Abstract: A container for frangible articles comprising a tray molded in a sheet of polymeric material having a hinge portion separating a bottom portion from a cover portion with the cover portion being pivotable into engagement with the bottom portion to conceal the frangible articles in the container. The bottom portion comprises rows of cavities with each cavity adapted to support a frangible article. The cavities have lugs projecting inwardly and from bottom to top from a main surface of the cavity to support the frangible article while maintaining air gaps between the frangible article and the main surface. Corner cavities are positioned at opposite leading corners of the bottom portion and each have a protective rib oriented toward its respective leading corner and projecting outwardly from the main surface and from bottom to top to provide structural integrity to the opposite leading corners of the container.

Abstract: The invention relates to a reclosable container (1) for cosmetics, in particular a perfume bottle, comprising a base body (2) for holding a cosmetic substance, in particular a perfume and a closing body (3) that is located on the base body (2). Said container comprises at least one activatable sound reproduction device (5) for reproducing sounds, spoken or sung text and/or music and/or comprises at least one activatable illumination and/or video device (6) for emitting light signals. The container also has at least one sensor (7), which is configured in such a way that it activates the sound reproduction device (5) and/or the illumination and/or video device (6), when the container (1) is touched and/or when the closing body (3) is opened or closed.

Abstract: Dosage forms containing pharmaceutical compositions for use in devices to produce a spray or mist delivery of the compositions include dosage blister compartments and a dispensing blister compartment, wherein crushing of the compartments delivers the compositions in a desired spray pattern. Certain dosage forms include a plurality of dosage chambers each containing a component or a portion of a pharmaceutical composition, the contents of which are mixed or combined just prior to or during administration.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a system, apparatus, and method for a modular food tray system having a plurality of food trays that can be used for heating, cooling, or a combination thereof. The system can include a first food tray for heating and a second food tray for cooling, generally mounted at a different elevation from the first food tray. Alternatively, one or both of the food trays can be designed for cooling through temperature elements coupled thereto and the tray can be heated by overhead radiant heating elements for dual temperature capabilities. The first food tray can be mounted above the second food tray. The first food tray can include a thermal shield between a heating element in the first food tray and the second food tray. In other embodiments, the second food tray can be mounted above the first food tray with a thermal shield therebetween.

Abstract: The invention relates to a serving tray, comprising a bottom wall and side edges, wherein the serving tray is manufactured from an integrally formed blank and wherein at least one side edge has a form suitable for placing in a holder with an array of support elements arranged one above the other, wherein the blank comprises cardboard. A preferred embodiment relates to such a serving tray, wherein at least two side edges are provided with carrier members for placing on the support elements of the holder.

Abstract: A protector for a manual alarm device, the protector comprising a shell for affixing to a supporting surface on which the alarm device is mounted. The shell includes a-flat rear surface defining a plane, for abutment with a planar supporting surface, walls extending forwardly from the rear shell surface to form a pocket, left and right side surfaces respectively extending outwardly from the rear shell surface plane and inwardly, upper and lower surfaces extending outwardly from the rear surface plane and inwardly, the rear surface of the shell and the walls forming a pocket, and the pocket rear surface having an aperture therein for receiving the alarm device, wherein the side surfaces slant so as to protect the alarm device from collision, as by a vehicle or person.

Abstract: The present invention provides a display pack for shipping and displaying a product, the display pack comprising a hollow shell and first and second product supports disposed within the hollow shell. The first product support is disposed in a lower portion of the hollow shell, and the second product support is disposed in an upper portion of the hollow shell, such that the first and second product supports are spaced apart from each other to define a product region between them. Additionally, the first and second product supports each define a product support recess that is sized and configured to conformably receive one end of a product disposed within the product region such that the entire hollow shell is spaced apart from the product. At least a portion of the hollow shell is transparent.

Abstract: This invention relates to a multi-stage process for hydroprocessing gas oils. Preferably, each stage possesses at least one hydrocracking zone. The second stage and any subsequent stages possess an environment having a low heteroatom content. Light products, such as naphtha, kerosene and diesel, may be recycled from fractionation (along with light products from other sources) to the second stage (or a subsequent stage) in order to produce a larger yield of lighter products, such as gas and naphtha. Pressure, in the zone or zones subsequent to the initial zone is from 500 to 1000 psig lower than the pressure in the initial zone, in order to provide cost savings and minimize overcracking.

