Abstract: Concentrator systems include a circulating fluid pathway passing through a pump, a filter, and a retentate container. An effluent outlet line communicates with the circulating fluid pathway through a filtering element within a body of the filter. The systems further include a control system. In some embodiments, the pump, filter, and retentate container may be secured within a portable container. Methods for concentrating a foreign substance within a fluid sample include establishing circulation of fluid through a fluid circulation path passing through a fluid pump, a filter body, and a retentate container. Fluid is caused to exit the fluid circulation path through a filtering element within the filter body, and at least one foreign substance is prevented from passing through the filtering element. A control system may be used to control at least one of a speed of the pump and a quantity of retentate within the retentate container.

Abstract: This invention provides a method of preventing corrosion in industrial water systems. The method includes maintaining a real-time oxidation-reduction potential at a set point, wherein the system is at operating temperature and pressure. A nonlinear equation is derived based upon theoretically derived or empirically collected data. The equation is then used to determine an inflow of active chemical species to the water system.

Abstract: A liquid supply apparatus capable of removing micro-bubbles and particles is described, including a pipe, a laser provider and at least one micro-bubble/particle outlet. The laser provider provides a laser crossing the pipe, wherein the laser is provided in a manner such that a micro-bubble/particle blocking/repelling barrier is formed crossing the pipe blocking or repelling micro-bubbles, particles or both in the liquid in the pipe. The micro-bubble/particle outlet is disposed on the pipe between the barrier and the liquid inlet of the pipe, adjacent to the barrier for discharging micro-bubbles, particles or both.

Abstract: A treatment system comprises a reactor vessel (2) wherein an aqueous solution is chemically treated using titanium dioxide catalytic particles in the solution, a membrane device (18) including tubular filtering membranes in communication with the vessel 2 for separating the particles from the solution by detaining the particles on entry-surfaces of the membranes, and a sparging device which causes injected air to flow over the entry surfaces to discourage clogging of the membranes by the particles. The reactor vessel (2) contains UV tubes (3) and the membrane device includes a coarse bubble aeration delivery device for producing slug pattern flow of the air over the entry surfaces of the membranes.

Abstract: An on-chip packed reactor bed design is disclosed that allows for an effective exchange of packing materials such as beads at a miniaturized level. Also disclosed is a method of treating a sample within a microfluidic analysis system, comprising: providing a main channel having a trapping zone; providing a slurry of a reagent treated packing material; inducing a flow of said packing material into said trapping zone through a flow channel connected to said trapping zone to load said trapping zone and form a packed bed of said packing material; and flowing a sample containing analytes through said packed bed, said reagent treating the sample. The present invention extends the function of microfluidic analysis systems to new applications including on-chip solid phase extraction (SPE) and on-chip capillary electrochromatography (CEC). The design can be further extended to include integrated packed bed immuno- or enzyme reactors.

Abstract: Systems and methods for water extraction and purification are disclosed. In one embodiment of the invention, a system includes at least one water lifting unit that fluidly communicates with a groundwater source, and a gas generator that is fluidly coupled to the at least one water lifting unit to generate a gas that buoyantly moves water from the groundwater source to a water consumer.

Abstract: The control systems and technique can regulate or control operations of a water treatment system in a primary control mode and, when appropriate, in a secondary or an alternate control mode. The primary control can represent a normal control mode during which the water treatment system is intended to operate. The alternate control mode can represent a second control or mode of operation. The systems can be operated to control or facilitate regulation, monitoring, and performance of one or more operating parameters of one or more water systems between, or to and from, a first mode, a second or alternate mode, and, in some cases, a third or even a fourth control mode. The change in control mode can be triggered by identifying one or more predetermined, pre-selected, and/or programmed conditions.

Abstract: The invention includes compositions and a method of treating water to reduce algae in bodies of water, including decorative fountains, swimming pools, wastewater lagoons, storage reservoirs, and ornamental lakes and ponds, such as water features on golf courses. The composition includes a blend of two solid peroxygen compounds: sodium percarbonate and either sodium perborate tetrahydrate or sodium perborate monohydrate. An anticaking agent, such as calcium silicate may be added. The method includes administering the blend to the water by a variety of means, such as manual broadcasting or placing in a chemical feeding device.

