Abstract: In a method for enhancing the efficiency of separation of bitumen from oil sands ore, lipids, lipid by-products, and lipid derivatives are used as process additives for ore-water slurry-based bitumen extraction processes or in situ bitumen recovery processes. The lipids, lipid by-products, and lipid derivatives act as surfactants reducing surface and interfacial tensions, thus promoting breakdown the oil sands ore structure and resultant liberation of bitumen from the ore. Lipid treatment does not deleteriously affect release water chemistry in bitumen recovery processes, and it does not appreciably affect the fuel value of recovered bitumen. Lipids which may be effectively used as additives include biodiesel, tall oil fatty acids, monoglycerides, vegetable oil, and soap water, and combinations thereof.

Abstract: A method for counting and validating discrete articles to be introduced into containers, and an apparatus for actuating the method, which method includes distancing the articles from one another in a thinning-out section, and making the articles cross a detection zone such as to induce a consequent reactance variation in at least a variable reactance sensor. According to a reactance variation, an output signal of the variable reactance sensor takes on a specific waveform, the output signal being sent to an input of a processing unit. The processing unit provides in output data relating to a number of the articles which have passed through the at least a detection zone, a wholeness thereof as well as a passage of objects of a different nature from the articles into the detection zone.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a bill discriminating and counting apparatus having a function of handling bills of a plurality of currency systems with one machine. That is to say, by providing a plurality of START/STOP keys for starting discriminating and counting of the bills, and by assigning the bills of different currency systems to each of them, the bills of a plurality of currency systems may be handled only by operating the START/STOP key corresponding to the currency system, without performing selection and setting of the currency system each time.

Abstract: A faucet-mounted filter system that includes a body forming a fluid chamber having a water inlet, a quick connect device positioned adjacent the water inlet for mounting the filter system to a water faucet such that the water inlet is placed in fluid communication with the water faucet, a filtered water flow path disposed within the body and in fluid communication with the water inlet, an unfiltered water flow path disposed within the body and in fluid communication with the water inlet, a diverter valve disposed within the fluid chamber and operable to open and close the filtered and unfiltered water flow paths, a seal for sealing the fluid chamber, an actuator engaging the diverter valve to open and close the filtered and unfiltered water flow paths without having to interrupt the seal, a flow meter connected to the body and in fluid communication with the filter flow path, a filter housing connected to the body and having a reservoir, and a filter cartridge disposed within the reservoir.

Abstract: A sensor assembly for a water softening system and includes a first treatment tank having a first valve assembly, a first flow meter and a sensor probe, a second treatment tank having a second valve assembly and a second flow meter and a brine tank independently connected to each of the first treatment tank and the second treatment tank. A controller is configured for communicating with the sensor probe and the first flow meter in the first treatment tank, and the second flow meter in the second treatment tank.

Abstract: The present invention provides a filtered water monitoring device used for detecting damages in a filtration medium installed inside a membrane filtration water clarification device, thereby monitoring degradation of a performance thereof, in order to secure safety of filtered water flowing out from the membrane filtration water clarification device, comprising a branch filtered water pipeline system which is branched from a filtered water pipeline system connected to an outlet of the membrane filtration water clarification device, a filtered water observation plate which is installed in a certain position of the branch filtered water pipeline system, imaging means which takes an image of the filtered water in an observation tank of the filtered water observation plate and outputs image information thereon, and image analyzing means which receives the image information output from the imaging means, and compares the image information with a stored image pattern to identify impurities contained in the filtered

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of installing an environmental control system so as to allow for separate sizing of treatment and bypass capacity while also offering the ability to make or change either treatment or bypass capacities at different times. This is accomplished by containing the treatment and bypass functions in separate chambers, using screen, baffle, or coalescing media pack to further refine effectiveness and capacity of each structure independently. The control structure and interceptor structure may be pre-engineered to a variety of sizes, capacities, or other specifications. This allows simple selection of a specific control structure and a specific interceptor structure from a variety of combinations, eliminating the need for custom engineering for each installation.

