Abstract: A floral arrangement assembly according to the present invention embodiments provides protection and maintenance of a floral arrangement during display, transport and/or shipping. The floral arrangement assembly includes a floral retaining structure, a base to secure the floral retaining structure and a cover. The floral retaining structure includes a floral holding material secured to a platform via a suitable adhesive. A plurality of prongs may further be secured to the platform and utilized to engage the floral holding material. The floral retaining structure may further include a plate secured to the assembly base with the platform secured to the plate via a plurality of ties. Alternatively, the floral retaining structure may be secured directly to the assembly base via the plurality of ties. The floral arrangement assembly may be placed within a water proof bag or other containers, where optional cooling and absorption materials may be placed underneath the assembly.

Abstract: The invention relates to a secondary package for gathering a plurality of primary packages, comprising an envelope that surrounds the plurality of primary packages so as to tightly hold the latter together, said envelope comprising a base supporting the primary packages, lateral sides, and a top side, characterized in that: (i) said base comprises a medium folding line that pivotally connects two halves of the base supporting the primary packages, and further comprises a carrying handle that is disposed vertically along the medium folding line, and (ii) the lateral sides and the top side of the envelope comprise a transversal precut in the region of the medium folding line, and so that when the envelope is open along said precut, it still holds tightly the primary packages disposed on each of the two base halves and said halves can be pivoted around the medium folding line to allow complete access to the carrying handle.

Abstract: The invention relates to a surgical data carrier for the identification of a medical implant, in particular, a surgical plate for the fixing of bones or bone fragments, comprising a carrier element and a connecting device which has a receptacle for the insertion of at least part of the implant. In order to make such a surgical data carrier available which has an improved handling capability, it is suggested according to the invention that the connecting device be designed in such a manner that it can be transferred from a connecting position, in which the implant is held in the receptacle, into a release position, in which the data carrier can be detached from the implant, without any forces acting on the implant. In addition, the invention relates to a surgical implantation system as well as an identification system for identifying and handling a medical implant.

Abstract: The invention relates to a surgical data carrier for the identification of a medical implant, in particular, a surgical plate for the fixing of bones or bone fragments, wherein the data carrier has a carrier element and a connecting device which comprises a receptacle for the insertion of at least part of the implant. In order to make such a surgical data carrier available which has an improved handling capability, it is suggested in accordance with the invention that the data carrier have an actuating device which can be actuated by a user and with which the connecting device can be transferred from a connecting position, in which the implant is held in the receptacle, into a release position, in which the data carrier can be detached from the implant. The invention relates, in addition, to a surgical implantation system.

Abstract: In order to improve a holding device for an implant, comprising a first connecting device for releasably connecting the holding device and the implant, such that very small implants, in particular, are easy to handle, it is suggested that the holding device have a second connecting device for releasably connecting the holding device and a storage unit.

Abstract: Systems for communicating benefits of a product and/or a product array to consumers comprise product(s) having a number of claimed benefits releasably contained in a package(s). At least a portion of the package is shaped like the integer representing the number of claimed benefits and the package has at least one label comprising indicia of the number of claimed benefits.

Abstract: A package for containing and displaying elongate articles includes an elongate receptacle with an open end and a closed end. The receptacle has a sleeve disposed and sized for slidable movement over a portion of the elongate receptacle. The sleeve has an open end portion and a closed end portion that are connected by a hinge.

Abstract: The invention relates to a packaging unit comprising a container and hygroscopic or humidity softenable film-like materials. For this purpose, said film-like materials are stacked in the container and a separating material which is chemically inert and physically stable with respect thereto is arranged at time between said film-like materials. Each time, said separating material is brought into contact with two film-like materials and does not adheres or adheres less strongly to at least one film-like material that to the other film-like material. Said invention makes it possible to develop a packaging unit provided with a container which guarantees a reliable individual withdrawal of the hygroscopic film-like materials.

Abstract: A substantially cube-shaped device for safely stacking one keg on top of another comprised of three groups of bars, each of the first group of bars being substantially parallel to each other and perpendicular to the other groups of bars, each of the second group of bars being substantially parallel to each other and perpendicular to the other groups of bars, and each of the third group of bars being substantially parallel to each other and perpendicular to the other groups of bars and a plurality of locking members, each locking member positioned at a meeting point of one bar from each of the three groups. The kegs can be used to store and/or transport any liquid, and can further include a rubber coating or pad to prevent damaging the device and/or the kegs. The device can also further include additional support members.

