Abstract: The invention relates to a method and a device for packaging a flexible hydrophilic intraocular lens (1) placed flat on an injection support (4) which is adapted to carry out folding of the lens (1) during its implantation. The lens is immersed in a bath of liquid conserving solution contained in a sealed flask (30) which is itself enclosed in a packaging envelope (48), the assembly being steam-sterilized.

Abstract: An arrangement includes a holder for holding intervertebral prostheses, at least two intervertebral prostheses of different widths which each have two end plates with ventral flanges and a joint core arranged between the end plates. The holder includes a support plate with at least one opening formed therein that is configured to receive one of the intervertebral prostheses and has a width which is greater that the maximum width of the intervertebral prostheses. A pair of steps is formed on at least one longitudinal edge of the opening that has flanks that are directed toward one another and spaced apart such that the flange of the intervertebral prosthesis inserted into the opening is centered in the opening. The pair of steps can be configured as projections or depressions.

Abstract: A book-like stacked array having a spine and a cover has a stacked array of planar-like articles having a spine and a cover having a cover spine and a back cover portion hingedly adjoining said cover spine along a first hinge line and attached to an outermost one of said planar-like articles beyond a second hinge line that is offset from said first hinge line such that when said stacked array is placed in open condition tearing away of the back cover portion from said outermost one of said planar-like articles is mitigated.

Abstract: The present invention relates to containers, and more specifically, to plastic containers. The containers described herein may be applied to any use, but they are particularly useful for storing paint.

Abstract: Method and device for inspecting a string of packs. Each of the packs contains drugs, and consumer data such as patient data are provided on the packs. Specific characteristics of the drugs to be scanned are fed into a central processing unit. These characteristics are compared with the drugs present in the actual pack. According to the invention, a graphic image of the pack, the drugs and the patient data is produced and stored. To optimise scanning of a group of drugs spreading is proposed by means of a resilient cam which rotates in a plane essentially parallel with the plane of the carrier. Such cam is mounted in a bush and can move resiliently in said bush at right angles to the plane of the carrier and said bush is caused to rotate. It is possible to provide a number of such constructions adjacent to one another.

Abstract: A carton includes a base panel, a rear panel extending upwardly from a rear edge of the base panel, a right side panel extending forwardly from a right side edge of the rear panel, a left side panel extending forwardly from a left side edge of the rear panel, a cavity at least partially positioned between the right and left side panels for at least partially containing the article, and an at least generally forwardly facing upper panel that extends downwardly and forwardly away from an upper edge of the rear panel, and obliquely with respect to the rear panel.

Abstract: The invention relates to industrial lubricant and grease compositions containing high viscosity index polyalphaolefins (HVI-PAO). The use of HVI-PAOs in industrial oils and greases application provides advantages in improved shear stability, wear property, foam property, energy efficiency and improved overall performance.

Abstract: A catalyst that one or more metals from Columns 6-10 of the Periodic Table and/or one or more compounds of one or more metals from Columns 6-10 of the Periodic Table is described. The catalyst exhibits one or more bands in a range from 800 cm?1 to 900 cm?1, as determined by Raman Spectroscopy. Methods of contacting a crude feed with hydrogen with the catalyst to produce a crude product having selected properties are also described.

Abstract: A highly effective liquid-liquid extraction process to remove nitrogen compounds and especially basic nitrogen compounds from aromatic light petroleum oils with excellent recovery employs de-ionized water, which can be acidified, as the extractive solvent. The product is an aromatic hydrocarbon with ultra-low amounts of nitrogen poisons that can deactivate acidic catalysts. The extracted oils are suitable feedstock for the subsequent catalytic processes that are promoted with the high performance solid catalysts, which are extremely sensitive to nitrogen poison.

Abstract: Contacting a crude feed with one or more catalysts to produce a total product that includes the crude product is described. The crude feed has a TAN of at least 1. At least one of the catalysts includes one or more metals from Columns 6-10 of the Periodic Table and/or one or more compounds of one or more metals from Columns 6-10 of the Periodic Table. Contacting conditions are controlled contacting such that the crude product has a TAN from about 0.001 to about 0.5.