Abstract: A method for thermally cracking a hydrocarbonaceous feed wherein the feed is first gasified in a vaporization unit. A significant component of the feed is residua from the atmospheric thermal distillation of crude oil.

Abstract: Disclosed are sorbent compositions that include a porous titanium dioxide support impregnated with a silver material. The sorbent compositions may be utilized in systems and methods for removing sulfur compounds from hydrocarbon streams such as jet fuel.

Abstract: System and method for a continuous process for separating particles according to their magnetic properties such as Curie point includes a feed of hot particles having different magnetic properties on a moving surface spaced above a stationary magnetic assembly. The temperature of the bed of particles is controlled to enable selective separation of different factions of particles based upon the temperature of the particles. The magnets are maintained substantially below their Curie point. Gaseous nitrogen is fed into and from the inside of the magnetic assembly to enhance the cooling of the magnetic assembly and to inhibit oxidation. The gas exits through high temperature bearings to inhibit debris therein. A thermal shield is placed between the moving surface and the magnets and below tubes carrying a cooling fluid to maintain magnets substantially below their Curie point. The entire process is contained with an inert gas-purged cabinet.

Abstract: A snap lock separatory panel and retainer system includes either a screen wire panel with laterally spaced, longitudinally extending locking bars defining a locking profile, or a urethane panel with laterally spaced, longitudinally extending lips or flanges which also define a locking profile. A retainer system is provided for use in securing these panels. The retainer system utilized center retainers that are engagable with industry standard holes in screen stringer rails of a vibrating separating machine. Each center retainer is provided with an array of retainer pins which are spaced to interdigitate with either screen wire tie rod ends or with urethane panel wall recesses to support the screen panel locking bars or the urethane panel flanges adjacent the retainer pins. Locking strips are provided with undercurrent bores that terminate in undercut receptacles. These bores and receptacles are sized to receive center retainer pin shanks and heads.

Abstract: In a method of analyzing and sorting eggs which are advanced and rolled on a conveyor belt, a plurality of images en of each egg are recorded by a plurality of cameras, and it is analyzed for each egg whether there are any areas in the image which may be an indication of whether the egg is cracked, contains impurities or the like. The analysis takes place in that each image is subjected to a line scan, and if the line includes an edge defined by two adjacent pixels where the intensity value between the two adjacent pixels is numerically greater than a certain value, e.g. 15, a discriminant analysis is provided around the edge in a subarea 3 of the image of 25×25 pixels. The analysis establishes a class which defines characteristic features around the edge. When all the edges of the egg have been analyzed, it is determined by a calculation of the classes, including whether the classes define clusters, whether the egg has a crack, an impurity or the like, which means that it is removed by means of a robot.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for handling banknotes, comprising a transporting system (1), an infeeding and outfeeding unit (2), an identifying unit (3) as well as a first, second and so on to a last storage unit (41, 42, . . . , 4n), each one adapted to the storage of banknotes. The device is adapted to an infeed of a banknote through the infeeding and outfeeding unit (2), a transportation of the banknote by means of the transporting system (1) past the identifying unit (3), an identification of the banknote, a transportation of the banknote to a storage unit intended for the banknote according to the identification, as well as an infeed of the banknote to the intended storage unit.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus and a method for checking bank notes wherein measuring values of the bank note to be checked are obtained and a classification of the bank note is carried out by evaluation of the measuring values in a plurality of checking steps, whereby the classification distinguishes in particular at least the classification categories, counterfeit, suspect and genuine bank notes, or acceptable or redispensable, and a linkage of a plurality of measuring values is formed at least in one checking step for deciding whether the checked bank note corresponds to a given classification category and this linkage term is compared with a corresponding tolerance range during evaluation.

