Abstract: Preferred embodiments pertain to a carrier for carrying side-by-side stacked mail. The carrier preferably includes: a floor upon which side-by-side stacked mail can be supported; a rear wall having spaces configured to receive a pusher inserted behind side-by-side stacked mail in the carrier; and a front wall movably mounted between a side-by-side stacked mail retaining position and a side-by-side stacked mail releasing position in which stacked mail can slide with respect to the floor and past the stacked mail retaining position.

Abstract: In the field of substance separation which uses the flow of a fluid, it is necessary to reduce the inside diameter of a separation column in order to meet the tendency to reduce the volume of an organic solvent used. The smaller the volume of a target sample which is caused to flow, the higher the concentration of the target sample, thereby permitting a high-sensitivity analysis. For this purpose, it is necessary to reduce the diameter of a separation column. Therefore, the manufacturing of such a separation column is difficult and besides the separation column becomes apt to fracture. Therefore, the separation column is fabricated as a double-wall tube constituted by an outer tube and an inner tube in such a manner that the outer tube is separated so as to be freely inserted and extracted. Furthermore, a union is fitted to the end of the outer tube by use of a screw thereby to prevent torsions between the outer tube and the inner tube and strains and, at the same time, to eliminate a space for a dead volume.

Abstract: Apparatus for processing effluent generated during wine making to separate solid matter from water in the effluent. The apparatus includes at least one detention tank (3) which includes aeration means (4) to receive effluent from the wine manufacture. A pump (7) pumps the effluent to a mixing tank (12) where the solid material falls into a hopper (34) and the separated water passes through a filtration means (14) and through a distribution valve (16) to a holding tank (20). Means (40, 41) are provided which act in conjunction with the distribution valve (16) to effect back washing of the filtration means (14).

Abstract: A fluid filter includes a housing having a tapping plate with a first aperture. A center tube is arranged in the housing proximate to the tapping plate. The center tube includes a second aperture. An elastomeric valve assembly is arranged between the center tube and the tapping plate. The valve assembly comprises an integrated, one-piece relief valve and anti-drain back valve. The anti-drain back valve is arranged adjacent to the first aperture for selectively blocking the first aperture to prevent fluid from exiting the inlet side of the filter during pressure drops. The relief valve is arranged adjacent to the second aperture for selectively blocking the second aperture to permit fluid to flow past the relief valve during high pressure conditions such as cold starts. A generally concave conical spring radially biases the relief valve closed.

Abstract: The present invention is a method of producing porous beads, which comprises the steps of providing a first liquid phase comprising a bead matrix material and essentially edgy templating particle(s), said particle(s) being treated with a surface modifying agent; providing a second liquid phase which is immiscible with the first liquid phase; contacting the first phase and the second phase under conditions resulting in an emulsion of droplets comprised of the first liquid phase dispersed in the continuous second liquid phase; transforming the droplets to mesoporous beads by solidification of the liquid; and removing the templating particle(s) from the beads without causing any essential change of the surrounding bead, whereby hierarchical networks of pores are provided in the beads.

Abstract: A liquid chromatography system (10) including a separation column (12) having an internal bore (13) and an end fitting assembly (16, 18, 20) fitted at one side to an end of the separation column (10). Transfer tubing (22) is fitted to the opposite side of the end fitting assembly (16, 18, 20). The separation column (12), transfer tubing (22), and end fitting assembly (16, 18, 20) are constructed as a sealed integral system. Preferably, the separation column is a micro, capillary, or nano liquid chromatography column.

Abstract: A water treatment system includes a cylindrical water filter having a cylindrical exit passageway. A plurality of spheres are formed from a predetermined water treatment chemical agent. The spheres are positioned at spaced apart locations along substantially the entire length of the exit passageway of the cylindrical water filter.

Abstract: A radial flow cartridge, especially for use with an ion exchange resin, includes inner and outer tubular cages, and a tubular knitted liner extending the length of the cartridge between the inner and outer cages and spaced apart from the outer cage. The resin medium fills the space between the liner and the inner cage. During use, the medium absorbs fluid and expands, stretching the knit liner radially and, thereby filling the space between the liner and the outer cage.

