Abstract: An auxiliary power supply includes a battery, a motor-generator and an inertial energy storage mass. The motor-generator draws power from the inertial energy storage mass to drive the motor-generator thereby creating electricity. As inertial energy is depleted from the drive mechanism during use, a battery recharges the inertial energy storage mass. The inertial energy storage mass includes a series of flywheels each having smaller disks contained therein. The disks translate radially with respect to the flywheels working with gravity to provide drive power to the motor-generator.

Abstract: A torsional vibration damper hub assembly for a motor vehicle engine includes, in an exemplary embodiment, a hub formed from a filled thermoplastic material and having an outer wall. The thermoplastic material includes at least one filler. The assembly can also include a metal sleeve molded into the hub where the sleeve is overmolded with the filled thermoplastic material, an inertia ring positioned inside the hub, a rubber insert positioned between the inertia ring and the outer wall of the hub, and an end cap coupled to the hub enclosing the inertia ring the said rubber insert inside the hub.

Abstract: A split type connecting rod has a simple structure that is capable of suppressing rotation of a metal bearing, and avoiding problems such as burning. The split type connecting rod holds a crank-pin through a metal bearing which has locking lugs. A bearing locking groove locks at least one of the locking lugs when the metal bearing rotates forward in the circumferential direction of a crank-pin hole. A bearing locking groove locks at least one of the locking lugs when the metal bearing rotates backward. The bearing locking grooves are deviated from each other in the circumferential direction.

Abstract: An integral stand tube for regulating fluid level within a transmission is provided. The stand tube includes an upper opening, at least one lower opening, and an internal volume defined by at least one internal passage for directing fluid from a valve body-side of a transmission to a main sump located on a gear-side of the transmission. The lower opening is operatively connected to a thermal valve assembly and a fluid passage formed in the transmission case between the auxiliary sump of the valve body-side and the main sump of the gear-side. Fluid passing from auxiliary sump to main sump bypasses dynamic transmission components to thereby minimize fluid aeration due to contact therebetween.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a composition for a desulfurizer with a high sulfur capacity and a process for making the same. The composition comprises the active components of three kinds of iron oxides and is used in the desulfurizer to remove hydrogen sulfide from the gaseous and liquid state feed stocks. The above-mentioned composition comprises cubic ferroferric oxide in the form of crystalline phase (Fe3O4), amorphous ferric oxide (Fe2O3) and amorphous ferric oxide monohydrate (Fe2O3.H2O). The composition has a sulfur capacity of at least 40%.

Abstract: The inventive method consists in introducing a stirring gas through the vessel (1) bottom, in receiving a measurable mechanical vibration by at least one sensor fixed to the vessel or to the supporting frame thereof, in filtering the thus detected vibration signals by a high pass filter (13a) and preferably by a low pass filter (13b), in sampling and digitising (15) said vibration signals for exposing them to a second filtering which is digital and calibrated upon the vessel vibration responses, in sequencing said responses, in exposing each sequence to the calculation (17) of a temporal moving mean square, in extracting the total effective value RMS (for ‘Root Mean Square’) of the measured vibration signal therefrom, wherein said effective value is used for controlling the stirring gas flowrate supplied to the vessel. Said invention can be used for the stirring stand of steel making shop ladles, converters, RH processes, electric arc furnaces, etc.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process and an associated apparatus for producing metals and/or primary metal products, in particular pig iron and/or primary pig iron products, in which a metal-containing charge material, in particular in fine particle form, is introduced, using pneumatic conveying, by means of a carrier gas stream, in the form of a stream of medium formed from the charge material and the carrier gas stream, into a melting unit, in particular a melter gasifier, for further processing. According to the invention, the charge material is introduced after the carrier gas stream has been separated off and separately at at least two introduction points, so that at least two partial quantities of the charge material can be introduced independently of one another and continuously or in stacked form.