Abstract: The invention concerns a coated biaxially oriented polypropylene film which comprises a core layer consisting of a homo-polymer of polypropylene with skin layers formed from a block copolymer of polyethylene and polypropylene, the skin layers having been treated with a primer with a heat sealable coating on each skin layer, and each coated side being readily printable with solvent and water based inks and resistant to thermal and humidity blocking, the thickness of the skin layers being selected so as to fall in the range 2.8 to 4.5 microns having a wide angle haze factor of at least 3 and not exceeding 50, coupled with a gloss (45 degrees) factor of at least 20% and not exceeding 100%.

Abstract: The present invention provides a container assembly having: (1) a flexible wall defining fluid tight chamber; (2) a valve body attached to the flexible; (3) a plunger associated with the valve body and moveable with respect to the valve body from a first position to a second position; and (4) a diaphragm positioned in the valve body for opening and closing the valve.

Abstract: A waterproof part including a top case, a bottom case and at least one pin is provided. The top case has at least one first through hole. The bottom case has at least one second through hole that corresponds to the first through hole. The pin includes a conductive bolt, a pad, and an elastic conductive component. The conductive bolt is disposed in the second through hole and fastened to the bottom case. The pad is disposed in the first through hole and has at least one first fastening element. The pad is fastened to the top case by the first fastening element. The elastic conductive component is tightly disposed between the conductive bolt and the pad so as to connect to the conductive bolt and the pad electrically.

Abstract: The invention relates to suppository packaging which comprises a package (3, 4) and a suppository (1) arranged in a chamber of said package (3, 4). In addition to the suppository, a lubricant (2) is placed inside the package.

Abstract: The present invention relates to blister packs and labels for a blister pack. In particular, it relates to a label (a) which makes it more difficult for a child to release a medicament from the blister pack without making it unduly difficult for the elderly or infirm to remove the medicament. We describe a medicament blister pack label comprising a sheet having points of weakness (11) defining non-specified medicament release regions.

Abstract: The medication organizer is a portable, wall-mountable, carousel-style cabinet for dispensing medication and, more particularly, a medication dispenser in which a plurality of different medication dosages can be contained in separate bins with the dispenser being clearly marked to indicate which dosages and times a user is to take a specific medication. The device includes a portable cabinet having a rotatable carousel for capsule containers, drug bottles, etc, and a drawer having at least one removable drawer tray that includes a plurality of bins arranged longitudinally side-by-side. The bins are provided for receiving individual medication dosages, e.g., groups of individual pills, capsules, or the like. The carousel has an arcuate sliding door for securing the contents therein.

Abstract: A container for storing and dispensing pills is provided. The container has a housing with an upper end and a lower end and a plurality of compartments therein. The compartments have an open end adjacent the upper end of the housing and a lower end adjacent the lower end of the housing. The lower end of each compartment has an opening with a hinged door covering the opening. A cam having a cam surface is attached to the door so the cam rotates as the door opens and closes. A cam follower pin abuts the cam surface and the cam follower pin is constrained to move along a predefined path. The doors can be opened manually one at a time or all together by pushing downward on a centrally located handle at the top of the container. When opening all the door simultaneously the handle can be retained in the door open position by sliding two flanges beneath the handle into a slot and rotating the handle left or right. The housing is mounted to a rotatable lazy-Susan base.

Abstract: Multiple embodiments of a golf accessory holder and a divot tool are disclosed. A golf accessory holder (1) has an opening (16) into which a divot repair tool (2) is at least partially inserted. The repair tool is held in the opening either by a magnetic or magnetized plate (24) and/or by friction. The holder may have a mounting hole (13) into which a clamp or clip is attached, or may have a clip (31, 32) which can be attached to a belt or a loop. The tool may have a magnetic or magnetized insert (2A) which is attracted to the plate. The holder can secure divot tools, ball markers, hat clips, and other items, used for or with golfing.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a locking system designed for packages intended particularly for packing make-up comprising refills without the use of adhesives.