Abstract: Medical devices for removing gasses, such as gas bubbles and/or dissolved gasses, from a liquid to be delivered to a patient, and methods of use and making of such devices. In at least some embodiments, a gas permeable membrane material is used in the construction of the gas removal devices. In some embodiments, layers of gas permeable membrane material are used to construct a filter structure for removing gas from the liquid. In other embodiments, hollow tubes and/or fibers of the gas permeable membrane material are used to construct a filter structure for removing gas from the liquid. The gas removal devices may be used in any of a broad variety of liquid delivery systems and/or configurations.

Abstract: A membrane device comprised of a porous monolith support formed from a reaction-bonded ceramic powder, fired in an oxygen-free atmosphere, the monolith defining a plurality of passageways extending longitudinally from one end face of the monolith to an opposing end face. A semipermeable membrane suitable for separating a feedstock into permeate and retentate is applied to the passageway walls of said monolith. The semipermeable membrane can be selected from the group of membranes suitable for microfiltration, ultrafiltration, nanofiltration, pervaporation, reverse osmosis, and gas separations.

Abstract: A filtration system is provided with hollow membrane filter elements operable to remove solids, particulate and colloidal matter from a process fluid. Acoustic, vibration and ultrasonic energy may be used to clean exterior portions of the hollow membrane filter elements to allow substantially continuous filtration of process fluids. The filtration system may be satisfactorily used with process fluids having a relatively high concentrations of solids, particulate and colloidal matter.

Abstract: A blood treatment unit including an CO2 removing device having at least a first inlet for receiving a flow of blood for CO2 removal, and at least a first outlet for the flow of blood deprived of CO2; and a filter having at least a first inlet for receiving a flow of blood for filtration, and at least a first outlet for the flow of filtered blood; the CO2 removing device and the filter being integrated to form one body.

Abstract: A spiral membrane element having an enlarged effective membrane surface area without having its separation performance lowered, while maintaining the sealing property of any sealing portion of a cylindrically wound body, and a manufacturing method of the same are disclosed. The spiral membrane element includes a cylindrically wound body comprising a perforated central tube and, spirally wound therearound, a separation membrane, a feed-side passage material and a permeation-side passage material in a laminated state, and a sealing portion for preventing a feed-side fluid and a permeation-side fluid from being mixed together, wherein the sealing portion formed at each of both ends of the cylindrically wound body is spirally formed with a substantially constant width by an adhesive and has a trimmed section formed on its whole end surface, and the cylindrically wound body has a ratio of its length to the length of the central tube of 0.96 to 1.

Abstract: A filter device for filtering liquids having a filter element situated in a filter housing, with a deformable expansion element being provided in the filter housing so that when it is deformed, the volume of at least one section of the flow path of the liquid to be filtered in the filter housing is variable.

Abstract: An oil filter gasket includes a body and a flap extending inwardly from the body away from a recess of an oil filter housing. The body provides a compression fitting between the oil filter and a mounting structure. The flap also provides a compression fitting between the oil filter and mounting structure. As oil pressure within the oil filter increases, the flap is further forced into engagement with the mounting structure thereby increasing the oil pressure that the oil filter may be subjected to before leaking.

Abstract: This invention discloses a composite membrane for separating organic solvents that comprises a carrier layer, a support layer and a separation layer. The material of the separation layer is chitosan containing nano-inorganic particles, wherein the nano-inorganic particles are uniformly embedded in the the chitosan separation layer. This invention also discloses a method for fabricating a composite membrane for separating organic solvents. Moreover, the method comprises a dissolution process, a degassing process, a membrane fabrication process, a coating process and a fixation process.

Abstract: A polymer or blend is described which contains at least one acrylic resin or vinyl resin having at least one ionic or ionizable group, and at least one additional polymer. The polymer has small domain sizes with respect to the acrylic resin or vinyl resin. The polymer preferably has improved conductivity when formed into a film. Preferably, the polymers are useful in a variety of applications including in the formation of a membrane which is useful in batteries and fuel cells and the like. Methods of making the polymer blends are also described.

