Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for electrolyzing water for enhanced production of oxygen, hydrogen and heat by the steps of (i) providing an electrochemical cell comprising an isotopic hydrogen storage cathode, an electrically conductive anode and an tonically conducting electrolyte comprising water, and (ii) impressing a repeating sequence of voltages across the cathode and anode comprised of at least two cell voltage regimes, a first cell voltage regime consisting of a voltage sufficient to enhance cathodic absorption of hydrogen, and a second cell voltage regime consisting of at least one voltage pulse which is at least two times the voltage of the first cell voltage regime for a total duration no greater than 0.10 seconds.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for electrolyzing water for enhanced production of oxygen, hydrogen and heat by the steps of (i) providing an electrochemical cell comprising an isotopic hydrogen storage cathode, an electrically conductive anode and an ionically conducting electrolyte comprising water, and (ii) impressing a repeating sequence of voltages across the cathode and anode comprised of at least two cell voltage regimes, a first cell voltage regime consisting of a voltage sufficient to enhance cathodic absorption of hydrogen, and a second cell voltage regime consisting of at least one voltage pulse which is at least two times the voltage of the first cell voltage regime for a total duration no greater than 0.10 seconds.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for analyzing plating solutions. The apparatus generally includes a plating cell, a reference electrolyte input, one or more external additive pumps, and a process controller. In one embodiment, the plating cell includes a cavity therein having a larger volumetric portion adjacent a smaller volumetric portion adapted to hold one or more solutions therein. The plating cell also includes a base disposed adjacent the bottom of the plating cell and adapted to receive and mix one or more test solutions as part of the plating solution analysis. In one configuration, the base includes electrical ports adapted to connect stimulation signals to a working electrode, counter electrode, and reference electrode disposed within the cell. The base also includes a thermal sensor in thermal contact with test solutions contained within the vessel.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an electrochemical sensor for determining the concentration of a group IA metal in a fluid such as molten metal. The sensor comprises a substantially pure quantity of the group 1A metal as a reference electrode (13) contained in a sensor housing (3), and a solid electrolyte constituting at least part of the sensor housing (3). The electrolyte is in electrical contact with the reference electrode (13) and the sensor is capable of operating at temperatures in excess of 973K. In a preferred arrangement, the sensor comprises a two part elongate conductor (15), a first part (17) of which extends from the reference electrode (13) into a refractory seal (11a), and a second part (19) of which extends from within the refractory seal (11a) externally of the sensor, the two parts (17, 19) being welded together.

Abstract: The coin display apparatus and method described herein includes rotatable hangers suspended from a trackway for displaying and positioning coins. In general, the coin display apparatus includes a rotatable hanger, a tab for attaching a coin to the rotatable hanger, and a trackway for suspending the hanger/coin arrangement. The coin is positionable along the trackway by sliding the rotatable hanger up and down the trackway to a desired location. In addition, the rotatable hanger includes a swivel arrangement such that the coin may be rotated individually around a longitudinal axis of the rotatable hanger so that the front or back of the coin may be displayed. This allows great flexibility in arranging the coins within the coin display apparatus such that symmetrical spacing is preserved, regardless of the number of coin in the collection. The coin display method includes using the coin display apparatus to display and position coins.

Abstract: A packing case (1) for a large-caliber cartridge (2), having a thin-walled cartridge case (3) and a projectile (4), which protrudes at least partially out of the front of the cartridge casing (3), and has at its outer circumference an annular stop groove (5), with the packing case (1) including an outer case (6) and an inner case (7) that comprises at least two partial cases disposed one behind the other. To enable the cartridge to be easily secured in the packing case and subsequently removed, at least two spring-loaded stop elements (19) that can pivot toward the projectile (4) and have guide elements (21) are provided. The stop elements extend with a form-fit into the stop groove (5) of the projectile (4) and are supported at the rear against a partial case (11) of the inner case (7).

Abstract: A suture pledget assembly is disclosed that includes a block with at least one slit and a pledget in an abutting relationship to the block. A suture has first and second end portions that are retained by the first and second slits, respectively. The first and second end portions generally extend beyond a face of the block and are substantially parallel to each other. A suture pledget package for retaining a suture is disclosed. The suture pledget package includes a front panel and a backing panel where the backing panel forms a plurality of tracks. Each track is configured and dimensioned to receive at least one suture pledget assembly.

