Abstract: A system configured to hold a plurality of discs comprises a plurality of disc holders. The plurality of disc holders have a region with a snap-fit structure that is configured to receive a disc. The plurality of disc holders also have a plurality of hinges with protruding portions positioned along a disc holder binding edge. The plurality of disc holders comprise polystyrene. The system further comprises a flexible binder having a plurality of slots formed therein. The slots are positioned over the protruding portions on the disc holder binding edges. The flexible binder comprises at least polypropylene. The flexible binder is bonded to the plurality of disc holders using a heat treatment technique.

Abstract: Fold Down Hard Case Door is a rifle case that can be mounted to an ATV or other vehicle having a hinged butt door to allow a hunter to easily retrieve his rifle without getting out of an ATV or other vehicle. The preferred embodiment of the invention consists of a rifle case with a handle and a butt door with a locking pin on the top and a hinge on the bottom. To use the preferred embodiment of the invention, a hunter would first mount the rifle case with the butt door attached to an ATV or other vehicle. The rifle case is attached to the ATV or other vehicle on the front rack near the hunter's hand and handgrip. Ideally, the rifle case will be mounted to allow the tip and barrel of the rifle to face down and to the front of the rifle case. The hunter's rifle could then be inserted into the rifle case with the butt end of the rifle nearest the hunter. To insert the rifle, the hunter removes the locking pin and utilizes the hinge to allow the butt door to swing down to create an opening for the rifle.

Abstract: A protective apparatus for a portable device is disclosed. The protective apparatus generally includes a main case configured for accommodating the portable device; an accessory case configured for accommodating accessories of the portable device; and a protective jacket including a main jacket and an accessory jacket, wherein the main jacket is configured for receiving the main case, and the accessory jacket is configured for receiving the accessory case; and a strap configured for joining the main jacket and the accessory jacket together. The protective apparatus not only can reduce the damage come from a sudden and violate collision to the portable device, but also provide a whole protection for the portable device without interfering the operation to the portable device.

Abstract: A protective apparatus for a portable device is disclosed. The protective apparatus generally includes a case and a jacket. The case is configured for accommodating the portable device and the jacket is configured for receiving the case. The protective apparatus not only can reduce the damage come from a sudden and violate collision to the portable device, but also can supply a whole protection for the portable device without interfering the operation to the portable device.

Abstract: A toolbox includes first and second toolbox parts, and a pivot joint unit. The first toolbox part defines an accommodating space, and has an opening that is in spatial communication with the accommodating space. The pivot joint unit interconnects the first and second toolbox parts, and permits relative rotation between the first and second toolbox parts from a closed position, where the first and second toolbox parts overlap with each other such that the second toolbox part covers the opening in the first toolbox part, and an open position, where the first and second toolbox parts overlap with each other such that the second toolbox part uncovers the opening in the first toolbox part.

Abstract: Packaging systems, apparatuses, and methods are provided for improving handling and shipment of plantlets. A carton carrier for transporting trays of plantlets may be provided. The carton carrier may include a bottom panel for receiving plantlet trays having first and second ends and first and second sides. The carton carrier may also include supporting side walls extending upwardly from the first and second sides of the bottom panel. The supporting side walls each define a support surface or shoulder at the top thereof. The carton carrier may also include end wall panels extending outwardly from the first and second ends of the bottom panel. The end wall panels may be configured to be foldable upwardly from the bottom panel to form end walls.

Abstract: A storage box having a slideably retained drawer under the main storage portion of the storage box. The drawer is provided with compartments sized to retain items useful in conjunction with the contents of the main storage portion. The storage box may be provided with a cover hingedly and latchably attached to and covering the main storage area. A cover may also be provided for the drawer. Any portion of the box, most particularly the covers, may be made of a transparent material such that the contents thereof may be viewed.

Abstract: An article packaging system that provides effective support for the article during substantial vertical drops, protects the article against side impacts, is simple in design, requires only modest skill to effectively assemble, protects articles of different size with the same size carton, and minimizes inventory management problems. The article packaging system includes jaw components having a synergistic effect, horizontally-running flutes, and pressure-regulated clamps.