Abstract: The present invention provides a cyclone separator comprising a cyclone portion for generating an eddy flow at a given flow rate by feeding a liquid containing a fine substance from liquid discharge passageways, for transferring the fine substance to an outer side by applying a centrifugal force to issue the fine substance-free liquid from a liquid flow-out passageway, and for precipitating the fine substance by decelerating the eddy flow. The liquid discharge passageways are disposed at plural sites; and the cyclone separator further comprises a liquid pressurizing chamber formed around the plural liquid discharge passageways in communication therewith; and a liquid introduction passageway for introducing the liquid containing the fine substance into the liquid pressurizing chamber.

Abstract: An integrated three phase separator for separation of natural gas, hydrocarbon liquids, and water or brine. The separator includes a cylindrical vertical separation unit having a closed top and an opposed, open bottom. A cylindrical horizontal separation unit has a pair of opposed ends, a first, closed end and a second, open end. A tubular elbow connection includes a pair of ends, one end connected to the open bottom of the vertical separation unit and another end connected to the open end of the horizontal separation unit so that the vertical separation unit and horizontal separation unit are in fluid connection with each other. A metering plate within the tubular elbow connection retains natural gas in the horizontal unit while permitting gentle release of liquid into the horizontal unit.

Abstract: A method of treating sewage sludge comprises a pathogen reduction stage in which raw sludge is incubated for a predetermined incubation period at a temperature in the mesophilic temperature range. The sludge is incubated in a plurality of sequential vessels (1a,1b,1c) comprising an upstream vessel (1a) which receives the raw sludge to be incubated and a downstream vessel (1c) which discharges the incubated sludge. The sludge is fed from the upstream vessel (1a) to the downstream vessel (1c), via any intermediate vessels (1b), and subsequently discharged after spending a predetermined residence time in each vessel, the total residence time being said predetermined incubation period.

Abstract: A soil-based disposal trench that has failed from a biomat slime is recovered by adding a facultative anaerobic bacteria to an effluent that flows into the disposal trench. The facultative anaerobic bacteria consumes the biomat slime and, in one embodiment, supplants a strictly aerobic bacteria in the soil that converts nitrites to nitrates. As a result, the facultative anaerobic bacteria interrupt the conventional process of nitrification, changing the nitrites to nitrogen gas.

Abstract: An egg-shaped anaerobic sludge digester has upper and lower draft tubes, and an optional middle draft tube. The draft tubes are arranged so that liquid can be (1) simultaneously pumped downwards through the upper (or middle) draft tube and upwards through the lower (or middle) draft tube; (2) simultaneously pumped upwards through two or more draft tubes; or (3) simultaneously pumped downwards through two or more draft tubes. When a middle draft tube is provided, it can be used in place of the upper draft tube when the liquid surface in the digester falls below the top of the upper draft tube. Alternatively, the middle draft tube can work as a coordinated relay conduit to move liquid either in the same direction as the upper draft tube or to move liquid in the same direction as the lower draft tube.

Abstract: The present invention provides a bioreactor comprising a vessel having a bottom region and an interior configured to contain an aqueous suspension of biomass and media. A first gas outlet is provided at the bottom region of the vessel. The first gas outlet is positioned to introduce a first stream of gas to promote growth of the biomass on the media. A lift tube is disposed within the vessel, the lift tube having an inlet disposed at the bottom region of the vessel. A second gas outlet is disposed proximal the lift tube inlet to feed gas to the inlet of the lift tube.

Abstract: A process for rectificatively separating an acrylic acid-containing liquid, by withdrawing an acrylic acid-rich stream from the rectification column above the feed point and polymerization-inhibiting the upper section of the rectification column by means of diacrylic acid.

Abstract: A method for the continuous process of fluids is based on mixing the fluid with a supercritical fluid. The mixing of the two fluids may be accomplished using either a co-flow or counter-flow process. The process focuses on the difference in the solubilities of the desired and the undesired components into supercritical fluid and de-emphasizes the influence of the contaminating components of the fluid to be processed. The process of the present invention is particularly advantageous to the recycling of industrial waste fluids, such as used oil, wherein the process is carried out by jet spray micro-orifices atomization of waste material with a supercritical fluid to dissolve oil from the waste material. Additional mixing devices such as a magneto driven impeller shaft and ultrasonic gun may be employed. Thereafter, un-dissolved components are separated, first and the dissolved fluid is then separated from the supercritical fluid. Various apparatus for carrying out the method are also disclosed.

