Abstract: A jewelry chest comprising several drawers/trays.

Abstract: A storage device for medical swabs having an envelope for the latter is characterized in that the envelope is formed by adjacently disposed chambers which are sealed bacteria-tight for the swabs. The size of the chambers is determined by the number and the size of the swabs kept in stock in each of them, it being intended, so ensure absolute sterility, that only one swab should be kept in stock in one chamber, so that each swab can be removed sterilized from the storage device. The envelopes can be kept in stock rolled up or concertinaed.

Abstract: A cap has a plastic plug portion and a plastic seal plug. The plug portion has a side wall having an inner circumferential surface arranged to fit on an outer circumferential surface of the opening portion, and a cylindrical wall forming a receiving chamber having an opening at its lower end face, which wall projects from a top wall on the inside of the side wall. The seal plug has the outer diameter being larger than the outer diameter of the cylindrical wall and is welded to the lower end face of the cylindrical wall while the receiving chamber is filled with a filling. In a sealing mechanism relating to the present invention, the seal plug closes the opening by being fixed to the cylindrical wall being loosely fitted into a sleeve. The sleeve is welded to the inner circumferential surface of the opening portion.

Abstract: A disc locator comprises: a platter, a button located centrally of the platter, a number of inner resilient linkages extending from the button, a number of outer resilient linkages extending from the platter and forming pairs with respective ones of the inner resilient linkages. A number of latches are interposed between some of the inner and outer resilient linkage pairs and each comprise a disc-engaging finger for passing through the central aperture of a disc to retain the disc and are adapted to move toward the button upon depression of the button. Lifting levers are associated with some of the inner and outer resilient linkage pairs and bear upwardly upon a disc upon depression of the button to release the disc.

Abstract: A prefilled syringe of cartridge barrel having a tamper evident closure. Tamper evidence is provided by: a frangible tip seal which is integral with the tapered tip of the barrel; a frangible tip cap covering the tip, the tip seal and a portion of the distal end of the barrel; and an overwrap covering the frangible tip cap and the distal end of the barrel sealed to the distal end of the barrel by a tamper evident seal. The tapered tip is optionally equipped with a luer collar to receive an external luer connector. Alternatively, the tapered tip can be provided with a bore therethrough which can be closed with an elastomeric plug and the external connector can be a tubing conduit.

Abstract: A bulk bag having side walls; and a bottom wallis provided wherein a pair of laterally spaced generally flexible sleeves are associated with the bottom wall with each sleeve operatively receiving a generally rigid tubular element adapted to receive a tine of a forklift truck, in use. Each tubular element preferably has, at one end thereof, outwardly directed flange formations for preventing movement of the said end into the sleeve, in use, and means at the other end for inhibiting movement of said other end into the sleeve, in use. The tubular element is preferably made to a generally rectangular cross-sectional configuration from a flat sheet of material bent along the corners to define said tubular element.

Abstract: A cassette holder for a large and a small cassette to be selectively loaded. An upper surface of a frame is a part of a bottom surface of a cassette opening having a size fitting the large cassette, through which the large or the small cassette is to be loaded. A pair of positioning-restriction elements is provided inside the cassette holder when viewed from the opening provided on the front panel. The distance between the restriction elements has a width enough for the small cassette to be loaded therebetween to a predetermined position in the cassette holder. A cassette detector detects the large cassette when this cassette is loaded through the cassette opening. At least a part of the cassette detector is positioned so that it is closer to a front-end section of the cassette opening than the positioning-restriction elements are when viewed from the cassette opening.

Abstract: A promotional article for insertion into a carton containing beverage bottles or cans. The article comprises a premium attached to a tray-like member which is provided with means to engage and be borne by one, but preferably more, of the bottles or cans to accurately position the premium within the carton without distorting any wall thereof. The invention also provides a promotional package comprising the article and beverage-filled bottles or cans in a carton and a method of producing same.

Abstract: A packaging and method for transport of diagnostic specimens meeting regulatory conditions. The packaging comprises a diagnostic specimen, a cryovial, a specimen carrier, an inner bladder, a containment jacket and a shipping container. The containment jacket comprises a transport bag and a cover. The transport bag has an interior cavity capable of receiving specimen carriers and the cover can be secured over the transport bag. The containment jacket is preferably capable of withstanding the maximum intended pressure differential by the industry. The method of transport comprises placing a specimen in a cryovial. The cryovial is placed within a specimen carrier which is in turn placed in an inner bladder. The inner bladder is sealed and placed within a containment jacket. The containment jacket is placed in shipping container and optionally packed with a packing material. The shipping container is preferably capable of withstanding and maintaining temperatures below −200° C.