Abstract: An array of a plurality of packages for storing and/or displaying products. Each package has a first display view which is viewed from a first display direction. The first display view has a main display element which is defined by a brand name, a brand logo, or a product name. The main display element has a pseudo-occupation area. Each package also has a second display view which is viewed from a second display direction which is different from the first display direction. The second display view has a concept display element which is defined by at least one graphic and occupies at least a portion of the pseudo-occupation area. The display direction of each package is determined to show the first or second display view of each package such that the array as a whole displays a predetermined pattern.

Abstract: A packaging assembly supports and dispenses a plurality of retail products, such as confectionary products. The assembly includes a housing having a plurality of package sleeves that are removably attached to one another. A blister tray attachment is slidably insertable into one or more of the package sleeves.

Abstract: A package for carrying and dispensing wipes is described. The package has a wallet-like configuration and includes a first compartment separated from a second compartment along a foldable seam. The package can be configured to carry any suitable wipes including facial tissue, bath tissue, and any suitable pre-moistened wipes.

Abstract: A container particularly well suited to hold premoistened wipes is described. The container can be formed primarily from flat polymeric sheets. In one embodiment, for instance, the container can be formed and loaded with a stack of wipes all in a single process. Further, the flat polymeric sheets used to form the container can be printed with various graphics during formation of the container so as to apply any suitable graphics to the container. Through the process of the present disclosure, containers can be formed having a sleek and compact design.

Abstract: A pack of tissues, such as a pack of paper handkerchiefs or of other disposable absorbing articles, is described. The pack comprises a reseal tape facilitating the reversible closure and opening of the dispensing orifice. The reseal tape comprises an indicia that is not visible to an observer when the dispensing orifice is closed.

Abstract: An article holder is provided including a bottom panel, a back wall extending from a rear edge of the bottom panel, first and second side walls extending from side edges of the bottom panel, each side wall being coupled to the back wall along a rear edge each side wall, a front flange spanning between the first and second side walls along front edges of the first and second side walls, and a slot in the bottom panel extending from the first side wall to the second side wall. The first and second side walls are farther apart from one another at front edges of the first and second side walls than at rear edges of the first and second side walls and the slot is adapted to receive a front flange of another like article holder when two or more article holders are stacked in a nested configuration.

Abstract: A packaging assembly supports and dispenses a plurality of retail products, such as confectionary products. The assembly includes a housing having a plurality of package sleeves that are removably attached to the housing. A blister tray attachment is slidably insertable into one or more of the package sleeves.

Abstract: A portable soft-sided beverage carrier includes both a removable partition or separation system and a conveniently managed temperature control feature. A releasable rear fold allows adapting the beverage carrier to conventional luggage pieces. A shoulder strap and a plurality of pockets enable improved user convenience and comfort. The beverage carrier is conveniently assembled as a kit with convenience consumer items; including, selected glasses, cocktail equipment, cigar humidors, coasters, and other consumer entertainment and consumer comfort items.

Abstract: A customized package for marketing a prepaid service of converting a customer's photograph into an art work. The package includes product information sheets describing certain options of the art work and that are pre-selected for the particular retail establishment by cutting sections describing the desired options from more extensive printed sheets. The package also includes an order form customized to allow the customer to order those options that have been selected in accordance with the enclosed information sheets. A glassine envelope is included for the customer to enclose the photograph and a pencil may also be included within the glassine envelope. A self-addressed envelope is included to enable the customer to send the ordering components to the art work supplier. Finally the package is fully enclosed in a transparent plastic outer envelope to enable the contents of the package to be displayed to a customer.

Abstract: In a packaging cushion device, a base member has a base wall, and first and second sidewalls respectively perpendicular to two adjacent edges of the base wall. The base wall and first and second sidewalls define a receiving portion. A modular component has a base panel, two adjacent first and second side panels perpendicular to the base panel, a first projection extending from the first and second side panels, and a second projection extending from the base panel and the second panel. The first and second projections are matchable with and connectable to the receiving portion to form two interchangeable configurations of different heights, thereby satisfying the need of packing a computer housing in either folded or unfolded configuration, and saving packing materials.