Abstract: An electronic device and a protection cover thereof are provided. The electronic device includes a cap body, a main body, a flexible printed circuit board and a protection cover. The protection cover includes a receiving portion and a combining portion. The receiving portion has a first end and a second end, wherein the first end is coupled to an upper surface of the main body and the second end connects to the combining portion. As the cap body moves from a first position to a second position on the main body, the combining portion is coupled to a bottom surface of the cap body, so that when the cap body rotates in the second position, the protection cover moves along with the cap body and covers the flexible printed circuit board.

Abstract: A semiconductor wafer storage case is disclosed that includes plural support members that are spaced at predetermined intervals with respect to each other and are each configured to come into contact with a peripheral edge region of a first face of a semiconductor wafer, and an elastic member that elastically supports the support members with respect to each other and is configured to elastically deform to come into contact with a second face of the semiconductor wafer and press the semiconductor wafer onto a corresponding support member.

Abstract: A packaging system for transferring data from an external resource to the packaging system is disclosed. The packaging system includes a package and a computer disposed within the package. The package includes a first passage and a substantially closed interior defined by closure of the first passage. The computer includes a power connection and a communication connection. A second passage of the package is dimensioned and disposed for accessing at least one of the power connection and the communication connection with the computer disposed within the package. The computer is responsive to a supply of power from an external power supply to the power connection via the second passage, and to a communication link between the communication connection and the external resource to initiate a powered state of the computer and to transfer data from the external resource to the computer.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to the upgrading of heavy petroleum oils of high viscosity and low API gravity that are typically not suitable for pipelining without the use of diluents. The method comprises introducing a particulate heat carrier into an up-flow reactor, introducing the feedstock at a location above the entry of the particulate heat carrier, allowing the heavy hydrocarbon feedstock to interact with the heat carrier for a short time, separating the vapors of the product stream from the particulate heat carrier and liquid and byproduct solid matter, collecting a gaseous and liquid product mixture comprising a mixture of a light fraction and a heavy fraction from the product stream, and using a vacuum tower to separate the light fraction as a substantially bottomless product and the heavy fraction from the product mixture.

Abstract: Partial conversion hydrocracking process comprising the steps of (a) hydrotreating a hydrocarbon feedstock with a hydrogenrich gas to produce a hydrotreated effluent stream comprising a liquid/vapour mixture and separating the liquid/vapour mixture into a liquid phase and a vapour phase, and (b) separating the liquid phase into a controlled liquid portion and an excess liquid portion, and (c) combining the vapour phase with the excess liquid portion to form a vapour plus liquid portion, and (d) separating an FCC feed-containing fraction from the controlled liquid portion and simultaneously hydrocracking the vapour plus liquid portion to produce a dieselcontaining fraction, or hydrocracking the controlled liquid portion to produce a diesel-containing fraction and simultaneously separating a FCC feed-containing fraction from the vapour plus liquid portion. The invention also includes an apparatus for carrying out the partial conversion hydrocracking process.

Abstract: Disclosed is a process for the upgrading and demetallizing of heavy oils and bitumens. A crude heavy oil and/or bitumen feed is supplied to a solvent extraction process 104 wherein DAO and asphaltenes are separated. The DAO is supplied to an FCC unit 106 having a low conversion activity catalyst for the removal of metals contained therein. The demetallized distillate fraction is supplied to a hydrotreater 110 for upgrading and collected as a synthetic crude product stream. The asphaltene fraction can be supplied to a gasifier 108 for the recovery of power, steam and hydrogen, which can be supplied to the hydrotreater 110 or otherwise within the process or exported. An optional coker unit 234 can be used to convert excess asphaltenes and/or decant oil to naphtha, distillate and gas oil, which can be supplied to the hydrotreater 220.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for treating a fraction consisting predominantly of hydrocarbons having at least six carbon atoms (C6+ fraction) as produced in a plant for catalytic splitting of hydrocarbon-containing feedstock, is disclosed. The C6+ fraction undergoes steam dealkylation, where two useable product materials benzene and hydrogen are produced.