Abstract: A pool/spa water treatment system may include a pump and a pool filter. The pump may include a pump inlet and a pump outlet. The pump inlet and outlet may be aligned on a first axis or within a first vertical plane. The pool filter may be offset a select transverse distance from the pump. The pool filter may include a pool filter inlet in fluid communication with the pump outlet. The pool filter inlet and the pump outlet may be aligned on a second axis or within a second vertical plane that is transverse to the first axis or plane. The pool/spa water treatment system may further include a heater. The heater may include a heater inlet in fluid communication with the pool filter outlet. The heater inlet may be aligned with the pool filter outlet within the second plane.

Abstract: A process for in situ groundwater decontamination within a subsurface region of earth includes: directing a liquid feed stream through a first conduit; injecting a treatment gas into the first conduit and/or a second conduit; discharging the liquid feed stream downwardly from the first conduit through an orifice restriction into the second conduit to form a confined plunging liquid jet gas and liquid contact zone in the second conduit; dissolving at least a portion of the treatment gas into the liquid feed stream in the contact zone to form an enhanced gas concentration liquid stream; passing the enhanced gas concentration liquid stream downwardly from the contact zone; and passing the enhanced gas concentration liquid stream from the second conduit into the groundwater. A device for performing this process is also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention relates to an ultraviolet radiation lamp. The lamp comprises a substantially sealed cavity comprising a mercury-containing material; a filament disposed in the sealed cavity; and an electrical control element in contact with the filament, the electrical control element configured to adjust or maintain a temperature of the mercury-containing material with respect to a prescribed temperature. Such a constructions allows the present ultraviolet radiation lamp to be operated at optimal efficiency without the need to use additional components to add heat to and/or remove heat from the mercury-containing material.

Abstract: A “no filter, no run” filtration system that is designed to verify that an appropriate filter cartridge is installed. A flow control valve is provided on a standpipe to control the flow of fuel into the standpipe. The valve has a component that has a first position at which any flow through the flow passage past the valve is insufficient to permit engine operation, and a second position at which a greater amount of flow through the flow passage is permitted by the valve in an amount sufficient to permit engine operation, and the component rotates about the longitudinal axis when it moves from the first position to the second position and from the second position to the first position.

Abstract: A fluid filter assembly of a filtration system is described. The filter assembly described includes a cover member and a filter cartridge having at least one filter element and a plate member. The plate member includes a seal surface on one side facing the cover member, and a seal surface on another side facing away from the cover member. The seal surface facing the cover member is configured to seal with the cover member, and the seal surface facing away from the cover member configured to seal with another component of the filtration system. The assembly provides a structure that can retain a seal between sealing surfaces of the cover and the filter cartridge, at least while the fluid filter assembly is being serviced, so as to at least minimize fluid dripping and leakage.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a wastewater treatment system having an anoxic biological treatment zone, an aerobic biological treatment zone and a separator. The concentration of oxygen in streams within the system is strategically managed for improved removal of nutrient from the wastewater. A source of biodegradable carbon may be introduced to reduce the concentration of oxygen within the system. An effective treatment time under anoxic or aerobic conditions may further be varied.

Abstract: The utilization of electrical potential and currents, as well as magnetic fields and mixed-phase reactions to effect efficient separation of platelets from blood without initiating platelet activation.

Abstract: An assembly for improving the fluid flow through a fluid system and method of using the assembly. The system consists of at least a pair of magnets placed upon the fluid line of the fluid. The magnets are aligned around the fuel line so that the polarities (N-N, S-S) of two mating magnets will be aligned.

Abstract: A system and method for remediating a body of water and collecting suspended and dissolved solids therefrom are provided. The system includes a water-impervious lining positionable in a depression in or adjacent a body of water. The lining and depression define a treatment vessel, which includes a treatment portion, an outlet portion for containing treated water, and an outflow weir between the treatment portion and the outlet portion. Water to be treated is transported from the water body to the treatment portion. An entrapment element is delivered and mixed into the transported water, the entrapment element for capturing suspended and dissolved solids in the transported water and effecting a separation between the captured solids and water cleansed therefrom. The captured solids can be removed from the treatment basin, and the cleansed water can move through a channel in the outflow weir into the outlet portion.