Abstract: A sample display unit for sheets goods that is easy to transport and assemble, sturdy to withstand a plurality of sheet goods for a lengthy time, and capable of containing advertisements. The sample display unit for sheet goods has a rectangular body, a shelf, and a header. The rectangular body includes a back panel, a face panel, and side panels with inclined top edges. The shelf partitions the rectangular body into an upper sample display container and a lower enclosure. The shelf is also provided at a suitable height to allow the sheet goods such as desk mats, floor mats, carpet mats and chair mats to be removed with ease. In one embodiment, a support base can be situated within the lower enclosure to provide support for the shelf and the display unit. In another embodiment, a frame can be used to support the shelf and the display unit.

Abstract: A multi-grade engine oil composition meeting required specifications of manufacturers is provided. In one embodiment, the engine oil composition contains a sufficient amount of a Pour Point Reducing Blend Component for the engine oil to have cold crank simulator viscosity at ?20° C. of less than have a cold crank simulator viscosity at ?20° C. of less than 9000 cP and a mini rotary viscometer (MRV) viscosity at ?20° C. of less than 60,000 cP. The Pour Point Reducing Blend Component is selected from 1) an isomerized Fischer-Tropsch derived bottoms product; 2) a bottoms product prepared from an isomerized highly waxy mineral oil, or 3) an isomerized oil having a kinematic viscosity at 100° C. of at least about 8 mm2/s made from polyethylene plastic.

Abstract: A process is described for producing deasphalted steam cracker tar comprising feeding steam cracker tar to a vacuum pipestill (VPS) including a flash zone separated from a zone comprising trays by at least one annular entrainment ring and obtaining as an overheads a deasphalted tar product and as a bottoms an asphaltenic heavy tar product. Also according to the invention, there is a system for the upgrading of tar comprising said VPS with at least one annular entrainment ring.

Abstract: A process for the conversion of biomass to a liquid fuel is presented. The process includes the production of diesel and naphtha boiling point range fuels by hydrocracking of pyrolysis lignin extracted from biomass.

Abstract: An expanded bed hydroprocessing system and related method includes at least one expanded bed reactor that employs a solid catalyst to catalyze hydroprocessing reactions involving hydrogen and a high molecular weight hydrocarbon feedstock (e.g., a Fischer-Tropsch wax) that is contaminated with solid particulates. Hydroprocessing the high molecular weight hydrocarbon feedstock in an expanded bed reactor results in formation of a hydroprocessed material from the hydrocarbon feedstock, while eliminating the risk of plugging of the supported catalyst bed by the solid particulates as compared to a reactor including a stationary catalyst bed.

Abstract: The invention is about a catalyst comprising at least one support, at least one group VIII element, at least one group VIB element and phosphorus, in which the density of group VIB elements per unit surface area of the support is in the range (limits included) 2×10?4 to 18×10?4 of oxides of group VIB elements per m2 of support, in which the molar ratio of phosphorus to the group VIB element is in the range 0.27 to 2.00, and in which the amount of group VIB elements is in the range (limits included) 1% to 20% by weight of oxides of group VIB elements and in which the support has a specific surface area of less than 135 m2/g. The invention is also about a process for hydrodesulphurizing gasoline cuts containing sulphur and olefins in the presence of this catalyst.

Abstract: A process for reducing the level of residual catalyst comprising one or more alkylhalide, alkoxyhalide, metal halide, metal oxyhalide, alkyl metal, alkoxy metal, boron compound and coordinated metal compound wherein the metal is a Group III, Group IV, Group V, Group VI and/or Group VIII metal, from a crude organic product (e.g., polyolefins, alkylated aromatic compounds, alkylated amines, etc.) comprising the residual catalyst is provided, the process comprising contacting the crude organic product with a solid adsorbent in an adsorbent system.

Abstract: A screening machine for a fiber suspension includes a vessel; a rotor disposed within the vessel; and a screen plate positioned in stationary opposition to the rotor. The screen plate includes a plurality of substantially parallel first grooves extending in a first direction and a plurality of substantially parallel second grooves extending in a second direction. The first grooves intersect with the second grooves. The first grooves and the second grooves conjunctively define a plurality of lands and depressions. A plurality of the lands and a plurality of the depressions include a through-hole extending through the screen plate.

