Abstract: A wafer container with the door frame has a magnetic seal that encircles the periphery of the door and has a flexible portion extending laterally outwardly to engage a corresponding magnetic seal around the periphery of the door. Thus the door and container can be provided with a seal that is strong enough to exclude contaminants and also allows easy removal of the door either manually or by a robotic arm.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to polymers and monomers derived from agricultural feedstocks, and more particularly to methods for the production of monomers from renewable agricultural resources such as feedstocks, for example canola, flax and tallow, and polymers, in particular polyurethanes produced from monomers derived from such feedstocks. The present invention also relates to novel processes for the production of short-chain alcohols, as well as hydroxyl wax esters, from renewable feedstocks. An improved apparatus for carrying out ozonolysis reactions is also disclosed.

Abstract: Process to prepare simultaneously two or more base oil grades and middle distillates from a de-asphalted oil or a vacuum distillate feed or their mixtures by performing the following steps: (a) hydrocracking the feed, thereby obtaining an effluent; (b) distillation of the effluent as obtained in step (a) into one or more middle distillates and a residue boiling substantially above 340° C.; (c) separating, by means of a further distillation step said residue into a light base oil precursor fraction and a heavy base oil precursor fraction; (d) reducing the pour point of each separate base oil precursor-fraction iri?two simultaneously and parallel operated catalytic dewaxing reactors obtaining a first and second dewaxed oil; (e) hydrotreating the first dewaxed oil as obtained when dewaxing the heavy base oil precursor fraction in step (d); (f) isolating from the second dewaxed oil from the light base oil precursor fraction from step (d) and the hydrotreated oil from step (e) two or more base oil grades.

Abstract: Processes for the conversion of hydrocarbons boiling in the temperature range of from about 80° F. to about 1000° F. to diesel boiling range hydrocarbons, and processes for increasing the cetane number and amount of n-C17 hydrocarbon products in such processes. Diesel boiling range hydrocarbons may be produced by contacting a hydrocarbon boiling in the above-mentioned boiling range with a triglyceride-containing compound to form a mixture, and then contacting the mixture with a hydrotreating catalyst under suitable reaction conditions.

Abstract: High rate gas stripping for removal of sulfur-containing components such as mercaptans from crude oil may be conducted by feeding sweet gas to the bottom of a tower containing pre-heated mercaptan-containing crude oil feed. The gas bubbles up through the crude becoming enriched with H2S, mercaptans, CO2 and/or hydrocarbons. The rich gas exits the tower, and is treated to produce a sweetened gas, a portion of which is recycled to the tower, and an acid gas. The remainder of the sweetened and/or the acid gas may be used as a fuel or processed to recover a portion of any hydrocarbons that may have been stripped out of the crude oil with the mercaptans, sulfur-containing components, CO2, used for enhanced oil recovery or disposed.

Abstract: The present invention provides a hydrodesulfurization that can attain an extremely high depth of desulfurization to a sulfur content of 10 ppm by mass and maintain such a high desulfurization activity for a long period of time. The catalyst comprises an inorganic porous support containing alumina and phosphorus, at least one active metal selected from the metals of Group 8 of the periodic table, and at least one metal selected from the metals of Group 6A of the periodic table, the Group 8 metal and the Group 6A metal being contained in a molar ratio defined by (oxide of the Group 8 metal)/(oxide of the Group 6A metal) ranging from 0.055 to 0.150, and the content of the Group 6A metal in terms of oxide being in the range of 30 to 40 percent by mass based on the mass of the catalyst.

Abstract: Sulfur is removed from a hydrocarbon fuel via contact with a desulfurization agent; the desulfurization agent is then regenerated (wherein sulfur is released) by exposing it to oxygen. The sulfur removal and regeneration processes each can be carried out at relatively moderate temperatures, e.g., from 300 to 600° C., and pressure, e.g., about 0.79 to about 3.5 MPa; and the desulfurization agent can include a transition metal oxide, such as molybdenum oxide. The process can also include the additional steps of cracking the hydrocarbon, separating high-boiling and low-boiling fractions from the reaction product and contacting the lower-boiling fraction with a secondary desulfurization agent.

Abstract: The invention provides a process for desalting crude by combining water and raw crude oil in a mixer to produce a mixture. Desalted crude oil and a brine mixture are separated from the mixture. The water is obtained as a byproduct of a Fischer-Tropsch plant.

