Abstract: Some embodiments include a valve positioned within a test tube to maintain a separation between components of liquid with different densities after centrifugation. The valve preferably includes a cylindrically shaped housing with a conical plug configured to nest within the housing. The plug is not in contact with the housing during centrifugation, but comes into position post-centrifugation.

Abstract: A filter assembly, comprising: a housing defining an inner cavity; a mounting member formed with the housing, the mounting member having at least one feature for engaging a feature of a center tube of a removable filter cartridge being configured to be removably inserted into the housing, wherein the at least one feature engages the feature of the center tube as the filter assembly rotates therein.

Abstract: A system and method for removing minerals from a water source and concentrating these minerals for ease of reuse or disposal includes first passing the water from a suitable source through an input stage consisting of a micro filtration filter or an ultra filtration filter. The output of this input stage is coupled with cascaded membrane filters in various combinations. Periodic backwashing of the input filter stage produces backwash supplied to a slow sand filter, the output of which is supplied back to the input stage in combination with the water from the source of water.

Abstract: The invention is a pervaporation process and pervaporation equipment, using a series of membrane modules, and including inter-module reheating of the feed solution under treatment. The inter-module heating is achieved within the tube or vessel in which the modules are housed, thereby avoiding the need to repeatedly extract the feed solution from the membrane module train.

Abstract: A membrane has a permeate channel including a 3D spacer fabric having an upper and a lower fabric surface (2,3) spaced apart by monofilament thread (4) at a predefined distance, the permeate channel being interposed between two membrane layers (12, 13), wherein the membrane layers are linked at a multitude of points with the upper and lower fabric surfaces to form an integral structure with a high bonding strength suitable for backflush operations. A method provides an integrated permeate channel membrane, including the steps of:—Providing a 3D spacer fabric having an upper and lower surface fabric (2,3) spaced apart by monofilament thread (4) at a predefined distance; and—Applying a membrane layer to both the upper and the lower surface fabric.

Abstract: Systems and methods for treating water are provided. In certain examples, the system may include a first stage, a second stage fluidically coupled to the first stage and a third stage fluidically coupled to the second stage. In some examples, the system may provide treated water having a specific resistance of greater than or equal to 1 Megohm-cm. In certain examples, the water recovery rate using the system may be 90% or more by volume.

Abstract: An apparatus to perform a chromatography process includes a fraction collection system with a rack adapted to support at least one receptacle and a reader coupled to the fraction collection system. The reader is operable to detect a first identification coupled to the rack. The apparatus also includes a chromatography system connected to the fraction collection system to supply a fraction to the receptacle, and a RFID system. The RFID system communicates with the reader and generates data identifying a first location of the receptacle with respect to the rack and a second location of the rack with respect to the fraction collection system.

Abstract: The present invention relates to mixed-modal anion-exchange materials composed of a support on which a ligand is immobilized. The ligand combines at least one basic domain based on cyclic monobasic derivatives with two or more rings as anion-exchange domain and at least one non-ionic binding domain. The basic domain is ionized under the conditions of use and may contain secondary, tertiary, or quaternary nitrogen forming a weakly (WAX) or strongly (SAX) basic anionic exchange domains. The non-ionic binding domain allows adjustment of the overall hydrophobicity/hydrophilicity of the material and represents a second binding site for the solute to be separated. Binding to this second binding site is based on reversed phase (RP), hydrophobic interaction (HIC) or hydrophilic interaction (HILIC).

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for determining and controlling inorganic and/or organic deposits in a water system, preferably a paper and/or board machine re-circulation system. According to said method, one or more probes are introduced into the water system, then removed from said system after a pre-selected exposure period and prepared for surface analysis. The deposits that have accumulated on the probes are determined by means of microscopy methods and/or gas chromatography methods and/or mass spectrometry methods.