Abstract: A promotional article for insertion into a carton containing beverage bottles. The article comprises a premium attached to a tray-like member which is provided with means to engage and be borne by one, but preferably more, of the primary containers. The article is adapted to be contained within the carton without distorting any wall thereof. The invention also provides a promotional package comprising the article and beverage-filled bottles in a carton and a method of producing same.

Abstract: A package comprises a housing portion having a cavity for holding an item, a cover portion, and a connection portion connected the housing portion and the cover portion. The connection portion is generally flat and is less in bending resistance than adjoining parts of both housing and cover portions, whereby the package is most liable to bend at connection portion so as to bring the cover portion and the housing portion to each other.

Abstract: A package arrangement is provided. The package arrangement in general includes a blister pack having a backing construction secured thereto. In preferred arrangements, a removable header is provided. The backing construction preferably includes a flexible film having resealable pressure sensitive adhesive on a side thereof, by which the backing portion is secured to the blister pack. A portion of the backing construction is formed as a hinged cover portion, by two cuts, preferably parallel, extending through the backing construction portion and overlapping a selected section of the blister pack. In a preferred arrangement, each cut terminates at a stop structure.

Abstract: The present invention provides a taco tray transportation device for housing a plurality of taco trays. The device includes a plurality of side walls, and a top and bottom surface. The plurality of side walls and the top and bottom surfaces are attached together in such a manner to provide access to the interior space of the transportation device. Each of the taco trays positioned inside of the interior of the transportation device are configured in such a manner so that when a first taco tray is stacked on top of a second taco tray there is a clearance between the bottom of the first taco tray and the top wall of the second taco tray sufficient to prevent tortillas positioned in tortilla receiving areas of the second taco tray from touching the bottom of the first taco tray.

Abstract: A method for safely storing an object includes loading the object into a storage box for receiving the object, sealing the storage box, spraying a cleaning gas into the storage box containing the object through a first valve connected to the storage box by providing the cleaning gas from an outside source, and exhausting the cleaning gas from the storage box through a second valve connected to the storage box by increasing a pressure of the cleaning gas in the storage box.

Abstract: A flexible polymeric container for holding albumin. The container is made of a sheet of flexible polymeric film formed into a bag having a cavity enclosed by a first wall, an opposing second wall, and seals about a periphery of the first and second walls. The seals join an interior portion of the opposing first and second walls and create a fluid-tight chamber within the cavity of the container for storing a concentration of the albumin.

Abstract: A human resistance pharmaceutical package is described. A package is provided in which access to a medicated pad, such as one saturated with Lidocaine, is obstructed unless opening is attempted using a cutting tool. The package is made from two heat-sealed panels. At least one of the panels is made of multiple layers including at least an outer printable layer and a pair of oriented nylon layers. Preferably, print and a varnish coat layer is provided on the facing surfaces. Aluminum layers may provide environmental protection for package contents. Usually, panel thickness will be limited for use with standard production line machinery. Together, the composite layers are preferably not so thick as to prohibit the use of common heat sealing machinery or modified typical machinery for production.

Abstract: A method and system for prepackaging and administering a predetermined individualized regime of therapeutic dosages comprising coding of a plurality of sets of separate dosage packets with individual dosage packet designations corresponding to the time and day or date of administration, filling the separate dosage packets with the predetermined individualized regime of therapeutic dosages, coding a packet organizer comprising a plurality of packet positions corresponding to the plurality of sets of separate dosage packets with individual packet designations corresponding to the individual dosage packet designations of the plurality of sets of separate dosage packets, matching the individual dosage packets of the plurality of sets of separate dosage packets with the corresponding packet positions of the packet organizer by correlating the individual dosage packet designations of the plurality of sets of separate dosage packets with the corresponding packet position designations of the packet organizer, storing

Abstract: The present invention provides a carrier which includes a handle, a first support and a second support. The first and second supports are attached to each other and to the handle. Each support has a food aperture and beverage aperture which are located on the same sides of the first and second supports. The handle has a carrying aperture for carrying the carrier and an inside cavity for receiving promotional items. The carrying aperture of the handle is formed on the handle such that a center of the beverage aperture crosses the carrying aperture. The inside cavity is sized and configured to receive a three or five inch compact disk.