Abstract: A method for the treatment of sewage sludge, i.e. sludge originating from wastewater treatment plants, includes a step involving solid/liquid separation by filtration. The method includes a step prior to the filtration step, involving the addition of two types of solid loads, each load type including particles having a homogenous average particle size which is different from that of the particles forming the other load type, in order to form an incompressible filter matrix with a high drainage function during the filtration step.

Abstract: A centrifugal force-based microfluidic device in which a sample including particles and a fluid is centrifugally separated such that the separated fluid is quantitatively distributed, and a microfluidic system including the centrifugal force-based microfluidic device are provided. The centrifugal force-based microfluidic device includes a microfluidic structure in which, within a rotatable disc-shaped platform, a sample, including particles and a fluid, is quickly centrifugally separated into the particles and the fluid using the rotation of the disc-shaped platform and the fluid having a certain volume of the separated fluid is discharged by rotation of the disc-shaped platform.

Abstract: A separator of the present invention provides a means for separating a immiscible dispersion of at least one oil from water. The separator adapted for use with a flow generator, includes a housing, a coalescing cartridge within the housing, the cartridge retains a coalescing media and defines at least one cavity or passage, permitting flow of the dispersion into and out of the passage; and a flow regulator comprising a constriction and the regulator displaceable between an open and a closed position and permitting liquid flow out of the passage when in the open position.

Abstract: A particulate collector configured to engage a container proximate to the container perimeter and which can disengage from the perimeter of the container to collect particulate accumulated in an amount liquid in the container.

Abstract: A filter device for a dishwasher and associated apparatus and method are provided. The filter device includes an elongate housing having opposed ends, with one of the ends defining a fluid inlet. The housing is configured to define a channel therein extending between the opposed ends and has an upper wall and substantially vertical opposing side walls extending therefrom. The upper wall comprises a solid member, and at least one of the side walls comprises a fine mesh filtering screen, wherein washing fluid directed into the fluid inlet is filtered by the fine mesh filtering screen such that soil suspended therein is retained within the channel while the washing fluid passes through the fine mesh filtering screen and out of the channel.

Abstract: An actuatable holding system is provided for holding an object, such as a bicycle. In one exemplary embodiment of the system, first and second arms are pivotally connected to a pivot base and are actuated between an opened and closed position by an assembly that can include an actuator housing with a length and extending from the base, an arm contacting element that can slide along at least a portion of the length of the actuator housing, and a button slideably disposed on the housing, distal to the arm contacting element, and operable to releasably lock the arm contacting element in at least a first position, in which the first and second arms are in the opened position, and a second position, in which the first and second arms are in the closed position. A variety of features of actuatable holding systems, as well as methods of manufacturing such systems, are also disclosed herein.

Abstract: A devices cage comprises a first wall having m parallel channels across a length of the first wall and a second wall having n parallel channels across a length of the second wall. In some embodiments, n is at least equal to m. Each parallel channel is equal to a diameter of a head of a drive mounting screw. The first wall comprises at least one bridge positioned across each m parallel channel and at least one clamp spring integrally coupled to a top of each m parallel channel. The second wall also comprises at least one bridge positioned across each n parallel channel. Each end of the m parallel channel extends at an inwards slant toward a center of the first wall. The inwards slant terminates at a circular area around configured in a dome shape with a flat top.

Abstract: A wafer transport system is provided including providing a wafer cassette having a slot, and placing a protection insert into the slot.

Abstract: A cleaning tray for electrical components includes a holder having a frame and a pair of crossed inner bars. End portions of the crossed inner bars connect to the frame to separate the frame into four sub-frames. The frame has a bottom bar, two opposite side bars and a top bar which is tilted against the bottom bar for facilitating dropping water. Several male fasteners are formed along inner borders of each of the sub-frames. The cleaning tray is shared by those different electrical components and consequently to reduce tray cost, simplify manufacturing process and increase productive efficiency. The invention also discloses a carrying tool for electrical components with the cleaning tray.

Abstract: A display rack system for use in a display case such as a produce display case includes a base and a back wall. Mounted on the back wall are a series of shelves, which affix to holes in the back wall. Certain of the shelves are curved or sloped upwardly or downwardly relative to the base. In a preferred embodiment, the shelving unit is in the form of a box having a curvilinear upper and lower walls and vertical sidewalls.

