Abstract: A wastewater treatment process wherein a portion of a mixture of influent waste water and biomass are transferred from a first anaerobic region to a second anaerobic region having a relatively long retention time in order to produce additional very short chain fatty acids therein which are thereafter returned to the first anaerobic region so that biomass therein takes up the very short chain fatty acids. The contents of the first anaerobic region thereafter flow downstream into an aerobic region wherein the biomass takes up phosphorus. A portion of the biomass is returned to the first anaerobic region and a second portion of the biomass is wasted with phosphorus therein, thereby removing phosphorus from the wastewater being treated.

Abstract: A method of preparing a cosmetic composition includes inserting a refill having an enclosure containing a plurality of substances into an extractor apparatus and subjecting the plurality of substances to fluid injection conditions and/or to external action. The extractor apparatus is able to inject at least one fluid into the enclosure. The method allows at least one of the substances to be extracted in differentiated manner.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of cleaning membrane filters comprising hollow fibres and an inner skin. The inventive method comprises the following steps consisting in: emptying the concentrate compartment in order to release the liquid to be filtered contained therein and the suspended matter, and, subsequently, performing a backwashing step involving the passage of liquid from the permeate compartment into the concentrate compartment through membranes in order to detach and release impurities deposited thereon, while circulating a gas in the concentrate. According to the invention, backwashing liquid and/or gas pulses are produced by control means (5, 5a; 7, 7a) during at least one backwashing phase.

Abstract: The present invention relates to enhanced structured water containing mineral ions that are released by water-insoluble minerals and integrated into water clusters in the structured water. Specifically, the present invention provides compositions containing structured water selected from the group consisting of I water, S water, and a combination thereof. The structured water includes at least one charged cluster of water molecules having at least one mineral ion bound therewith to form a cluster complex. The mineral ions in the cluster complex exhibit enhanced biological activities, in comparison with mineral ions in un-structured waters. Further, by incorporating at least one bridging agent, and at least one capping agent into the cluster complex, the compositions of the present invention exhibit bright and intense colors with surprising and unexpected color stability.

Abstract: A self-cleaning, back-washable filter apparatus (1700) and method for use with a pumping apparatus (1734). In one embodiment, the filter apparatus is at least partially immersed in fluid. A sediment removal system is disclosed for removing sediment from around a filter apparatus. The sediment removal system comprises a plurality of venturi jets (1307) configured to force sediment particles through a discharge line and away from the inlet to a filter apparatus. A filtering system is configured to direct a flow of fluid generally parallel to the surface of the filter (1720), which may be a cross-flow filter, to prevent clogging or fouling.

Abstract: Exemplary systems and methods for treating contaminated water are described. In one instance a method supplies metal salt reagents to a moving media filter in the presence of contaminated water. The method also introduces a waste stream resulting from the moving media filter upstream of the moving media filter effective to lower an average contaminant concentration of effluent water from the moving media filter.

Abstract: A process of dewatering an aqueous suspension comprising dosing the suspension with a flocculating amount of a first flocculant to form a thickened suspension and mixing into the thickened suspension a dewatering amount of a second flocculant and subjecting the thickened suspension to mechanical dewatering to form a cake, characterised in that the second flocculant comprises a water-soluble or water swellable polymer that is mixed into the suspension in the form of (i) substantially dry polymer particles or (ii) an aqueous composition comprising dissolved or hydrated polymer having a polymer concentration of at least 2% by weight and having a intrinsic viscosity of at least 3 dl/g.

Abstract: A process of dewatering an aqueous suspension employing a flocculating system comprising treating the suspension with a flocculating amount of a first flocculant and a dewatering amount of a second flocculant, and subjecting the suspension to mechanical dewatering to form a cake, wherein the first flocculant brings about flocculation and assists thickening of the suspension and the second flocculant further dewaters the suspension, characterized in that the second flocculant is a water-soluble or water swellable polymer that is mixed into the suspension in the form of aqueous composition comprising dissolved or hydrated polymer having a Brookfield viscosity of above 30,000 cps (measured at 20° C.).