Abstract: A catalyst that one or more metals from Column 5 of the Periodic Table and/or one or more compounds of one or more metals from Column 5 of the Periodic Table is described. The catalyst exhibits one or more bands in a range from 650 cm?1 to 1000 cm?1, as determined by Raman Spectroscopy. Methods of contacting a crude feed with hydrogen with the catalyst to produce a crude product with minimal hydrogen uptake are also described.

Abstract: This invention concerns a system for the identification and the sorting in a predetermined order of single garments or laundry items, of the sort that uses a box (1) suitable for reading chips sewn on garments introduced inside the box (1), characterized by the fact that the said box is connected at its top extremity with the straight ascending section (2a) of a large conveying pipe (2), while underneath it has a base (5) with a grating structure (5), associated with a fan (6) suitable for blowing into the box (1) itself a powerful air blast which can give the garments found in the box (1) an upthrust, that enables them to enter the above-mentioned conveying pipe (2) placed above and to pass through its whole length (2a, 2b, 2c) until they are unloaded into suitable bins (c1, c2, c3) placed under the pipe's outlet segment (2c).

Abstract: Fluid bed granulation process comprising the step of cooling the granules in a cooling fluid bed (F2). At least part of the fluidizing air coming out from said cooling fluid bed (F2) is fed into the granulation fluid bed (F1).

Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved apparatus and method for assembly for a cylindrical split-flow thin separation channel that is capable of continuously separating particles of interest from a suspension flowing through the channel. The apparatus provides better precision in the separation process by providing better flow characteristics at the inlet, outlet, and in the zone of separation. Splitter surfaces are provided that match the calculated theoretical Inlet Splitter Surface (ISS) and Outlet Splitter Surface (OSS). A flow distributor diverts the inlet carrier flow into a stable, circumferentially uniform, laminar annular flow. The design enables manufacturing and assembly methods to ensure precise alignment of the components to further improve the flow profiles within the separation channel and to ensure repeatability device-to-device.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a rechargeable battery operated combination sweeper/vacuum assembly for picking up debris that is swept into a pile. The assembly further comprises an elongated handle, a sweeper member, and a vacuum member. A compartment for housing the rechargeable battery is mounted to the upper end of the elongated handle. Mounted to the lower end of the handle is the sweeper member which further comprises a housing adapted to slidably receive the bristles of the sweeper member. Mounted to the backside of the housing is the vacuum member which further comprises a removable cover constructed in the shape of a dust pan. The removable cover of the vacuum member can be used as a conventional dust pan with the sweeper portion of the present invention.

Abstract: An adjustable grading system 10 comprises a frame 12, a plurality of elongated bars 14 retained at opposite ends within the frame 12 and moveable along the frame, and a spreading device 16. The spreading device 16 is provided with a plurality of recesses 18 each for receiving a bar 14. Adjacent recesses 18 are spaced apart by a pre-determined spacing distance D and separated by a tooth 20. The spreading device 16 includes first and second combs 40 and 42 each of which are pivotally coupled to link bars 46 and 48. The pivot connection allows the spreading device 16 to be manipulated so that the distance between the combs 40 and 42 can be varied while maintaining them parallel to each other. A group of bars 14 can be spaced by the spacing distance D by orientating the device 16 so that the combs 40 and 42 extend diagonally across the group of bars 14 at an angle so that their respective teeth 20 are disposed between adjacent bars 14.

Abstract: A screening arrangement in a vibrating screen for screening of material, such as crushed stone, gravel or the like. The screening arrangement is a cross-tensioned or longitudinally tensioned screening media including elements arranged on top of the screening media for stirring or mixing the screened material, the stirring elements being raised portions, which are arranged transversely to the travel direction of the screened material.

Abstract: A method and a device for processing graphical information found on postal deliveries, wherein the graphical information of a first postal delivery is sorted on the basis of a first result of an evaluation, physical sorting of a second postal delivery is triggered by the sorting of the graphical information on the first postal delivery, and a further physical sorting of the first postal delivery, resulting from a reference code, is carried out.