Abstract: In a method of in situ or ex situ reducing or eliminating contaminants in soil or groundwater, in which solid particles of an oxidation agent are supplied to the soil or groundwater and dissolved in water. The oxidation agent is then allowed to react with the contaminants under controlled release conditions.

Abstract: A reverse osmosis membrane, and methods for making and using the membrane. The membrane has a continuous, defect-free, non-porous, hydrophilic coating that reduces the susceptibility to fouling.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method and composition useful for controlling microbial contamination in drinking water produced from condensation. The composition comprises a zeolite which is modified to introduce zinc by hydrothermal ion exchange. The method comprises passing drinking water produced from condensation through a column packed with the modified zeolite.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method for stabilizing and conditioning wastewater sludge. The invention is characterized in that it consists in treating sludge in an acid environment (3.0?pH?5.0), with an inorganic acid and two oxidizing agents, that is a ferric iron salt and hydrogen peroxide. The ferric iron salt is used in such an amount as to obtain a concentration ranging between 5 and 40 kg of Fe per iron of dry sludge; the hydrogen peroxide is used in such an amount as to obtain a concentration ranging between 5 and 40 kg of H2O2 per ton of dry sludge; mixing the treated sludge for a time interval sufficient to stabilize the sludge and improve its dehydrability; then flocculating the stabilized sludge by adding an organic polymer; then dehydrating the flocculated sludge. Said method enables to significantly improve the dehydrability properties of the sludge while increasing the dry solid content during its mechanical dehydration.

Abstract: The present invention features a device for treating liquid including a containment member comprised of rigid porous polymer configured to form a containment space. Nonbonded particulate media is disposed in the space in contact with and contained by the containment member. Pores in the containment member are characterized by pore paths and pore sizes effective to permit flow of liquid through the pores while preventing the media from traveling through the pores. The containment member may be in various shapes and include different numbers of components. One variation of the containment member includes first and second containment layers comprised of the rigid porous polymer, which are configured and arranged so as to form a space therebetween in which the media is contained. Another variation of the containment member includes first and second porous polymer tubes forming a space in which the media is contained. Also featured is a method of using the device.

Abstract: An automated method for controlling a solids inventory in a continuous backwashing upflow sand filter system treating a liquid inflow having impurities therein, includes the steps of: monitoring an influent inflow pressure and controlling the air pressure in an air lift pump to maintain a target ratio range between the size of a solids inventory of the system and the size of the sand bed of the system.

Abstract: A stormwater treatment system designed to separate floating pollutants, liter, and contaminated settling solids from drainage discharge. The system uses a cylindrical tank, buried below the ground, which enables separation of the pollutants. The stormwater flows around the inside perimeter of the tank until it flows into an inner cylinder through a weir (or weirs). This causes a delayed flow due to the limited entry point through the vertical weir. The extended amount of resonance time allows for separation of pollutants, liter, and contaminated solids. The stormwater continues to separate itself as it flows around the inner cylinder, up through a vertical pipe and out an outlet pipe. The solid contaminants which are left behind are stored and able to be removed later.

Abstract: Remediation for groundwater, soil, sediment bodies, bodies of water, tanks, pipes, and their surrounding areas are described. Remediation includes treating a site contaminated with toxic organic compounds by assessing for the presence or absence of suitable ozonphilic bacteria at the site and introducing ozone to the site. The ozonphilic bacteria are introduced to the site if the ozonphilic bacteria are not present or not present in sufficient quantities in the site. Ozone is introduced to the site in an amount sufficient to stimulate growth of the suitable ozonphilic bacteria. Other oxidants can also be used.

Abstract: Metals and metal alloys are recovered from waste fluids, which contain metal ions and heterocyclic nitrogen compounds. Such waste fluids are exposed to short wavelength UV irradiation and ozone to oxidize the heterocyclic nitrogen compounds and the metals or metal alloys are recovered electrolytically.