Abstract: A process of dewatering an aqueous suspension comprising treating the suspension with a dewatering amount of a reverse phase polymer, and subjecting the suspension to a mechanical dewatering to form a cake, characterised in that the reverse phase polymer only partially inverts to bring about flocculation and thickening of the suspension, and then fully inverts during the further dewatering to form a cake.

Abstract: A process of dewatering aqueous suspension employing a flocculating system comprising treating the suspension with a flocculating amount of a first flocculant and a dewatering amount of a second flocculant, and subjecting the suspension to mechanical dewatering to form a cake, wherein the first flocculant brings about flocculation and assists thickening of the suspension and the second flocculant is a water-soluble or water swellable polymer that is mixed into the suspension is a water-soluble or water swellable particulate polymer having a particle diameter of at least 20 microns.

Abstract: Methods are described for removing contaminates from aqueous industrial wastewater process streams, to yield a less contaminated aqueous specifically in the area of soluble organic containing effluent for discharge. A premixed medium/high molecular weight and medium/high charged cationic coagulant solution polymer and a powered activated carbon (PAC) is injected into the wastewater, and after a delay on the order of about ten seconds or greater, a high molecular weight highly charged anionic flocculent polymer solution is injected into the wastewater which reduces oil and grease (FOG), (BOD). (COD), volatiles total suspended solids (TSS), and other contaminants.

Abstract: The invention concerns a water purification system (100) comprising a closed water recirculation loop (106) supplied at one point by a water inlet (101) with water to be purified, (and having) at least one outlet point of use of the purified water (102) and (further comprising) pumping means (103) and water purification means (150) on the loop respectively downstream of the inlet point and upstream of the at least one outlet point (102), in the water flow direction which system is characterized in that it includes two independent valves: a first valve (130) on the loop upstream of the pumping means (103), and a second valve (120) upstream of the at least one point of use outlet point (102). The invention also relates to a water purification method.

Abstract: A reservoir management system for a water reservoir having inlet and outlet piping and means for adding chemicals in controlled amounts to the water within the reservoir. One or more eductors are positioned within the water reservoir to mix and circulate water within the reservoir. A recirculating pump is located externally to the reservoir and has an inlet line that taps into the outlet piping from the reservoir. One or more sample lines remove test streams of water from the reservoir which are analyzed to determine the level of at least one of chemical in the test stream to provide a chemical-related signal. A controller receives the signal and compares the signal to a set point indicative of the level of chemical desired within the reservoir to maintain, increase, or decrease the amount of chemical added to the water within the reservoir in controlled amounts.

Abstract: Electrolytic process combines disinfection with removal of bromide from raw water. Current is applied to the electrodes in an electrolytic cell with raw water that has some salinity as the electrolyte. The electrodes consist of silver or dimensionally stable anodes (DSA) as cathodes and dimensionally stable anodes (DSA) arranged in parallel baffling fashion. During electrolysis chloride is converted to chlorine. The chlorine immediately effects disinfection of the water and reduction of bromide ions to bromine gas which is liberated from the cell. Aqueous bromine will remain in solution as hypobromous acid. The extent of chlorine generation and bromide loss depend upon the chloride:bromide ratio, electrical energy supplied for electrolysis, ionic strength of the water, electrode distance, cell residence time and electrode material.

Abstract: A compact dehydration engine and method for treating human waste and gray water residual electro-coagulants that includes a heated waste dehydration chamber that has low energy consumption and low water consumption in use. The system can be employed in stationary or mobile platforms that include multiple toilets and gray water sources for reclamation.

Abstract: A drain receptacle configured to drain fluid from a filtering device having first and second fluid passages, includes a base that may be integrally formed with upstanding walls, wherein a retention cavity is defined between the base and the upstanding walls, and a draining member extending from the base within the retention cavity. The draining member is configured to unseal or otherwise open at least one of the first and second fluid passages when the filtering device is secured to the drain receptacle in order to drain fluid within the filtering device into the retention cavity.