Abstract: A oscillating sorting conveyor is adapted for separating whole berries of wine grapes from undesirable components such as “shot berries” (immature grapes), stems, raisins, leaf material, bugs, pebbles and the like. The sorter deploys a downward tilting trough that is driven to oscillate. A screen is disposed at the bottom of the trough such that whole berries are conveyed over the screen while the undesirable components pass through the screen. The preferred embodiment of the screen has a non-uniform cross-section to improve the efficiency of removal the undesirable components without clogging or requiring constant maintenance. The preferred embodiment of the oscillating conveyor is driven by a cam and cam follower, in which the cam driving shaft is counterweighted to minimize vibration. The more preferred embodiments minimize damage to the grape berries while efficiently removing the undesirable components.

Abstract: A grading apparatus for grading objects such as in particular fish or shrimp in respect of their size, comprising a plurality of juxtaposed substantially parallel endless conveyor belts (27), wherein the width (9) separating adjacent conveyor belts is larger at the unloading end (29) than at the loading end (28) of the belts and define sorting channels through which the items fall down when the channel width corresponds to the width of the item, each conveyor belt comprising a plurality of hinged segments with a sloping cross-section such that in between each adjacent pair of belts is formed a V-shaped valley with substantially continuous sloping sides (2), each side being at an angle in the range of about 70-85°.

Abstract: Remote delivery of water softener pellets into a water softener by means of vacuum. By using a vacuum the delivery system allows salt to be delivered to great distances to point of use (existing brine tank). This invention will allow people to drive into their garage close to the inventive salt loading hopper and either dump a bag of salt pellets or scoop out of it into the loading hopper, which is located a convenient minimized height off the floor. The current state prior to this invention was to carry the heavy bag of salt to the location of the water softener brine tank, which in most cases is located down the stairs in a basement.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for denitrification of treated wastewater from an aerobic wastewater treatment system in which oxygen levels in the aeration chamber of an aerobic digestion vessel are cycled between an anoxic environment, i.e., when the treated wastewater in the aeration vessel contains from just above 0 to just less than 1 ppm dissolved oxygen to an aerobic environment wherein the treated wastewater in the aeration vessel has a dissolved oxygen content of about 1 ppm or higher.

Abstract: With reference to drawing FIG. 1-3 the pool filter is a filter media sheet or form that is place on or around an existing water filter and whose purpose is to filter large particles before they plug the pores of the primary filter FIG. 1. It is place over the primary pool filter cartridge and secure in place FIG. 2. The combination filters are inserted into the pool filter house and the sealing gasket installed over the entire combined filters FIG. 3. Particles trapped in the filter net may be collected and discarded. The filter net may be secured to the primary pool filet as shown in FIG. 2 with at least one elastic band, clamp or string. The filter net is preferably made from polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyethylene or nylon or alternatively made from flexible perforated sheet metal or model plastic.

Abstract: A skimmer apparatus including a floatation element defining an operative top end and configured to remain on top of a body of water, a net material having a top edge connected to the floatation element and extending nearly a complete width of the floatation element, a non-floatation element defining an operative bottom and connected to a bottom edge of the net material, a guide element extending from a first side and second side of the floatation element and first side and the second side of the non-floatation element, and a handle attached to the end of the guide element distant from the floatation element and the non-floatation element.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a separation column comprising a porous block covered with a coating wherein space-free adhesion is attainable therebetween by low temperature process without releasing octadecylsilyl bases and others from the porous block. A monolith rod 1 is covered with a metal or resin coating 2. Then, the monolith rod 1 covered by the coating 2 is further covered with a rod retainer 3 made of a low melting point metal (melting point 100-200 degrees C.) to form a column body 19. Since the rod retainer 3 is formed by pressure molding at low temperature (100-200 degrees C.). It is therefore possible to absorb the surface irregularities of the monolith rod 1 by the coating 2 while octadecylsilyl bases and others from are released when the retainer 3 is formed. This allows the potential separation ability of the porous block to be brought out maximally.

Abstract: An improved structure of purification carrier input of a sewage scum removing unit includes a tank provided with a water inlet to introduce sewage into the tank; a water outlet disposed at a predetermined location on the tank to lead sewage out of the tank; and a carrier introduction end disposed in the peripheral of the water inlet on the tank to introduce polymer carrier to clean the sewage; the water inlet is connected to an air water mixing device for the sewage to first go through air bulbs addition process before entering into the tank to get mixed with the polymer carrier for correcting the problem that molecular structure of the polymer carrier is vulnerable to be destructed in the course of pumping air bulbs into the sewage as found with the prior art.