Abstract: A strap wrench (10) suitable for turning an oil filter canister (16) comprises a strap (14) and a drive unit (12). The drive unit (12) has a portion (14e) of the strap secured to it and includes a toothed rotary drive element (18) and a guide surface (48). The rotary drive element (18) has a drive member connection formation (24) connectable with a rotatable input drive member. A passage (46) is defined between the guide surface (48) and rotary drive element (18) through which a free end (14e) of the strap is threaded to form a loop with teeth (22) of the rotary drive element (18) engaging the strap such that rotation of the rotary drive element imparts a pulling force to the strap that pulls the strap through the passage to tighten the loop onto the oil filter canister and apply a turning force to the canister. The strap wrench (10) can be used to apply a turning force to a generally cylindrical surface of other objects such as a tube or pipe.

Abstract: A twisting-force spanner with a function of identifying a specification of the spanner; the spanner having a tight ring at a handle thereof for identification of a specification of the spanner by a color of the tight ring. Red color, orange color, yellow color, green color, blue color and purple color represent that maximum twisting forces allowable to be applied by the spanner are 80 lb, 90 lb, 100 lb, 110 lb, 120 lb, and 130 lb, respectively. The tight ring has numbers representing allowable twisting force. The tight ring has numbers representing allowable twisting force. The tight ring is coated with fluorescent material. The number is formed by fluorescent material or is colored.

Abstract: A wrench includes a body having two ends and a handle between the ends of the body. At least one of the ends of the body can be used for driving an object. A plurality of character units are provided on each holding face and form an anti-slipping section. At least one of the holding faces includes at least one indication area located in the anti-slipping section. The indication area includes an indication marking.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a torque connecting mechanism, which comprises a connecting rod with a continuous indicating part and a strength control part, the indicating part and strength control part are implemented at a location where torque strength or other stress is easy to be concentrated. The indicating part extends along the axis of the connecting rod. A stop part is implemented on the connecting rod, and strength indicating mechanisms are provided on both sides of the stop part, a lock ring is utilized to make a rotation handle stay securely around the connecting rod. The rotation handle has a base line for coinciding with a base point on the driving end of the connecting rod, which makes the base line of the rotation handle become another strength indicating mechanism of the stop part of the connecting rod. So it is easy to notice the condition of the deformation on the connecting rod whether the rotation handle is mounted on or detached from the connecting rod.

Abstract: A socket adapter for a ratchet wrench or a torque wrench that has plural ribs and rib spaces comprises: a hexahedral engaging portion, having a plurality of vertices and edges, further comprising an aperture positioned on the surface of an annular groove; a socket attached to the bottom of the hexahedral engaging portion; a metal elastic wire accommodated along the groove of said hexahedral engaging portion and encircling said interior wall and the metal elastic wire having an open end and a hook portion at the other end to grapple said aperture and further having at least a portion projecting from the surface of the hexahedral engaging portion.

Abstract: A tool locking device includes a tool shank having a bore for slidably receiving a shaft, a detent slidably received in the tool shank for detachably engaging with a tool member, a shaft slidably engaged into the tool shank and having a recess for selectively receiving the detent and having an actuating portion for forcing the detent to engage with the tool member, a button slidably received in the tool shank for actuating the actuating portion of the shaft to engage with the detent. and a shielding device has an opening and a slot for engaging the button through the slot and into the opening of the shielding device for shielding and protecting the button and for preventing the button from being operated inadvertently.

Abstract: The invention relates to a tool, especially a screwing tool having a handle with a chuck, and a blade, especially a screwdriver blade, that can be inserted into an insertion opening of the chuck. The blade inserted into the insertion opening is held by a detent of the chuck, said detent being displaced from a detent position to a release position by actuating a trigger. The inventive tool is characterized in that the detent comprises a detent projection which is located on a spring arm that extends in the axial direction of the insertion opening and on the periphery thereof. Said spring arm is displaced by a control element of the trigger that can be displaced in the axial direction from the detent position to the release position. The insertion opening is configured by an insertion cylinder located in a cavity of the handle. The insertion cylinder is produced from plastic and the spring arm is associated with the insertion cylinder in order to form a single part consisting of the same material.