Abstract: A process for catalytic hydrocarbon recombination is disclosed, in which catalytic hydrocarbons are fractionated at fractionators to fractionate a gasoline fraction and a diesel fuel fraction, an intermediate fraction is drawn; the intermediate fraction or the mixture of the intermediate fraction and the gasoline fraction are treated for aromatic hydrocarbon extraction to get aromatic hydrocarbon fraction and non-aromatic hydrocarbon fraction; the aromatic hydrocarbon fraction are fractionated, and the high octane number gasoline fraction obtained are blended with gasoline fraction to increase the octane number of the gasoline; the non-aromatic hydrocarbon fraction are fractionated, and the diesel fuel fraction obtained are blended with the diesel fuel fraction to increase the diesel fuel output and the cetane number of the diesel fuel.

Abstract: A system for transporting and selectively sorting particles includes a first wall and a traveling wave grid extending along the first wall. The system includes a second wall having a passage extending therethrough and a gate operatively associated with the passage. A controller is adapted to output a multi-phase electrical signal. The controller is in communication with the traveling wave grid and the gate. A method of using the system is also provided.

Abstract: A screening module 10 comprises a frame component 12 to be secured to an underlying screen deck, in use. A screening panel 14 is carried by the frame component 12. The screening panel 14 comprises an operatively upper screening surface 16 and a support structure 18 underlying the screening surface 16 with a plurality of spaced protrusions 20 being supported by and standing proud of the support structure 18. Operatively upper ends of the protrusions 20 lie substantially in a plane of the screening surface 16 and the protrusions 20 define a plurality of screening apertures 22 in the screening surface 16.

Abstract: An apparatus for selective diversion of objects such as containers, packing and packing units of different mass. The apparatus has a first transport device for the objects and a diversion device for diverting predetermined objects from the first transport device onto a second transport device. The intensity with which the objects are diverted from the first transport device onto the second transport device is controlled by means of a controlled device.

Abstract: A coagulation-sedimentation apparatus is designed to enable the apparatus to treat water at a higher rate. The coagulation-sedimentation apparatus includes a separation tank body 60 divided into an upper chamber 61 and a lower chamber 62 by a partition member 64. The tank body has a raw water inlet pipe 66 that introduces raw water into the upper chamber, and a water distributing passage that introduces a part of the water from the upper chamber to the lower chamber. The upper chamber has a first treated water outlet 76, and the lower chamber has a second treated water outlet 78. The flow velocity of upward flow of the water toward the first treated water outlet 76 in the upper chamber and the flow velocity of upward flow of the water toward the second treated water outlet 78 in the lower chamber can be controlled so that flocs in the upward flows can settle.

Abstract: A system for introducing a liquid disinfectant into treated wastewater comprising a source of liquid disinfectant, a sensor to detect one of flow or level of treated wastewater in a receiver from or in a wastewater treatment system, a selectively operable pump to transfer the liquid disinfectant from the source into the treated wastewater and a controller operatively connected to the pump to selectively activate the pump in response to sensed, increased flow or level of the treated wastewater in the receiver for said wastewater above a sensed, predetermined point.

Abstract: A system for introducing a liquid disinfectant into treated wastewater comprising a source of liquid disinfectant, a sensor to detect flow or level of treated wastewater from a wastewater treatment system, a selectively operable valve to allow the liquid disinfectant to flow via gravity into the treated wastewater and a controller operatively connected to the sensor to open the valve in response to sensed, increased flow or level of the treated wastewater in a receiver for said wastewater above a sensed, predetermined point.

Abstract: A liquid circuit for filtering a liquid, comprising a liquid storage vessel (10), a liquid pump (17), a consumer or user device (14), a filter element (23) and a controller (24). A heated liquid can be supplied at least partly to the filter element (23). The liquid circuit may be used in liquid systems in which a liquid, such as water, oil or fuel, is filtered and at least part of the liquid is returned to the storage vessel (10). The liquid is pumped in the liquid circuit from the storage vessel (10) by the pump (17) through lines (11, 13, 15, 16), filtered by filter element (23) and supplied to the consumer device (14). Excess liquid not required by the consumer device (14) is returned through liquid return line (15) to the controller (24) which directs the liquid either to the filter element (23) or the storage vessel (10), depending on the liquid temperature.

