Abstract: A shale shaker for separating material, said shale shaker comprising a basket (100) for supporting a screen assembly and a collection receptacle, the basket comprising two side walls (102), an end wall (103) and an opening in the bottom of said basket (100), said basket (100) having means (109,110) to support screen assemblies for substantially covering said opening characterised in that said basket (100) further comprises separating means (104,105,106)in or on any of said walls (102,103) for separating material. Preferably, further comprising directing means for directing separated material therefrom into said collection receptacle. The invention also provides a method for separating material using the shale shaker of the invention, a basket of the shale shaker of the invention and screen assemblies used in the shale shaker of the invention.

Abstract: A two-stage dynamic classifier (30, 30′) for classifying a pulverized feed material (34, 34′, 38) entrained in an air flow (31) includes a vertically extending housing having a lower feed material inlet (18), an upper feed material outlet (24), a processing section (47, 47′) disposed between the feed material inlet and the feed material outlet, and a lower tailings discharge (26). A classifier conditioner (32) is disposed in a lower portion of the processing section and a turbine classifier (42, 44) is disposed in an upper portion of the processing section.

Abstract: A first flow path is defined within a first panel that forms a part of an extracorporeal fluid circuit. A second flow path is defined within a second panel that also forms a part of the extracorporeal fluid circuit. The first and second panels are oriented in a fluid processing cartridge for mounting as an integrated unit on a fluid processing machine and for removal as an integrated unit from the fluid processing machine.

Abstract: A machining fluid treating device for a wire-cut electric discharge machine allows an operator to know the life of ion-exchange resin easily. Machining fluid is circulated to flow through ion-exchange resin, where, of the machining fluid, the flow rate L, the resistivity value R1 on the ion-exchange resin inlet side, and the resistivity value R2 on the ion-exchange resin outlet side are detected. The ion-exchange capacity C of the ion-exchange resin is evaluated using the expression C=(R2−R1)×L. Change in C, R1, R2 and L is displayed on a display screen. A linear expression, a polynomial expression or the like representing change in C is determined on the basis of accumulated data on change in C, and time (life) TE by which the ion-exchange capacity will reach a predetermined capacity limit LIMIT is predicted and displayed.

Abstract: A hemodialysis apparatus that carries out hemodialysis treatment by measuring or calculating the blood volume or its volume change as a blood indication level, and by controlling dialysis conditions according to said target blood indication level, wherein the chronological course of said blood indication level is defined as a target control line, and the primary blood volume (BV0) can be calculated as blood indication level. In the former part of the dialysis operation, the water removal is controlled so that the circulating blood volume in the body approach to the standard blood volume (BV st) with the use of said target control line. After the water removal of the former part of the dialysis operation, when the circulating blood volume in the body attains the standard blood volume (BV st), the latter part of the dialysis operation is started. In said latter part of the dialysis operation, the water removal operation is performed by substantively maintaining said standard blood volume (BV st).

Abstract: The invention relates to an oil filter installation for cleaning or cleaning and dessication of the oil in a tap changer at a power transformer or a plunger core coil, wherein a measuring device for detecting the volume flow of the throughflowing oil is provided and the electric pump motor is influenced by way of an interposed frequency converter in accordance with the result of a comparison of this measured value with a target value.

Abstract: The invention relates to a filtration system and method for carrying out a process for the filtration of fluids, comprising at least one filtration device with at least one filtration element comprising readable data and a check and/or test apparatus to which the filtration device may be connected, by means of data and testing means lines. The check and/or testing device is connected to a process controller, by data exchange means, for regulation and control of the filtration process and the process controller is connected to a filtration databank, by means of data exchange means, which comprises data sets for at least one filter element and/or for each filtration device and/or for the filtration process. The invention further relates to a computer programme product for carrying out a filtration process on fluids whereby programme components may be called up from a programme memory which support the carrying out of the filtration process.

Abstract: A new vacuum cyclone seafood collection retainer is disclosed. Two men easily assemble this new cyclone collection retainer, made in portable sections, and the sections can be rotated for best orientation of the hose connections. This vacuum cyclone facilitates the use of a large-scale vacuum system to offload shrimp from the holds and bins of shrimp boats and trawlers up onto the dock and into collection tubs for weighing and processing. This new vacuum cyclone system will offload shrimp and other small seafood much faster, cheaper, and with less damage to the shrimp than the conventional methods now employed. One large-scale vacuum supply pump can be connected through a common vacuum supply tank to multiple vacuum cyclone collection retainers providing multiple unloading dockside facilities.