Abstract: A communication system for a water softener system that includes a controller configured for communicating with the water softener assembly and a remote display configured for sending and receiving at least one signal to and from the controller to a remote location.

Abstract: A process for removal of salt and/or bacteria via ultrasound cavitation, which, by means of controlling cavitation, enables the salt crystals to be distilled and also aids in decanting coliforms and bacteria from the fluid by means of bursting gas bubbles within the fluid. As a result, liquids can be obtained which lead to different quality parameters with low impact on the environment, low energy costs and high production rates. The process can be applied to separate any inorganic or organic material from liquids.

Abstract: An economical and environmentally responsible method of desalination and delivery of freshwater, concentrate, and electrical power to a site removed from the saline water source. Freshwater, concentrate, and power can be delivered by pipeline to multiple locations along the route and/or at the endpoint, thus distributing the beneficial aspects while minimizing the environmental impact of desalination facilities.

Abstract: A method of treating organic compounds in groundwater utilizes permeable catalytic barriers to carry out heterogeneous catalytic oxidation to degrade organic compounds. The permeable catalytic barriers are made of highly permeable catalytic materials, used to contact with the polluted groundwater mixed with oxidant to carry out heterogeneous catalytic oxidation to degrade organic compounds. Ditches are properly excavated to be filled with catalytic materials so as to form the permeable catalytic barriers. And, groundwater monitoring wells and oxidant injection wells are also built at proper locations, so that proper amount of oxidant can be determined and re-treatment can be promptly operated if necessary.

Abstract: A filter element is formed from a filter material configured to capture a foreign substance in fuel. A lower case is attachable to and detachable from a bottom portion of a housing in a movable direction. The housing and the lower case are configured to accommodate the filter element. The filter element defines a passage extending through the filter element in the movable direction. The passage is configured to accommodate the component. The component is configured to be attached to and detached from the housing together with the lower case when the lower case is attached to and detached from the housing.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for removing settleable solids and unsettleable solids from a partially closed flush system in a dairy milking operation whereby a first processing tank bottom removes settleable solids contained therein where the net current flow vertically in the process tank is less than the settling rate of the settleable solids contained therein. The process tank batch feeds a plurality of thickening tanks that are each allowed to settle for a period of time before transferring fluid is to a second separator. The method and apparatus uses the solids for feeding a digester.

Abstract: A rack system is provided that is suitable, for example, for installation to a kitchenware washing assembly. The kitchenware washing assembly may include a tank for holding fluid for washing kitchenware, and walls defining the tank and being arranged to hold the fluid in the tank. The rack system generally includes a mounting fixture connectable to the tank of the kitchenware washing assembly, and a rack connectable to the mounting fixture for holding the kitchenware in the tank. The rack is adjustable relative to the mounting fixture between a first position in which the rack is connected to the mounting fixture, and a second position in which the rack is connected to the mounting fixture.

Abstract: A rack insert for a dishwasher including a wavy bar with receptacles configured to receive a neck section of a bottle and a strut disposed at a distance from the wavy bar. The strut has tines extending upright therefrom and configured to support the bottle or another item to be washed. The rack insert is configured to be hung onto a bottom of a dishwasher rack such that the bottle has a slanted position relative to the strut and the tines.

Abstract: An article holder is provided for supporting a sheet of material on a vertical surface. The article holder includes a backing plate connectable to the vertical surface and a clip operatively connected to the backing plate. The clip includes a face plate and an upper wall interconnecting the upper edge of the face plate and the upper edge of the backing plate. A retaining leg extends from the lower edge of the face plate. The retaining leg moveable between a closed position wherein the terminal end of the retaining leg engages the inner surface of the backing plate and an open position wherein the retaining leg is spaced from the inner surface of the backing plate. The inner surface of the backing plate, the inner surface of the face plate and the inner surface of the upper wall define a cavity for receiving a portion of the sheet.