Abstract: The invention provides an open topped tray having upright peripheral side and end walls. The end walls are inwardly positioned by use of an inwardly offset score design which permits the optimization of the dimensions of the tray. This scoring technique may be employed in conventional trays designs at minimal cost for stable housing of bottles or other items.

Abstract: A method and closure and container combination for packaging and sealing a commodity in a container that reduces headspace gases, in particular oxygen, allowing the packaged commodity to have a longer shelf life. The method is also useful for reducing stresses on containers that undergo filling at an elevated temperature and/or require in-container pasteurization or retort processes after fill and seal.

Abstract: A hosiery displaying device comprises a main body with a hosiery attachment region defined by a multiplicity of openings in a grid-like array through the main body, each opening being configured to receive therethrough a fastener for securing a hosiery article. A hook-shaped hanger portion extends from one longitudinal side of the main body for hanging the device from a retail display fixture and a U-shaped stabilizing portion extends from the opposite longitudinal side of the main body for supporting engagement with hosiery articles secured thereto.

Abstract: A compact disk container includes a base having a central bar to support serially stacked compact disks, a cover being diametrically smaller than the base and having a downward extended central sleeve, first connecting means including angularly connected horizontal and vertical bars, and second connecting means including angularly connected horizontal and vertical tubes. By connecting the horizontal bar and tube together, the vertical tube to the central bar of the base, and the vertical bar to the central sleeve of the cover laid in a reversed position, compact disks stacked on the base may be shifted along the connected first and second connecting means to the reversed cover, enabling a user to conveniently locate a desired compact disk and remove the same from the container by separating the connected horizontal tube and bar, or the connected vertical tube and central bar from each other.

Abstract: A storage container for a disc-shaped item of recorded media includes a base and a lid that is hingedly connected to the base and moveable between open and closed positions. The lid does not cover the entire surface area of the base when the lid is closed. The areas that are not covered are holding tabs that allow the base to be easily held by one hand while the other hand opens the lid and removes the disc. The base includes a hub that has a low overall height that reduces the overall thickness of the storage container.

Abstract: A storage package for a recording medium configured to resemble a book includes a paper board panel, releasably attached to first and second plastic, recording medium-holding components, each including a planar surface having means on one face for holding a recording. Upstanding wall portions on one of the components nest within the corresponding wall portions of the other component when the components are assembled together. The paper board panel is uncreased, unscored and unfolded and includes first and second panel areas for adhesive attachment of the plastic components. During assembly, the paper board panel is tautly stretched about and adhesively bonded to the assembled plastic components along the faces of the planar surfaces opposite the recording medium holding faces and along a transverse spline edge of the assembled, the creases defining the spline of the book being formed in the paper board panel during adhesive bonding.

Abstract: This invention relates to back-to-back inverse packaging of a pair of tabbed, composite roofing shingles consisting of (a) a top sheet having a lower butt portion divided into spaced tabs and an upper undivided headlap portion carrying a horizontal band of nailing indicia on the lower portion of its exposed surface; (b) a backer strip underlying the tabs of the top sheet and filling the spaces between the tabs and (c) vertical projections of approximately similar shape and spacing as the tabs, positioned on the top horizontal margin of the backer strip which projections extend upwardly beyond said band of indicia at a distance not more than one half the width of said headlap portion and which are interposed above the spaces between the tabs.

Abstract: A case for storing and carrying gardening tools including gardening tool heads that can have be interchangeably connected to a handle. The handle can be stored along with the gardening tool heads in the suitcase, or can be used as a handle for the suitcase. The tool heads and the tool handle connect via various suitable connection methods.

Abstract: Method for preparing, packaging and handling an individual dose of a radiopharmaceutical compound, comprising the following steps:

Abstract: The invention relates to a storage device for one or more tools, in particular a screwing tool, such as a screwdriver (1) or chuck (2) with exchangeable screwdriver inserts (3), comprising a base piece (4) and a pivoting cover piece (5), connected thereto. A mounting (6, 7, 24) is provided, for the fixed housing of the tools (1, 2) in the plane of the base piece or the cover piece (5), said cover piece (5) has a window (8), similar to the outline of the tools (1, 2), the separation between the outline boundary of which is such that the tools (1, 2) cannot be taken through the window (8) of the closed cover piece (5). According to the invention, an advantageous development for the manipulation thereof may be achieved, whereby the tools (1, 2) fixed in the mounting (6, 7, 24) partly extend through the window (8) of the closed cover (5), whereby the edge of the window touches or nearly touches said tool, in at least two positions on the tool.