Abstract: A filter apparatus comprises a housing, a filter element, and an anti-drainback valve. The anti-drainback valve comprises a support member and a valve member coupled to the support member for movement between a normally closed position blocking a flow of fluid out of the housing through an inlet formed in the housing and an opened position allowing a flow of fluid through the inlet into the housing.

Abstract: A one-piece manifold for a reverse osmosis system includes a filter configured to receive water from a water port and a membrane configured to receive filtered water via a first conduit. The membrane is also configured to send permeate water to a reverse osmosis tank. The manifold also includes a flow restrictor configured to receive concentrate water from the membrane via a second conduit and to pass the concentrate water to a drain port.

Abstract: A drainage assembly (10) comprises a frame (11) for defining at least part of the surface boundary of a surface drainage aperture; and a grating (14) having formed therein a plurality of apertures. The grating (14) is hingedly secured to the frame (11) and is moveable, when so secured, between an operative position in which the grating (14) is contiguous with the frame (11); and an open position in which the grating (14) lies hinged away from the frame (11).

Abstract: A flow diverting weir for attachment to a face plate of a skimmer of a swimming pool comprising an enclosed scoop member having an opening on one side to allow entry of water from the pool into the skimmer, the scoop member further includes a lower peripheral edge which carries flexible lip means for attachment to the skimmer face plate, the scoop member further includes a top surface carrying slot means and an elongated paddle removably received in the slot means, said paddle adapted to extend outwardly into the pool to divert an additional surface flow of pool water into the scoop member and skimmer.

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: In a preferred embodiment, a sample container storage part for storing a number of sample containers S, a nozzle for dropping a sample component separated and supplied by an LC and an additive liquid such as digestive fluid supplied from another liquid supplying part to the sample container S, a carrying mechanism for carrying and positioning the sample container at an arbitrary position under the nozzle, and a second nozzle, serving as a suction/injection mechanism, for sucking in the fractionated/collected sample component and injecting the sample component to another LC. The carrying mechanism provides a rotation mechanism. The carrying mechanism rotates over 180 degrees and carries the sample container S completed with fractionating/collecting to the position of the second nozzle, and the sample is sucked in by the second nozzle and injected to the LC of next stage.

Abstract: An adapter assembly for adapting a wet sump filter manifold to accept quick-dry change cartridge filters. The adapter can be attached to the manifold such that spent cartridge filters can be quickly exchanged for new cartridge filters without spilling water or exposing a user to unclean materials such as scale, biofilm and other contaminants. Once the adapter is attached to the manifold, the adapter can remain continuously attached as cartridge filters are exchanged. The adapter can be designed to appropriately actuate any valves that may exist in the filter manifold and may further including additional valves that act independently or in conjunction with the cartridge filter. The adapter sealing engages both the filter manifold and the cartridge filter to isolate incoming unfiltered water from outgoing filtered water.

Abstract: A filtration system for cleaning a fluid, typically water, that is contained in a tank having a rounded base and which cleans, during the backwash cycle, the filter media and, in particular, cleans the media in a usually stagnant area found in the rounded base of the tank. Most filtration system include a first pipe array located above the rounded base which provide for backwashing of the upper portion of the tank, but leaves the base area below the first pipe array stagnant and subject to the growth of harmful bacteria. The present invention adds a second array which is located in the base area and therefore is able to clean during the backwash cycle, an area that is left stagnant in most other systems. The second array is configured to follow the contours of the base of the tank to give it a greater cross sectional area than a flat array. This configuration results in greatly improved effectiveness over that provided by the conventional single flat array.

Abstract: The present invention is a media-based fluid filtration system that extends the time between backwashing operations and prevents the agglomeration of filtered particles at the top of the media bed through the use of a plurality of rotating vanes and associated tines that continuously agitate the upper portion of the filtration media to create a fluidized bed. The fluid stream to be filtered is introduced at the top of a generally cylindrical filtration chamber at a tangential angle to induce a helical flow inside the chamber. The chamber contains one or more layers of filtering media such as sand, gravel, or the like below the inlet. The incoming fluid stream makes contact with a plurality of pivotally mounted vanes, causing them to rotate. One or more downwardly extending tines are attached to each blade, extending down from the blade into the top layer of the filtering media.