Abstract: A gravity feed product display device having product chutes and supported by an easel. Embodiments of the device may include a center easel or side easels formed from the back and bottom panels of the outer body of the display device. Either a one piece or a two piece construction may be used to form the device, which may be front loaded with product.

Abstract: A flue spacer for providing a flue space in a storage rack having a transversely extending spacer surface and first and second legs. The first and second legs extend from the spacer surface and are adapted to attach the spacer surface to at least two uprights of the storage rack so that the spacer surface is offset from the uprights to form a vertical flue space within the storage rack. At least one of the legs may be adapted to attach to a lateral surface of an upright. The flue spacer also may be adapted to extend across multiple storage racks. A shelving system using the flue spacer is also provided.

Abstract: A storage unit for use in the home, garage, or business. The storage unit includes has a mounting arrangement that permits a user to easily mount the storage unit to a wall. The storage unit also includes a shelving arrangement that can be adapted to customize the use of the storage unit in the home, garage, or business.

Abstract: A flue spacer, suitable for providing a flue space in a storage rack, having a transversely extending spacer surface, a first leg extending from a first end of the spacer surface, a first tab extending from the first leg, a second leg extending from a second end of the spacer surface, a second tab extending from the second leg, and at least one resilient member between the first and second tabs. The resilient member is adapted to allow the first and second tabs to be moved towards one another and apply a restoring force to urge the first and second tabs away from one another. The first and second tabs are adapted to attach the spacer surface to at least two storage rack uprights such that the spacer surface is offset from the storage rack uprights to form a vertical flue space within the storage rack.

Abstract: A merchandising/display element for a merchandising/display system is in the form of a shelf having a rear part and front part, the parts being interengaged with the front part being slidable backwards and forwards relative to the fixed rear part to vary the shelf depth/length. Moreover the width of the shelf is also adjustable by means of slidable wire slides.

Abstract: In some embodiments, a shelving system configured to be coupled to a wall and supported on a support surface is provided. The shelving system can include a fixed shelving unit extending laterally from the wall, and a movable shelving unit. The fixed shelving unit can include a vertical support coupled to a base. The movable shelving unit can also extend laterally from the wall, and can be movable through a shelving path. In some embodiments, the shelving system can be provided with a floor leveling system enabling a user to easily and quickly level the shelving system. Also, in some embodiments, the movable shelving unit includes a damper that slows the movable shelving unit prior to being stopped.

Abstract: A rack for an appliance includes a main section having a support frame, and an arm coupled to the support frame and movable relative to the support frame between a first position and a second position. In one example, the arm is movable towards the first position and is configured for engagement with a stop portion of an appliance cavity for inhibiting removal of the main section therefrom. In another example, the appliance cavity includes at least one stop portion, and the arm is movable towards engagement with the stop portion for inhibiting removal of the main section from the appliance cavity.

Abstract: A storage rack comprises a plurality of stacked supporting ledges each spaced away from each other arranged in pairs on facing sidewalls for receiving plate-type carriers for stored articles. Storage and retrieval of the carriers in the storage rack is provided by means of a transport device. The supporting ledges are a snaked press fit in the sheet metal of the sidewalls and the sidewalls are secured to upright rack stanchions. To define a storage rack ensuring exact positioning of the supporting ledges, it is proposed that the rack stanchions comprise horizontally protruding pegs engaging cavities in the supporting ledges.

Abstract: A rackable, collapsible, and stackable unit including corner posts being foldable inwardly and downwardly, side bars connecting a pair of opposite corner posts, upper end bars connecting a pair of adjacent corner posts, lower end bars connecting the pair of adjacent upright corner posts, a core holder located on the upper end bars for retaining one end of a core, a plurality of hinges, one connected at each joint between each corner post and the side bars, and hinged support braces pivotally and diagonally connected between one of the corner posts and one of the side bars to hold the corner posts in an upright position when the unit is opened and which, in combination with the hinges, makes it possible to fold the corner posts inwardly and downwardly so as to lie substantially flat against the side bars.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a portable exhibit display and to a kit for assembling the same. The portable display comprises a plurality of panels made from a sheet material and assembled to one another through a locking system. The locking system includes a plurality of tabs projecting from one panel and a corresponding plurality of locking slots defined in an adjoining panel, the slots being adapted to receive the tabs therein. The display of the present invention can carry a plurality of shelves or display members such as hook grids. The present invention also relates to panels for assembling a display.