Abstract: A shelf system for corner walls where the shelf members are supported against two perpendicularly disposed walls without showing any mounting elements. The shelf member includes at least two contiguous sides defining edges of a predetermined thickness and perpendicular to each other. Tongue members extend for the sides and are receivable within cooperative wall cavities for a snug mechanical engagement. Adhesive is applied to the sides to immobilize the shelf member and thus enhance the structured integrity of the system.

Abstract: An article display tray is provided with a movement guide device, wherein cylindrical articles can move more smoothly in a communication portion of the article display tray, via which the pair of storage chambers are communicatively connected to each other, and further wherein an increase in size of the article display tray can be avoided. A pair of left-right force-applied portions and an arraying guide surface positioned between the pair of force-applied portions are formed on a rocking member positioned inside the rear-end communication portion of an article display tray. When one of the pair of force-applied portions is pushed rearward by a cylindrical article that is placed in one of a pair of left-right storage chambers, the other force-applied portion pushes forward a cylindrical article that is placed in the other storage chamber.

Abstract: A blank for a rack with at least one shelf designed as a starting plate with at least one bending region in the form a number of segments and openings. The starting plate comprises a number of elements which each have a side extending along a bending region while the other sides of the element are free whereby the rack is quickly and easily formed by bending these elements about their bending regions. The rack is strong and durable and has a long lifetime.

Abstract: A connector is provided for securing two members together. The connector includes an opening formed in one member and a tab extending from the other member. Either the opening or the tab is tapered for frictional engagement with the other when the members are joined.

Abstract: In a hydraulic cylinder for a multiple-part mast superstructure comprising at least two mast arms which are connected in an articulated manner and of which one can be pivoted with respect to the other mast arm by the hydraulic cylinder, it is proposed that the base region of the cylinder container is of curved configuration, which cylinder container is closed in the base region on one side in order to accommodate a piston. In this way, the force flux is improved in the walls of the hydraulic cylinder, with the result that manufacturing which uses less material and is correspondingly less expensive is possible, with a simultaneously reduced overall weight. The hydraulic cylinder in accordance with the invention is suitable, in particular, for use with concrete pumps, cranes, lifting platforms and the like or general apparatuses having mast superstructures, in which hydraulic cylinders are used for pivoting.

Abstract: A color-coded bottle cap cover used to identify the contents and/or ownership of a bottle comprises a peripheral band and an upper lip, such that the bottle cap cover is visible on both the top and side surfaces of the bottle cap.

Abstract: There is provided a gasket element having at least one first inner layer and at least one first outer layer. Each of the at least two layers have differing material properties. The gasket element is well suited to cooperate with an ingress/egress opening of a container that in turn is well suited to retain an active pressure and/or temperature sensitive substance. The gasket element may be operatively connected to a cap element that is suitable to selectively close the at least one ingress/egress opening of the container. The cap element may be a stand alone sealing cap or may be operatively associated with a spray nozzle or the like.

Abstract: A closure for the neck of a container such as a water bottle includes a cap 32 for engagement with the neck, and a valve plug 44. The cap has an inner guide sleeve 38 which sealingly receives the valve plug 44, which is provided with latches 50. When the bottle is placed on a liquid dispensing station such as a water cooler a probe 5 sealably enters the sleeve 38 and an actuator head 70 engages the latches 50 to carry the plug out of the sleeve 38. The probe requires minimum insertion force. One or more water flow ports 72 are provided in the probe 5 to conduct water out of the bottle, while air may enter the bottle via a vent port 73 and vent apertures in the valve plug 44. This allows simultaneous exchange of air and water without risk of air entrainment whilst providing a short penetration distance.

Abstract: A closure assembly for a container including an internally-threaded annular flange, an externally-threaded closure plug that is received by the annular flange, and an annular gasket positioned between the annular flange and the closure plug for establishing a sealed interface. The container includes a container end panel that is formed over and around a portion of the annular flange and provides an inner axial wall that is positioned between the annular flange and the annular gasket. The clearance between the closing plug and the inner axial wall relative to the size of the annular gasket determines the degree of radial compression of the annular gasket as the plug is threaded into the flange. A radial lip of the plug is designed to contact an upper surface of the container end panel that is formed over the flange as a visual indication when the required tightening torque of the plug within the flange has been reached.