Abstract: A hydrocarbon material processing system can reduce consumption of fossil fuel, environmental loads, and cost for processing a hydrocarbon material. The hydrocarbon material processing system has a gasification furnace (10) for pyrolyzing and gasifying wastes (51), waste plastics (52), pyrolysis tar (53), residual hydrocarbon heavy oil (54), and organic matter such as biomass (55) to produce a heat source gas. The hydrocarbon material processing system also has a cracking furnace (101) for thermally cracking a hydrocarbon material by using the heat source gas produced in the gasification furnace (10).

Abstract: Hydrogen sulfide and mercaptans in hydrocarbons, gas mixtures of hydrocarbons and the like may be scavenged therefrom by being brought into intimate contact with a mercaptan scavenger formulation of quaternary ammonium alkoxide or hydroxide in the presence of a high oxidative state metal such as cobalt, iron, chromium and/or nickel. The high oxidative state metal, being an oxidizer, acts as a catalyst when combined with the quaternary ethoxide or hydroxide for improved mercaptan scavenging performance.

Abstract: A method for treating dust including: separating, in a vacuum cleaner, the dust into at least two fractions which differ in at least one of a size and a mass of particles of the dust; and adding a dust-binding agent to at least a first of the fraction.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for introducing wash water into a flotation froth in a flotation separation system, where the wash water is injectioned into the froth in the form of a horizontal sheet of water. The sheet is typically formed by impinging a downwardly directed liquid jet issuing from a nozzle onto a horizontal plate or disc where it changes direction and travels radially outwards as an axi-symmetric planar liquid jet or sheet. The depth of the disc can be adjusted by a support rod. Other embodiments are described where the horizontal sheet is ejected through a horizontal slit, or where the sheet of wash water is rectangular rather than axi-symmetric.

Abstract: A screening machine includes wall members, a screen assembly, and a compression assembly. The screen assembly includes a frame with a plurality of side members and a screen supported by the frame. The compression assembly is attached to at least one wall member and forms the screen assembly into a concave shape.

Abstract: A sorting system accepts a group of mail pieces at a loading station, sorts them, and then moves them to an unloading station. The system includes a reader for retrieving delivery information associated with each mail piece, and also includes clamps dimensioned for receipt of a mail piece into each clamp. The system has a device for creating an association between the retrieved delivery information of each mail piece and its respective clamp. The system also has a sorter for moving the clamps holding the mail pieces, based upon the association of each clamp with the retrieved delivery information, so that the mail pieces held by the clamps are sorted according to a desired delivery sequence. Additionally, the system includes a mechanism for opening the sorted clamps to release the mail pieces at the unloading station.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and devices for preparation of water for various uses including blood treatment are described. In embodiments, fluid is passed either by pump or passively by gravity feed, through various filtration elements from a fluid source to a treatment fluid container The latter forms a batch that may be used during treatment. Methods and systems for creating multiple-treatment batches are described. Advantages of creating a multitreatment batch include the fact that the burden of treatment preparation can be reduced and the timing of the preparation of the batch can be independent of the treatment time. As described, there are various trade-offs and concerns with this approach which are addressed by the inventive embodiments.

Abstract: The invention provides an ion exchange cartridge (13), in particular for a domestic appliance that comprises between a water inlet (1A) and a water outlet (2A) a weak acid ion exchanger in the H+ form (5), followed by a strong acid ion exchanger in the Na+ form (7). This cartridge may be compact because it removes hard scale forming ions only. The cartridge may further comprise a first (16) and a second probe (17) to measure hard scale causing ions by a differential measurement of the conductivity of incoming water and water that has passed one or both ion exchangers. Herewith the appliance can be switched off when the cartridge is not functioning anymore, thus forcing a user to replace the cartridge, or to regenerate the ion exchangers before hard scale blocking of the appliance.

Abstract: A spool valve includes a sleeve, a spool and a filter. The sleeve is configured into a generally tubular form and has an opening, which communicates between inside and outside of the sleeve. The spool is axially slidably supported in the sleeve to change an opening degree of the opening of the sleeve. The filter is installed to the opening of the sleeve to filter fluid, which passes through the opening. The filter is configured into a generally rectangular form such that four outer edge portions of the filter are placed generally in a common imaginary plane. The sleeve includes two guide grooves that receive two opposed sides, respectively, of the filter.