Abstract: A magnetic positioning plate of a toolbox comprises a toolbox and a positioning plate. The toolbox has a box cover and a box seat. A tool set is placed within the box seat. A positioning plate being placed upon the box cover. The positioning plate is a magnetic means corresponding to the box cover for absorbing magnetic induced means so that in operation, some tools can be placed on the positioning plate to make the operation conveniently and easily. The magnetic induced means is selected from one of hand tool, screws, and small parts. A plurality of suspending holes are formed on the positioning plate so that the positioning plate is suspended on a wall.

Abstract: A liquid lipstick case comprises a body having a space or container for containing a liquid lipstick therein, an output part coupled to the one end of the body for supplying the liquid lipstick to the outside, and an adjustment part coupled to the other end of the body for adjusting an amount of the liquid lipstick outputted through the output part.

Abstract: A lockable media storage box and lock and key combination includes a box having a base and a lid hingedly connected to the base and movable between opened and closed positions. A lock is attached to the box that prevents the box from being opened until the lock is removed with a key or until the lock is destroyed.

Abstract: A gift container that can be personalized at home or businesses. The container has two transparent sections: a bottom section (1) and a top section (2). The top section (2) is sized slightly larger than the bottom section (1) so as to slide over the bottom section (1) to form a closed container. Pre-printed labels (8) or (13) are printed on high gloss paper, personalized using a computer program and inserted into the containers so as to be visible from the container's side(s) (5). Candy (7), chocolates, flower petals, toys and other objects are placed into the container for giving as gifts. Additionally, gift container holders (10) and (15) hold the containers and give a more festive appearance. The container is particularly well suited for lay people who like to give personalized gifts, as well as businesses wishing to market themselves or supply clients or employees with personalized gifts.

Abstract: A container which is nestably stackle with a similar container, the container comprising:

Abstract: A container with a varying capacity is provided. The container has one or more pleats, allowing transformation of the container into varying physical states.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a tortilla housing and support apparatus, configured to be manipulated so that the housing performs as a tortilla support device that provides vertical support to at least one tortilla. The tortilla housing and support apparatus is initially used as a tortilla-packaging box, such as tortilla boxes currently in use at supermarkets for housing tortillas. The tortilla housing has a configuration so that it may be manipulated from serving as packaging so that it performs as a tortilla support device.

Abstract: An integral, generally rectangular corrugated fibreboard blank folds to form an insert having three air cells for cradling and protecting a product. Two of the air cells stand vertically with the third air cell suspended between them. A product rests on the third air cell and is received and captured between the vertical air cells. The insert, with the product in place, fits into a box where tabs projecting from the insert cooperates with the box to form two more air cells at the opposite ends of the insert. The specific product which prompted the invention is a toner cartridge for a printer.

Abstract: A box for use in transporting and displaying items. The box includes separating means which extend around the box for separating the box into a cover, which can be discarded, and a container, which is used to display the items. A plurality of horizontally adjacent tabs are provided on a wall of the container, for attaching the container to a support, such as a vertical runner. The tabs are outwardly bendable and are inserted into a plurality of correspondingly spaced horizontally adjacent apertures provided on the support.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method in which grades of oil are refined according to their object from a feed oil. This method has a solvent extraction process that obtains an extracted oil, and a hydrogenation process that subjects the obtained extracted oil to hydrogenation process in the presence of hydrogen and a catalyst to obtain a hydrorefined oil. The solvent extraction conditions are selected by using the poly-aromatic concentration as an index for calculating the concentration of heptane insolvent components in the residue of the extracted oil obtained by the solvent extraction process that cannot be fractionally distilled.

Abstract: A system for removing sulfur from a hydrocarbon-containing fluid stream wherein regeneration of sulfur-loaded sorbent particulates is enhanced by improving the contacting of an oxygen-containing regeneration stream and the sulfur-loaded solid particulates in a fluidized bed regenerator.