Abstract: The invention relates to an arrangement and a device for filtering a fluid, particularly for plastic processing plants, wherein the pressure drop, or the flow rate reduction, created by the withdrawal of material from the process is sensitively balanced in that pressure constancy and flow rate constancy are achieved at the discharge duct (3).

Abstract: The invention relates to a filter, especially a fuel filter, comprising a housing of a suitable plastic material, consisting of an upper part and a lower part, and a concertinaed filter element arranged in the housing. Said housing separates an inlet from an outlet. The upper part is connected to the lower part by welding or the like. The front sides of the filter element are directly connected to the opposing front walls of the housing.

Abstract: A sub-component of a replaceable filter element that is interfacably sealing a standpipe includes an end cap, said second end cap defining a first central opening; a central tube extending from the first central opening of the second end cap, wherein the central tube defines an inner surface, an outer surface and a top surface, wherein the top surface defines a second central opening, wherein the central tube includes an actuator excluding keys, free ends, or projections; and a standpipe seal disposed proximate the top surface of the central tube, wherein the standpipe seal defines a third central opening.

Abstract: A fuel filtration apparatus for use in an internal combustion engine comprises an interrupter valve in a flow path from an inlet port of a filter head to a compliant filter. The interrupter valve has an open state and a closed state. In the open state a protruding member of the filter depresses a bottom end of the valve and opens the flow path when the compliant filter is connected to the filter head. The interrupter valve also has a closed state wherein the flow path is closed in the absence of the protruding member of the filter (as with a non-compliant filter).

Abstract: A fuel filtration apparatus for use in an internal combustion engine comprises an interrupter valve in a flow path from an inlet port of a filter head to a compliant filter. The interrupter valve has an open state and a closed state. In the open state a protruding member of the filter depresses a bottom end of the valve and opens the flow path when the compliant filter is connected to the filter head. The interrupter valve also has a closed state wherein the flow path is closed in the absence of the protruding member of the filter (as with a non-compliant filter).

Abstract: A porous ceramic body comprises a plurality of fibers and a bonding system bonding a portion of at least two fibers of the plurality of fibers. The plurality of fibers has a first coefficient of thermal expansion. The bonding system has a second coefficient of thermal expansion lower than the first coefficient of thermal expansion. In some embodiments, when the plurality of fibers and the bonding system are combined the resulting porous ceramic body has a third coefficient of thermal expansion which is at least about 10% less than the first coefficient of thermal expansion.

Abstract: The invention relates to a microbial control system for treating influent water and sump water for control of microbial material in machines which process water such as ice making machines, humidifiers such as cool mist humidifiers and cooling towers. The microbial control system includes antimicrobial treatment media housed in a containment vessel. The treatment media can include any one or more of transition metals and transition metal oxides. The transition metal may be any of Sc, Ti, V, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, Y, Zr, Nb, Mo, Tc, Ru, Rh, Pd, Ag, Cd, Hf, Ta, W, Re, Os, Ir, Pt, Au, Hg, Rf, Db, Sg, Bh, Hs, Mt, Uun, Uuu and Uub.

Abstract: Ballast water treatment apparatus and methods for preventing foreign aquatic invasive species form entering marine ecological zones by translocation in ship's ballast water. The apparatus includes a housing, a filter member, and UV water treatment chambers. Methods include use of a ship's fire hydrant system or ballast water discharge port for moving ballast water from the ship's ballast tanks into the apparatus for filtration and treatment. In-port service vessels and barges as well as dock-side service vehicles are equipped with the various treatment and filtration apparatus to provided in-port or dock-side ballast water treatment services. Related methods are also provided.

Abstract: Compositions, methods and apparatus for the production of methane gas from poultry litter are provided. Particular features are selection of methanogens, well stirring of the digester, and control of critical parameters of digester temperature, pH, and solids content resulting in enhanced methane production and reduced nitrogen compositions. A benefit of the invention is the capability to maintain a closed system without waste by-products.