Abstract: This invention relates to a novel floating debris removing skimmer for swimming pool and other similar bodies of water. The skimmer comprises a generally rectangular enclosure which comprises an inlet opening coupled to a flow control door or flapper. The skimmer further comprises a conveyor assembly which comprises a pair of cylinders around which is disposed a conveyor belt. The first cylinder is located at the top generally on the side opposing the inlet opening. The second cylinder is located near the inlet opening and preferably under the water level when the skimmer is installed. One of the cylinders is motorized so that when a debris, carried by the water through the inlet opening, is pushed against the conveyor belt, it is carried by the belt toward the top of the enclosure and ultimately outside the enclosure. The conveyor belt does not extend above the skimmer.

Abstract: A reusable liquid chromatographic column consists of three parts, a column body with an integral outlet port molded on one end, a sealing insert with an inlet port, and a perforated cap providing downward force to compress the sealing insert into the column body. A wedge-like seal is employed to seal the connection between the sealing insert and the column body. Two filters on both ends of the column body are used to prevent escape of packing materials from the column chamber under pressure. Hand tightening is adequate to seal the connection by screwing the perforated cap onto the column body. The column is reusable due to its simple disassembling and reassembling processes. It is also disposable due to its inexpensive fabricating materials and manufacturing process.

Abstract: The water to treat is received in a chamber (1) with a rapid mixer and from there it passes to a second chamber for coagulation (3) and from that to a third chamber for flocculation (4) where it is mixed with certain coagulating reagents. It then enters a separator (7) provided with some filtering membranes (5) where it is clarified. In the separator (7) there are some air nozzles (6) which sweep the surface of the said filtering membranes (5), some inlet nozzles (8) for floccules coming from the coagulation-flocculation and other air outlet nozzles (6) for distribution of said floccules underneath the membrane (5).

Abstract: The present invention provides a filter for drinking water, besides an ordinary four filtering bottles, this invention further comprises a fifth and a sixth filtering bottle. The fifth filtering bottle is formed with ion exchange resins, and the sixth filtering bottle is formed with a hollow silk film or a ceramic filtering core. The arrangement of the original third and fourth filtering bottle of the prior art is exchanged, and plus a device for prevent magnet from rusting. The filtering bottles are orderly in turns and connected by tubes, the fourth filtering bottle is connected with the fifth and sixth filtering bottle by a three-way pipe. Water is poured into a first filtering bottle and discharged from the fifth or sixth filtering bottle.

Abstract: An object of the invention is to provide a spiral separation membrane element that can reduce the pressure loss of a feed-side channel and be much less vulnerable to the problem of inhibition or blockage of the flow in the feed-side channel. The spiral separation membrane element includes one or more separation membranes, one or more feed-side channel components, one or more permeation-side channel components, and a perforated hollow core tube around which the separation membranes, the feed-side channel components and the permeation-side channel components are wrapped, wherein the feed-side channel component is a net formed by fusion bonding.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for supporting the rotating frame (1) of a filtration installation comprising filter cells which are disposed in the form of a carousel. The invention comprises: support rollers (2), and a fixed bearing (11) which supports each roller such as to enable same to pivot. According to the invention, the bearing comprises a first arm and a second arm (10) which are disposed on either side of the roller. The invention is characterised in that, depending on the forces applied to the roller by the rotating frame, the first arm moves from a first bending state to a second bending state and vice versa, independently of the bending state of the second arm, and the second arm moves from a first bending state to a second bending state and vice versa, independently of the bending state of the first arm.

Abstract: A temperature sensor for detecting a machining liquid temperature in a machining tank is provided. A machining liquid cooling device controls machining liquid in a clean water tank based on the temperature detected by the temperature sensor and returns the machining liquid to the clean water tank. The machining liquid in the clean water tank is supplied to the machining tank and wire guides through pumps. Because the machining liquid temperature in the clean water tank is controlled based on the machining liquid temperature in the machining tank, it is possible to maintain the machining liquid in the machining tank substantially at a target temperature, even though the machining liquid is supplied after heated by the pumps.

Abstract: A fluid filter housing for receipt of a fluid filter element and for threaded attachment to a mounting base includes a unitary, molded plastic shell, an annular, threaded nutplate, and a plastic weld ring. The plastic shell defines a hollow interior for receipt of the fluid filter element. The plastic shell also defines one side of an O-ring groove. The threaded nutplate includes a groove-side surface that defines a second side of the O-ring groove. The weld ring is securely joined to the threaded nutplate by co-molding and is securely joined to the shell by a spin weld process. The weld ring provides a third surface for the O-ring groove. As such, three separate components are used to create an inwardly opening three-sided annular groove for receipt of an annular seal for sealing an interface between the fluid filter housing and the mounting base.