Abstract: An extension bridge is provided that comprises at least one modular tank affixed to the deck of a vessel, and a pipe bridge spanning the distance between the at least one modular tank and an offshore platform. Alternatively, the extension bridge comprises spaced apart first and second extension beams, which are removeablely and independently affixed to the deck of a vessel. At least a portion the first and second extension beams extend beyond the transom of the vessel. The extension bridge further includes at least one modular tank affixed to the first and second extension beams and a pipe bridge affixed to the at least one modular tank furthest from the vessel and an offshore structure.

Abstract: A vessel is provided that is an improvement over previously disclosed jack-up rigs and lift boats. The vessel has at least three thrusters and is self-propelled. The vessel additionally has a raised and hollow crane support on which a crane may be mounted. The crane support is preferably affixed to tracks, which permit the crane to slide along the deck of the vessel. The raised and hollowed feature of the crane support permits the storage of equipment and things beneath the crane support without hindering the movement of the crane along the tracks. Optionally, the vessel further has an extension assembly atop which may be deployed a workover rig assembly. The crane may be used to assemble the extension assembly and thus aid in the construction, remediation, and demolition of offshore oil and gas platforms and wells.

Abstract: A transfer apparatus includes a fixed base, a swivel, a lift mechanism for raising and lowering the swivel relative to the fixed base, a swivel mechanism for turning the swivel about a vertical swivel axis, a linear movement mechanism supported by the swivel, and a hand supported by the linear movement mechanism for transportation of a work along a linear horizontal travel stroke. The lift mechanism includes N (N is an integer equal to or greater than 2) lift members arranged for telescopic expansion and retraction relative to the fixed base. The lift mechanism also includes N lift drive mechanisms each for raising and lowering one of the lift members relative to an immediate lower-stage lift member. The swivel is supported by an uppermost one of the lift members. (FIG.

Abstract: A vessel is provided that is an improvement over previously disclosed jack-up rigs and lift boats. The vessel has at least three thrusters and is self-propelled. The vessel additionally has a raised and hollow crane support on which a crane may be mounted. The crane support is affixed to tracks, which permit the crane to slide along the deck of the vessel. The raised and hollowed feature of the crane support permits the storage of equipment and things beneath the crane support without hindering the movement of the crane along the tracks. Optionally, the vessel further comprises a sub-base structure removably affixed to the transom of the vessel; a base structure removably affixed to the sub-base structure; and a work-over rig removably affixed to the base structure. Also provided herein are methods of using the crane and affixing the sub-base structure, base structure, and work-over rig to the vessel's transom.

Abstract: A vessel is provided that is an improvement over previously disclosed jack-up rigs and lift boats. The vessel has at least three thrusters and is self-propelled. The vessel additionally has a raised and hollow crane support on which a crane may be mounted. The crane support is preferably affixed to tracks, which permit the crane to slide along the deck of the vessel. The raised and hollowed feature of the crane support permits the storage of equipment and things beneath the crane support without hindering the movement of the crane along the tracks. Optionally, the vessel further has an extension assembly atop which may be deployed a workover rig assembly. The crane may be used to assemble the extension assembly and thus aid in the construction, remediation, and demolition of offshore oil and gas platforms and wells.

Abstract: An extension assembly is provided that comprises spaced apart first and second extension beams, which are removeablely and independently affixed to a deck of a vessel. At least a portion the first and second extension beams extend beyond the transom of the vessel. The assembly further includes a modular traverse beam removeablely affixed to the first and second extension beams along a substantially perpendicular direction. The modular traverse beam is adapted to receive a work-over rig.

Abstract: A nursing bottle air-inlet regulating valve comprising a flat elastomeric valve (1) that lies on the inner part of a threaded base (2) of a nursing bottle body (3) and comprises small domes (4) on fee upper side (where the liquid is). The domes (4) have a slit (5), through which air flows to balance the pressure in the nursing bottle. Vent channels (8) are included on the Underside of the membrane, which is the side the membrane contacts the threaded base (2) of the nursing bottle. The membrane (1) has a perimeter wall or edge (9) that fits in the inner perimeter of the threaded base (2), continuing in a hollow perimeter channel (7) allowing air to circulate when the base (2) is unthreaded. The domes (4) are connected to the perimeter channel by the vent channels (8). Air-inlet flow is regulated by how much the vent channels (8) are squashed.

