage system and a second carriage system with a plurality of holders slidable between the first carriage system and the second carriage system with packaged output. Each of the plurality of holders holds a mail piece received from the transport system. The method includes assigning a code to: (i) the mail pieces based on the destination information, (ii) the plurality of holders on the first carriage, and (iii) a position on the second carriage which corresponds to the initial sequence and a destination sequence of the mail pieces. The method instructs movement of the plurality of holders from the first carriage to the second carriage so that they are in sequential order of delivery destination, ready to be packaged. Once the mail pieces are in sequential order on the second carriage, they are dropped into a container for a delivery point.

Abstract: A method using a single pass sequencer having a transport system for transporting the mail pieces to a transport system having a first carriage system and a second carriage system with a plurality of holders slidable between the first carriage system and the second carriage system with packaged output. Each of the plurality of holders holding a mail piece of the mail pieces received from the transport system. The method includes assigning a code to: (i) the mail pieces based on the destination information, (ii) the plurality of holders on the first carriage, and (iii) a position on the second carriage which corresponds to the initial sequence and a destination sequence of the mail pieces.

Abstract: Improvements are disclosed for automatically routing items, such as mail-piece items (FIG. 2), in support of efficiently and correctly delivering them to an intended destination. A destination address is read by a recognizer (12) but it may be too ambiguous (14,18) initially for routing the piece. The addressee name is also read (24), and the recognizer data is provided to a directory (26) that accesses a name+address database (28). The addressee name is used to disambiguate the recognizer address data (26,30) and thereby properly route the piece (32). In addition, the name+address directory (42,44) can detect incorrect address data (42,50), and notwithstanding the incorrect address, correctly routing the item (52,46) to the intended addressee based on the recognized addressee name (40).

Abstract: A method and apparatus for separating a mixture of particles of various sizes in a capillary tube into groups by size using multiple forces of controlled amplitude. Ultrasonic radiation at a first selected frequency is applied to set up a standing pressure wave in the capillary tube, resulting in a first aggregating force which causes particles of all sizes to aggregate at positions within the capillary tube which correspond to nodes or anti-nodes of the standing wave. Transverse vibrations are also applied to the capillary tube. The frequency of the ultrasonic radiation is adjusted to reduce the magnitude of the first aggregating force. Inertial forces resulting from the transverse vibrations then cause the particles to separate by size. The apparatus and method allows a mixture of particles to be separated by size quickly, without requiring the use of high voltages.

Abstract: A rotary filter (1) for fibrous suspensions (S) is disclosed comprising a rotor (2) coaxially arranged inside a filtering basket (4), an annular hollow space (8) being defined between them. In the annular hollow space (8) there are one or more wing profiles (15) fixed to the outer lateral surface (2a) of the rotor (2) extending in an axial direction along the rotor (2). The outer surface (16) of each wing profile (15) facing the filtering basket has one or more discontinuity zones (16b, 16d) whose points have an increasing distance from the longitudinal axis (3) of the rotor (2).when running on the outer surface (16) of said wing profile (15) in a direction opposite to the rotation direction (V) of the rotor (2).

Abstract: A trap for a curbside drain opening to exclude solids of excessive size from the drain and trap them for analysis and recovery. The trap has a face which will open at high rates of water flow to avert flooding that might be or caused by plugging the drain opening. A filter is optionally provided to remove selected pollutants from the water stream for recovery and analysis.

Abstract: A filter assembly for filtering fluids which may be readily disassembled includes a perforated center tube assembly which is fluid-tightly connected at one end to an injection molded plastic head and is closed at its other end; an injection molded plastic bowl having one open end and a semi-closed second end; a disposable cylindrical plastic filter element adapted to fit within the plastic bowl and slip over the perforated center tube assembly in close proximity thereto but with no physical retention means between the plastic filter element and the center tube assembly. The assembly includes a releasable seal between the plastic filter element and the center tube assembly. The plastic head further includes an annular base provided with injection molded threaded fittings whereby it can be attached to a fluid supply and unfiltered fluid can flow into the plastic bowl and filtered fluid can flow out of the plastic bowl.

Abstract: An apparatus for the separation of solids and liquids includes a perforated rotary basket arranged for rotation within a fixed outer casing, a washing liquid supply system for providing washing liquid to the interior of the basket and its contents, and a transducer device for establishing a control signal representative of the state of liquids centrifugally expelled from the basket when such liquids impinge on an inner surface of the fixed outer casing. The transducer is set in or on the inner wall of the outer casing for monitoring the conductance of liquids within.