Abstract: A submerged membrane assembly including a membrane having a first surface, a second surface, and a vertical axis, and which is permeable between the surfaces by molecules of less than a predetermined size. A first fluid compartment in fluid communication with the first membrane surface and that contains at a first column height a first fluid having a first specific gravity, a second fluid compartment in fluid communication with the second membrane surface and that contains at a second column height a second fluid having a second specific gravity, and means for changing the second specific gravity. The second column height being selected relative to the first column height to produce a selected pressure differential across the membrane along the vertical axis at the first specific gravity and the changed second specific gravity.

Abstract: A method for removing ionic, organic and elemental mercury from aqueous streams such as wastewater streams from hydrocarbon processing. The method comprises four primary removal steps. First, a mercury precipitant is added to the stream to convert dissolved ionic species of mercury water-insoluble form. The majority of these precipitated solids, as well as other forms of particulate mercury, are subsequently removed by means of gas flotation. Following the flotation step, additional particulate and precipitated ionic mercury removal is accomplished with media filtration and finally, activated carbon acts to remove the remaining dissolved ionic mercury species as well as elemental and organic forms of mercury.

Abstract: This invention relates to a process for removing solid matter from process liquids that are miscible with water. A brine made from water and dissolved salt and which is more dense than the process liquid is placed underneath and in contact with the mixture of process liquid and solid matter. The particles and pieces of solid matter move from the process liquid and then through the brine. In so doing the process liquid that is carried with the solid matter is displaced by the more dense brine.

Abstract: A method for oxidizing an organic material includes the steps of (a) forming a preoxidation mixture comprising the organic material and water, and (b) causing the preoxidation mixture to react with a liquid oxidizer in a continuous flow reactor supercritical conditions for water, including a pressure of at least 3206 psia and a temperature of at least 705° F., to form a post-oxidation mixture containing condensible material and non-condensible material, wherein substantially all of the organic material has been oxidized.

Abstract: A method and apparatus related to using a squeezing or transfer fluid to transfer fluid or components between bags in a centrifuge wherein the squeezing fluid can be reversed to reduce squeezing and such fluid an also be used to build up a over-pressure for rapid movement.

Abstract: A separator that uses centrifugation to fractionate a suspension such as blood comprises a separation container and a buoy. The buoy is carried in the separation container and has a tuned density that is configured to reach an equilibrium position in a suspension. The guide surface is carried on the buoy upper surface and is inclined to an accumulation position near a buoy perimeter. The buoy suspension fractionation system can be used in a method of isolating a fraction from a suspension, and in a method for re-suspending particulates for withdrawal.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to purification and separation of a fluid flow stream, and more particularly, to a separation system including a device for dispersing the fluid flow and separating pollutants there from. The device includes a vertical screen and baffle wall positioned in a fluid flow stream between the inlet and outlet openings of a chamber. The chamber can include a sump for collecting and storing sediment that is separated from the fluid. The present invention also relates to a method of purifying and separating a fluid flow stream.

Abstract: A fluid filter is preferably constructed from a relatively thick batting of high loft, non-woven, fluid permeable fibrous material. The filter batting is then passed through a manufacturing device, which slices the batting in the vertical as to create two continuous filter batts from the parent filter batt. The slicing also creates a relatively deep V-shaped zig zag or waveform pattern in the anterior filter surfaces of the top and bottom of the batt. The top half deep V-shaped zigzag patterns peaks and valleys correspond or line up with the bottom half's valleys and peaks since the waveform landscape of the first child batt is essentially a negative impression of the second child batt. Accordingly, the patterns nest within one another. When separated, the two children batts each comprise a waveform landscape for dynamically directing fluid streams from the anterior filter surface to the posterior filter surface.

Abstract: A merchandise security system includes a rail adapted to be secured to a first associated merchandising structure, which can be a shelf or a wire rack display. The rail includes a first longitudinally extending channel. At least one tile is mounted to the rail. The at least one tile extends away from the rail so as to approach a second associated merchandising structure spaced from the first associated merchandising structure. The at least one tile includes a protrusion which is accommodated in the first rail channel to enable a sliding movement of the tile in relation to the rail. This construction allows selective access to any desired portion of at least one of the first and second associated merchandising structures.