Abstract: A tool tray having a universal support system enables the tool tray to be placed on a variety of working surfaces. The tool tray includes a rectangular platform having a flat surface surrounded by a plurality of upstanding walls. The platform is supported by four legs which are attached to the platform and protrude downwardly therefrom. The legs each have a bottom surface for supporting the platform on a horizontal surface, and a tapered inner side surface for engaging opposite sides of a vehicle tire for supporting the platform on the vehicle tire. The legs are slidably adjustable to accommodate different sizes of vehicle tires. Two detachable socket trays and a detachable parts tray are attached to the platform by respective structures that hook over the upper edges of the platform. Handles are formed at respective opposite ends of the platform to facilitate lifting and carrying the tool tray assembly.

Abstract: A packaging device for a fluid product which includes a bottle formed by a body and a neck with an axis X. The opening of the neck is defined by a rim which includes an inner portion and an outer portion. In the illustrated embodiment, at least part of the outer portion is located axially above the inner portion. A flow reducer is mounted in the neck opening, with the reducer incorporating a flange resting on the inner portion of the rim of the neck. The flow reducer is also spaced from at least part of an outer portion of the rim of the neck.

Abstract: A display box comprises a base tray 3 and lid 4, the lid 4 being connected to the base tray 3 by a hinge element 5 formed integrally with the lid 4. The hinge element 5 includes a formed flexible hinge portion 11 having inner and outer webs 16,17 extending between the lid 4 and base tray 3 across an offset 23 between their rear walls 15,20. It also includes a rigid hinge portion 12 that lies adjacent to the inner face of the base tray's rear wall 20, and is attached to a tray insert 6 via a tab 13. The arrangement is such that, at closure, the lid 4 sits flush on the base tray 3, and such that the lid 4 can remain in an open position inclined to the vertical, with the flexible hinge portion 11 taut and the lower end of the lid rear wall 15 abutting the outer face of the base tray rear wall 20. This allows an item to be displayed in the box in an attractive and pleasing manner.

Abstract: Process for transforming a gas-oil fraction that makes it possible to produce a fuel that has a quality according to stringent requirements in terms of sulfur content, aromatic compound content, cetane number, boiling point, T95, of 95% of the compounds and density, d15/4, at 15° C. This process comprises a hydrorefining stage and a hydrocracking stage, whereby the latter uses a catalyst that contains at least one zeolite. The conversion of products that have a boiling point of less than 150° C. is, throughout the two stages of hydrocracking and hydrorefining, less than 40% by weight and, for the hydrorefining stage, between 1 and 15% by weight. The temperature, TR2, of the hydrocracking stage is less than the temperature, TR1, of the hydrorefining stage, and the variation between temperatures TR1 and TR2 is between 0 and 80° C.

Abstract: A process for producing a premium Fischer-Tropsch diesel fuel which comprises (a) hydroprocessing a waxy Fischer-Tropsch feed to remove the oxygenates that are present in the feed, whereby a first Fischer-Tropsch intermediate product is produced with reduced olefins and oxygenates relative to the Fischer-Tropsch feed; (b) separating the first Fischer-Tropsch intermediate product in a separation zone into a heavy Fischer-Tropsch fraction and a light Fischer-Tropsch fraction under controlled separation conditions; (c) hydroisomerizing the heavy Fischer-Tropsch fraction to improve the cold flow properties of the heavy Fischer-Tropsch fraction and recovering an isomerized heavy Fischer-Tropsch fraction; (d) mixing the isomerized heavy Fischer-Tropsch fraction with at least a portion of the light Fischer-Tropsch fraction of (b); and (e) recovering from the blend a Fischer-Tropsch derived diesel product meeting a target value for at least one pre-selected specification for diesel fuel.

Abstract: A process for the catalytic selective oxidation of sulfur compounds in a hydrocarbonaceous feedstock to sulfur dioxide is provided. A gaseous feed mixture of the hydrocarbonaceous feedstock and a molecular-oxygen containing gas is contacted with a catalyst at a temperature of at most 500 ° C., wherein the oxygen-to-carbon ratio of the feed mixture is below 0.15. The catalyst contains a group VIII noble metal on a catalyst carrier. The formed sulfur dioxide can be removed from the hydrocarbonaceous feedstock.