Abstract: One aspect of the disclosure relates to a filtration unit intended to allow the removal of leukocytes from a fluid such as blood or a blood component, the unit containing a porous element including a medium for the removal of leukocytes by adsorption and filtration of the leukocytes, said medium including a number of layers of one and the same type which are formed from at least one porous non-woven material, in which at least one layer has been pressed by calendering prior to the stacking thereof, said at least one calendered layer being disposed on the downstream side of the stack, while the medium includes at least one non-calendered layer. The invention also relates to a bag-based system including such a unit, said system being in particular arranged for the sterile and closed-circuit filtration of the fluid.

Abstract: A filter bag for use in a liquid filtering system is provided. The filter bag comprises a filtration layer. The filtration layer is defined by one or more filter mediums. The filter mediums can be composed of an adsorbent material disposed between two thin wall substrates. The adsorbent material can be a granular activated carbon. The thin wall substrates can be selected to be highly porous thin wall substrates. The filter bag can further comprise one or more diffusion mediums. The diffusion mediums can be defined by a woven or a non-woven mesh material. The mesh material can be selected from a suitable material that is temperature and fluid compatible with the filtering application to be carried out. The filter bag can include alternating layers of medium having one or more filter mediums and one or more diffusion mediums.

Abstract: A method for forming a hydrophilic porous membrane includes applying a crosslinked coating to a hydrophobic porous membrane via an in-situ polymerization process. Polar functional groups are introduced into the coating, thereby forming the hydrophilic porous membrane.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to filter elements and more particularly to filter elements prepared from improved polyolefin polymers, presently preferably polypropylene, characterized by a specific rheology. Most particularly, the present disclosure relates to polypropylene that has a specific molecular weight and molecular weight distribution, among other properties and/or characteristics, and/or polypropylene that has been adjusted in viscosity, molecular weight and molecular weight distribution, among other properties and/or characteristics, and its use in making depth filter elements. The present disclosure further relates to processes and/or systems for producing improved polyolefin polymers, e.g., polypropylenes and their use in fabricating advantageous filter elements.

Abstract: A selective membrane having a high fouling resistance. In one embodiment, the selective membrane is a composite polyamide reverse osmosis membrane in which a hydrophilic coating is applied to the polyamide layer of the membrane, the hydrophilic coating being made by covalently bonding a hydrophilic compound to residual acid chlorides of the polyamide membrane, the hydrophilic compound including (i) at least one reactive group that is adapted to covalently bond directly to the polyamide membrane, the at least one reactive group being at least one of a primary amine and a secondary amine; and (ii) at least one hydrophilic group, the at least one hydrophilic group being selected from the group consisting of a hydroxyl group, a carbonyl group, a trialkoxysilane group, an anionic group and a tertiary amino group; (iii) wherein the hydrophilic compound is devoid of a polyalkylene oxide group.

Abstract: A selective membrane having a high fouling resistance. In one embodiment, the selective membrane is a composite polyamide reverse osmosis membrane in which a hydrophilic coating is applied to the polyamide layer of the membrane, the hydrophilic coating being made by covalently bonding a hydrophilic compound to residual acid chlorides of the polyamide membrane, the hydrophilic compound including (i) at least one reactive group that is adapted to covalently bond directly to the polyamide membrane, the at least one reactive group being at least one of a primary amine and a secondary amine; and (ii) at least one non-terminal hydroxyl group.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a process for a high-performance upflow anaerobic sludge treatment (methane fermentation treatment) targeting an organic wastewater containing an inorganic sulfur compound and an apparatus therefor. The invention relates to a process for methane fermentation treatment of an organic wastewater containing a sulfur compound, which includes: detecting a concentration of hydrogen sulfide in a biogas generated from a step of methane fermentation treatment; and, conducting a control of subjecting the organic wastewater to a desulfurization treatment operation in the case that the concentration of hydrogen sulfide in the biogas exceeds a predetermined value, and to an apparatus therefor.

Abstract: A system for controlling the aerobic phase of a wastewater treatment cycle in a sequencing batch reactor, comprising a tank, an air blower, at least one sensor for measuring the concentration of dissolved oxygen in the tank, and means to control the length of time that the air blower introduces air into the wastewater and to maintain at a constant level the volume of air introduced per time by the air blower. The length of time that the air blower introduces air is determined by the change in the slope of the curve representing the concentration of dissolved oxygen in the wastewater. The volume of air to be introduced per time by the air blower is determined based on the average concentration of dissolved oxygen from the previous wastewater treatment cycle.