Abstract: The invention consists of a process to cost-effectively reduce or eliminate odors from wastewater treatment plant processes. The invention discloses the recycling of a portion of a wastewater treatment plant nitrified effluent, utilizing the dissolved oxygen and nitrate in the effluent to prevent the formation or reduce levels of sulfides and odourous organics in primary clarifiers. The process can be supplemented with conventional chemical treatment such as nitrate addition, and other process recycle streams such as incinerator scrubber water may also be used.

Abstract: A flush and fill process is used to ready a fuel cell cooling circuit for initial use. An external flushing system relasably connected to the cooling circuit circulates flushing coolant through the cooling circuit to remove contaminants from the wetted surfaces of the cooling circuit before the fuel cell is put into use. The flushing system includes a pump for circulating the flushing coolant through the cooling circuit, filters for removing contaminants from the coolant and a heater for elevating the temperature of the coolant. Following the flushing process to remove contaminants, the flushing system is disconnected from the cooling circuit and the cooling circuit is filled with fresh coolant.

Abstract: An oil filter has a drain hole, which is internally blocked with a valve member. When oil remaining in the oil filter is drained, a drainpipe is inserted into the drain hole, so that the valve member is displaced and remaining oil is drained from the drain hole. This valve member has an annular recession to steadily support an upper end of the inserted drainpipe. Therefore, gripping force of the drainpipe is enhanced without decreasing draining performance. The drainpipe and the oil filter are connected with each other via a seal member that is provided to the oil filter. The drainpipe 80 has a removing means that holds at least a part of the seal member to pick the seal member off the oil filter, when the inserted drainpipe is detached from the drain hole. Thus, the seal member can be removed simultaneously with the drainpipe from the oil filter.

Abstract: A filtering system used on a meat injection machine that injects pickling into meat products. The filter consists of a tank and a first and second rotary filter. The first rotary filter uses a wedge wire wound cylinder and augers having flutes that rotate to catch and push away solid particles toward the second filter. The second filter then uses more wedge wire in a whirlpool effect to ensure all solid materials and foam are in the outside of the filter. Injector fluid is then taken from the center of the inside volume of the second filter to be used in injection needles.

Abstract: A pivot hinge assembly for mounting a cabinet to a frame. The assembly includes a first hinge pin bushing adapted to mount to the cabinet and a second hinge pin bushing adapted to mount to the frame. The hinge pin bushings each have a hole formed through it for receiving a pin, and substantially complementary mating surfaces for providing a bearing interface. The pin includes a head and a terminal end. Threads are formed on a portion of the pin which engage with threads in the second hinge pin bushing. A locking mechanism is removably attached to the pin near its terminal end. In one embodiment, the assembly includes a wear strip mounted to either the cabinet or the frame and which provides a low friction bearing surface between the cabinet and the frame.

Abstract: The present invention is a multimedia storage rack that is adapted to selectively adjust to accommodate different types and sizes of electronic media. More specifically, one embodiment of the present invention is adapted to store a plurality of different sized electronic media such as DVDs, VCR tapes, CDs, mini disks, etc. In order to store larger items, a portion of the rack of one embodiment of the present invention may be selectively dissembled, expanded, and reassembled, thereby providing a larger area for storage.

Abstract: Arrangement for merchandise display prongs intended for displaying merchandise in shops and the like, comprising a cantilever arm (1) for carrying the merchandise and a feed device (4) which is displaceable along the arm and provided with a grip part (6). The feed device is intended to be maneuvered manually in order to displace the merchandise carried by the arm (1) in the forward direction toward its free end for the purpose of bringing about a favorable display of the merchandise. The feed device (4) is spring-preloaded toward the attachment end of the cantilever arm. The arrangement comprises an unrollable spiral spring (9), the spring roll (8) of which is arranged in a seat on that side of the feed device (4) which faces the attachment end of the arm (1).

Abstract: A vertical soap article display rack is attached to the front of grocery shelves. The display includes one to six modules, where each module is constructed of a substantially open frame such as wire. The module includes a bottom support with a front retaining lip; and a circumferential frame, such as a stiff wire to contain a stack of soap articles, and a removal slot between the frame and the bottom support. A soap article may be placed in a stack within the frame and removed by a customer through the removal slot. A portion of the front may be open.