Abstract: A paper processing apparatus includes a setting section which sets a piece of paper, a feeding device which takes in the piece of paper set at this setting section, a transport device which transports the piece of paper took in by the feeding device, a judging section (detector) which discriminates whether or not the piece of paper transported by the transport device is a damaged note and discriminates types of damage and dirt of the piece of paper discriminated to be the damaged note, and a plurality of stacking boxes which carry out sorting and collection according to the types of damage and dirt discriminated by the judging section (detector).

Abstract: A paper sheet processing apparatus has a take-in device which takes in notes set in a setting unit, a judgment device which judges the quality and condition of a note taken in by the take-in device, a stacking box which stacks the note judged the quality and condition by the judgment device, a backup which is provided movably up and down in the stacking box and stacks notes, and a control device which variably controls the position of the backup based on the result of judgment by the judgment device.

Abstract: An object of the invention is to provide a bill handling machine in which a machine main body is made compact by moving a plate as occasion demands so as to adjust a space facing to a money input and output port, and a temporary storage portion temporarily storing a bill in a money input account is arranged near a first accommodating portion for the input bill sectionalized by the plate, in the bill handling machine.

Abstract: A bill handling device according to one embodiment of the invention is provided with a casing having a bill handling opening enabling a bill to be inserted therein; a bill feeding device for feeding the bill inserted from the bill handling opening along the insertion direction, and for feeding the bill in an insertion state back to the bill handling opening; a bill identifying sensor that identifies the validity of the bill inserted into the bill handling opening; a guide device for curving and guiding a front end of the bill in a fed state when the bill is in the fed state along the insertion direction and the bill identifying sensor is detecting the validity of the bill; a bill storage portion that is provided in parallel with the bill feeding device and that stacks and stores the bill in the direction perpendicular to the bill insertion direction; a control device for controlling switch back of the bill feeding device so as to feed the bill to the bill handling opening side by a predetermined distance when

Abstract: A sorter for sorting pieces of various diameters and lengths made up of a pair of shafts spatially disposed in parallel within a horizontal plane, each of these shafts having a tapered core to which is connected to a pair of flights. When the shafts are rotated, items placed upon the flights of the shafts are aligned and moved toward the second end of the shaft. When a piece reaches a location where it can tip upon one of the flights and the end of the piece no longer contacts a part of the adjoining flight, the piece will tip. When this piece now traveling between the flights reaches a location where the space between the tapered portions of the cones is sufficiently large so as to allow the potato to fall between the cones, the piece will fall and has thus been sorted for diameter. Larger items thus are sorted to a location further from the first end of the device and smaller items are sorted to a position closer to the first end of the device.

Abstract: A blood treatment apparatus includes a controller and a supervisor, which together monitor various sensors. The controller is equipped with a first alarm system and the supervisor is equipped with a second alarm system. To avoid competition between both alarm systems, the alarm system of the supervisor normally remains mute. A function monitoring device monitors the function of the first alarm system and signals a missing alarm to the supervisor. Only in this case will the second alarm system of the supervisor be activated.

Abstract: Scaleable bacterial injection, aeration and filtration system to effectively control microbial community function of aquatic systems. The present invention is a substantially simplified system with respect to handling growth and dispersion of microorganisms in solution and is also adaptable to many different end-use applications, including treatment of ornamental fish and aquaculture, pond and streams and sewage treatment systems. Initial microorganism materials are provided in the form of aqueous suspensions, which are incorporated into a large volume of water in a vessel. Microorganisms are entrapped inside a carrier that serves as a physical enclosure for cell retention. It has a porous structure to facilitate the diffusion of substances, such as ammonia, nitrate, nutrients, fuels and organic carbon, into its internal void volume, where substrate reduction is accomplished by entrapped cells.

Abstract: A membrane press including at least one holding frame, wherein a membrane is, at its peripheral region, located on and removed from the holding frame by holding elements, wherein the holding elements are designed such that the membrane is located thereon and removed therefrom without any tools. A first membrane press has holding elements designed with two clamping surfaces in the manner of a claw, wherein a clamping bolt is assigned to the clamping surfaces so that the membrane is located in a force-locking manner, wherein the membrane is clamped between the clamping bolt and one of the clamping surfaces. A second membrane press includes a holding element designed in a buckle-like manner in the form of one of a buckle lock, a clamping lock, a spring clip, a sliding web lock, an eccentric lock and a belt clamp.