Abstract: The invention provides a shield for attachment to a swimming pool skimmer to prevent debris in the pool water from entering the skimmer. The skimmer shield has a closure member in the form of a door that can be opened or closed to allow unrestricted flow into the skimmer when necessary. The shield mounts in the skimmer opening using a pair of tapered flanges and releasable lock in the form of a screw.

Abstract: A pool filter for use in pool piping or other fluid conveyance system. The pool filter may include a housing defining a fluid chamber for receiving one or more filters. Multiple openings may be defined in the housing for receiving and removing fluid from the fluid chamber. The openings may be approximately the same size and may be located on the housing at similar elevations and/or radial sectors. One or more footings may be joined to the housing. Each footing may include a base portion for receiving anchor members to anchor the housing to a support surface. The footings may be designed to transfer to the support surface predetermined lateral or other forces imposed upon the pool filter by events such as earthquakes and hurricanes. The footings may be separate components joined to the housing by tabs and/or mechanical fasteners.

Abstract: A pool filter for use in pool piping or other fluid conveyance system. The pool filter may include a housing defining a fluid chamber for receiving one or more filters. Multiple openings may be defined in the housing for receiving and removing fluid from the fluid chamber. The openings may be approximately the same size and may be located on the housing at similar elevations and/or radial sectors. One or more footings may be joined to the housing. Each footing may include a base portion for receiving anchor members to anchor the housing to a support surface. The footings may be designed to transfer to the support surface predetermined lateral or other forces imposed upon the pool filter by events such as earthquakes and hurricanes. The footings may be separate components joined to the housing by tabs and/or mechanical fasteners.

Abstract: A system that treats wastewater by subjecting it to a heat source and destroying the microbes present therein and disposes of the wastewater to the atmosphere through evaporation. The components of the system are designed for in-ground or below-grade placement for aesthetic purposes and to eliminate a need for separate structures for housing or enclosing the system. The system does not generate a discharge as part of its regular operation and thus eliminates the need for disposal to an on-site feature or public sewer utility.

Abstract: In a liquid tank, a sectional area of a liquid flow path when viewed in a liquid circulation direction is set large when a contact angle between a liquid and a tank body is large, and the liquid in circulation is not in contact with the upper lid member.

Abstract: A system to facilitate separation and concentration of particles based on centrifugal force on suspended particles, including biological matter, which are made to flow in a vortex structure is provided. The centrifugal force urges larger particles to collect along outer portions of the vortex flow. Conversely, within a vortex structure, a radial hydrodynamic pressure drop is also amplified to urge smaller particles toward inner portions of the vortex flow. This force created by the pressure can reach magnitudes that encourage a sharp cut-off and improved resolution discrimination between particle sizes. Thus, separated streams of particles can be collected with both increased concentration and purification.

Abstract: A method to enhance water flow through a medium includes positioning like poles of two magnets adjacent to create a magnetic flux field at a region corresponding to a position at which the like poles are adjacent, maintaining pressure sufficient to at least partially overcome a quiescent-repulsive force between the adjacent like poles to amplify the magnetic flux field at the region, flowing water through the amplified magnetic flux field at the region at a flow rate selected based on a natural frequency related to a medium through which the water is to flow, the flowing inducing a pulse in the water having a frequency depending on the selected flow rate, and transmitting the water carrying the pulse at the frequency to the medium to produce resonance with the natural frequency of the medium, the resonance causing a decrease in a compaction of the medium.

Abstract: A screen nozzle for a media extention screen is disclosed which includes a nipple, a bottom cover, a top cover, and a cylindrical screen element sandwiched between the top and bottom covers. The top cover is secured to the bottom cover by means of a threaded rod extending from either the bottom cover or the nipple through the interior of the screen through an aperture in the top cover with the top cover being retained in place by a nut or the like. The nipple is secured to the bottom cover by swaging and the threaded rod is welded to the bottom cover. Assembling the screen element using an internal threaded rod has two substantial advantages over existing screen nozzles. The first advantage is that there are no external welds which may damage or deform or foul the screen and which are also are potential areas of weaknesses which may be subject to corrosion. Secondly the screen element may be replaced without removing the nozzle from the screen plate.