Abstract: A towel holder for selectively holding and releasing a towel according to the present invention includes first and second sides, each side having upper and lower ends, respectively. The towel holder also includes an elastic top portion adjoining the first and second side upper ends, the top portion biasing the respective side lower ends toward one another yet allowing the lower ends to be separated as needed to be force fitted onto a fixed member such as a stove handle. Preferably, the top portion includes a rounded configuration over which a towel may be draped. The top portion may also include a configuration that resists a towel from sliding thereon, such as a plurality of ridges, bosses, or constructed of a soft rubber material. Conversely, the sides are constructed of a low-friction material such that a towel slides easily thereon when being intentional lifted from the towel holder.

Abstract: A remote control unit organizing device (10) consisting of a mounting base (20), a bracket (22) and a rotatable barrel (24). The bracket (22) has a first end (26) affixed to a base member and a second end (28) connected to a wrist rest. A solid body (30) extends between the first end (26) and the second end (28) of the bracket (22). A dowel (32) extends from the bracket (22) at an angle relative to the mounting base (20) to serve as an axle. The barrel (24) is inserted over the dowel (32) and rotates about said dowel (32). A plurality of remote control units (38) can be adhered to the outside of the barrel (24) and when the barrel is rotated, a selected one of the plurality of remote control units can be brought into alignment with a user's hand when the user's wrist is positioned in the wrist rest.

Abstract: A dish rack convertible between and expanded and collapsed configurations. The dish rack has at least three support surfaces, with a first support surface pivotally connected to a base tray, a second support surface pivotally connected to the first support surface, and a third support surface pivotally connected to the second support surface. In the collapsed configuration, each of the three support surfaces and the base tray are in a generally parallel arrangement.

Abstract: A modular container organizer is presented. The organizer includes a rack having a top, bottom, front, back and ends. The top has one or more holes for receiving containers. The holes have a depth suitable for retaining the containers when a lateral force is applied to the containers or the rack. The rack adapted for attachment of the back to a mostly vertically positioned surface and the rack further adapted for assembling a plurality of similar racks in a grouping.

Abstract: A display rack for displaying a plurality of inanimate objects that may take different shapes and sizes includes a plurality of interconnected support components each of which has a system for displaying such objects. The support components are releasably interconnected to increase or decrease the size of the display rack by adding or subtracting support components. In this manner, the display rack is adjustable to accommodate a collection of objects for display of any desired size.

Abstract: A container that has improved release properties for a viscous material configured to minimize residual material remaining in the container upon normal use thereof and also generally maintains the physical stability of a material in the container. The container includes a coating applied to a portion of the inner surfaces thereof that is effective to provide the improved release properties.

Abstract: Packaging container, especially can-like packaging container (10) having a cylinder-like or tube-like container body (11) produced from composite foil, a lid arrangement (12), and also a base closure, especially a standing base (13). The lid arrangement (12) comprises a relatively rigid, that is, dimensionally stable, annular collar (16), which is fixed on, especially sealed to, the circumferential rim (14) of the container body (11) and which marks the boundary of a container opening (15), as well as a cover foil (18), which extends over the container opening (15) and is sealed to the rim (17) thereof.

Abstract: A drinking cap constitutes a one-piece moulding of polymeric material including a first circular section tubular portion (2) for connection to the mouth of a beverage container and a second smaller circular section tubular portion (6) situated at least partially within the first tubular portion. The first tubular portion is connected to the second tubular portion by a resilient, annular, integral web (4), in which one or more flow openings (18) are formed. One end of the second tubular portion (6) is closed. The upper or external surface of the web (4) carries a projecting annular first sealing flange (20) at a point intermediate its ends, as seen in axial sectional view. The first and second tubular portion (2, 6) are coaxial and relatively movable in the axial direction between an open position, in which the flow openings (18) are unobstructed, and a closed position, in which the sealing flange (20) is in sealing engagement with the internal surface of the first tubular portion (2).

Abstract: The invention relates to a closure for a container, especially a bottle, comprising an upper covering panel and a circumferential collar adjoining the panel on the outside, wherein a scaling insert is arranged on the underside of the covering panel which has a circumferential profile seal on the outside. The upper covering panel has at least one partly circumferential embossing which interacts with the profile seal forming a valve.