Abstract: A mounting device, for mounting a plurality of buttons (100) on a product, includes a supporting member (30), a punching member (40), and a driving member (50) for driving the punching member. The supporting member includes a supporting panel (10), a plurality of holding portions (12) fixed on the supporting panel for supporting the product, a molding board (20) having a plurality of molding holes (22) corresponding to button holes of the product, a platform (32), and a base (34) fixed on the platform for supporting the molding board. The punching member includes a retaining member (42) positioned above the supporting member, and a plurality of cutters (44) fixed to the retaining member for cutting the buttons off a button assembly. Each of the cutters includes an axial through hole coupled to a vacuum generator for creating suction to hold the buttons on the cutters.

Abstract: A benchtop saw, such as a compound miter saw, has a bevel angle locking actuator for locking the bevel angle of the saw blade which is easier for the operator to reach than prior art bevel angle locking actuators that are located at the rear of the saw. The bevel angle locking actuator is mounted forward of the rear of the saw on the saw support assembly, which is in turn rotatably mounted to the saw's base assembly. Also disclosed is a bevel angle locking system which permits remote mounting of a bevel angle locking actuator.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for slicing food product blocks, having a machine frame, a product feed system with a cutting edge provided at the end and a s cutting head housing with a rotationally driven blade, which rotates in a cutting plane determined by the cutting edge and comprises a bearing arrangement, an adjusting means being provided, by means of which the position of the cutting circle of the blade is adjustable relative to the cutting edge within the cutting plane defined by the x- and y-coordinates and the cutting head housing is adjustable in the y-direction relative to the machine frame, said device displaying adjustment which adjusts the bearing arrangement of the blade in the x-direction relative to the cutting head housing.

Abstract: A method of dividing a wafer having devices in areas sectioned by lattice pattern-like streets on the front surface and a metal layer formed on the rear surface along the streets, comprising the steps of cutting the wafer with a cutting blade from the front surface side along the streets to form a cut groove, leaving behind a remaining portion having a predetermined thickness from the rear surface; and applying a laser beam along the cut groove formed by the above cut groove forming step to cut the remaining portion and the metal layer.

Abstract: A quickly collapsible protective cover unit for a table sawing machine includes two protective covers, two connecting rods, an elongate base and a dividing plate. The dividing plate has its upper end combined between two lengthwise sides of one end portion of the base, provided with plural slots for a fitting rod of plural fixing blocks located at one end portion of the base to fit therein. The slots respectively have a stop edge for retaining the fitting rod therein, not to loosen out of the slots when the fitting rods are pushed in the slots. Then the compress bolt and the fitting rods can tightly force the base and the dividing plate combined with each other. So the protective cover unit can be assembled or collapsed quickly, without using any tool, by handling the compress bolt.

Abstract: A quickly collapsible dividing plate unit for a table sawing machine includes a dividing plate, a fixing base, a hexagonal bolt and a spanner unit. The hexagonal bolt has a head, a fitting projection on the head and a threaded hole in the center of the fitting projection. The spanner unit is composed of a spanner and a screw, and the spanner has a fitting hole in a front end to fit around the fitting projection of the hexagonal bolt, with the screw passing the fitting hole and engaging with the threaded hole so the spanner may be threadably combined with the hexagonal bolt. Then the spanner is handled to fix or loosen quickly the hexagonal bolt so that the dividing plate base unit may quickly be assembled or collapsed.

Abstract: A table-top saw comprises a base, frame, water pan and a table disposed with the frame for supporting a workpiece to be cut. The saw also includes a guide beam and a carriage operably connected to the guide beam by a fixing mechanism, wherein the carriage is capable of slidable movement along the guide beam. A cutter-motor unit, including a saw and motor, is secured to the carriage whereby the cutter-motor unit is slidable along the guide beam. The fixing mechanism includes a trig block for locking the carriage and the cutter-motor unit at a selected position on the guide beam. The fixing mechanism is movable between a released position wherein a clearance is defined between a lower surface of the guide beam and the trig device to allow for movement along the guide beam, and a locked position wherein the trig device engages the lower surface of the guide beam.