Abstract: A process for treating on floating units fluid from submarine oil fields. The fluid is delivered to a high pressure separation stage in which the fluid is split into a light hydrocarbon gas phase, a water phase, and a hydrocarbon liquid phase. The light hydrocarbon gases are delivered to a gas reinjection compression unit, having at least two compression stages. The hydrocarbon liquid is delivered to one or more-further separation stages, operating at decreasing pressures, where the liquid is split into a light hydrocarbon gas phase, a water phase, and a liquid hydrocarbon phase. The light hydrocarbon gases are delivered to compression units including ejectors that use the compressed gas from the gas reinjection compression unit as driving fluid.

Abstract: Contemplated whole blood separators tubes include a curable composition with a density intermediate to the density of serum and the cell-containing fraction. After centrifugation, the curable composition is located between the serum and the cell-containing fraction and preferably irradiated with UV light to initiate a curing reaction in which the curable composition solidifies to a barrier that is immobilized and resistant to breakdown at freezing temperatures and extended storage.

Abstract: This invention provides a device for removing particulates from a liquid. The invention comprises a first chamber having an outlet and an inlet, operably configured to receive into the first chamber a liquid stream having particulates suspended therein. The device further includes a second chamber having an inlet, a top, a bottom, a processed liquid outlet and a sealable settlement outlet, the inlet being in fluid communication with the outlet of the first chamber and being disposed within the second chamber closer to the bottom of the second chamber than the top; and, a third chamber being in fluid communication with the processed water of the second chamber and having an exit line operably configured to deliver processed water. The first chamber further includes a floor and the inlet of the first chamber is operably configured to direct the liquid stream is a direction substantially parallel to the floor.

Abstract: An equipment storage rack includes a housing defining an interior region. The housing has an exterior. At least one piece of electronic equipment is supported by the housing within the interior region. A management system is adapted to monitor and display conditions of the equipment storage rack. In a certain configuration, the management system includes a controller unit mounted within the interior region of the housing, a display unit coupled to the controller unit and mounted on the exterior of the housing, and at least one monitoring device, coupled with the controller unit, to monitor at least one parameter of the equipment storage rack. Methods of controlling an equipment storage rack are further disclosed.

Abstract: A merchandising system includes an elongated mounting member selectively securable to a front portion of an associated shelf. A track is received on the mounting member, wherein the track extends rearwardly over the associated shelf. The track includes an elongated body which is substantially solid in cross section both along a longitudinal axis of the body and in a direction approximately transverse to the longitudinal axis. A first rail extends from the body and, a second rail extends from the body. The second rail is spaced from the first rail.

Abstract: A storage system may include a rack. The rack may include one or more saddle supports sized and configured to support at least a portion of a saddle. The rack may be sized and configured to move between an extended position and a retracted position. The rack may be sized and configured to move among a plurality of heights. The storage system may include a height adjustment device sized and configured to adjust the height of the rack.

Abstract: The product display system includes one or more display containers, wherein each display container includes a plurality of panels that are adapted to form an area for holding product to be displayed. Each display container may include one or more container interconnection flaps and one or more apertures adapted to receive the interconnection flaps from another one of the display containers, enabling the plurality of display containers to be coupled together. The system may further include a floor stand adapted to hold the plurality of display containers and/or a tray adapted to receive the plurality of display containers. Each display container in the plurality of display containers may include a mounting mechanism enabling the display container to be hung.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for suspending a rolling pin or other cylindrical item for storage is disclosed. The apparatus may have hooking members which may have J-hooks which suspend the rolling pin by supporting the handles of the rolling pin, and are shaped so that the rolling pin may be supported in a substantially horizontal position, a substantially vertical position, or any other position deemed convenient by the user.

Abstract: An apparatus and system for video and audio components. According to one embodiment, the present invention generally comprises carbon fiber composite shelves separated by carbon fiber posts and supported by carbon fiber legs. The posts and legs are secured by studs. Adjacent to at least the bottom surface of each of the shelves at each opening where a stud passes through is a polyurethane ring.