Abstract: A membrane filtration manifold for connecting a filter submodule including one or more elongate bundles of semipermeable polymeric fibers is provided. The manifold includes a housing and connecting collar connected with said housing. The collar is adapted to receive and locate the submodule, where the submodule has a connecting sleeve with a locking formation. The submodule can be secured at one end to the collar by a clip adapted to engage both the collar and the locking formation to prevent axial withdrawal of the submodule from the collar. Also disclosed is a membrane filtration apparatus including a filter submodule including one or more elongate bundles of semipermeable polymeric fibers. The apparatus further includes a membrane filtration manifold removably connected at one end of said filter submodule and a basepiece removably connected to the other end of said filter submodule.

Abstract: A membrane filtration device has a multiplicity of hollow fiber membranes, or fibers, unconfined in a shell of a module; a first header and a second header disposed in vertically spaced-apart relationship; said first header and said second header having opposed ends of each fiber sealingly secured therein, all open ends of said fibers open to a permeate-discharging face of at least one header; permeate collection means to collect said permeate, sealingly connected in open fluid communication with a permeate-discharging face of at least one of said headers; means to withdraw said permeate; said fibers, said headers and said permeate collection means together forming an integrated combination wherein said fibers are essentially vertically disposed and ends of individual fibers are potted in closely spaced-apart relationship in cured resin; with opposed faces at a fixed distance; each of said fibers having a length from 0.1% to less than 5% greater.

Abstract: A filter assembly has a compressible filtering medium (18, 19) disposed in the flow path of water from the upstream region of an inlet chamber (11) to a downstream outlet (17). Said compression of the filter medium by the water passing through the filter assembly increases the proportion of the overall flow path of water constituted by a low resistance portion of the flow path. The clogging of the filter medium thus leads to an increase in water pressure in the upstream region which, in turn, causes compression of the filter medium, which compression tends to increase the water flow rate through the outlet so as to counter the reduction in water flow rate causes by the clogging.

Abstract: The present invention provides a screen system (8) suitable for use in a vibratory screen apparatus (1), and comprising: a screen element (11) and a support frame (12) therefor, as well novel screen elements (11) and mesh panels (19) therefor, and the use thereof. The screen element (11) consists essentially of a mesh panel (19) provided with first and second elongate support members (22, 23) extending along opposite end portions of the mesh panel (19). The support frame (12) has spaced apart first and second elongate frame elements (13, 14) for engagement with the screen element support members (22, 23) and further elongate frame elements (17, 18) extending there between for supporting the mesh panel (19).

Abstract: Apparatus and methods include an improved filter (203) and cleaning process.

Abstract: A press for the dehumidification of humid matter, in particular of residual waste is disclosed, which comprises a worm gear whereby the residual waste may be compressed mechanically. During transport with the aid of the worm gear, the humid matter is subjected to a drying medium, preferably pressurized air or a vacuum, whereby it is delivered from the press.

Abstract: A filter for a fluid system includes a housing having an interior cavity. A filter media is disposed in the housing and defines a central opening. A center tube assembly is arranged within the central opening and includes discs which are stackable upon one another. Each disc includes a central portion having base received by an inner wall of the central portion of the adjacent disc. An outer portion extends radially outwardly from the central portion and is positioned adjacent to the filter media. The central portion, base, and outer portion may include openings to permit the flow of fluid through the center tube assembly. The center tube assembly provides the desired structural integrity while permitting fluid to flow through the center tube. The present invention center tube assembly may be produced by a plastic molding process.

Abstract: A multi-component drain and/or serving tray apparatus. A perforated drain tray is provided that has an opening which accommodates a drain plug. The drain plug may be configured for draining various sized canned goods. A bottom and/or top housing member may be provided to receive drainage materials or to cover food items, etc. The apparatus in various arrangements may be used for many purposes.