Abstract: A musical conversion table that uses a new paradigm in understanding music. Most people understand that there are seven notes to an octave and anyone who has seen a keyboard such as a piano has noticed that besides the white keys, there are also black keys. There are in fact 5 black keys for each 7 white keys. This gives a total of twelve notes, not 7 as music has always been teach. This is what complicates matters. In order to simplify matters, this inventor has decided that there are 12 notes. Moreover, this inventor has found a relation between what is known as the <<divine proportion>>, which can be represented by the Fibonacci sequence and the music scale.

Abstract: The present invention relates to systems for music display and collaboration. In one exemplary embodiment of the invention, a tablet computer includes a first display unit with a front surface, a display device mounted in the front surface, and a first back surface. The tablet computer also includes a second display unit with a front surface, a display device mounted in the front surface, and a back surface. Finally, the tablet computer also includes a hinging assembly coupling the first display unit to the second display unit. The hinging assembly defining an axis of rotation that allows each display unit to rotate about 360° around the axis of rotation with respect to the other display unit.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for shifting pitches of audio signals to achieve desired pitch relationships between the audio signals. Two or more audio signals are received. The audio signals may be in either a digital or analog format. One of the input audio signals is selected to be a reference signal. For each of the other audio signals, the pitch of the other audio signal is compared with the pitch of the reference signal to determine a relative pitch relationship. For each of the other signals, an adjustment is determined to bring the relationship to a desired pitch relationship. Based on the adjustment, the pitch of at least one of the audio signals is adjusted to achieve the desired pitch relationship between the audio signals.

Abstract: A mobile device (160) and method (300) for generating wind instrument sounds is provided. The mobile device can include a microphone (102) for capturing an air turbulence in response to a blowing action, a keypad (104) for selecting a virtual valve to associate with the air turbulence, a synthesis engine (106) for synthesizing a musical note in response to the blowing and the virtual valve, and an audio speaker (108) for playing the musical note. One or more keys of the keypad can be depressed during the blowing action on the microphone for synthesizing a musical note of a wind instrument. A display (110) can present a musical notation (800) and a fingering chart (810) for musical notes.

Abstract: A stringed musical instrument device that functions as a peripheral for a computer or computing device, whereby electronic transducers placed inside and/or outside the instrument convert the vibrations of the strings and/or the instrument body from an analog electrical signals to digital signals. The digital signals are then transmitted via Class Compliant USB and/or FireWire-IEEE 1394 and/or IEEE 802.11 wireless and/or Bluetooth® wireless protocols to any computer or computing device that accepts data via those protocols. This device requires no external power, amplification, analog-to-digital conversion, software or hardware. This device is an improvement over the prior art in that it accurately and immediately represents on a computer or computing device the signals that are being sent from the instrument and reduces the number of devices needed to accomplish the task of sending digital signals to a computer or computing device.

Abstract: A device for feeding propellant charges to a heavy weapon, comprising a fixed propellant charge magazine having guides for receiving propellant charge modules such that their longitudinal axes extend horizontally. The guides are disposed parallel to one another and in horizontal planes above one another. A propellant charge feed mechanism for removing propellant charges from the magazine and transferring them to a propellant charge transfer arm includes an automatic feed mechanism disposed adjacent to the magazine and having a propellant charge chain driven in a vertical plane and provided with receiving elements for propellant charge modules. A portioning unit is disposed at the removal position at the upper end of the chain and axially relative to a respectively uppermost receiving element. The portioning unit has a mechanism for transferring and joining propellant charge modules. A mechanism is provided for transferring joined modules from the portioning unit to a propellant charge feed tray.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for providing ballistic protection and stopping high-velocity rounds or explosives. The apparatus may include a ballistic panel for providing ballistic protection. The ballistic panel includes a core that includes a plurality of node cells, an intermediate layer that surrounds the core and fills in the node cells, and an outer coating. The ballistic panel absorbs the force of high-velocity, ballistic, low-velocity, and high foot pound pressure rounds, fragments, and impacts and is capable of completely capturing such ballistic rounds and fragments without external deflection or complete penetration through ballistic panel.