Abstract: A hydrogen-rich reformate gas generator, such as a mini-CPO (catalytic partial oxidizer) (36), provides warm, dry, hydrogen-containing reformate gas to a hydrogen desulfurizer (17) which provides desulfurized reformate gas to a major reformer (14) (such as a CPO) which, after processing in a water-gas shift reactor (26) and preferential CO oxidizer (27) produces hydrogen-containing reformate in a line (31) for use, for instance, as fuel for a fuel cell power plant. The expensive prior art hydrogen blower (30) is thereby eliminated, thus reducing parasitic power losses in the power plant. The drier reformate provided by the mini-CPO to the hydrogen desulfurizer favors hydrogen sulfide adsorption on zinc oxide and helps to reduce sulfur to the parts per billion level.

Abstract: A hydrogen-rich reformate gas generator (36), such as a mini-CPO, POX, ATR or other hydrogen generator provides warm, dry, hydrogen-rich reformate gas to a hydrogen desulfurizer (17) which provides desulfurized feedstock gas to a major reformer (14) (such as a CPO) which, after processing in a water-gas shift reactor (26) and preferential CO oxidizer (27) produces hydrogen-containing reformate in a line (31) for use, for instance, as fuel for a fuel cell power plant. The expensive prior art hydrogen blower (30) is thereby eliminated, thus reducing parasitic power losses in the power plant. The drier reformate provided by the small hydrogen generator to the hydrogen desulfurizer favors hydrogen sulfide adsorption on zinc oxide and helps to reduce sulfur to the parts per billion level.

Abstract: In a process for producing hollow bodies of plastic by stretch-blow molding heated parisons, the parisons are inspected before being heated and at least some of the defective parisons are heated and are not separated out until after being heated. This method and the respective device can be implemented at low cost and with low space requirements and it has only a minor negative effect on output of finished hollow bodies.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for separating a particle stream into particle groups, comprising a dilution treatment chamber defining an upstanding channel to receive a particle stream, such that the particle stream falls toward a first-particle-group outlet. A transfer casing is adjacent to the dilution treatment chamber and defines a transfer chamber to receive a second particle group. Second-particle-group outlets are laterally positioned with respect to the channel and allow fluid communication therebetween. A distributor in the channel is provided to break down the particle stream and to distribute the particle stream over a surface area of the channel. Fluid flow apertures create a fluid flow between the transfer chamber and the channel so as to entrain a second particle group to the transfer chamber with a first particle group remaining in the channel for exiting through the first-particle-group outlet. The apparatus and method is also used to mix/treat particle streams/fluids.

Abstract: A system is disclosed for detecting or inspecting for a lining of a container closure that is formed of a sheet metal and has a panel on an inside surface of the closure. The panel of the closure has a lining formed thereon. The system according to the present invention includes a conveyor for moving plural closures longitudinally and substantially through the system, a color sensor that inspects the panel of each one of the closures on the conveyor for a predetermined color, and a separator that is capable of removing closures that lack the predetermined color. The system may include an oven downstream from the sensor to bake the lining. Thus, the system automatically identifies and removes the closure having the deficient color from the conveyor. A corresponding method for identifying and removing a closure having a deficient color is also disclosed.

Abstract: In the blood-sampling-tube preparation device according to the present invention, the each blood-sampling-tube containing section is provided with a number of compartments along a periphery thereof, in which the blood-sampling-tubes are contained one by one in a laying state, and an opening portion at a lower portion thereof for discharging the blood-sampling-tube from the each compartment, the compartments in each of the blood-sampling-tube containing section are intended to be moved in a peripheral direction thereof so that the blood-sampling-tube contained in the compartment aligned with the opening portion falls through the opening portion by moving the compartments at a suitable distance along the peripheral direction, and the blood-sampling-tube transferring means is arranged under the opening portions of the blood-sampling-tube containing sections for receiving the blood-sampling-tube felt from the each blood-sampling-tube containing section.

Abstract: A method for determining the total amount bet by individual players participating in multiple spins of a roulette game at a gaming table that has a chipper machine and an intelligent table terminal. The method involves interfacing the chipper sorting machine with the table terminal, allocating a chip to a patron at the terminal, counting the number of color chips sorted by the chipper machine per color, and associating the number of color chips sorted by the machine per color with the patron. The total amount bet by that patron is then determined by mathematically linking the chip value of the color chip of the patron with the number of chips of the individual color sorted by the chipper machine in the time period in which the color chip is associated with that patron.