Abstract: Medication packaging is designed with one or more of a container, cap, or externally applied ring which fits over the container having a polygonal peripheral side surface. Edges of the polygonal peripheral side surface assure that the packaging lays flat on a flat surface or is attached flat to a metal surface by magnetic forces. Indicia on one or more of the container, cap or externally applied ring is positioned when the user places the packaging on a flat surface such that at a predetermined location the previous dose or last dose is viewable by the user. Each indicia is associated with one edge of the polygonal peripheral side surface. A disk or sleeve member can be used to occlude indicia that is unrelated to the previous or next dose, and the disk or sleeve member can be operated by gravitational or magnetic forces without manipulation by the user.

Abstract: Cap for bottles containing edible oil, which makes it possible to minimise the dimensions of the cap, with the advantages of reducing the weight and saving on raw materials that this involves, maintaining its high performance in terms of the safety, sealing and hygiene of the closure, comprising a body that consists of a sealing skirt that is attached to the neck of the container and a lid that is hinged to said sealing skirt, the skirt and the lid initially being joined by a plurality of sealing points, comprising a pourer that has a flat staggered section that rests on the edge of the neck of the container and a central lattice whose periphery is weakly joined to the body of the pourer, also comprising a sealing disc that is thermosealed to the pourer by the flat staggered section and the central lattice, said disc presenting a circumferential pre-cut line that is situated between the flat staggered area and the neck of the container.

Abstract: A plastic gas cap having a cap element with a plastic skirt having an inner skirt diameter and including ring retaining tabs extending inwardly from the inner skirt, a plug element having a flange at one end sized and shaped to fit within the plastic skirt and past the ring retaining tabs; and a plastic retaining ring having an outer ring diameter and being secured between the flange and the tabs to secure the plug element in the cap element by an interference fit within the inner skirt diameter which reinforces said plastic skirt and makes it more rigid.

Abstract: A beverage container that is prevented from tipping is provided. The beverage container includes a main unit configured to contain liquid therein, the main unit having a front surface, a bottom end, and a fall-stopping surface formed on the front surface of the main unit, the fall-stopping surface being located at a predetermined position in a range of 20 mm to 70 mm from the bottom end, the fall-stopping surface being located at a position in a front-to-back direction the same as or in front of a surface below the fall-stopping surface.

Abstract: A method for forming a coating over a surface is disclosed. The method comprises depositing over a surface, a hybrid layer comprising a mixture of a polymeric material and a non-polymeric material. The hybrid layer may have a single phase or comprise multiple phases. The hybrid layer is formed by chemical vapor deposition using a single source of precursor material. The chemical vapor deposition process may be plasma-enhanced and may be performed using a reactant gas. The precursor material may be an organo-silicon compound, such as a siloxane. The hybrid layer may comprise various types of polymeric materials, such as silicone polymers, and various types of non-polymeric materials, such as silicon oxides. By varying the reaction conditions, the wt % ratio of polymeric material to non-polymeric material may be adjusted. The hybrid layer may have various characteristics suitable for use with organic light-emitting devices, such as optical transparency, impermeability, and/or flexibility.

Abstract: A substrate processing apparatus that can improve the uniformity of plasma processing carried out on a wafer. The wafer is housed in a chamber of the substrate processing apparatus and subjected to plasma processing using plasma produced in the processing chamber. A temperature control mechanism jets a high-temperature gas toward at least part of an annular focus ring facing the plasma.

Abstract: A method of etching organic low-k dielectric materials is provided herein. In one embodiment, a method of etching organic low-k dielectric materials includes placing a substrate comprising an exposed organic low-k dielectric material in an etch reactor; supplying a process gas comprising an oxygen-containing gas, a nitrogen-containing gas, and methane (CH4); and forming a plasma from the process gas to etch the organic low-k dielectric material. The organic low-k dielectric material may include polymer-based low-k dielectric materials, photoresists, or organic polymers. The oxygen-containing gas may be oxygen (O2) and the nitrogen-containing gas may be nitrogen (N2).