Abstract: The invention relates to treating unwanted moderately saline water for producing useful water. The treated water is also suitable for human and livestock consumption. The process includes passing moderately saline waters having 0.05% or more weight and less than 1.00% by weight of the salts of Na, Ca, Mg, Fe, Cl, SO4, or CO3 or combinations thereof through an ion exchange media (FIG. 2). The ion exchange media is pre-treated to be saturated with multivalent cations such as calcium (Ca2+) or magnesium (Mg2+) ions (FIG. 2). After passing through the ion exchange media, the effluent has decreased sodium cations and increased calcium and/or magnesium cations compared to the pre-treated moderately saline water (FIG. 2). As the moderately saline waters pass through the ion exchange media, the sodium content of the media rises as the multivalent cation content lowers until the media is unacceptable for further water treatment and must be regenerated.

Abstract: The invention concerns the production of filter materials for the purification and disinfection of water, water solutions and other liquids, as well as for sterilizing filtration of injections and other solutions, for concentration of biomolecules in physiological liquids, concentration and extraction of viruses, preparation of apyrogenic water, in biocatalytic diaphragm reactors. The invention solves the problems of a new filter material production, characterized by high sorption properties, high retention efficiency of submicron electronegative particles, microorganisms, submicron non-polar particles and chemical contaminations, and, at the same time, characterized by low hydrodynamic resistance. A base of filter material is the nonwoven organic synthetic polymeric fabric, modified by the aluminum hydroxide particles, fixed to the surface of base fibers for improvement of its sorption properties and for making it positively charged.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an organo-ceramic composite material useful for the extraction of metal ions from solution. The organo-ceramic composite material is formed according to a sol gel synthesis scheme by reacting a functional precursor silane and its homopolymers with either (i) a mixture of a cross-linking silane and its homopolymers or (ii) the cross-linking silane, under conditions effective to yield the composite material of the present invention. Further aspects of the present invention relate to methods of removing a metal ion from a water stream and recovering a metal ion from a water stream, both of which include contacting a water stream containing a metal ion with an organo-ceramic composite material of the present invention under conditions effective to remove the metal ion from the water stream.

Abstract: A septic tank housing system with extension element for use in a septic system including a filter housing with sides, a top section and a bottom; a filter element holder; a plurality of filter elements; a tubular element secured to the outside of the filter housing: a filter housing extension element for extending the overall height of the filter housing; and preferably, a pump for discharging filter liquid effluent from the filter housing.

Abstract: Conversion of an untreated liquid to a clean harmless treated liquid through microbe removal, characterized in that a mechanical treatment for damaging microbes present in a liquid to thereby effect extinction thereof and sterilization, combined with a chlorination in which a chlorine-containing substance is formed from a liquid and injected into a liquid to thereby effect microbe extinction and sterilization, is applied to a liquid. There is further provided an electrolytic circulation system comprising applying a detoxification treatment for extinction of microbes in seawater and sterilization by means of detoxification facilities on land or on the sea to seawater introduced through a seawater introduction channel and accommodating the seawater having been thus treated in a ballast water tank. As a result, facility and operating costs can be reduced. Extinction of microbes of unlimited size and sterilization can be securely achieved without any strength drop on the side of treated liquid accommodation body.

Abstract: Suspect contaminated water is sanitized by treating it to produce a clean water stream and a waste water stream. A portion of the waste water stream is electrolyzed to provide a solution containing hypochlorite ions, a quantity of which is mixed with the suspect water in sufficient quantity to sanitize the suspect water and maintain sufficient residual chlorine to prevent re-contamination.

Abstract: A method of servicing a wellbore comprising transporting at least two portable tanks to a well site to be serviced, and hydraulically injecting biocide into a first of the two tanks, wherein a second of the two tanks serves as a fluid source for conveying the biocide into the first tank.

Abstract: Fluid treatment arrangements (10) and methods for operating fluid treatment arrangements (10) may include fluid treatment assemblies (11) and manifold assemblies (12) that direct fluids to and/or from the fluid treatment assemblies (11).