Abstract: A waste disposal and recovery system for disposal of expanded polystyrene foam and recovery of a usable resin. The system includes a first tank and a second tank in flow communication. Within the second tank may be a plurality of settlement compartments with a filtration system. An organic solvent is used to dissolve the expanded polystyrene foam which forms a waste solution. The waste solution is directed to the second tank where it is separated into resin and the organic solvent. The solvent may be recycled for use in dissolving more expanded polystyrene foam while the resin may be removed for storage, shipment or sale.

Abstract: A filter bag assembly includes an outer bag having an open end, a closed end opposite the open end, and a longitudinal axis. The open end of the outer bag is sized and shaped for receiving liquid to be filtered. A filter member is loosely mounted in the outer bag and has a pair of opposed open ends and a plurality of longitudinally extending pleats. Each of the pleats projects generally outwardly in a radial direction.

Abstract: An assembly comprising a permeable medium and a frame is provided. The permeable medium comprises a sintered fleece comprising metal fibers. A leak-proof seal between the permeable medium and the frame is assured by spraying a ceramic or metallic layer onto the junction permeable medium/frame. The assembly is in particular suitable to be used as filter element.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of synthetic polymeric microfiltration membrane materials that are fabricated to separate liquids from solids contained therein. One aspect of the invention relates to a highly asymmetric, hydrophilic microfiltration membrane with high surface porosity. The membrane is rendered hydrophilic through co-casting the sulfone polymer with a hydrophilic polymer, such as polyvinylpyrrolidone. The membranes of the invention are highly useful in testing devices for the quick detection of properties or components contained in liquid samples, such as diagnostic applications, as well as for other filtration applications that demand relatively large pore sizes, thick membranes, high asymmetry, and/or high lateral wicking speeds.

Abstract: The present invention provides a separating agent for enantiomeric isomers, which has an excellent ability to identify asymmetry. That is, the present invention relates to a separating agent for enantiomeric isomers which includes as an effective component a polysaccharide derivative having a bicyclic or more structure having an aromatic, alicyclic, or heterocyclic ring.

Abstract: A process and a plant to carry out the purification in the sea of effluents (waste waters), in which the submarine biopurification of the latter is envisaged, when discharged into the sea. The plant of the invention, carrying of the correct disposal of the effluent and the desired cut down of the bacterial load contained in it, consist of a submarine load bearing framework (1), equipped with legs (4) fixed to a ballast (3) and able to support a collection chamber (5) and a filtering chamber (6) above the pipe outlet (10) for the effluents.

Abstract: A process for conversion of organic wastes into biofertilizers such as soil conditioning agents of fertilizer grade, culture grade and soil grade is provided. Also provided is a process for conversion of organic wastes into material for converting waste water into reusable water. The invention provides methods for conversion of organic solid wastes to biofertilizers and reusable water in the presence of a geophagus earthworm Pheretima elongata culure to produce a variety of valuable soil conditioning products and reusable water.

Abstract: A process of waste treatment which involves: (a) separation of waste material to provide a component having a concentrated solids component and a predominantly liquid component; (b) passing the concentrated solids component through an anaerobic bioreactor system and maintaining insoluble material as a suspension in the concentrated solids component; (c) removing phosphorous and/or nitrogen from the concentrated solids component and/or the predominately liquid component; and (d) removing solids from the concentrated solids component.

Abstract: Method and system for removing accumulated sediment at the bottom of a waste pond or lagoon of a wastewater treatment plant for a petroleum refinery. The system comprises a primary oil separation stage for separating hydrocarbons from the wastewater stream by gravity, a secondary oil removal stage and a biological treatment stage downstream of the secondary oil removal stage. A portion of the sediment from the bottom of the waste pond or lagoon is passed to the secondary oil removal stage and/or the biological treatment stage for processing with the refinery wastewater being treated in these stages.

Abstract: A method of filtering a feed of water to provide potable water includes adding a coagulant to the water to be filtered to encourage the formation of floes. About 0.1 to 1 mg/L of a polymeric flocculation aid is also added to the water to be filtered to further encourage the formation of flocs. Some of the flocs may then removed from the water to be treated, for example with a clarifier. A filtered permeate is removed from the water to be treated with a membrane filtration device. The membrane filtration device may be an immersed suction driven membrane filtration device. The polymeric flocculation aid may be added to the body of water in a dosage between about 0.2 and 0.5 mg/L. The dosage of the polymeric flocculation aid may also be approximately equal to the dosage which gives the minimum turbidity of the water to be treated, for example, as determined by jar testing.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and apparatus for desalinating water are provided. A vessel includes a water intake system, a reverse osmosis system, a concentrate discharge system, a permeate transfer system, a power source, and a control system. The concentrate discharge system includes a plurality of concentrate discharge ports.