Abstract: One object of the present invention is to provide a dissolved ozone decomposing apparatus which efficiently decomposes dissolved ozone in ozone water. The dissolved ozone decomposing apparatus comprises a case 2 and a first decomposing column 30 and a second decomposing column 40 in the case. The first decomposing column 30 comprises a flow pipe 31 in communication with a supply port 21, an adjustment plate 35 fixed in the flow pipe 31, a protection pipe 32 provided in the flow pipe 31 and made of a material transparent to ultraviolet rays, and a ultraviolet lamp 33 housed in the protection pipe 32, and when ozone water flows in the flow pipe 31, it strikes the adjustment plate 35 and stays in the pipe, so that the ozone water can be irradiated by light energy from the ultraviolet lamp 33 for decomposition of dissolved ozone in the ozone water.

Abstract: A fluid coupling comprises a fitting body, and a chamber within the fitting body, the chamber having at least one fluid conduit receiver bore and a restricted portion, the fluid conduit receiver bore configured to minimize unswept volume in the chamber.

Abstract: A filter housing having radial sealing means is disclosed herein. Upper bosses and lower bosses can be used to attach the head to the sump for easy opening and closing the filter housing when replacing the filter cartridge. The filter housing of the present invention provides simplified filter cartridge changes to minimize process downtime and without recourse to tools. The filter housing contains fluid flow directing mean to facilitate filter cartridge replacement and safety means to prevent removal of the sump when fluid is passing through the sump.

Abstract: A replaceable filter element for use with a filter assembly having a housing with a cover and a support core therein. The filter element has a ring of filtration media and an end cap at each end sealingly bonded to the filtration media. The second end cap has a central opening along the central axis of the filter element for receiving the support core. The first end cap also has a central opening along the central axis of the filter element. The central opening of the first end cap has a smaller diameter than the central opening of the second end cap. The central opening of first end cap is bounded by an annular flange integral with the first end cap and projecting axially inward a short distance from the first end cap toward the second end cap and terminating at a point closer to the first end cap than the second end cap. The annular flange is spaced radially inward from the ring of filtration media.

Abstract: A container for releasing a chemical additive into a coolant composition comprises a coolant-impermeable casing having a hollow interior and an additive composition comprising at least one coolant soluble additive. The additive is held within the container by at least one coolant-permeable element provided at or near an opening in the casing and is effective to provide for release of additive(s) into the coolant composition. Methods of releasing additives into coolant compositions are also provided.

Abstract: A plastic transmission filter (1) composed of mating upper (2) and lower (3) shells of synthetic resin material with at least one set of registering weld posts (10) extending between inner surfaces of the upper and lower shells; a fluid pervious centertube (4) interposed between the mating shells around the weld posts, and a filter material (5) wrapped around the centertube to form a bag filter. The filter assembly can be welded together in a single vibration welding operation and provides enhanced flow of transmission fluid by avoiding flow restrictions caused by prior art reinforcement poles.

Abstract: This invention relates to a modular purification system having a disposable sump assembly and an improved flow distribution plate. The system is readily adaptable to a variety of configurations without the need for repiping or replumbing of the installation, and lends itself to the use of multiple purification techniques.

Abstract: A method of reducing if not eliminating the possibility of tearing or ripping of a mesh screen of a filter during the manufacturing process includes the step of intentionally deforming the mesh screen. With this technique, as the plastic material that forms the frame of the filter begins to expand or change shape, as a result of the heating and squeezing steps involved with the molding process, the deformed mesh screen will be able to stretch or expand without the potential of tearing or ripping of the mesh screen. With the invention, numerous shapes and configurations of tools may be used to provide the intentional deformation of the mesh screen during the manufacturing process as well as to provide for control over the amount and degree of mesh screen deformation. Also, the resulting filter will have a mesh screen that has improved retention capabilities which will enhance the performance of the filter.