Abstract: A removable filter for use with a filter pan including a pan bottom and drainage trough for separation of liquids and solids such as the separation of phosphoric acid from phosphoric slurry comprising an intermediate filter member including an upper surface and a lower surface having a plurality of filter apertures formed therethrough, a replaceable filter cloth including a plurality of filter holes disposed on the upper surface of the intermediate filter member to cover the plurality of filter apertures and a plurality of elongated substantially parallel filter support elements disposed on the lower surface of the intermediate filter member such that when the removable filter is placed in the filter pan the plurality of elongated substantially parallel filter support elements engages the pan bottom to support the intermediate filter member in spaced relation thereto to cooperatively form in liquid flow space therebetween such that liquid filtered through the plurality of filter holes and the plurality of fil

Abstract: A filter has a longitudinal axis with an inner diameter defined by a hollow longitudinally extending center. The filter has fingers extend radially outwardly arcuately from the longitudinal axis. The fingers have base ends near the longitudinal axis and outer edges at extremities spaced from the longitudinal axis. The outer diameter of the filter is defined by the outer edges of the fingers. The filter is formed from a sintered porous molded thermoplastic or another material resulting in a filter more rigid than standard filters. The fingers are spaced apart from one another a predetermined, substantially fixed distance to form slots therebetween sized to capture contaminants therein.

Abstract: The present invention overcomes mutually contradictory problems associated with a system for organic wastewater treatment through denitrification and nitrification processes, to the effect that when the circulating volume from the nitrification tank to the denitrification tank is increased to achieve high removal of nitrogen, the introduction of a nitrified fluid rich in dissolved oxygen causes a reduction in denitrification performance of the denitrification tank. Thus, the object of the present invention is to provide a system and method for organic wastewater treatment through denitrification and nitrification processes, which system and method achieve high removal of nitrogen without reducing the denitrification performance of denitrification tanks.

Abstract: A method of cleaning a membrane filtration module is disclosed. The module comprises at least one or more longitudinally extending membranes located in a feed-containing vessel. The membranes have a permeable wall which is subjected to a filtration operation wherein feed containing contaminant matter is applied to one side of the membrane wall and filtrate is withdrawn from the other side of the membrane wall. The method comprises the steps of suspending the filtration operation; performing a cleaning process on the membrane wall to dislodge contaminant matter from the membrane wall into liquid surrounding the membrane: performing a sweep of the feed-containing vessel substantially parallel to the longitudinally extending membranes to remove the liquid containing the dislodged contaminant matter, at least in part, through an opening in a header or other part of the module, and then recommencing the filtration operation.

Abstract: Structured multi-purpose packings and their use in a physical material separation process, the packings containing material separation elements (1) and second functionality elements (2) provided in alternate layers, wherein the material separation elements have a profiled surface, and each of the second functionality elements has two or more closed chambers (3) provided on top of each other and filled with a physically, chemically or biologically active packing material, a space being provided between any two of the chambers, which space is bridged by a section (6) conducting a liquid, characterized in that the walls of the chambers of the second functionality elements are constituted by a polymeric material.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a system for continuously filtering a blood product including whole blood or any of its component(s), erythrocytes, leukocytes, platelets and plasma either alone or in combination. The system includes a connector for receiving the blood product, a filter coupled to the connector for filtering the received blood product, a collection bag coupled to the filter for collecting the filtered blood product, and a reservoir bag connected to the connector for temporarily storing received blood product, and providing received blood product through the connector to the filter to maintain continuity in filtration. The reservoir bag and the collection bag are suspended, the connector near or below the bottom of the collection bag, and the bottom of the reservoir bag is above the bottom of the collection bag. Also provided is a method of filtering a blood product using the continuous blood filtration system.

Abstract: Preferred aspects of the present invention relate to a device for filtration comprising at least one rotor configured to create Taylor vortices on at least one side of a filtration membrane, thereby providing substantially enhanced mass or heat transfer across the membrane.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of generating a separation medium comprising mixed mode cation-exchanger ligands coupled to a base matrix, which method comprises to provide a scaffold comprising a functional group and exhibiting a cyclic core structure; derivatise the scaffold with a reagent comprising a reactive group coupled to a residue R by reacting the functional group of the scaffold with said reactive group; open the cyclic structure of the resulting derivative; and react the product with a base matrix comprising a reactive group. The scaffold presents at least two functionalities; one sulphur-comprising group for coupling to the base matrix and one group that can be transformed into an ionic group.

Abstract: This invention is about metal tubing/frit applicable in liquid chromatography and a chromatography column manufactured by using the same. In detail, this invention is about manufacturing the metal tubing/frit by treating a powdered inorganic oxide such as silica, alumina, zirconia, and titania with a strong base, drying it with some humidity included, scrubbing it into powders, putting it in the tip of a chromatographic metal tubing at a proper depth, and by sintering the powders to form a durable sintered frit on the inner wall.