Abstract: A weight-driven pusher for product on a gravity-fed display shelf includes a weighted frame. A front plate is mounted on the frame and manually adjustable in upper reach relative to the frame to accommodate product of varying height and preclude product from tipping rearwardly over the pusher. A leg assembly is retractably mounted on the frame adjacent the bottom thereof and biased to project rearwardly from the frame to preclude product from tipping the pusher over backwards.

Abstract: A shelving system includes an elongated mounting member operationally securable to an associated shelf. The mounting member includes an approximately vertically oriented wall and an approximately horizontally oriented wall. A track is received on the mounting member in a non-sliding manner. The track extends transversely to a longitudinal axis of the associated shelf. An elongated rail extends longitudinally along the track. A spring urged pusher is slidably mounted in relation to the rail. A slot extends transversely along a bottom face of the track. A first smooth contact surface is located on the mounting member approximately a horizontally oriented wall. A second smooth contact surface is located on the track adjacent the slot. The second contact surface engages the first contact surface to retard a sideward sliding motion of the track in relation to the mounting member.

Abstract: A shelf includes a plurality of integrated hook members supporting a rod member to provide free movement of items supported by the rod member. The hook members are integrally connected to support members of the shelf deck to support the rod member for use in, for example, hanging items thereon.

Abstract: A device for closing, connecting and/or locking including a driving element and a driven element having a threaded end. The driven element is at least partially positioned within the driving element. An axial anchoring structure axially anchors the driving element to the driven element while allowing rotation of the driving element and the driven element. A rotational anchoring structure anchors the driving element to the driven element for unitary rotation in a first rotation direction, only up to a limited tightening torque. The rotational anchoring structure allows the free rotation of the driving element in a second rotation direction opposite to the first rotation direction. A locking structure locks the driving element with driven element for unitary rotation in the second rotation direction.

Abstract: Summarizing, we may say that this invention involves a stopper for bottles of beverages in general, particularly for wine, champagne, cider, sodas, and the like, which comprises: a metallic cap with internal plastic plastering (liner) so as to attain airtight closure and a “twist-off” system or the like with screwed threads that enables a quick opening of the bottle; a plastic cube of adequate hardness, with negative impressions or locks that hold and coincide with the external locks in the metallic cap, and the external diameter of which has a number of vertical grooves that allow for an anti-turn locking mechanism when it is placed inside an external aluminum cover; an external aluminum cover, the internal diameter of which locks with the outside of the referred plastic cube, in a cylinder-like and closed manner on one end on which are set the two parts mentioned above.

Abstract: The container comprises a container body (1) and a sealing cap (9) which may be screwed to the container body (1). Barbs (5) are circularly distributed on the container body (1). Said barbs (5) each comprise a run-up ramp (7) and a locking surface (8). The sealing cap (9) is connected to a security ring (16) by means of break-off webs (15). The security ring (16) comprises projections (17) extending inwards from the inner circumference thereof, with run-up ramps (18) and locking surfaces (19). On closing the sealing cap (9) the run-up ramps (7;18) slide over each other. On unscrewing the sealing cap (9) an opposing blocking occurs due to the locking surfaces (8;19). The security ring (16) is thus blocked relative to the sealing cap (9), whereupon the break-off webs (15) are torn off.

Abstract: The container includes a hollow body of plastic material having a lower supporting base, a sidewall extending upwardly from the lower base, and an upper portion extending upwardly from the sidewall. The upper portion includes at least one opening therein. Two label panels are provided on the container spaced from each other, one on the upper portion and one on the sidewall. An integral handle is also provided positioned at least in part on the sidewall.

Abstract: The invention includes methods of converting reticles from configurations suitable for utilization with later generation (shorter wavelength) stepper radiations to configurations suitable for utilization with earlier generation (longer wavelength) stepper radiations. The invention can be utilized for converting a reticle from a configuration suitable for 193 nanometer wavelength radiation to a configuration suitable for 248 nanometer wavelength radiation. In such aspect, a quartz-containing material of a substrate can be protected with a patterned layer consisting essentially of molybdenum and silicon while the quartz-containing material is subjected to a dry etch.