Abstract: Embodiments disclosed include methods of processing substrates, including methods of forming conductive connections to substrates. In one embodiment, a method of processing a substrate includes forming a material to be etched over a first material of a substrate. The material to be etched and the first material are of different compositions. The material to be etched is etched in a dry etch chamber to expose the first material. After the etching, the first material is contacted with a non-oxygen-containing gas in situ within the dry etch chamber effective to form a second material physically contacting onto the first material. The second material comprises a component of the first material and a component of the gas. In one embodiment, the first material is contacted with a gas that may or may not include oxygen in situ within the dry etch chamber effective to form a conductive second material.

Abstract: A method for fabricating micromachined structures is provided. At least one cavity is formed on a substrate and then a dielectric material different from the material of the substrate is filled in the at least one cavity. Next, a circuitry layer including a first etch-resistant layer and a dielectric layer is formed above the at least one cavity filled with the dielectric material. A portion of the circuitry layer exposed by the first etch-resistant layer is then etched. Finally, the dielectric material in the at least one cavity is etched out.

Abstract: The fabrication of a touch sensor panel having co-planar single-layer touch sensors fabricated on the back side of a cover glass is disclosed. It can be desirable from a manufacturing perspective to perform all thin-film processing steps on a motherglass before separating it into separate parts. To perform thin-film processing on a motherglass before separation, a removable sacrificial layer such as a photoresist can be applied over the thin-film layers. Next, the motherglass can be scribed and separated, and grinding and polishing steps can be performed prior to removing the sacrificial layer. In alternative embodiments, after the protective sacrificial layer is applied, the bulk of the coverglass can be dry-etched using a very aggressive anisotropic etching that etches primarily in the z-direction. In this embodiment, the etching can be patterned using photolithography to create rounded corners or any other shape. The photoresist can then be removed.

Abstract: A yttria insulator ring for use in a plasma processing apparatus is provided to minimize arcing between the apparatus and a ground extension, while also increasing a mean time between cleanings (MTBC). The yttria insulator ring may be located between a ground extension and a plasma generation zone, or gap, of the chamber of the apparatus, as well as between an edge ring and the ground extension. Compared to a quartz ring, the yttria insulator ring can also provide improved semiconductor substrate uniformity because of improved RF coupling as a result of decreased reactivity and increased dielectric constant.

Abstract: The invention provides a chemical-mechanical polishing composition comprising (a) an abrasive selected from the group consisting of alumina, ceria, titania, and zirconia, (b) a cationic copolymer comprising (A) a cationic monomer comprising a quaternary amino group and (B) a nonionic monomer, and (c) water. The invention also provides a method of polishing a substrate using the aforementioned polishing composition.

Abstract: A current interrupting chamber comprising a moving assembly movable axially between a start position and an end position of an operation of opening the circuit-breaker, and comprising: a first compression chamber; a hollow drive tube having ports for bringing the interior of the drive tube into communication with the outside of the current interrupting chamber; a second compression chamber; and means for obstructing the ports of the drive tube as from the start position of an operation of opening the circuit-breaker and up to an intermediate position which is reached between the position of separation of two arcing contacts from each other and the end position of an operation of opening the circuit-breaker.

Abstract: A gassing insulator assembly for a line conductor assembly of an electrical switching apparatus is provided having a line conductor and first and second gassing insulator members. The insulator members are constructed from a gassing material. The first gassing insulator member is disposed near a first end of the line conductor and the second gassing insulator member is generally disposed between the line conductor and a cantilevered arc runner near a second end of the line conductor.

Abstract: A system and method for welding spliced vertical columns with an electroslag welding system. The system includes a welding fixture having opposing, paired and positionally adjustable welding shoes, run-off tabs, and sumps affixed at the junction of columns to be spliced. A distributed control electroslag welding system, welding torch, and consumable guide tube oscillator feed provide molten flux within the shoes filling from the sump to the run-off tab.