Abstract: The invention provides a novel filter press comprising: a support frame; a plurality of filter plates mounted adjacent one another on the support frame, the filter plates being displaceable between an inoperative position wherein adjacent filter plates are spaced apart, and an operative position wherein adjacent filter plates abut to form filtration cavities between abutting filter plates; a backing arrangement located adjacent an outermost filter plate, the backing arrangement being displaceable relative to the support frame and being releasably lockable in a fixed position relative to the support frame; and a pressure exerting mechanism adapted to force the filter plates in co-operation with the backing arrangement into sealing abutment when the filter plates are in an operative position and the backing arrangement is releasably locked relative to the support frame.

Abstract: A collapsible container consists of three parts: a rigid top rim, a flexible center band a rigid base. This combination of sections allows the container to easily collapse to about one-third of its original height. The container is also quite stable when expanded and is self-supporting. In various embodiments of the invention, for example, the upper rim may be expandable, the base may include holes or mesh to serve as a colander or strainer, or the base may be configured as a tube to function as a funnel.

Abstract: A density current baffle for use in a clarifier tank maintains a first baffle portion having a lower end, an upper end and an intermediate central portion. The lower end of the baffle portion is coupled to a side wall of the clarifier tank and the upper end of the baffle portion is disposed, at a predefined angle, away from the side wall of the clarifier tank such that the first baffle portion slopes upwardly and away from the side wall.

Abstract: A conductive filtration media having a textile substrate (with a defined first side and a second side and a machine and cross-machine direction), where the conductive pattern on the first side is in registration with the conductive pattern on the second side of the textile substrate. The conductive pattern has a plurality of continuous conductive pathways across the textile substrate, the resistivity of the conductive pattern is less than 100 mega ohms when measured on a 2? by 12? sample taken in the machine and cross-machine direction of the textile substrate in accordance with test DIN 54 345, and the air permeability of the conductive filtration media is between 1 and 100 cc/cm2/sec as measured by ASTM D737. A conductive air filter made from the conductive filtration media and the method of making the conductive filtration media is also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to systems, apparatus and methods for creating derivatives of at least one form of HDL without substantially affecting LDL. These derivatives of HDL are particles with reduced lipid content, particularly reduced cholesterol content. These particles have the capacity to bind cholesterol and are administered to a patient to enhance cellular cholesterol efflux and reduce cholesterol levels in cells, tissues, organs, and blood vessels. The present method is useful for treating atherogenic vascular disease and may be combined with other therapies such as statins, inhibitors of cholesterol absorption, niacin, anti-inflammatories, exercise and dietary restriction.

Abstract: Disclosed is a submerged hollow fiber membrane module which is easy to expand, has a small installation area, and exhibits excellent contamination prevention and durability. The submerged hollow fiber membrane module comprises: (I) a module body divided into two portions which has a permeated water collection space (5) and a permeated water outlet (3); (II) module support tubes (17) which are vertically connected to the upper and lower ends of the module body; (III) a plate type module header insertion layer which is provided with hollow fiber membrane spaces (10), and is inserted into the module body; (IV) a plate type diffusion layer which is provided with a diffusion port (4) and diffusion tubes (11) and is inserted into the module body subsequent to the module header insertion layer; and (V) module headers which are inserted into the module header insertion layer.

Abstract: A filter device for mass exchange between two media separated by a membrane providing a low-stress transfer of blood flow from the connection area of the filter device to the fibers of a hollow fiber bundle is disclosed. Relatively uniform utilization of the fibers is provided by a membrane in the form of a hollow fiber bundle whose fiber cavities form a first flow space, with at least one inflow or outflow chamber connected to the first flow space being provided for supplying a medium to the hollow fiber bundle or removing a medium from the hollow fiber bundle. The inflow or outflow chamber is adjacent to an essentially circular or semicircular channel which is designed to be open in the direction of the ends of the hollow fibers and is connected to an inlet or outlet of the filter device.

Abstract: A filter for an inkjet printer that has a chamber divided into an upstream section and a downstream section by a filter membrane. An inlet conduit establishes fluid communication between an ink supply and the upstream section. An outlet conduit establishes fluid communication between the downstream section and a printhead. During use at least part of the inlet conduit is elevated relative to the filter membrane. By elevating the inlet conduit relative to the filter membrane, it acts as a bubble trap to retain bubbles that would otherwise obstruct the filter. This allows the filter size to be reduced for a more compact overall design.