Abstract: A reserve tank structure for enhancing the degree of freedom in the layout of the filling portion of the reserve tank and the mounting bracket and the degree of freedom in the layout of parts around the reserve tank. A reserve tank structure includes a reserve hose for connecting a reserve tank to a radiator. The reserve tank includes a tank body portion for reserving a cooling water with a filling portion that extends upwardly from the tank body portion and includes a water supply port on an upper end thereof. A hose plug is connected to an end portion of the reserve hose. Mounting brackets support an intermediate portion of the reserve hose wherein the mounting bracket is mounted on the filling portion.

Abstract: A process for treating a biomaterial waste stream is described. The process may form part of a waste fermentation system. The treating process can degrade at least a portion of the biomaterial waste stream into other components or materials. These other components or materials may be reintroduced into a fermentation process as a nutrient for a fermenting organism.

Abstract: A method for separating and purifying a nucleic acid, which comprises: (1) adsorbing the nucleic acid to a nucleic acid adsorbing porous membrane by passing a sample solution containing the nucleic acid through the nucleic acid adsorbing porous membrane; (2) washing the nucleic acid adsorbing porous membrane by passing a washing solution through the nucleic acid adsorbing porous membrane, while the nucleic acid is adsorbed to the nucleic acid adsorbing porous membrane; and (3) desorbing the nucleic acid from the nucleic acid adsorbing porous membrane by passing a recovering solution through the nucleic acid adsorbing porous membrane, wherein the nucleic acid adsorbing porous membrane is a porous membrane that has a contact angle of 60 degree or less after 17 m seconds of contact of the porous membrane with 3 ?l of water dropped to the porous membrane.

Abstract: A cardiorenal patient monitoring system comprising, either implanted or non-implanted device(s), remote peripheral device(s), computer network(s), host, and communication means between the device(s), computer network(s), and host. The preferred embodiment shows an advanced patient monitoring system for using an implanted cardiac device and a dialysis machine in renal therapy. In addition, the method of advanced patient monitoring is in conjunction with the advanced patient monitoring system is disclosed.

Abstract: The device according to the invention serves to set up a dilution measurement site on a hemodialyzer. Using such a measurement site, it is possible to determine the filling status of a dialysis patient during dialysis treatment, by means of dilution measurements. Checking the fluid balance by means of weighing the dialysis patient, which is subject to error, can be eliminated. The arterial connection piece is connected with an arterial fistula needle, and the venous connection piece is connected with a venous fistula needle as the blood vessel access. The venous connection piece has an injection channel through which a bolus required to perform a dilution measurement can be injected into the blood, which flows through the venous connection piece coming from the hemodialyzer, in the direction of the venous blood vessel access.

Abstract: Membranes consisting of an elastomeric matrix with dispersed fillers are used in the pressure driven separation of liquid feeds. The fillers are selected in such a way that the interactions between the filler and the elastomer keep the membrane swelling limited, resulting in higher rejections.

Abstract: A device is provided to separate magnetic or magnetizable particles from a liquid by using a magnetic field. The device includes two limbs made of a soft-magnetic material. An air gap is provided between be two poles of the limbs. The air gap can receive one or more liquid containers. A head piece is arranged in a fixed or detachable manner on one of the two poles. One or more magnetizable bars are disposed in a fixed or movable manner on the head piece, in the vertical direction. One or more permanent magnets are arranged in a movable manner on at least one point of the device, such that a magnetic field can be produced between the two poles and the magnetic field can be activated or deactivated by moving the magnet(s). The region of the device where the movable magnet(s) are arranged is at least partially surrounded by a material that screens the magnetic field.

Abstract: A magnetic separator unit for the selective separation of at least one component from a fluid mixture is described. The unit can include at least one mandrel-shaped magnet unit and tubing wrapped around it. Fluid containing magnetisable particles can be passed through the tubing to allow attraction of the particles to the magnet unit.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for monitoring an underdrain in a filter system for filtering water or wastewater. At least one diagnostic condition relating to the performance of the underdrain is monitored to determine if the underdrain is operating in an acceptable manner.