Abstract: A joining method of the present invention includes conducting friction-stir-welding of members to be joined, to form a joint; and then conducting melt-welding or resistance-welding of the joint, wherein the friction-stir-welding of members to be joined is conducted while flowing an inert shielding gas, or the melt-welding or resistance-welding of the joint is conducted while applying an ultrasonic wave.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of retouching metal parts joined by brazing at high temperatures, wherein the brazed zones are retouched by means of a retouching laser, the peak power of the retouching laser being between 1500 and 3000 W, the retouching laser being used in pulsed mode.

Abstract: The present invention concerns an automatic welding device of MIG/MAG type consisting of at least one carriage holding at least one welding head comprising at least one torch (1) guiding a consumable electrode wire along a parting plane (P) between the pipes to be welded, which brings the current to the end of the electrode wire in order to generate an electric arc and ensure melting of the filler metal, The invention consists of the fact that the welding head therefore presents a welding torch (1) intended to be centered in relation to the parting plane (P) to ensure the penetration pass and also bears at least two other so-called tracking welding torches (2, 3), respectively positioned one after the other following the first so-called central welding torch (1) and offset respectively on both sides of the so-called central torch (1) in order to make lateral passes.

Abstract: Provided is a heating resistance element component, including: a supporting substrate; an insulating film laminated on the supporting substrate; a plurality of heating resistors arranged at intervals on the insulating film; a common wire connected to one end of each of the plurality of heating resistors; and individual wires each connected to another end of the each of the plurality of heating resistors, in which a surface of the supporting substrate is formed with a first concave portion and a second concave portion, the first concave portion being arranged in a region opposed to heating portions of the plurality of heating resistors, the second concave portion being arranged at an interval in a vicinity of the first concave portion. Accordingly, heating efficiency of the heating resistors can be increased to reduce power consumption, and a strength of the substrate under the heating resistors can be increased.

Abstract: A cooking device having wireless communication capabilities is provided. The cooking device includes a housing forming an enclosure for a food product and a sensor disposed in communication with the enclosure and configured to monitor a parameter within the enclosure, wherein the sensor communicates data that is representative of the parameter. A transmitter communicates with the sensor and is configured to selectively transmit a signal representative of the data. A microprocessor receives the sensor signal from the sensor and communicates with the transmitter and a receiver is configured to receive the signal and provide an indication in response to the signal, wherein the receiver is operable in a remote location from the transmitter.

Abstract: A sheath heater for a glow plug comprises a sheath tube having a closed front end portion, and an open rear end portion. An insulating powder is charged into a gap between the sheath tube and a heat-generating resistor disposed within the sheath tube. A seal member includes an expanded portion extending radially outwardly from an outer circumference of the seal member, and a non-expanded portion of a smaller outside diameter than the expanded portion and formed on the outer circumference of the seal member at least at a leading end of the seal member. The seal member is fitted into the open rear end portion of the sheath tube such that the leading end enters the sheath tube first. The sheath tube is deformed radially inwardly around the seal member for sealing the heat-generating resistor and the insulating powder contained in the sheath tube.

Abstract: A heated mouse includes a shell having a heat-conductive part, a heating device installed in the shell, and an insulating layer. The heating device comprises a heat source. The insulating layer forms a closed space together with the heat-conductive part for accommodating the heat source therein. The heat-conductive part absorbs heat from the heat source. The heat-preserving mouse can not only heat the mouse, but also avoid reducing the lifespan of the mouse caused by overheat.

Abstract: A microwave cooking appliance includes first and second side mounted microwave systems, each including an associated antenna. Drive structure is provided to establish an oscillating operation for each of the antennae, wherein the angles through which the antennae rotate are configured to assure that the cooking appliance operates in favorable mode patterns. In accordance with the invention, the antenna preferably only oscillates through less than or equal to 180° and, most preferably, approximately 150°.