Abstract: A material shelving comprises a basic shelving unit with vertical frame supports inter-tied with lateral load beams. At the rear of each shelf, between each pair of vertical frame supports, a backing cable is strung between two offset brackets just above the lateral load beams. Any pallets and material on pallets placed on the load beams of the shelving will be stopped from being pushed through by the backing cable.

Abstract: A coupler head (1) for rail vehicles is specified which has a coupler head housing (2) and a face plate (4) closing off the coupler head housing at its front. With the objective of providing a modular structuring to the coupler head (1), the face plate (4) and the coupler head housing (2) are detachably connected to one another. A method of assembling such a coupler head (1) is furthermore described.

Abstract: A package includes a container having a neck finish with at least one external thread segment and at least one pair of angularly spaced external lugs disposed beneath the thread segment. A closure has a cylindrical wall with at least one internal thread segment for mating engagement with the external thread segment on the container neck finish and at least one tab extending from the wall for receipt between the lugs to resist removal of the closure from the container neck finish and aligns the closure with the container body. The clockwise-disposed lug prevents over-tightening of the closure on the container neck finish, while the counterclockwise-disposed lug resists unthreading of closure from the container neck finish when the tab on the closure skirt has been received between the lugs.

Abstract: Retortable packages including plastic closure caps are disclosed. The closure cap includes an end panel and a liner applied to the end panel. The finish contacting surface of the liner has a profile that is generally arc-shaped or torroidal-like prior to contact with the finish.

Abstract: A pressure-responsive container assembly and elastically-deformable penetrable cap is provided. Embodiments of the penetrable cap of the present invention include, but are not limited to: an annular sealing portion for engaging an inner surface of a container, a substantially rigid portion extending radially inward from the annular sealing portion; a flexible transition portion extending radially inward from the substantially rigid portion; and a penetrable portion extending radially inward from the transition portion for closing the opening defined by the container. Thus, embodiments of the present invention may thus allow the penetrable portion to elastically deform about the transition portion to a generally convex shape so as to exert a radially outward force that may be transmitted by the substantially rigid portion to the annular sealing portion so as to reinforce a fluid-tight seal between the annular sealing portion and the inner surface of the container.

Abstract: A large container made of synthetic resin, and comprising a neck (1) and a body (2); said body having a substantially rectangular cross section, and including an upper body (11) and a lower body (12); said upper body (11) containing a center of gravity of the container when filled with liquid; said upper body (11) having a waist (13) section containing the center of gravity; said waist section (13) having a grip (14), said grip (14) being not adapted to absorb a negative pressure in the container; at least one surface of said lower body including a vacuum panel (16, 26).

Abstract: A container has features to enable it to withstand pressure filling, including a smooth transition between its sidewalls and vacuum panel, no vertical stiffeners on the edges of the vacuum panels, and a gripping portion having wall either with small radial components or oriented at oblique angles. A pair of windows are included in the field portion of the vacuum panel outside of the gripping portion.

Abstract: In the case of manufacturing resin-made parts by pressing against a heated resin material a heated die having concavo-convex patterns of inverse shapes with respect to the shapes of minute concave or convex portions of a resin molded article such as a head substrate of an ink jet head, at least one of temperatures of the die and the material, and resistance force received by the die from the material, and the die is pressed against the material while correcting press conditions based on a detected value. Alternatively, the parts are manufactured by releasing the cured material from the die by directly or indirectly pressing, with a press member through a through hole formed in the die, a surface of the material on a side in intimate contact with the die and in a region other than a region in which the concavo-convex patterns of the material are formed.

Abstract: A method for etching an AlTiC workpiece comprises forming a copper mask layer on the AlTiC, lithographically patterning said copper mask layer to thereby expose portions of the AlTiC, reactive ion etching the AlTiC using a process gas comprising argon and fluorine, and removing the mask layer. The walls of the portions of the AlTiC covered by the copper mask layer are vertical, even when etching is to a substantial depth.