Abstract: A multi-layer filter sock is fabricated from materials selected to preferentially remove certain contaminants. For example, a first layer of the filter sock removes relatively fine particulates (such as rust), and another layer removes hydrocarbons. One exemplary hydrocarbon filter material can be made from delustered synthetic fibers. In one exemplary embodiment, the multi-layer filter sock includes an inner pre-filter layer configured to remove relatively larger particulates, another layer configured to remove relatively finer particulates, and a hydrocarbon removing layer. Such a filter sock can be used to remove rust from waste water used to flush fire suppression sprinkler systems, and particulates and hydrocarbons from waste water from underground vaults, enabling such waste water to be discharged directly into the ambient environment.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of treating lime mud slurry being generated in a causticizing process in a pulp mill in a disc filter, in which method the lime mud is fed in the filter, thickened on the filter discs and removed from the filter discs. The lime mud is treated in at least two stages in one and the same disc filter in such a way that the lime mud slurry entering the filter is fed onto only a part of the filter discs, on which lime mud is thickened and removed from the discs, and the removed lime mud is re-slurried in liquid, and the lime mud slurry thus obtained is fed onto a second part of the filter discs, on which lime mud is thickened and removed from the filter and led into a subsequent process stage. The invention also relates to an apparatus.

Abstract: A system and method are disclosed for filtering liquid using a filter platform that is not rigidly affixed to a container containing the liquid to be filtered. The platform may be buoyant so that as liquid flows from one side of the platform, through a filter, and then to the other side of the platform, the platform may move, thus reducing the volume of a container or portion of a container that holds the unfiltered liquid. Alternatively, the platform may be heavier than the liquid to be filtered, may be either set in place on a support structure or else set on top of unfiltered liquid and allowed to sink downward as liquid is filtered. The system may further comprise a flexible membrane that allows two sections of liquid to be separated, even while the platform is moveable.

Abstract: An adaptive adapter for coupling mechanically dissimilar devices to a host and systems including a host and an adaptive adapter. The systems may be mechanically dissimilar or may differ in their use or non-use of electrical service. In one embodiment, an adaptive adapter alternatively couples mechanically dissimilar consumer devices to a host and provides dissimilar services depending the type of consumer device chosen. In another embodiment a modular system is provided including a host providing at least one mechanical service to the adaptive adapter. In another embodiment, a modular system is provided including a host, an electronic device and an alternative non-electronic device.

Abstract: A transformative adapter coupling multiple alternative consumer electronic devices to a host and a modular system including the host, the transformative adapter and the consumer electronic device. the host is an applicance or wall mounted portable host and has a host service interface. The consumer electronic device has a device service interface that is different thant the host service interface. The transformative adapter mechanically couples the service interfaces and supplies at least one electrical service between the service interfaces. The service electrical service can be a power or a data service.

Abstract: A modular system comprises multiple hosts, each having a common service interface, multiple consumer electronic devices, each having a service interface that is different from each other and from the common service interface of the hosts, and multiple adapters, each corresponding to one of the consumer electronic devices, to couple the service interfaces of the host and the corresponding consumer electronic device to supply at least one service between the host and the corresponding consumer electronic device.

Abstract: A modular system comprises an appliance, an adapter removably coupled to the appliance, and a consumer electronic device removably coupled to the adapter. The adapter can supply at least one wireless service between the adapter or the appliance and the consumer electronic device. The adapter can be removably coupled to a door of the appliance. A standardized service interface can couple with the adapter to supply the service between the appliance and the adapter.

Abstract: A container for storing garment hangers includes a rigid body portion including a closed end portion and three side walls intersecting the closed end portion and extending therefrom to form an open end portion opposite the closed end portion, the open end portion being generally parallel to the closed end portion, and a vertical slot defined by two of the three side walls and extending from the open end portion to the closed end portion, the vertical slot being configured to receive a neck portion of the garment hangers. A method of manufacturing a container for storing garment hangers includes forming a body portion including a closed end portion and three side walls intersecting the closed end portion and extending therefrom to form an open end portion opposite the closed end portion and generally parallel thereto, and forming a vertical slot between two of the three side walls that extends from the open end portion to the closed end portion.