Abstract: A document feeder system for use in a document sorting apparatus is disclosed. The document feeder system comprises upper and lower portions, each having respective feeder elements for feeding documents from a hopper, the upper and lower portions being movable relative to one another between a feeding position, in which the feeder elements of the upper and lower portions are engageable with a document to be fed, and a jam clearance position, in which a document between the feeder elements of the upper and lower portions may be retrieved, wherein the upper and lower portions are urged into the feeding position by a constant force spring.

Abstract: Chip sorting devices include a rotatable disc having a plurality of wells for receiving chips therein, a plurality of channels for holding stacks of chips, at least one ejector for ejecting chips from the wells of the disc into the channels, and at least one removal lever associated with at least one of the channels. The removal lever has an arm configured to extend adjacent at least a portion of a stack of chips when the stack of chips is in the channel. Other chip sorting devices include a plurality of wells for receiving chips therein, a plurality of channels for holding stacks of chips, at least one ejector for ejecting chips from the wells of the disc into the channels, and at least one spring member configured to bias the ejector to a position.

Abstract: A mechanical separator having a primary frame, a tray frame linked to the primary frame, and an oscillator linked to the tray frame for imparting relatively short period reciprocating and/or orbital motion thereto. The tray frame includes a plurality of tines preferably rigidly linked at their proximal ends to one end of the tray frame, and a supporting cross member that permits restricted motion of the tines when subject to kinetic impetus. The supporting cross member preferably defines holes through which the tines pass, and the distal ends of the tines are preferably free to move, being only restricted in motion by the supporting cross member. The tray frame is preferably suspended from the primary frame by extension members, which also provide for tilt, elevation and vibration isolation features.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an in-feed distributing unit for distributing an uneven stream of individual elongated objects prior to be grading.

Abstract: A fluid filter having a fluid pressure sensor integral with a canister enclosing a filter medium, such that the fluid filter can be removed and replaced as a unit and further such that a new fluid pressure sensor is provided each time the fluid filter is replaced. The fluid filter can be readily adapted to many different fluid systems. In some embodiments, the fluid filter has two housing sections fastened together to enclose a filter medium. In some embodiments, the sensor includes an indicator that is easily visible outside of the housing. In some embodiments the indicator is responsive to a predetermined fluid pressure within the fluid filter.

Abstract: Improved fabricated subcomponents, components and rotating biological contactor embodiments that are assembled from, and that incorporate, such subcomponents and components are achieved. The components comprise tank sections, bulkheads, contactor drums, paddle wheels, shaft assemblies including associated bearings and supports, each of which may be assembled from preformed subcomponents if desired. Rotating biological contactors are assemblable at an installation site, which may be a confined space if desired, by two men with simple tools. In an assembled rotating biological contactor, the shaft assemblies can rotated by an electric motor, by fluidic pressure exerted upon paddle wheel blades, or by both in combination.

Abstract: A drain trap assembly for separating sediment from wastewater released from kitchen, bath or washroom appliance such as a sink or tub including a conduit with a first upper inlet portion and second upper outlet portion. Between the inlet and outlet is located a lower bend portion. Interrupting the lower bend portion is a third conduit portion including a cup closure for sediment accumulation area out of the wastewater pathway. Affixed to the closure cup and extending generally upwardly within the drain trap assembly and across the wastewater flow is a strainer in the form of at least one plate including through-holes sized to reject particulate sediment and other solids of a predetermined size. A second embodiment of the strainer takes the form of a mass of fibers affixed to the closure and extending across the wastewater flow. Closure removal automatically withdraws the strainer, offering ready access to accumulated sediment.

Abstract: Desalination apparatus based on porous restraint panels fabricated from a number of different layers of metal, thermoplastic, or other substances are used as sophisticated heat exchangers to control the growth of gas hydrate. The gas hydrate is produced after infusion of liquid hydrate-forming material into water to be treated, which liquid hydrate-forming material can also be used to carry out all the refrigeration necessary to cool seawater to near the point of hydrate formation and to cool the porous restraint panels. Hydrate forms on and dissociates through the porous restraints. The composite restraint panels can also be used in gaseous atmospheres where, for instance, it is desired to remove dissolved water.