Abstract: A method, apparatus, and system for optically sorting and/or manipulating carbon nanotubes by creating an optical dipole trap with a focused light source (e.g., a laser) are described in detail herein. In one representative embodiment, light from the light source may be directed onto a mixture of carbon nanotubes, the mixture including a target class of carbon nanotubes having dimensions (e.g., length and diameter) corresponding to particular electronic properties suitable for an application. By identifying a resonant condition corresponding to the target class of carbon nanotubes, and tuning the light source substantially to the resonant condition, an optical dipole trap may be created to attract carbon nanotubes of the target class to allow manipulation and/or sorting of the target class of carbon nanotubes from the mixture, or rotation of the nanotubes via rotation of a plane of polarization of the light, in an embodiment.

Abstract: The invention relates to a flotation machine which at least contains a flotation cell having a means for feeding slurry in the flotation cell, a means for feeding air into the slurry and producing froth, a means for removing froth from the flotation cell and a means for removing tailings from the flotation cell. According to the invention the flotation cell (1,21) is provided with at least one rotating froth removal device (8,26) immersed at least partly in the froth (9,27) and so shaped that one end of the froth removal device (8,26) is extendible over the launder (12) attached to the flotation cell (1) in order to recover the froth (9,27) from the flotation cell (1,21) using the centrifugal force generated by the froth removal device (8,26).

Abstract: A vibratory separator including basket apparatus for holding screening apparatus, at least one upper screen apparatus in the basket, the at least one upper screen apparatus having a fluid exit end, at least one lower screen apparatus in the basket below the at least one upper screen apparatus, fluid flowable from the at least one upper screen apparatus down onto the at least one lower screen apparatus, flow diffusion apparatus mounted below the fluid exit end of the at least one upper screen apparatus and above the at least one lower screen apparatus, so that fluid flowing down from the at least one upper screen apparatus flows onto the flow diffusion apparatus and is diffused thereby, and vibrator apparatus for vibrating the basket and the screen apparatus therein.

Abstract: The container is for a weight checking machine comprising an article feed line (11, 12, 13), and an expulsion means (15) arranged to transversely propel individual articles (9′) sideways for their expulsion from the line as the result of a weight check; the container (20) has a lower region (22) for collecting the rejected articles and a reception mouth (21) disposed in correspondence with the point at which the articles (9′) are expelled, and is characterised in that said reception mouth (21) is positioned to the side of and at the same level as the article lying on the feed line (13), in a position opposite and facing the expulsion means (15), the container (20) also comprising, facing the expulsion means (15), a concave curved surface (23) arranged to accompany the rejected articles (9′) into the collection region (22) and extending from the upper end of the reception mouth (21); the profile of the curved surface (23) is arranged to intercept the trajectory (A) of the article propelled by

Abstract: An apparatus for the desalination or purification of water comprises a non-solid vessel 3 having a bottom defining an opening, the vessel 3 capable of being partially submerged below the surface 13 of a body of water, a pan 5 located within the vessel 3, the pan 5 being flexibly connected to the inner wall 19 of the vessel 3 and being located beneath the surface 13 of the water, a lens 1 fixably connected to the top of the vessel 3, wherein the lens 1 is focused beneath the surface 13 of the water and above the surface of the pan 5 means for varying the orientation of the vessel 3 in accordance with the location of the sun, and means for condensing steam generated in the non-solid vessel 3, whereby steam generated in the non-solid vessel 3 is condensed outside of the non-solid vessel 3.

Abstract: A graphical user interface for a medical instruments for a Renal Replacement Therapy is disclosed that includes a pictogram representation of the fluid path of an extracorporeal blood circuit that represents fluid lines, pumps and sensors. To assist the user in responding to alarms and rectifying faults in the system the source of a potential trouble is animated. The location of a trouble spot is easily identified by flashing of the corresponding element of the pictogram, change of color or thickness of a corresponding line.