Abstract: The invention is a shield comprised of a plurality of bullet retardant sheets usable in an armored vehicle.

Abstract: A mount system including a tray mountable to a port and a table translatable with respect to the tray. A mounting station is positioned on the table. There is a support for the tray. A drive mechanism translates the table to alternately conceal the mounting station within the port and to deploy the mounting station through the port.

Abstract: A weapon mount includes a platform with a weapon mounted thereto and a swing arm subsystem attached to a port wall. The swing arm subsystem moves the platform between a concealed position within the port and a deployed position through the port. The preferred swing arm subsystem includes an axle, a bracket for the axle mounted to the port wall, at least one coupling about the axle, and a rotating strut extending between the coupling and the platform to swing the platform and weapon forward through the port and rearward back into the port.

Abstract: An oscillating air motor includes one or more cylinders that house a piston. The piston is connected to a crankshaft by a connecting rod. The cylinders are in fluid communication with a solenoid valve that supplies air to the cylinders. The air is forced into the cylinders at a predetermined time causing the piston to move down the cylinders. The cylinder are supported by at least a countershaft that passes through the cylinders. The cylinders are permitted to move about the countershaft. Movement of the cylinders about the countershaft may be used to control input and output valves of the motor. Alternatively, sensors activated by a cam on the camshaft may be used control input and output solenoid valves. Using a two way transfer valve, the engine may be switched to pump mode for regenerative braking.

Abstract: A fluid system comprises a static LS valve, a dynamic LS valve, a priority valve biased to preferentially supply pressurized fluid to both the static LS valve and the dynamic LS valve, and a signal-mimicking device fluidly coupled to a static LS port of the static LS valve, a dynamic LS port of the dynamic LS valve, and a dynamic LS pilot port of the priority valve for mimicking a static LS signal from the static LS port of the static LS valve into a dynamic LS signal from the dynamic LS port of the dynamic LS valve to produce a combined LS signal communicated to the dynamic LS pilot port of the priority valve. Such a fluid system may be applied to a steering system. An associated method is disclosed.

Abstract: A variable displacement compressor comprising a cylinder block having a plurality of cylinder bores. The cylinder block has an extension which extends from an outer periphery of an end surface of the cylinder block which faces a swash plate. The extension has an extension surface which forms a part of a bore surface of each cylinder bore and first and second wall surfaces which extend continuously from opposite ends of the extension surface in a circumferential direction of the extension surface. A part of each extension surface which is connected to the first wall surface which is located on a preceding side of rotation of the swash plate corresponds to a high-load area which is locally subjected to loads from a single-headed piston during a compression stroke. The high-load area has a chamfered region which is formed into a curved surface by chamfering.

Abstract: A gas turbine engine inlet particle separator system selectively engages and disengages an inlet particle separator from the engine in response to signals sensed by a sensor system or manually by the pilot. The controller system identifies a FOD-related flight regime to engage/disengage the inlet particle separator from the engine to provide increased engine power and fuel efficiency.

Abstract: The present system is an adsorption system for separating air into a concentrated gas component, which has an air supply, a compressor for receiving and compressing the air supply, providing a compressed air supply, and molecular sieve material for separating the compressed air supply into a concentrated gas component. The adsorption system delivers at least 5 liters per minute (LPM) of concentrated gas component from the molecular sieve material in which the system has a specific total weight per LPM <9 lbs/LPM. Additionally, an output quantity of the concentrated gas is delivered by the adsorption system and a purging quantity of the concentrated gas is dispensed into a sieve chamber of the adsorption system undergoing a purge cycle. The purging quantity has a value equal to or less than the difference between the maximum quantity and the output quantity, and the purging quantity is controlled based on the output quantity.

Abstract: A process for the production of membranes which contain at least one solid layer on one side of a porous substrate by treating, with a synthesis solution forming the solid layer, that side of the substrate which is to be coated is described, wherein, in the production of the solid layer on the porous substrate, the space which, viewed from the substrate, is behind that side of the porous substrate which is not to be coated is filled with an inert fluid, the pressure and/or the temperature of the fluid being chosen so that contact of the synthesis solution with that side of the porous substrate which is not to be coated is substantially prevented.