Abstract: A method of forming features, e.g. contact holes, at a higher density than is possible with conventional lithographic techniques involves forming an array of sacrificial positive features, conformally depositing a sacrificial layer so that negative features are formed interleaved with the positive features, directionally etching the sacrificial layer and removing the sacrificial features. The result is an array of holes at a higher density than the original sacrificial features. These may then be transferred into the underlying substrate using a desired process. Also, the method may be repeated to create arrays at even higher densities.

Abstract: A substance including tungsten and carbon is etched by using plasma. The plasma is generated from a mixed gas of a gas including a fluorine atom and a gas including a CN bond and a hydrogen atom.

Abstract: A method for making a SAW device package includes the steps of: forming a pattern of a metal layer, that defines transmitting and receiving transducers of a SAW die, on a wafer; forming a pattern of a first photo sensitive layer, which defines a peripheral wall of a cap of the SAW die, on the metal layer and the wafer through lithography techniques; forming a pattern of a second photo sensitive layer, which defines a cover wall of the cap of the SAW die, on the first photo sensitive layer through lithography techniques; curing the first and second photo sensitive layers; dicing the wafer into SAW dies; and encapsulating the SAW dies with a molding compound.

Abstract: A light-shielding layer over a transparent substrate is processed into a predetermined pattern by first etching and then a recess is formed in an underlying layer below the light-shielding layer by second etching using at least the light-shielding layer as a mask. Subsequently, a defect inspection of the recess is performed. If, as a result of the inspection, a residue defect is detected at the recess otherwise formed in the underlying layer below the light-shielding layer, defect portion data of a pattern of a region including a residue-defect portion is produced and a repairing resist pattern is formed on the light-shielding layer based on the defect portion data. Then, third etching is applied to the underlying layer below the light-shielding layer using the light-shielding layer and the repairing resist pattern as a mask, thereby repairing the residue-defect portion.

Abstract: A substance including tungsten and carbon is etched by using plasma. The plasma is generated from a mixed gas of a gas including a fluorine atom, a gas including a nitrogen atom and a gas including a hydrocarbon molecule.

Abstract: A substrate processing apparatus that enables a state of plasma over a substrate to be maintained in a desired state easily. A plasma processing apparatus 10 that has therein a camber 11, a stage 12, and a processing gas introducing nozzle 38 carries out etching on a wafer W. The chamber 11 houses the wafer W. The stage 12 is disposed in the chamber 11 and the wafer W is mounted thereon. The processing gas introducing nozzle 38 is a projecting body that projects out into the chamber 11, and has therein a plurality of processing gas introducing holes 56 that open out in different directions to one another.

Abstract: In a method and system for compensating for contamination of a switch or of a load circuit connected to the switch in a switch circuit, on/off signal levels are obtained corresponding to on/off states of said switch based on a polling signal which turns said switch on and off. With each polling signal, the on signal level is compared with the off signal level to determine whether the signal levels differ by more than a defined amount indicating unacceptable switch or switch load circuit contamination. Based on said comparison, a switch or switch load circuit contamination indication output signal is provided indicating whether or not the switch or the switch load circuit has been unacceptably contaminated. This signal is used by said switch circuit for continued operation of said switch circuit or for taking a corrective action if unacceptable switch or switch load circuit contamination is determined.

Abstract: The invention relates to a switching device with a switching structure (1), which includes a cage assembly (21) having two opposite first sidewalls (5) and a bottom wall (6) integrally connecting the first sidewalls. The cage assembly (21) is at least partly configured as a cage (24) in which a slide (4) is displaceably arranged. A moving contact bridge (3) associated with stationary contact members is held in an opening (15) of the slide (4) under the pressure of a contact pressure spring (2). A clearance (26) is provided between the two first sidewalls (5) for the displacement of the contact bridge (3). A limit stop (18) is provided to retain the slide (4). Arcing chambers (7) formed by insulating second sidewalls (23) form part of the switching structure (1).