Abstract: A liquid level monitoring system for detecting high liquid levels in a wastewater handling system, includes wireless sensor modules, a wireless network, and a processor system. Individual sensor modules are battery powered and may be located at various points in the wastewater handling system, for example, at access openings such as those provided by a manhole cover. Each sensor module includes a capacitive probe, a capacitive sensing alarm circuit, and a wireless communication device. In the event the capacitive probe depending downward from the sensor module is submerged in liquid, the alarm circuit detects the high water level and activates the wireless communication device, thus transmitting an event message to the wireless network, which in turn transmits the event message to the processing system. The processing system includes a database that stores sensor module identifiers and installed sensor module locations.

Abstract: A filter assembly employs radially inwardly and outwardly displaced portions of a peripheral roll seam on the cartridge as components of a cartridge compatibility matrix. A substantially annular space, the radial configuration of which varies with the convoluted roll seam, is defined between the roll seam and a cylindrical wall of the cartridge end cap. The base includes an axially projecting receptacle wall that terminates in a coded lip to define a receptacle for receiving the cartridge end cap. The cartridge mounting system requires axial reception of the coded lip into the substantially annular space of the filter cartridge. The coded lip is configured to block reception and mating of any filter cartridge whose roll seam defines a substantially annular space of incompatible radial configuration. The number, configuration and location of inwardly and outwardly displaced portions of the roll seam may be varied to provide a variety of unique compatibility matrices.

Abstract: A filter assembly employs radially inwardly and outwardly displaced portions of a peripheral roll seam on the cartridge as components of a cartridge compatibility matrix. A base defines an axial entrance to a fixed retainer that is complementary to the compatibility matrix of the cartridge roll seam. Axial slots accommodate the outwardly displaced portions of the roll seam while inward protrusions correspond to the location and inward displacement of the inwardly displaced segments of the roll seam. Incompatible filter cartridges are prevented from axial reception into the base. The number, configuration and location of inwardly and outwardly displaced portions of the roll seam may be varied to provide a variety of unique compatibility matrices.

Abstract: A filter assembly employs radial interference between the received portion of a filter cartridge housing and the receptacle of a base. Radial interference occurs between a tapered end cap of the filter cartridge and a substantially cylindrical inside surface of the base receptacle. The filter cartridge end cap is tapered such that the interference increases as the cartridge is urged into the receptacle by a retaining collar. The tight fit improves resistance to vibration and shock applied to the filter assembly. Metal to metal contact at the interference points also provides a reliable electrical contact between the base and the cartridge to prevent accumulation static charges in the cartridge.

Abstract: A filter assembly employs inward and outward radially displaced portions of a peripheral shoulder on the cartridge as components of a cartridge compatibility matrix. Alternative base assemblies include mounting structures complementary to the configuration of the peripheral shoulder to exclude incompatible cartridges. The peripheral shoulder is preferably a roll seam connecting first and second sections of the filter housing. The invention further contemplates a pattern of radial protrusions from a portion of the cartridge housing received in a base receptacle as part of a cartridge compatibility matrix. The base receptacle is configured to receive only those cartridges having a compatible pattern of radial protrusions.

Abstract: The present invention provides for a method of producing an integral multilayered porous membrane by simultaneously co-casting a plurality of polymer solutions onto a support to form a multilayered liquid sheet and immersing the sheet into a liquid coagulation bath to effect phase separation and form a porous membrane. The support can be a temporary support or form an integrated support for the membrane. The plurality of layers may be of the same polymer or different, same concentration or viscosity or different and may be subjected to the same processing conditions or different ones to form unique structures.

Abstract: Solvent-resistant polybenzimidazole membranes, methods of making them and crosslinking them and composite membranes and hollow fiber membrane modules from them are disclosed.

Abstract: A method, apparatus and system for processing municipal waste starts with a biomass that has been treated in at least one steam autoclave and dilutes the resulting biomass in a dilution tank while agitating the resulting mixture a sufficient amount and at an effective temperature to cause cellulose fibers within the biomass that became twisted during processing within the autoclave to relax and straighten out. The biomass mixture is fed into a hybrid anaerobic digester having separate zones for digesting the solid portion of the biomass and the fluid portion of the biomass. The hybrid anaerobic digester is a vessel having an inner zone for digestion of the solid portion of the biomass and a concentric outer zone having attached growth media that retains methane producing organisms which produce biogas from the fluid portion of the biomass.