Abstract: A dielectric barrier discharge device for generating a plasma discharge is disclosed. The device includes a first electrode, a second electrode separated from the first electrode, and a dielectric material disposed between the two electrodes. Each electrode has a first end, a first surface, and a second surface. The first end of the first electrode is disposed proximate to the first end of the second electrode. The first end of the first electrode comprises a set of saw-tooth features disposed between the surfaces configured to stabilize location of streamers of the plasma discharge upon generation thereof.

Abstract: Fan blades within a fan assembly are rotated in a first rotational direction, thereby generating airflow from above the fan blades downward past the fan blades. Airborne particles adhere to the surface of the fan blades as the air flows past. The fan direction is then reversed maintained at a relatively low rotational rate. A fluid is dispensed onto the hub of the fan blades. Due to the centripetal force of the spinning fan blades, the fluid is spread thin across the top surface of the fan blades and the liquid film washes the blade of the fan, removing particulates from the fan blade. The solution is pushed outward against the inner wall of the fan housing forming a fluid meniscus. The fan speed is increased to push the fluid meniscus into an annular reservoir. The collected fluid is then vacuumed and consolidated into the collection vessel.

Abstract: The invention provides a filter element which has a reduced initial pressure loss, can reduce an energy cost and can secure a high air flow rate, a filter element which has an elongated gas removing service life and filtering service life while keeping a high gas removing performance and a high dust removing efficiency, a manufacturing method and a method of use of the same. In a filter element (10) in which a pleated composite substrate (11) obtained by lapping or laminating an nonwoven fabric sheet including a fiber constituted by a thermoplastic resin and a gas removal sheet is pleated, and a pleated shape of the pleated composite substrate (11) is held by a shape retaining member (12a), a thickness of the nonwoven fabric sheet is increased at least 5% when heated to 60 degree C.

Abstract: A composite oxygen ion transport membrane having a dense layer, a porous support layer, an optional intermediate porous layer located between the porous support layer and the dense layer and an optional surface exchange layer, overlying the dense layer. The dense layer has electronic and ionic phases. The ionic phase is composed of scandia doped, yttrium or cerium stabilized zirconia. The electronic phase is composed of a metallic oxide containing lanthanum, strontium, chromium, manganese and vanadium and optionally cerium. The porous support layer is composed of zirconia partially stabilized with yttrium, scandium, aluminum or cerium or mixtures thereof. The intermediate porous layer, if used, contains the same ionic and electronic phases as the dense layer. The surface exchange layer is formed of an electronic phase of a metallic oxide of lanthanum and strontium that also contains either manganese or iron and an ionic phase of scandia doped zirconia stabilized with yttrium or cerium.

Abstract: A porous substrate with a seed crystal-containing layer for manufacturing a zeolite membrane includes: a ceramic porous substrate, and a seed crystal-containing layer containing a zeolite powder to function as a seed crystal for forming a zeolite membrane and a ceramic powder and being loaded on a surface of the ceramic porous substrate and fired to fix the seed crystal-containing layer on the porous substrate. The porous substrate with a seed crystal-containing layer used for manufacturing a zeolite membrane can inhibit a defect such as a crack from being generated in the zeolite layer upon manufacture or use by manufacturing a zeolite membrane by the use of the substrate and can be subjected to air-spraying, washing, and processing for the purpose of removing a foreign substance, etc., prior to hydrothermal synthesis.

Abstract: An air purifier comprises a main frame, a discharging device, a dust collection device and a voltage generator. The discharging device has a discharging portion and is installed in the main frame. The dust collection device has a dust collection portion and is installed in one side of the discharging device. The air purifier can produce ozone, negative ions and static electricity by moving the discharging portion and the dust collection portion and receiving suitable voltage. The voltage generator, the discharging portion, and the dust collection portion accomplish conduction. So that, the air purifier, according environment, change the operating mode to improve the air quality.