Abstract: A metal ion eluting unit according to the present invention includes: a plurality of electrodes 102 and 103; a drive circuit (not shown) that applies a voltage between the electrodes; and a control circuit (not shown) that controls the drive circuit so that the drive circuit periodically reverses the polarity of the voltage applied between the electrodes, operates, from every time the polarity of the voltage applied between the electrodes is reversed until a predetermined period elapses, in a first current mode in which the value of a current flowing between the electrodes equals a first value, and operates, thereafter, in a second current mode in which the value of the current flowing between the electrodes equals a second current value different from the first current value. According to this configuration, metal ions can be efficiently and stably eluted for a prolonged period of time.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for supporting a screen. The apparatus comprising a cylindrical screen for submerging in a fluid, the screen having an inlet pipe for connecting to a piping system, filter members, a first end, a second and a support structure. The support structure is one or more helical members which traverse the screen.

Abstract: A shelf structure for loading computer equipment is composed of at least more than four vertical beams including a first, second, third, and fourth vertical beams; and at least more than one shelf constituted by an inner arm and an outer arm, wherein exteriors of the inner arm are fixed on the third and fourth vertical beams, and exteriors of the outer arm are fixed on the first and second vertical beams. The shelf is provided with a feature of quick adjustment of an assembly length, and a feature of higher strength for sustaining with a load, so as to be assembled on all kinds of vertical beams of different specifications and be able to be loaded with heavier and larger computer equipment.

Abstract: The invention relates to a rack or frame structure for electronic cabinets, specifically for network cabinets and cabinet rows with high cabling densities. To ensure in the case of high stability unhindered access to a reception area and cable routing in each direction, two vertical members and four depth members are so connected that a right and left-hand double-T frame is formed. The vertical members are in particular positioned as central members. The preferably releasable connection of the right and left-hand double-T frame takes place with the aid of a lower and upper transverse member in the vicinity of the vertical members, accompanied by the formation of a front and a rear frame recess.

Abstract: A small door or window within the front door of a computer system rack through which a shelf or drawer can slide in and out of the rack while the door remains closed and locked. A keyboard, display, and pointing device may be mounted on a tray which is mounted on the shelf or drawer. The small door or window may be closed by a panel which folds up and down on hinges or a panel which slides up and down within the main front door. The door or window may be locked with a key that is the same as the key to the main front door of the rack or by a key which is different, which thereby affords additional levels of security.

Abstract: A pod attachable to an outside surface of a grounded electromagnetic-shielded chamber. The chamber has a door and a flange portion, around the door, on the outside surface and contains a micro-device manufacturing apparatus. The pod includes walls configured to contain a substrate and having an opening, the walls including a flange portion configured to contact the flange portion of the chamber, and a lid configured to openably close the opening, the substrate being transferred between the pod and the chamber through the opening. Also included is an electromagnetic shield member. The electromagnetic shield member is arranged over the walls and on the flange portion of the walls. The electromagnetic shield member on the flange portion of the walls is configured to contact the grounded flange portion of the chamber while the pod is attached to the outside surface.

Abstract: A product display tray configured for use on a shelf is disclosed. The product display tray includes a base and at least one side wall. The base includes a front end, a back end, a left side, a right side, a lower surface and an upper surface for supporting items. The side wall is selectively positionable a distance from a side of the base and is substantially parallel to the side.

Abstract: A merchandising system is disclosed. The merchandising system provides for the presentation and storage of articles comprising a base having a front and a back, the base being configured to support the articles and defining a first space for containing the articles. In addition, the merchandising system comprises an assembly for advancing the articles toward the front of the base, wherein the assembly comprises a member configured to extend beyond the base to create a second space for containing the articles in addition to the first space.

Abstract: A sample collection method and apparatus for holding and transporting tubes is provided which includes a fluid collection tube holder and transporter for use in holding and transporting fluid collection tubes. The tube holder includes an elongated body with a plurality of sleeves thereon for receiving and retaining a plurality of fluid collection tubes. Each of the plurality of fluid collection tubes includes a first end, an enlarged second end, and a cylindrical body therebetween. Each of the plurality of sleeves include an inner surface having a plurality of contact edges extending inwardly for frictionally engaging an exterior side of the cylindrical body of one of the plurality of fluid collection tubes. The sleeves define a circumferential contact area between the inner surface of the sleeve and the exterior side of cylindrical body, the circumferential contact area between the inner surface and the cylindrical body is discontinuous when the tube is mounted in the sleeve.