Abstract: A work inspection system 2 includes: a conveyor table 7 vertically positioned, and conveying works W stored in work-storing pockets 9; a work inspection apparatus for inspecting the works stored in the work-storing pockets 9 of the conveyor table 7; and a sorting and ejecting apparatus 12 for sorting the inspected works stored in the work-storing pockets of the conveyor table in accordance with a property of the works and ejecting the same. The work-storing pockets 9 of the conveyor table 7 are positioned inside the periphery 7a of the conveyor table 7 to surround the works W. The work-storing pockets 9 are disposed along two concentric circles on the conveyor table 7.

Abstract: A system and method sequencing objects in trays by assigning a direction to tray locations, where each of the tray locations provides space for trays. The objects are placed into the trays corresponding to assigned directions of the objects. A determination is made as to whether there are additional objects that correspond to the direction and, if so, the direction is assigned to unassigned tray locations based on pre-defined rules. Once all of the objects are in the trays, the trays are moved to the feeder system in a sequential order based on the directions. In a second pass, the directions are reassigned to the tray locations based on a number of trays required to hold the objects. The objects are placed into the trays corresponding to the directions of the objects. The trays are then transported to an unloading stage in a sequential order corresponding to the reassigned directions.

Abstract: A transportable system for separating materials in a waste stream. An arrangement of separation and grinding devices is mounted on a transportable platform. The devices are configured and arranged to produce three or more product streams from a plastic-rich feed mixture. One of the product streams is a coarse heavy stream, one stream is a ground plastic-rich product stream, and one stream is a ground light material stream. The system can be transported to a waste-goods location, operated to separate waste-goods, and relocated a new location.

Abstract: An apparatus for sorting small cylindrical objects has a trough having a longitudinally extending groove along which the objects can slide. The groove is of generally rectangular upwardly open shape and has a pair of upright and horizontally spaced side walls and an upwardly directed floor bridging lower edges of the side walls. The floor is formed offset from the side walls with a vertically throughgoing slot of a width substantially smaller than a predetermined minimum object width so that if any of the objects is of a diameter smaller than the minimum object width it will fall through the slot as it slides along the floor. One of the side walls is formed at the slot with an inwardly directed braking formation engageable with the objects as they slide past the slot to rotate same about vertical axes.

Abstract: An apparatus which is useful in the separation of solids from a diluted, wet, concrete mixture has (a) a free-standing first container with a drain port and a top opening, (b) a strainer disposed within the first container, (c) a drain port shut-off valve, (d) a second container capable of providing a reservoir for recovered liquid, and (e) a transfer conduit for allowing effluent from the drain port of the first container to gravitate into the second container.

Abstract: A filter for providing potable water is provided. The filter includes a housing having an inlet and an outlet, a filter material disposed within the housing, the filter material formed at least in part from a plurality of mesoporous, basic, and reduced-oxygen activated carbon filter particles. Preferably, at least some of the mesoporous activated carbon filter particles are coated with silver or a silver containing material. Kits comprising filters and information relating to the killing or removal of bacteria, viruses, and microbials are also provided.

Abstract: A portable purifying system for improved filtering and/or separating of cleaning solutions such as solvents, particularly those used in parts washers. The purifying system utilizes a removable reservoir to provide a smaller reservoir within a larger reservoir such as a parts washer. The portable purifying system provides an apparatus and method of use to perform the following steps: using re-circulating solvent from the larger reservoir, washing oily parts in such manner that oily residue from the washed parts is deposited in the smaller reservoir; separating cleaner portions of solvent from dirtier portions of solvent within the smaller reservoir using density differences to separate by gravity action cleaner portions from dirtier portions; moving the cleaner portions of solvent into the larger reservoir; and periodically emptying and cleaning the smaller reservoir.

Abstract: The invention relates to aquarium filters providing improved water filtration without accelerated clogging. The present invention also relates to methods of using such filters.

Abstract: Installation for the removal and the deactivation of organisms in the ballast water, with the following characteristic features:

Abstract: A filtration module (1) is provided which includes a manifold (3), a filtration cartridge (50) and a bowl (2) that houses the filter cartridge (50). The filtration cartridge (50) and bowl (2) are connected to each other by a snap fit construction (22) to form a unitary construction. The filtration cartridge (50) and bowl (2) are in fluid communication with the manifold (3) which prevents mixing of a fluid feed to the module (1) and a permeate removed from the module (1).