Abstract: A dust-collecting electrode where at least one unit electrode between the unit electrodes facing each other includes: a ceramic dielectric body, a surface conductor disposed so as to cover at least a part of the surface of the ceramic dielectric body on the side where the unit electrodes face each other, and an internal conductive layer disposed inside the ceramic dielectric body and being electrically independent of the surface conductor. The dust-collecting electrode being capable of generating an electric field and silent discharge between the unit electrodes by applying voltage between the surface conductor of the one unit electrode and the other unit electrode and generating creeping discharge on the surface of the one unit electrode by applying voltage via the ceramic dielectric body.

Abstract: The present system is an adsorption system for separating air into a concentrated gas component, which has an air supply, a compressor for receiving and compressing the air supply, providing a compressed air supply, and molecular sieve material for separating the compressed air supply into a concentrated gas component. The adsorption system delivers at least 5 liters per minute (LPM) of concentrated gas component from the molecular sieve material in which the system has a specific total weight per LPM<9 lbs/LPM. Additionally, an output quantity of the concentrated gas is delivered by the adsorption system and a purging quantity of the concentrated gas is dispensed into a sieve chamber of the adsorption system undergoing a purge cycle. The purging quantity has a value equal to or less than the difference between the maximum quantity and the output quantity, and the purging quantity is controlled based on the output quantity.

Abstract: A rotary adsorber for continuous bulk separations is disclosed. The rotary adsorber includes an adsorption zone in fluid communication with an influent adsorption fluid stream, and a desorption zone in fluid communication with a desorption fluid stream. The fluid streams may be gas streams or liquid streams. The rotary adsorber includes one or more adsorption blocks including adsorbent structure(s). The adsorbent structure adsorbs the target species that is to be separated from the influent fluid stream. The apparatus includes a rotary wheel for moving each adsorption block through the adsorption zone and the desorption zone. A desorption circuit passes an electrical current through the adsorbent structure in the desorption zone to desorb the species from the adsorbent structure. The adsorbent structure may include porous activated carbon fibers aligned with their longitudinal axis essentially parallel to the flow direction of the desorption fluid stream.

Abstract: A recirculation filter includes a first layer and a second layer. The first layer has a first side and a second side and is configured to trap particles that are of a first size. The second layer has a first portion adjacent to the first side of the first layer and a second portion adjacent the second side of the first layer. The second layer is configured to trap particles that are of a second size. The second size of particles trapped by the second layer is greater than the first size of particles trapped by the first layer.

Abstract: A modified liquid impingement unit is configured to automatically maintain a volume of buffer solution within a determined range, the buffer solution used to collect airborne particles from an impinging airflow. The liquid impingement unit includes a first end of an air nozzle and a first end of a vacuum tube sealed within collection vessel. A fluid delivery tube is positioned within the vacuum tube such that a first end of the fluid delivery tube is also positioned within the sealed collection vessel. External to the sealed collection vessel, the fluid delivery tube branches from the vacuum tube through an aperture in the vacuum tube. The vacuum tube is coupled to a vacuum pump and the fluid delivery tube is coupled to a fluid pump. A control module provides control signals to the fluid pump such that the fluid pump delivers a second volume of buffer solution from a buffer solution container to the collection vessel via the fluid delivery tube.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for steaming and blending food products such as baby food. The apparatus includes a base including a steam chamber and a drive shaft. A container assembly can be mounted to the base in an inverted position for steaming the food and in an upright position for blending the food. The apparatus may further include a baby bottle sterilizing unit and a bottle warmer.

Abstract: An apparatus for at least one of supporting, containing and rotating a pre-selected food product. The apparatus comprises a food contacting member having each of a first predetermined shape and a first predetermined length for one of receiving such pre-selected food product thereon and containing such pre-selected food product therein. There is at least one handle member having a second predetermined shape and a second predetermined length and a means engageable with a first end of the food contacting member and a first end of the handle member for removably engaging the at least one handle member with the food contacting member for facilitating at least one of placing and removing the food contacting member onto and from respectively a heat source and intermittently rotating such food contacting member for a predetermined degree over such heat source, such means being one of manually operated and power driven.