Abstract: A merchandising system for articles comprising a first divider providing a sidewall and a generally longitudinal member along the sidewall and a second divider providing a sidewall and a generally longitudinal member along the sidewall. The first divider is coupled to the second divider to form a compartment for the articles between the sidewall of the first compartment and the sidewall of the second compartment. The compartment has a front and a back. A support for the articles is provided within the compartment between the sidewall of the first divider and the sidewall of the second divider from adjacent the front of the compartment to adjacent the back of the compartment by the member on the first divider and the member on the second divider.

Abstract: Storage devices allow for the efficient storage of objects which include a substantially cylindrical member such as a fishing rod. The storage device includes a support member which is coupled to a retaining member. The retaining member includes multiple protruding members positioned substantially perpendicular to the support member to form multiple tapered slots which can have openings of varying widths. The substantially cylindrical member of an object is inserted into the tapered slot to create a friction fit to retain the object in a substantially vertical position.

Abstract: A display system can accommodate a number of products. The system includes one or more modules. Each module may be mounted on a support wall and includes back and shelf portions. Advantageously, a number of modules are arranged in a number of rows, one row above another. A number of dividers are removably secured to at least one of the walls and may be moved in stepwise or continuous fashion to separate groups of the products within each row. Various of the modules may include hook bars secured to the back wall portions for hanging certain of the products and/or space thieves removably secured to the shelf portions for forwardly offsetting stacked or hung products.

Abstract: This system is an improved special attaching system and carrying system—called Attach-a-Rack—for garage storage and boat applications. Particularly this new special attaching system is related to devices and methods to store items in garages, on boats, and the like. Items and cargo can be of various types since the hitch device has a universal receiver to accept many and varied accessory products. The system is comprised of devices shown which are improvements and new and useful accessories to a storage system. This special attaching system may be featured with an original storage system or particular accessories may be added later as modifications and enhancements to the whole storage and carrying system.

Abstract: A new boom rest has a cylindrical roller with a V-shaped groove cut into it such that the boom rests at least partially in the groove. The roller is rotatable and made of a self-lubricating resilient non-metallic material. The rotation and the V-shape allow the boom to self-locate onto the roller. The material of the roller and self-locating prevent damage and wear on the roller and the boom. The roller is rotatably mounted on a support structure that is attachable to vehicles that carry booms.

Abstract: A child-resistant cap comprises: an inner cap mounted at a vessel inlet of a vessel; an outer cap disposed at an outer circumferential surface of the inner cap so as to perform an idling with the inner cap; a rotation force transmitting portion disposed between the inner cap and the outer cap for transmitting a rotation force of the outer cap to the inner cap only when the outer cap is downwardly moved with a force more than a certain degree; and a sealing member removing unit formed at the inner cap for removing a sealing member sealed at the vessel inlet when the inner cap is detached from the vessel inlet, and storing the removed sealing member in the inner cap. Since the sealing member removing unit is integrally formed at the cap, the sealing member is automatically removed at the time of opening the cap. Accordingly, the sealing member needs not to be additionally removed, and thus a usage convenience is enhanced.

Abstract: A tamper-evident closure and container combination identifies a compromised seal when a severable ring has been detached from a closure upon a first opening of the container. Successful detachment of the severable ring is improved whereby a lower neck portion of a container is angled or arced downwardly and outwardly from a point immediately adjacent an annular ring.

Abstract: An insulating layer made of an insulator film or the like is prepared. Then, a thin metal film and a thin copper film are formed in sequence on the insulating layer. The thin copper film is subsequently laminated with a dry film or the like, and exposed and developed to form a plating resist thereon that have patterns opposite to conductor patterns which are formed in a subsequent step. This is followed by forming conductor patterns made of copper, by electrolytic plating using an electrolytic copper sulfate plating solution, on the surfaces of the thin copper film where the plating resist is not formed. The plating resist is then removed by, for example, stripping. After this, the thin copper film is held at a temperature of not less than 200° C. and not more than 300° C. for approximately an hour to be thermally treated. Then, the thin copper film and the thin metal film are removed by chemical etching except the portions under the conductor patterns.