Abstract: Filter or filter-element designated for Modified Electro-Dialysis (MED) purposes characterized in that the filter or filter-element comprises a porous, ceramic, mainly uniform material with functional, preferably ion selective groups grafted onto the inner, porous surface of the ceramic body. The outer surface of the filter or filter-element may be completely or partly covered by layers of porous, ceramic membranes with a pore size of less than 1 &mgr;m and thickness less than 1 mm, and/or anion, cation or bipolar groups or membranes. The thickness of the filter-element is larger than 1 mm and has pores of size larger than 1 &mgr;m. The invention also relates to a method for the manufacture of such a filter either continuously by tape-casting, extruding, rolling or calendaring or single-bodied by casting, pressing or forging, of a paste containing a non-conductive, ceramic material.

Abstract: The invention concerns the use of a material based on organic and/or inorganic fibres and chitosan for fixing metal ions contained in an effluent. The invention is characterised in that chitosan represents between 0.01 and 20% by dry weight of fibres and its degree of deacetylation is higher than 90%.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method for preventive treatment of corrosion, oxidation and/or depositions in domestic supply water distribution circuits, comprising steps which consist in: a diagnosis including an analysis of the state of corrosion, oxidation, depositions of the domestic supply water distribution circuit and an analysis of chemical elements of the water flowing in said circuit by sampling water flowing in said circuit; and preventive treatment of corrosion, oxidation and/or depositions of the domestic supply water distribution circuit by operating a treatment unit (3) measuring the flow rate of water entering the domestic supply water distribution circuit (2), and injecting a treatment product comprising silicates in an amount substantially proportional to the volume of water entering the domestic supply water distribution circuit, but not exceeding the feeding standards and adjusted on the basis of the result of the analysis of chemical elements of the water flowing in said circuit.

Abstract: Solid free-flowing compositions of a magnesium salt of bis(hexamethylene)triamino penta(methylenephosphonic) acid are disclosed. The compositions exhibit desirable scale inhibitor properties and can be used in water treatment. In addition, a method of scale control is disclosed using the magnesium phosphonic acids under ambient conditions of relative humidity of at least 30% as can apply under subtropical or tropical conditions of high relative humidity. The preferred molar ratios of magnesium to phosphionic acid are in the range of from 1:1 to 3:1.

Abstract: Hot water pipes, in areas with hard water, tend to fill with scale until they no longer pass enough water. De-scaling water pipes with acid is dangerous, expensive and damages the pipes. Ion exchange and reverse osmosis water softeners eliminate scale buildup in pipes, but are expensive. This invention is a means of keeping the scale precipitate, created when water is heated, inside the water heater by passing the hot water through a removal medium where the scale sticks to the surface. The removal medium can be placed inside the water heater or in a separate tank connected to the water heater; both configurations remove the precipitate from hot water; both save hot water pipes from scale accumulation.

Abstract: The present invention provides a physical water treatment (PWT) method and apparatus to treat liquid coolants. Electrodes (22, 24) are provided in a coolant stream (21), and an alternating voltage is applied across the electrodes (22, 24) to produce an electric field through the coolant. The alternating voltage creates an oscillating electric field in the coolant that promotes the collision of dissolved mineral ions. The ions collide to form seed particles that precipitate out of solution. Bulk precipitation of seed particles decreases the availability of ions in solution which can crystallize on heat transfer surfaces. The seed particles adhere to additional ions that separate out of solution and form larger particles that may be removed from the coolant stream (21) using a variety of treatment measures. In addition to precipitating mineral ions, the electric field may be applied to destroy bacteria, algae and microorganisms that accumulate in the coolant stream (21).

Abstract: A composition is provided which comprises amphoteric polymers comprising, as constituent monomer units, a cationic monomer unit, an anionic monomer unit, and optionally a nonionic monomer unit and having a 0.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus and a method for controlling the alkalinity and the pH of an industrial process. The apparatus is adapted for being located outside a main process stream of the industrial process. The apparatus includes inlet means (2, 3, 4) for a basic substance, an acidic substance and water, control means (6) for said inlet means (2, 3, 4), a reactor (1) for reacting the basic substance, the acidic substance and the water for providing a predefined alkalinity and pH in the resulting aqueous buffering mixture, and outlet means (9) for supplying said buffering mixture to the main process stream for controlling the alkalinity and the pH of the industrial process.

