Abstract: An endless belt filtering system for separating solid particles from a flow of contaminated liquid to produce a generally clean liquid. The system having a continuous loop belt extending between a first end and a second end and being formed by a plurality of plates pivotably joined to one another about space horizontal axes. The plurality of plates together forming an outwardly facing side and an inwardly facing side, the belt further including an upper section wherein the outward side generally faces up and moves from the first end toward the second end and an opposite lower section wherein the outward side generally faces down and moves from the second end toward the first end. The system having a housing forming a tank with a bottom, an end wall near the first end and a pair of side walls extending from the end wall.

Abstract: There are provided a filter chip in which a filter is mounted on a microfluidic device as a hybrid form, and a method of manufacturing the filter chip. The method includes: forming a bottom structure where a groove for stably mounting a filter is formed; mounting the filter on the groove; forming a top structure forming a fluid inlet for injecting a fluid into the filter; and covering the top structure on a top area of the groove to attach to the bottom structure, wherein the groove and the filter have a shape becoming narrow from the fluid inlet to a fluid outlet in such a way that the fluid receives a rapid change of a capillary force while passing through the filter. Accordingly, blood plasma is capable of being separated at a higher speed by increasing the capillary force of the fluid outlet, thereby obtaining the blood plasma as large amount as possible.

Abstract: Liquid filter assemblies and components therefor are described. A liquid filter is described which includes media extending between first and second end caps; the first and second end caps being configured for advantageous engagement with other components of the liquid filter assembly during use. A liquid filter arrangement, comprising a filter cartridge installed in the housing or bowl is described. Such an arrangement is appropriate for installation on a filter head, to obtain liquid filter operation.

Abstract: A gasket interface for a fluid filter is described. The gasket interface described includes a seal disposed between plate members, where at least one of the plate members is movable with respect to the other. The seal includes a seal position and a release position. In the seal position, the seal is compressible along an axis when the plate members move toward each other, while the seal is also expandable along another axis as a result of being compressed. The seal has a laterally extending portion to provide a sealing configuration. In the release position, the seal is non-compressed when the plate members move away from each other and the laterally extending portion is withdrawn so as not to be laterally extended and be removed from the sealing configuration. The gasket interface provides a unique sealing configuration that does not require end-to-end engagement of the sealing parts.

Abstract: The invention relates to a filter element comprising a filter material (10) which comprises individual filter folds (12) which are folded in a star-like manner, at least one fluid-permeable support element (26) which extends at least partially in the space between two adjacent filter folds (12) and/or on the inner peripheral side and/or external peripheral side of the filter folds (12). The invention is characterised in that the respective support element (26) is provided with filter-active substances or is made of said filter-active substances. A certain type of filter auxillary agent can be obtained which is used to reduce influences of fluid components which reduce the service life, in the form of specific ageing products or in the form of other agents which damage the fluid.

Abstract: A nonwoven is described comprising thermoplastic fibers with a fusion temperature Tm(th), bonding fibers 1 with a fusion temperature Tm(1), and bonding fibers 2 with a fusion temperature Tm(2), whereby for Tm(th), Tm(1), and Tm(2) the condition Tm(th)>Tm(1)>Tm(2) applies, and whereby the nonwoven contains the bonding fibers in the form of a solidified melt. Furthermore, a tufted nonwoven of the aforementioned type is described that contains tuft fibers. Finally, articles are described that contain the nonwoven or the tufted nonwoven.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel arrangement of denitrification reactors for removal of nitrate compounds in a recirculating aquaculture system. The novel arrangement of an aquaculture system of the present invention includes positioning one or more anaerobic denitrification reactors upstream of aerobic nitrification and degassing processes. One aspect of the present invention includes a flow of aqueous medium from aquatic species rearing tanks towards one or more denitrification reactors. Another aspect of the present invention includes flow of aqueous medium from aquatic species rearing tanks to a solids removing filter or mechanical filtration means for removal of solid waste matter or biomass prior to flow of aqueous medium towards one or more denitrification reactors.

Abstract: Drainage water containing an organofluorine compound is introduced into a raw tank (1) and then filtered through a filtration device (4). Next, a microorganism, a micro-nanobubbling auxiliary agent and a nutrient are added thereto in a first transit tank (5) while micro-nanobubbles are generated thereinto by a micro-nanobubbling machine (7), thereby giving treated water. This treated water is then fed into an active carbon column (14) and then the above-described organofluorine compound contained in the treated water is decomposed by the microorganism as described above.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for the removal of selenium species from water containing high-salt concentrations and/or petroleum contaminants are described. The compositions and methods use a selenium-reducing microorganism adapted to adverse environments.

Abstract: The present invention provides a reactor for the biological processing of fluid such as domestic or industrial waste water or the like, the reactor comprising a plurality of substantially horizontal layers of growth medium stacked one above the other, and having a colonizing biofilm thereon during use, the reactor being arranged to cause the path of flow of the fluid to reverse from one layer to the next, in order to maximize the length of the path of flow for a given footprint of the reactor.

Abstract: Compositions of peptides and surface-active agents are described, as are methods of making and using such compositions. The compositions are capable of affecting metabolic rates in biological systems, and to accelerate nutrient uptake without a concomitant increase in biofilm production.