Abstract: A piezoelectric-driven MEMS device can be fabricated reliably and consistently. The piezoelectric-driven MEMS device includes: a movable flat beam having a piezoelectric film disposed above a substrate with a recessed portion such that the piezoelectric film is bridged over the recessed portion, piezoelectric drive mechanisms disposed at both ends of the piezoelectric film and configured to drive the piezoelectric film, and a first electrode disposed at the center of the substrate-side of the piezoelectric film, and a second electrode disposed on a flat part of the recessed portion of the substrate and facing the first electrode of the movable flat beam.

Abstract: A method of etching a metal oxide layer formed on a metal layer is provided. The method includes mounting a specimen having the metal oxide layer and a photoresist on the metal oxide layer in a reaction chamber, wherein the metal oxide layer is formed on the metal layer and a pattern is formed on the photoresist. Primary etching of the metal oxide layer exposed by the photoresist may be performed using Cl2 gas in an inductively coupled plasma method. Secondary etching of residues remaining on an etched region of the metal oxide layer may be performed using BCl3 gas in the inductively coupled plasma method.

Abstract: The present invention provides nanoprisms etched to generate triangular framework structures. These triangular nanoframes possess no strong surface plasmon bands in the ultraviolet or visible regions of the optical spectrum. By adding a mild reducing agent, metal ions remaining in solution can be reduced, resulting in metal plating and reformation of nanoprisms. The extent of the backfilling process can be controlled, allowing the formation of novel nanoprisms with nanopores. This back-filling process is accompanied by a regeneration of the surface plasmon bands in the UV-visible spectrum.

Abstract: Laser pulses are selected from a group of closely spaced laser pulses with an optical modulator by adjusting pulse timing relative to an impingement interval. An adjusted pulse is moved from an impingement interval to a non-impingement interval and is blocked. The blocked laser source is stabilized by running nearly continuously. Pulse selection with multiple laser sources is achieved with a single acousto-optic modulator.

Abstract: To fix a valve piece encompassing a connecting shell and a valve to a can jacket, an embodiment of a method includes a welding step in which the connecting shell of the valve piece is fastened to the can jacket as a top closing element along with the valve by laser welding. According to an embodiment, a shoulder-shaped constricted cross section is embodied on the can jacket towards the top face thereof while the border area of the closing element which rests against the shoulder is tightly pressed thereagainst and is sealingly joined to a laser seam, the top face of the can jacket lying inside the can. The method dispenses with the need to configure or fix a valve seat while eliminating the technically complex crimping step, thus also dispensing with the need for an installation used for crimping connecting shells in the filling station. The method makes it possible to produce also aerosol cans whose diameter is smaller than the diameter of a standard valve seat.

Abstract: A laser indicated pneumatic tool includes a body having a tooling head, a locating holder integrally formed with the tooling head of the body, a laser indicator received in the locating holder. The laser indicator includes a transmission member, cells and a switch lid disposed behind the cells. A push button is provided on the switch lid. The cells and the transmission member are conducted to emit laser beam when the push button is pressed to align at a cutting line on a plate work piece to guide the process.

Abstract: A simple and inexpensive gas nozzle for arc welding capable of reducing adhesion of sputter and enhancing welding quality and welding workability. A gas nozzle (5) so fixed removably to the torch head (2) of a welding torch (1) as to surround a contact chip (4) for feeding a welding wire (W) is formed of a material, e.g., a pasteboard a part of which is carbonized through adhesion of sputter (S) and comes off together with the sputter (S). When the sputter (S) adheres to the gas nozzle (5) during welding, the adhering part is carbonized because of the heat of the sputter (S) and comes off together with the sputter (S). Consequently, adhesion and deposition of the sputter (S) onto the gas nozzle (5) can be reduced infallibly.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for delivering solid precursors. In certain embodiments of the present application, a flow monitor, pressure sensor, or temperature sensor is used to measure and regulate the flow of vaporized solid precursor material from a vaporization chamber to a deposition chamber. To avoid condensation of the solid precursor material in the delivery lines, a controller is placed in a feed back loop to make adjustments to the amount of vapor available. Additional embodiments are disclosed and claimed.