Abstract: A self contained filter for a recirculating tank is used in a septic system. The self contained filter is a mattress-like filter made of woven material encapsulating aggregate material therein. The weave of the mattress-like woven material is smaller than the aggregate material. In another aspect, at least one mattress-like filter is placed within a tank.

Abstract: A fuel tank for use with small internal combustion engines, the fuel tank having an inlet and an outlet and storing a quantity of fuel therein. A hydrophobic barrier is positioned within the fuel tank in flow communication with the outlet, and permits the passage of fuel therethrough while preventing the passage of water therethrough. In this manner, water is prevented from entering the intake system of the engine. The hydrophobic barrier may be positioned at an inclined angle proximate the fuel outlet, such that water droplets within the fuel are deflected downwardly toward the lower portion of the fuel tank. The fuel tank includes a lower wall with a depressed area defining a water trap in which water may collect, the water trap spaced laterally away from the fuel outlet and the fuel inlet.

Abstract: The invention concerns a modular dynamic filtering device with rotary discs comprising membranes (41, 42, 51, 52) arranged on either side of fixed support plates (4, 5). The modular construction enables the filtering device to be universal and adaptable by the user to be used for different types of filtration from microfiltration to nanofiltration, and even reverse osmosis.

Abstract: A fluid filter having a housing assembly defining a chamber through which fluid to be filtered can flow. The housing assembly has a fluid outlet and a fluid inlet. A filtering assembly is provided within the chamber through which fluid moving between the fluid inlet and fluid outlet passes. The housing assembly has an opening through which at least a part of the filtering assembly can be directed into an operative position within the chamber. The cover assembly selectively seals the opening and allows access to the filtering assembly therethrough. The cover assembly has a cover element and a cover locking assembly. The cover locking assembly has a locked state and a released state. The cover locking assembly draws the cover element against the housing assembly along a first line with the cover locking assembly in the locked state.

Abstract: A method and device for the filtration and/or purification of fluids water or other solutions containing microbiological and chemical contaminants, such as fluids containing cysts, bacteria and/or viruses, and heavy metals and/or pesticides, where the fluid is passed through a purification material composed of magnesium containing mineral and more preferably silicates containing magnesium, oxides containing magnesium, hydroxides containing magnesium, and phosphates containing magnesium and absorption media in a fixed binder matrix.

Abstract: A casing surrounds an axis to define a cavity that has axially front and rear ends. The casing is configured to conduct a mixture of a liquid and a contaminant through the cavity from the front end to the rear end. A porous basket structure, located within the cavity, for holding coalescing media has a top opening. The basket structure is configured for the liquid to flow through the top opening into the basket structure, through the coalescing media, and outward through of the basket structure in a vertical direction and a horizontal direction. A constraining structure, located in the cavity, constrains the liquid flowing through the cavity from the front end to the rear end to flow through the top opening into the basket structure when the liquid is below a predetermined level.

Abstract: The ammonia nitrification over a calcite slurry process and system may be used for treating an ammonia containing fluid. An influent fluid stream may be introduced into an aerobic contact element that may have a microbial population therein. A plurality of calcite particles and oxygen may be introduced into the aerobic contact element. The contents of the aerobic contract element may be mixed. The contents may be communicated to a separation element to output a nitrified fluid stream overflow and for recycled a collected calcite particle stream.

Abstract: Novel methods and apparatuses are disclosed for the treatment of wastewater to reduce often associated offensive odors by promoting aerobic conditions through decreasing the amount of oxygen required to maintain aerobic cultures and/or aerobic biological activity in the wastewater. Also, the wastewater is screened or otherwise separated the wastewater to remove or concentrate the solids which are anaerobically digested. By concentrating the solids, a smaller digester can be used. The anaerobic digestion produces biogas that may be collected and used, or burned by a flare or oxidized by a semipermeable membrane to deodorize the biogas. The heat produced from the biogas may have a variety of uses, including raising the temperature of the anaerobic digester and the bacterial metabolism. The wastewater is also clarified to remove nitrogenous and organic carbon wastes.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for improving one or more of the operations of forming, washing, deliquoring, and collecting a filter cake. In this method, a slurry of at least one solid and at least one liquid is drawn through a filter medium having an upstream and a downstream side, such that at least a portion of the at least one solid is collected on the filter medium as a filter cake. To improve the process, at least one nanofiber of a length of at least about one meter is collected upstream of the filter medium at a position selected from the group consisting of (1) downstream of the filter cake, (2) dispersed throughout the filter cake, (3) upstream of the filter cake, and (4) any combination thereof.