Abstract: An improved process of treating sludge to provide a stable product for use as a beneficial soil or fertilizer for agricultural lands which includes the steps of: (a) mixing sludge with at least one alkaline material in an amount sufficient to raise pH of the mixture to a level of at least 12 and to increase percent solids in the mixture to at least 40% by weight, and such that odorant sludge organics and inorganics are bound to adsorbent particles of the alkaline material, (b) aerating and drying the mixture by agitation and heating to stabilize the mixture and increase the percent solids to at least 50% by weight, and (c) pasteurizing the dried mixture at a temperature at or above 52.degree. C.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method for biological purification of effluents in mixed cultures using micro-organisms whereof part at least is fixed on solid supports. The invention is characterised in that said supports are activated so as to generate a turbulence in the reaction medium, the intensity of which is such that it reduces the production of biological sludge, the materials constituting said micro-organism supports being abraded and cleaned, while being retained in said reaction medium.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for removing fouling materials from the surface of a plurality of porous membranes (9) arranged in a membrane module (4) by providing, from within the module, by means (10) other than gas passing through the pores of said membranes, gas bubbles in a uniform distribution relative to the porous membrane array such that the bubbles move past the surfaces of the membranes (9) to dislodge fouling materials therefrom. The membranes (9) are arranged in close proximity to one another and mounted to prevent excessive movement therebetween. The bubbles also produce vibration and rubbing together of the membranes to further assist removal of fouling materials.

Abstract: Laser-induced phase-separation polymerization of a porous acrylate polymer is used for in-situ fabrication of dialysis membranes inside glass microchannels. A shaped 355 nm laser beam is used to produce a porous polymer membrane with a thickness of about 15 &mgr;m, which bonds to the glass microchannel and form a semi-permeable membrane. Differential permeation through a membrane formed with pentaerythritol triacrylate was observed and quantified by comparing the response of the membrane to fluorescein and fluorescently tagging 200 nm latex microspheres. Differential permeation was observed and quantified by comparing the response to rhodamine 560 and lactalbumin protein in a membrane formed with SPE-methylene bisacrylamide. The porous membranes illustrate the capability for the present technique to integrate sample cleanup into chip-based analysis systems.

Abstract: A dialysis system and a method for automatically priming a dialyzer are provided. The priming of the dialyzer is accomplished in two steps; namely, the use of a blood pump to prime a dialyzer followed by the use of the blood pump and a dialysate pump to prime the dialyzer. The dialysis system filters a fluid through an extracorporeal circuit, a balanced flow loop and a dialysate loop which is connected to the dialyzer. The dialysis system and method may prevent air or air bubbles from entering the blood stream of a patient during dialysmis. Moreover, the dialysis system may be, for example, a hemodialysis or peritoneal dialysis system.

Abstract: A number of improvements relating to methods and apparatuses for kidney dialysis are disclosed.

Abstract: A process for removing solids from a water-based flush solution, The process includes: providing dirty flush solution; directing the dirty flush solution to a treatment vessel; adding one or more chemicals to the treatment vessel to form a treated flush solution; separating aggregated paint compounds from the treated flush solution to form a filtered flush solution; and directing the filtered flush solution to spray application equipment. The flush system of the invention includes a treatment vessel, wherein the dirty flush solution is mixed with one or more chemicals to form a treated flush solution; a primary separation unit to remove particles including aggregated paint compounds from the treated flush solution to form a filtered flush solution; and transfer lines to direct the filtered flush solution to spray application equipment. The filtered flush solution contains: 1% to 5% by weight of a water soluble organic solvent; 0.

Abstract: Systems and methods for high-throughput fabrication and evaluation of electrode and electrolyte material performance for solid oxide fuel cells. A system comprising a substrate, an auto-sampler operable for simultaneously controlling the flow rates of 2 or more solid oxide fuel cell components, a delivery apparatus, a mass flow controller, an x-y motion stage, and a microprocessor operable for controlling the system. A method comprising providing a library of samples, continuously and controllably supplying desired amounts of the samples to a liquid chromatography system where a multi-compositional mixture is formed, serially loading the multi-compositional mixture into a common sprayer, serially and distributively spraying the multi-compositional mixture onto a surface of a substrate, forming a discrete or continuous gradient array of the mixture reacted on the substrate, and evaluating the performance of the mixture for use in solid oxide fuel cells.