Abstract: A bread baking support for a baking appliance, the support having at least one mold of elongated shape having a substantially semicircular cross-section. The longitudinal edges of the support have substantially vertical walls.

Abstract: A barbecue grill for cooking an object. The barbecue grill includes a first resistive element subassembly energizable for generating heat to cook the object, and a second resistive element subassembly energizable for generating heat to cook the object.

Abstract: The invention is an induction heating system comprising a first article having a metallic mesh lining; and a second article having a coil for receiving an alternating electrical current; wherein the coil induces a current in the metallic mesh lining when the second pad is placed in close proximity to the first pad and the coil receives an alternating electrical current; whereby the current induced in the metallic mesh lining causes the metallic mesh lining to generate heat that can be applied to a body through contact with the first article. Additionally, this inventive induction heating system may further comprise a controller circuit in the second article for detecting an eddy current in the coil and operating a switch to turn the alternating electrical current off when no eddy current is detected in the coil.

Abstract: A method and device for soldering plural electrical connections, in which contact elements have to be soldered to soldered-connection faces positioned on a non-metallic glazing. In the method a soldering tool is used to emit a magnetic field towards the solder spots to heat these by induction. The magnitude and shape of the soldering tool is sized according to the surface area over which plural solder spots that have to be heated simultaneously in a soldering operation are situated. At the same time, the frequency of an AC voltage applied to the loop or to the coil is tailored to the connection geometry and set to 150 kHz at most. Thus, for a high work rate, markedly better heating of the components that need to be soldered is obtained because the low-frequency field lines have a greater depth of penetration into the bodies.

Abstract: A heating device for an inductive cooking device is provided and includes a first resonant circuit, with at least one first and one second inductor, for the transmission of heat energy to a heating element for heating thereof and a first circuit for energising the first resonant circuit and introduction of the heat energy to the inductors. Differing cooking containers may be effectively heated, whereby the heating device has a switching device by which the heating energy is selectively supplied to only one of the inductors or simultaneously to both inductors in a parallel circuit.

Abstract: A magnetic heater is provided having a conductor assembly and a magnet assembly. The magnet assembly is adapted to rotate relative to the conductor assembly about an axis so as to induce eddy currents in the conductor assembly when relative motion is produced between the conductor assembly and first magnet assembly. The conductor assembly defines a fluid path therein for the transfer of heat from the conductor assembly to a fluid. The magnetic heater is a component of a heat generation system comprising an internal combustion engine having a drive shaft for rotating the magnet assembly. The heat generated by the magnetic heater, as well as the heat generated by the engine from the engine exhaust and engine cooling system, is combined to heat a fluid.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for transporting compressed gases or similar materials. The apparatus includes an exterior housing dimensioned for intermodal transportation that contains a rack that holds pressure vessels. The apparatus may be loaded with pressure vessels and the vessels filled within the apparatus. The apparatus may be transferred between modes of transportation along a delivery route without unloading the vessels from the apparatus.

Abstract: The invention relates to a multi-use shipment container (1) comprising an upper part (3) and a lower part (2), respectively, provided with a bottom and walls and nesting together. The aim of the invention is to produce a shipment container that offers a high level of security, also in terms of handling thereof. To this end, the parts can be locked in relation to each other at a plurality of locking points (5) which are distributed over the periphery of the upper part (3) or the lower part (2).

Abstract: A container system and a method of its use is disclosed. The container system comprises a first container attachable to a second container. Each of the first and second containers include a housing open at one end thereof and defining an internal volume therein. An attachable closure seals each open end. The first container includes either a reception means or an attachment means in a second end thereof. The reception means is for receiving a separate attachment means, which may be a separate piece or integrally formed with the attachable closure of the second container. A variety of embodiments may be made as needed with various forms of an attachment means. For example, the second container may or may not include a second closure means, and may or may not include a threaded male portion based on the attachment means including or not including a cooperating threaded female portion.