Abstract: Wastewater is treated on at least one apparatus positioned at a location on the surface of a body of seawater wherein a wastewater intake system takes in wastewater into the apparatus, the wastewater is treated on the apparatus to yield treated wastewater and sludge, and the treated wastewater and/or sludge is diluted with seawater prior to being discharged into the body of seawater. The wastewater treatment systems and methods can also be combined with desalination and/or power generation. In combination with desalination, the concentrate produced from the desalination process is mixed with treated wastewater or sludge prior to discharge to bring the resulting mixture to a salt concentration closer to the body of seawater than the unmixed concentrate, treated wastewater, or sludge.

Abstract: Contaminated wastewaters comprising biochemical oxygen demand (BOD), nitrogen and phosphorus are treated by an activated sludge process. The process utilizes an activated sludge tank, a solid-liquid separator, and a bioreactor to significantly reduce, or eliminate, waste activated sludge (WAS) within a sludge stream. A sidestream reactor is employed downstream from the bioreactor to remove soluble phosphates left in the sludge stream by the low WAS process. Within the sidestream reactor, a source of multivalent metal ions is added to a slightly alkaline sludge stream to precipitate the phosphates. The solid phosphates have a specific gravity higher than that of the organic matter in the sludge stream and may be separated from the sludge stream based upon differential settling velocity.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method of separating electrolytes by size exclusion chromatography using neutral microporous sorbent materials. Two types of sorbents have shown to be most promising: microporous non-functionalized hypercrosslinked polystyrene materials with a pore size comparable to diameters of hydrated electrolyte ions, and microporous activated carbons prepared by pyrolysis of hypercrosslinked polystyrene sorbent beads. In this method, a column comprising hypercrosslinked polystyrene sorbent beads is loaded with a solution of electrolytes, and then eluted with water. Electrolytes with the largest ions elute first, and those with the smallest ions elute last. Selectivity of separation rises with the concentration of the mixture to be separated. With concentrated initial mixtures, concentration of separated components exceeds their concentration in the initial mixture.

Abstract: Systems and methods for monitoring analytes in real time using integrated chromatography systems and devices. Integrated microfluidic liquid chromatography devices and systems include multiple separation columns integrated into a single substrate. Using such a device, parallel analysis of multiple samples can be performed simultaneously and/or sequential analysis of a single sample can be performed simultaneously on a single chip or substrate. The devices and systems are well suited for use in high pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC) applications. HPLC chips and devices including embedded parylene channels can be fabricated using a single mask process.

Abstract: Modified resins are disclosed for removing a wide variety of solids and/or ionic species from the liquids in which they are suspended and/or dissolved. These modified resins are especially useful as froth flotation depressants in the beneficiation of many types of materials (e.g., mineral and metal ores), including the beneficiation of impure coal comprising clay impurities, as well as in the separation of valuable bitumen from solid contaminants such as sand. The modified resins are also useful for treating aqueous liquid suspensions to facilitate the removal of solid particulates, as well as the removal of metallic ions in the purification of water. The modified resins comprise a base resin that is modified with a coupling agent, which is highly selective for binding to solid contaminants and especially siliceous materials such as sand or clay.

Abstract: A dissolved air flotation system and method for purifying fresh water. The system is self-contained within a standard shipping container, with all components disposed in-line within the shipping container. Float is removed from the flotation tank with a skimmer that drives float downstream onto a conveyor belt, and the conveyor belt conveys float away from the flotation tank, in the downstream direction, and deposits the float in a collection tank. Clean water may be drawn from the flotation tank continuously, while float may be removed periodically.

Abstract: Aspects of the subject matter described herein relate to directing fluid. In aspect, a fluid is drawn into an inlet and drawn down in an intake passage. The fluid passes into a gas-lift passage in which it travels upwards. The fluid then exits through an outlet which may be at a different elevation and/or orientation with respect to the inlet. This flow pattern is caused and maintained at least in part by pressurized gas emitted into the gas-lift passage.

Abstract: There is provided a method of treating waste ash, the method comprising the steps of combining waste ash with water to form a waste ash slurry comprising water in an amount of at least 50% by weight; treating the waste ash slurry and/or the waste ash and/or water to be combined with the waste ash to lower the pH thereof; and dewatering the waste ash slurry such that the resultant ash product comprises water in a lower amount than said waste ash slurry. Also provided is an apparatus for use in the method.