Abstract: An amalgam separator for purifying a waste stream that contains a mixture of air and waste liquid. The amalgam separator contains filter media that comprises a sulfur-impregnated carrier and an ion exchange resin, wherein the ion exchange resin is present at a concentration of from about 25 to about 75 weight percent. During its operation, the amalgam separator separates the waste stream into air and waste liquid portions, purifies the waste liquid portion, and then combines the purified waste liquid portion with the air.

Abstract: A filter element having a plurality of keys for actuating a locking mechanism of a valve of a filter is provided. The keys are formed on an interior side of a first end cap and extend axially inward toward a second opposite end cap. In one embodiment, the keys are integrally formed in an inner annular wall. In another embodiment, the filter media is embedded into generally flat surfaces of the end caps. The keys function to unlock the locking mechanism of the valve indicating that a filter element is being used.

Abstract: In a tank B for water treatment, consisting of at least two plastic material tank parts 1, 2 produced by injection moulding or by injection moulding and embossing a separately produced separation wall T is mounted with the edge at the walls of the tank parts such that the mounting regions at least partly are watertight. The separation wall T extends in the tank B crosswise to the joining plane E. The tank parts have opening edge structures R which fit on each other and which are joined in the joining plane E in watertight fashion.

Abstract: A filter element having a plurality of keys for actuating value or other closure mechanism of a filter is provided. The keys are formed in a radially inner surface of a first end cap. The keys have axially inner and outer free faces as well as a radially inner free face. In one embodiment the keys are integrally formed in an inner annular wall and substantially define a radially inner periphery of the inner annular wall. The keys function to unlock a valve in the filter system.

Abstract: A grinding water treating apparatus for separating a processing refuse from grinding water used for processing a periphery of an eyeglass lens, the grinding water being introduced from an eyeglass lens processing apparatus, the grinding water treating apparatus includes: a centrifugal separator that includes a dewatering tank having a bottom surface and a side surface and a drive source for rotating the dewatering tank, and springs out the grinding water to an upper portion of the dewatering tank by rotating the dewatering tank; and a drain pipe that introduces the grinding water from an upper portion of the dewatering tank. The centrifugal separator includes a filter arranged at the upper portion of the dewatering tank and having an opening inserted with the drain pipe for filtering the grinding water separated from the processing refuse by a centrifugal force generated due to rotation of the dewatering tank.

Abstract: A filter coalescer element for oil based industrial fuels includes a rigid, porous support tube, and a hydrophobic drainage layer covering the outer surface of the same. A single phase, dual function combination water coalescer and particle filter pleat block is positioned in the support tube, and is formed from a multilayer material having a first porous support layer, a synthetic microfiber layer, a synthetic fiber media layer and a second porous support layer. As the fluid passes through the pleat block, solid particles are physically filtered therefrom, and water is coalesced into droplets which pass from the pleats directly through the support tube and directly into the drainage layer, where the droplets grow into a size sufficient that they fall under gravity to the bottom of the element for collection.

Abstract: The filter apparatus for an incoming liquid which includes a retentate and a permeate includes a housing with a frame and a hollow drum assembly mounted for rotation within the housing about a fixed central cylinder. The drum assembly has openings in the drum wall. An inlet assembly delivers the incoming liquid under pressure to the drum assembly. A filter assembly is mounted to the inside of the drum. A trough assembly is mounted so as to be in communication with the central cylinder and is in a fluid-tight relationship to the interior surface of the filter assembly as the drum rotates past the trough assembly. A manifold is fixedly mounted but has a substantially fluid-tight relationship with the exterior of the drum, and is configured to cover successive columns of drum openings as the drum rotates.

Abstract: A strainer for use with combining beverages and cold food includes a bottom section sized for insertion into a beverage container, and a side section projecting substantially vertically from the bottom section and sized for insertion into a portion of the beverage container. At least one of the bottom and side sections is liquid permeable, and the bottom section and side section are separately or collectively capable of retaining ice pieces when the strainer is in the container. A method for retaining ice in a container capable of holding a liquid includes placing a strainer capable of retaining ice in a container capable of holding a liquid, adding ice to the container such that at least some of the ice is retained by the strainer, placing a liquid in the container, and removing the strainer from the container.