Abstract: A plasma processing apparatus comprising a vacuum vessel; a process chamber housed in the vacuum vessel; and a sample stage located in the process chamber, for supporting on its upper surface a disk-like sample to be processed; wherein plural disk-like samples are continuously processed with plasma generated in the process chamber and wherein during the idling time between the successive processes the temperature of the sample stage is adjusted to a predetermined value higher than the temperature at which the samples are processed.

Abstract: A substrate plasma processing apparatus includes a chamber of which an interior is evacuated under a predetermined vacuum condition; an RF electrode which is disposed in the chamber and configured so as to hold a substrate to be processed on a main surface thereof; an opposing electrode which is disposed opposite to the RF electrode in the chamber; an RF voltage applying device for applying an RF voltage with a predetermined frequency to the RF electrode; and a pulsed voltage applying device for applying a pulsed voltage to the RF electrode so as to be superimposed with the RF voltage and which includes a controller for controlling a timing in application of the pulsed voltage and defining a pause period of the pulsed voltage.

Abstract: A blow-off part 152 is provided with a blow-off port 1a? which is dimensioned small enough so as not to allow a blow-off stream to be blown off directly to a part of a wafer W which part is located at the more internal side of the wafer than the outer edge of the wafer W and not to be subjected to plasmatizing process. A suction part 151 is provided with a suction port 81A in associating with the blow-off part 152. The suction port 81A is disposed proximate to the blow-off port 1a? and forms a suction stream oriented generally in the reverse direction with respect to the blow-off stream.

Abstract: A method for processing a substrate is disclosed. The method includes supporting the substrate in the plasma-processing chamber configured with a first electrode and a second electrode. The method also includes coupling a passive radio frequency (RF) circuit to the second electrode, the passive RF circuit being configured to adjust one or more of an RF impedance, an RF voltage potential, and a DC bias potential on the second electrode.

Abstract: Mutually different plural kinds of processing liquid are sequentially supplied to a gap space in which a substrate is arranged to perform a wet processing to the substrate with respect to each processing liquid. Further, the processing liquid used in the wet processing is sequentially released from the communicating portion upon execution of each wet processing. The liquid retrieval tanks are selectively positioned at a retrieval position corresponding to the kind of processing liquid released from the communicating portion by relatively moving the processing unit and the liquid retrieval unit. The liquid retrieval unit is separated from the processing unit and is arranged below the processing unit. The processing liquid is released from the communicating portion of the processing unit to below the gap space downwards vertically.

Abstract: A method and device for ablation of thin layers on the rim region of the surface of a plane substrate coated with a thin film. The rim region runs along the edge or edges of the substrate, and the thin layers should be ablated in at least two, not necessarily unconnected areas of the rim region along edge pieces not parallel to one another. A laser beam is pointed toward an ablation area. The areas of the rim region to be ablated are guided through the area so that in a plane of the surface of the substrate, during the whole ablation process, there is basically a constant distance in the space that lies partly in the ablation area and has its starting point outside the substrate surface and its end point within the substrate surface.

Abstract: A surface cleaning method of a semiconductor wafer heat treatment boat that can prevent metallic contamination to semiconductor wafers and keep down a production time and manufacturing costs of semiconductor wafers by efficiently and easily removing metallic impurities in an oxide film on an SiC boat surface is provided. A surface cleaning method of a semiconductor wafer heat treatment boat according to an embodiment of the present invention is a surface cleaning method of a semiconductor wafer heat treatment boat whose surface is formed of SiC, includes oxidizing the surface of the heat treatment boat by thermal oxidation and etching a portion of the oxide film formed after oxidation is removed.

Abstract: A strain relief mechanism is provided for an accessory for an electrical switching apparatus, such as a circuit breaker. The accessory includes an enclosure having a first end with an aperture, a second end disposed opposite and distal from the first end, and a number of electrical conductors, such as wires, extending through the aperture and outwardly from the first end of the accessory enclosure. The strain relief mechanism includes a support extending outwardly from the first end of the enclosure, and being proximate the aperture and the number of electrical conductors extending therethrough. A fastening mechanism, such as a wire tie, wraps around the electrical conductors and the support in order to secure the number of electrical conductors to the support and resist undesired movement thereof. First and second portions of the enclosure are fastened together without a plurality of separate fasteners.