Abstract: A probe apparatus configured to measure a set of electrical characteristics in a plasma processing chamber, the plasma processing chamber including a set of plasma chamber surfaces configured to be exposed to a plasma is disclosed. The probe apparatus includes a collection disk structure configured to be exposed to the plasma, whereby the collection disk structure is coplanar with at least one of the set of plasma chamber surfaces. The probe apparatus also includes a conductive path configured to transmit the set of electrical characteristics from the collection disk structure to a set of transducers, wherein the set of electrical characteristics is generated by an ion flux of the plasma. The probe apparatus further includes an insulation barrier configured to substantially electrically separate the collection disk and the conductive path from the set of plasma chamber surfaces.

Abstract: Devices and methods are provided for treating, preventing from growth, and neutralizing microorganisms using high-frequency, low-energy ultrasound. A particular method is provided for treating a fountain solution including simultaneously exposing the fountain solution to gas microbubbles and high-frequency ultrasound. A particular device is also provided, including a compartment for holding a reservoir of fountain solution, a gas microbubble emitter configured to emit microbubbles into the compartment, and a high-frequency ultrasound-emitter configured to emit ultrasound signals into the compartment. The high-frequency ultrasound may be higher than 100 kHz.

Abstract: The present invention is a system and technique for the electromagnetic heating of ballast water to kill unwanted organisms. More specifically, the invention is based on a novel applicator design that is easily installed on ships or used in ports. It incorporates an array of channels that simultaneously heat, by electromagnetic means, and convey the water from storage, or into storage tanks. The applicator is basically a large hollow metal pipe containing open ended wave guide-like structures for water conveyance and heating.

Abstract: A selective method of dechlorination treatment of circulating water containing disinfectant chlorine in the form of ClO?, HClO, ClO2 or chloramine, where an ascorbic acid aqueous solution is injected from a storage reservoir into the water flow, the mass flow rate of the injected ascorbic acid solution being regulated with respect to the mass flow rate of the chlorine in the circulating water to be treated, in such a way that the ratio (R) of the ascorbic acid and chlorine mass flow rates (R=D1/D2) is between 2.5 and 4, preferably less than or equal to 3. The method can be used for treatment of water that feeds into a biological detector containing a disinfectant chlorine content that is incompatible with the survival of the biological species used in the detector. The disinfectant chlorine level in the circulating water after mixing is maintained at a value lower than or equal to 0.6 mg/l, and preferably lower than or equal to the detectable limit.

Abstract: The present invention describes a system, apparatus, and method for detection of disconnection of a device from a patient, such as dislodgment of a device during medical treatments or therapies, using a patient's electrical voltages.

Abstract: An apparatus comprises an inlet to convey a first fluid comprising first and second components having different density into a rotating chamber such that an interface forms between at least portions of such components at a first location. At least one outlet removes at least one of the first and second components. A controller is adapted to introduce the first fluid and is operable to move the interface from the first location to a second location and to move the interface from the second location in a direction toward the first location and to return the interface to the second location. The controller is operable to determine a flow rate of the first or second component based, at least in part, on the time interval between when the interface moves from and returns to the second location. At least one sensing assembly is adapted to sense the location of the interface.

Abstract: A modular display system having individual stackable electronic display panels of convenient and portable size and mounting structures for the support thereof where the stackable electronic display panels mutually juxtapose, mate, and robustly and mutually and adjustably secure together by the use of connector plates at the top of stackable electronic display panels interfacing with interlocking lower connector assemblies and lower connector plate receptors at the bottom of an overhead vertically situated stackable electronic display panel and by interfacing of latches and cams of latch keeper assemblies at the sides of horizontally situated stackable electronic display panels to form a large electronic sign display. Spring-loaded slide pin assemblies foster rapid and secure connection between vertically situated stackable electronic display panels. Adjustment features are also incorporated to align each stackable electronic display panel.

Abstract: A foldable material (10), folded laterally in the middle along a major fold (14) is placed between a side of a file storage box (16) and a collection of files (18). The folded material places sufficient pressure on the files to hold them on end against the wall of the box, thus keeping them organized and upright.