Abstract: The invention relates to a hollow or solid fibre having multiple porous layers concentrically arranged, and wherein at least one of the layers comprises functionalized or active particles that are well accessible and maintain their function after preparation. The layer containing high loads of particles can be either the outer or the inner layer. The main function of the other porous layer is to provide mechanical stability to the fibre. It can further act as a sieve and prevent unwanted compounds or species to come in contact with the functionalized particulate matter. Where it is the inner layer, the second layer can advantageously be a biocompatible material. With the second being the outer layer it is now possible to reach a particle content of 100 wt % in the inner layer.

Abstract: Novel porous PTFE membranes are described possessing a unique combination of high strength, low flow resistance, and small pore size. Additionally, unique constructions with superior filtration and venting properties incorporating porous PTFE membranes are described.

Abstract: The present invention aims at providing a composite semipermeable membrane excellent in water permeability and salt-blocking rate, and including an extremely small amount of unreacted polyfunctional amine components in the membrane, and at providing a process for producing the composite semipermeable membrane. A composite semipermeable membrane having a skin layer formed on the surface of a porous support, the skin layer comprising a polyamide resin obtained by interfacial polymerization of a polyfunctional amine component and a polyfunctional acid halide component, wherein the content of an unreacted polyfunctional amine component is 200 mg/m2 or less after formation of the skin layer and before a membrane washing treatment, and the content of the unreacted polyfunctional amine component after the membrane washing treatment is 20 mg/m2 or less.

Abstract: A material for chromatographic separations, processes for its preparation, and separation devices containing the chromatographic material. In particular, porous inorganic/organic hybrid materials are provided with a decreased concentration of surface organic groups. These materials may be surface modified and have enhanced stability at low pH.

Abstract: A porous grog with a body composition of clay and a source of Fe3+. Further, an earthenware water purification filter utilizing the porous grog in the body composition of the filter. Further, an earthenware filter utilizing Fe3+ treatment for water disinfection is disclosed. A water purification system incorporating said filter said water purification system capable of removing about 99% of all particles not less than 1.0 micron is size, and removing virtually 100% of fecal coliform indicators.

Abstract: Systems and methods have been developed for reclaiming water contaminated with the expected range of contaminants typically associated with produced water, including water contaminated with slick water, methanol and boron. The system includes anaerobically digesting the contaminated water, followed by aerating the water to enhance biological digestion. After aeration, the water is separated using a flotation operation that effectively removes the spent friction reducing agents and allows the treated water to be reclaimed and reused as fracturing water, even though it retains levels of contaminants, including boron and methanol, that would prevent its discharge to the environment under existing standards. The treated water may further be treated by removing the methanol via biological digestion in a bioreactor, separating a majority of the contaminants from the water by reverse osmosis and removing the boron that passes through the reverse osmosis system with a boron-removing ion exchange resin.

Abstract: Biological nutrient removal (BNR) in wastewater treatment to remove carbonaceous substrates, nutrients and phosphorus, has recently become increasingly popular worldwide due to increasingly stringent regulations. Biological fluidized bed (BFB) technology, which could be potentially used for BNR processes, can provide some advantages such as high efficiency and compact structure. This present invention incorporates the fixed-film biological fluidized bed technology with the biological nutrient removal in a twin liquid-solid fluidized bed, which has achieved the simultaneous elimination of organic carbon, nitrogen and phosphorus, in a very efficient manner and with very compact space requirements. The BNR-LSFB has two fluidized beds, running as anoxic/anaerobic and aerobic processes to accomplish simultaneous nitrification and denitrification and to remove carbonaceous substrates, nutrients and phosphorus, with continuous liquid and solids recirculation through the anoxic/anaerobic bed and the aerobic bed.

Abstract: Disclosed is a system for treating wastewater. The system includes a microorganism clad structure positioned in a body of wastewater such that the microorganism clad structure is at least partially submerged in the body of wastewater. The apparatus also includes an aeration device, such as a propeller-type, surface mounted aeration device, supplying a horizontal flow of oxygenated water to the microorganisms attached to the microorganism clad structure such that the microorganisms may carry out a biological process.