Abstract: The object of the present invention is a method for underwater decomposition of organic content of aqueous waste solutions, involving the measurement and, if necessary, adjustment of the pH and electric conductivity of the solution, maintaining optimum pH and/or electric conductivity during the process, and further involving the partial or total decomposition of organic materials contained by the solution. A further object of the invention is an apparatus for underwater decomposition of organic content of electrically conductive aqueous waste solutions, comprising a feed tank, at least one decomposition loop, and a storage tank.

Abstract: Deionisation and clarification process of the aqueous medium used in an electroerosion machine and product for this process, where the electroerosion machines are comprised of a purification circuit for this aqueous medium, which includes an ion exchange phase between some cationic and anionic resins with the aqueous dielectric medium, which has a conductivity of less than 40 &mgr;S/cm, and to which a solution of oxalic acid and phosphoric acid in distilled/deionised water is added in the approximate proportion of oxalic acid between 0.18 and 0.035 moles and phosphoric acid between 1.28 and 2.5 moles per litre of solution.

Abstract: A water flushing system for a pressurized subterranean water distribution system includes an inlet conduit for receiving pressurized water from the subterranean water distribution system; an outlet fluidly connected to the inlet conduit for discharging pressurized water in the inlet conduit downwardly towards a drain; and a control valve for controlling the flow of pressurized water in the inlet conduit. The water flushing system further includes one or more of the following features: a freeze protection assembly, a detachable coupling system, a dechlorination system, and a backflow prevention system.

Abstract: The present invention provides systems and methods for the remediation of contaminated water, soils and/or sediments. In some embodiments, the system includes one or more conduits for injection of hydrogen peroxide and ozone based reagents.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for starting up a system for oxidating organic bodies. Said system comprises a tubular body (10) wherein an aqueous body is injected into the inlet (12) thereof at a pressure P1, said tubular body (10) having a first zone (16) extending the inlet (12) thereof, a second zone (18) into which an oxidating compound can be injected into the output (14) thereof. The inventive method comprises the following steps: a first amount of thermal energy Q1 is provided in the first zone (16), said amount of thermal energy being able to raise the temperature of the liquid flowing through said tubular body (10) from an initial temperature to a higher temperature T1; and a determined amount of a combustible mixture which can react at said intermediate temperature T1 in order to provide an amount of thermal energy Q2 bringing the temperature of said liquid to a reaction temperature is injected.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for cleaning a filter element (9) located in a filtering chamber (10, 11) and to a filter implementing the method. The filter includes an inlet (4) leading to the inlet side (10) of the filtering chamber, an outlet (6) starting from the outlet side (11) of the chamber, and a flow passage (13), which connects the chamber inlet side preferably to atmospheric pressure and by means of which a pressure difference can be generated between the different sides of the filter element in order to produce a flow impulse detaching solid matter accumulated on the element. In accordance with the invention, the inlet side (10) of the filtering chamber is connected in a first step to a confined buffer chamber (14) under lower pressure, the pressure equalisation between the chambers producing a flow impulse cleaning the filter element (9), after which the buffer chamber can be connected to atmospheric pressure.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a disc storage device with a horizontal base platform, which supports at least one platform support post rigidly attached to the base platform. The device also has rotatable disc-holding platforms with tubular spacers rotatably mounted on each post in a stacked spaced array. The stacked rotatable disc platforms rotate into a stacked storage array and pivot out of the array for easy access to and return of the discs. Each disc fits securely over a center post on the platform with the post friction fit into the center hole of the disc. More than one disc may be placed on each disc holding platform. The tubular spacers located between the disc platforms space apart the disc platforms to prevent the discs from contacting each other and contacting other disc holding platforms. The disc storage device may hold discs of different sizes.

Abstract: A high capacity motorized rack holds a plurality of jewel case enclosed CDs in holders flexibly inter-connectable with each other to form a rotatable continuous loop. The loop is rotatably retained within a vertical rack housing and is driven by a motor, disposed within the housing, under user control such that the loop is rotated until a desired CD is moved to the top region of the belt. A rack may hold two or more such loops of inter-connected holders. In one embodiment a holder retains a single jewel case, and comprises two independent loops that are rotated with a single motor. A preferred embodiment employs inter-connectable holders that each retain two jewel cases in a side-by-side configuration. A lamp and/or barcode scanner may be disposed on the housing for ease of CD selection. The housing base preferably is detached during shipping to permit transporting the rack in a smaller volume container. User control can include voice commands to direct loop rotation and speed.