Abstract: A heater chip for thermocompression bonding, where the degree of heating at the thermocompression bonding part does not vary among individual heater chips and durability is enhanced. On the heater chip for thermocompression bonding, a small projection-like thermocompression bonding portion (2) heated up by conduction resistance is provided on a small plate-like body (1), at the front of the plate of reduced width. A cut (3) is provided at the end of the body, toward the vicinity of the thermocompression bonding portion. Both sides of the cut serve as conduction terminals (1a, 1b). A thermocouple (5) for temperature detection is installed in the vicinity of the thermocompression bonding portion (2). A projection portion (7) for thermo-welding the temperature detection portion of the thermocouple is provided on the inner side surface of the cut or on the outer peripheral side surface of the body.

Abstract: A machine tool having movable axes driven by linear motors has a brake unit disposed in parallel with each linear motor. When the linear motors are not excited, the brake units are turned on to lock the movable axes. When the linear motors are excited, if a machining signal is off, indicating that machining is not in progress, and no manual command is issued, the brake units are likewise turned on to lock the movable axes. The brake units have a certain amount of play so that even when locked, a movable axis can move by a certain amount to enable the linear motor, if excited, to halt in a stable position, avoiding overcurrent flow.

Abstract: There is provided an attachment for a spark erosion machine having a working head, the attachment including a top part fixedly attachable to the working head, a body suspended from, and moveable relative to, the top part with one degree of freedom in translation, a guide for guiding the body in the translational movement and a main shaft mounted in the body and rotatable about an axis parallel to the translational movement. There is also provided a driver for imparting the main shaft a rotational movement, a drive pin having an axis parallel to the axis of the main shaft and rotatably connected thereto by an adjustable connector adapted to connect the drive pin to the main shaft in a plurality of positions between a first limit position of coaxiality and a second limit position of maximal eccentricity relative to the main shaft.

Abstract: Weld deposit compositions with improved crack resistance, improved wear resistance, and improved hardness are provided by controlling matrix grain size and balancing Titanium and/or Niobium with Carbon and/or Boron content. Additionally, the presence of coarse chromium carbides is drastically decreased to reduce the amount of check-cracking. Preferably, the weld deposit is produced from a flux-cored or metal-cored wire. The weld deposit characteristics include a matrix having a fine grain size, small evenly dispersed carbides within the matrix, and a small amount of Carbon in the matrix.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for positioning electrodes relative to a welding gun and for providing equalization relative to the electrodes of an opposed welding device. The apparatus includes a servo driven linear actuator and a controller integrated into a single housing. The method is directed to a control for the servo actuator which maintains substantially equal pressures between the electrodes and the workpiece during a welding operation.

Abstract: A structural component for a motor vehicle, such as a center pillar or bumper cross member, includes comprising a plurality of metal sheets joined together by welding spots. At least one of the metal sheets is provided with relief zones in an area between the welding spots, with the relief zones being formed by recesses in the metal sheet.

Abstract: High enthalpy low power plasma reformer. An annular ground electrode includes a air intake manifold and helical structure for directing an air helically along the ground electrode in a heat transfer relation. A high voltage electrode is spaced from the ground electrode to create a gap through which preheated air flows, the high voltage electrode including a passage for delivery of hydrocarbon fuel to an atomizer. A plasma discharge occurs within an electric arc discharge region within the annular ground electrode in which the fuel is partially pyrolized to produce hydrogen rich gas.

Abstract: In a method for laser drilling holes in a substrate, a laser beam is provided having a be spot diameter which is smaller than a diameter of a hole to be drilled. The laser beam is aligned to a new hole to be drilled, and a beam axis directed in a jump direction predefined by a starting position to a center of the hole to be drilled. The beam axis is directed in a defined radial traversing movement away from the center and onto a defined circular path. The angular direction of the traversing movement is defined as a function of the jump direction such that any change in direction of the beam axis at the center does not exceed a predefined maximum angle or else the direction is maintained.