Abstract: A method and a device for desalination, that operates with reverse osmosis membranes (7) and pressure vessels (9) and (20) that are connected to the high pressure circuit via valves (17) and with the low pressure circuit via valves (10). The proposed system includes the operation of a water intake pump (2) and high pressure pump (5) and a circulating pump, when vessel (9) is connected to the high pressure circuit, vessel (20) is fed with fresh salty water in the low pressure, next vessel (20) is connected to the high pressure, vessel (9) is disconnected, then vessel (9) is rinsed, vessel (9) becomes complete with salty water in the low pressure, then vessel (9) is connected in the high pressure, next vessel (20) disconnected, vessel (20) is rinsed, vessel (20) becomes complete with fresh salty water in the low pressure. The process is repeated with alternation of vessels (9) and (20).

Abstract: The invention relates to a membrane filter for water treatment, comprising a head piece including a permeate collecting chamber with a permeate outlet, and at least one fiber bundle made from capillary membranes, which are secured into the head piece with an end that is open towards the permeate collecting chamber and sealed on the opposite end thereof. The head piece contains an air duct to which the mouth piece that protrudes into the fiber bundle is connected with at least one air outlet. At its other end, the fiber bundle terminates in freely movable manner in the untreated water.

Abstract: A membrane module comprising an outer casing having an interior region, a plurality of hollow fiber membranes extending through at least a portion of the interior region, and having exterior surfaces and inner hollow regions, where the inner hollow regions are configured to provide flow paths for a distillate fluid. The membrane module further comprises an opening extending through the outer casing for providing a feed solution to the interior region adjacent the exterior surfaces of the plurality of hollow fiber membranes, where the feed solution provided to the opening has an elevated temperature that is greater than an atmospheric-pressure boiling temperature of the feed solution, and an elevated pressure at which an effective boiling temperature of the feed solution is greater than the elevated temperature.

Abstract: A hemofiltration system or method removes unwanted molecules from a flow of blood using cascaded first and second hemofilters. Filtration of the blood in first hemofilter raises hemoconcentration of unwanted protein-bound molecules. Combination of a substitution fluid with outflow from the first hemofilter creates a concentration differential between bound and unbound molecules that frees unwanted molecules from protein bonds. Filtration of the combined fluids in a second hemofilter removes the unwanted free molecules. A second substitution fluid may be added to the twice filtered blood fluid for return to a patient. Removal of inflammatory mediators, apoptotic mediators, and certain electrolytes may be effected, and the removal may be optimized by controlling fluid flows and transmembrane pressures.

Abstract: The present invention relates to stabilized silica colloidal crystals. In particular, the present invention relates to silica colloidal crystals having improved mechanical strength and durability. The present invention also relates to methods of making stabilized silica colloidal crystals by direct bonding between nanoparticles or between a polymer and nanoparticles through a siloxane bond.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel methods for preparing fibrous catalysts, to fibrous catalysts, to catalysts systems and to uses of the fibrous catalysts in the treatment of a waste stream. The method comprising the steps of: (i) treating a fabric comprising polyacrylonitrile fibres with a hydrazine salt and a hydroxylamine salt in the presence of a base to provide a modified fabric; (ii) treating the modified fabric with a base; and (iii) treating the modified fabric with an aqueous solution comprising a salt of a transition metal cation and a salt of a non-transition metal cation. The transition metal cation is selected from a scandium, titanium, vanadium, chromium, manganese, iron, cobalt, nickel and copper cation, and mixtures thereof; the non-transition metal cation is selected from a calcium, magnesium, lithium and zinc cation, and mixtures thereof.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for treating radioactive waste water containing contaminating ions, colloids and suspended solids having like (usually negative) charges preventing their precipitation. An electric current is passed through the waste water in an EC assembly to cause electro-coagulation of the contaminants and anodes of this assembly are made of a metal that dissolves to provide cations for neutralizing the negative charges and forming precipitates containing neutralized contaminants. Precipitates are then separated from waste water by an electro-magnetic or other filtering unit. The water pH and conductivity may be adjusted before the EC assembly and additives may be introduced into its effluent for enlargement of precipitate particles, improvement of filtration, improvement of dewaterability, and/or enhancement of magnetism.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a cyclone type liquid/gas or liquid/liquid separator having separation properties that are stabilized, even when the flow rate and the proportions of the liquid phases for separation vary, by means of a platform situated in the low portion of a cylindrical separation chamber that is fed at its top end via a tangential feed orifice. The present invention also provides an installation and a method of separating the oil and water contained in crude oil, with the help of a cyclone of the invention.

Abstract: In a method of treating a substantially continuous flow of liquid waste in a series of decontamination tanks, the flow is directed into a tank and when liquid waste in the tank reaches a desired level the flow is directed into a next tank of the series. Ozone is bubbled through the waste in the tanks and the waste is agitated. When a disinfection period is complete in a tank, the treated liquid waste is drained into a disposal conduit that may be connected to a conventional sewer line. A sufficient number of decontamination tanks is provided such that a tank is available to receive the flow of liquid waste at all times.

Abstract: The method of providing fresh water to a delivery point or points associated with land, that includes providing on a seagoing vessel a desalination plant, and providing a fresh water container configured for transport in a sea water body, the container characterized as bodily expandable and collapsible; operating the plant to provide fresh water for discharge into the container adjacent the vessel, and allowing container responsive bodily expansion, transporting the container on the sea water body, directionally away from the vessel and to a location or locations for fresh water delivery from the container to a delivery point or points, and discharging fresh water from the container to a point, in conjunction with at least partial bodily collapse of the container.

Abstract: A process to reduce or prevent biofouling, by destroying or deactivating microbiological content of feedwater, or other liquid, prior to its entrance into membranes or process equipment, such as heat transfer equipment. The process comprises the use of electrical discharge and/or electric fields to destroy microbes that result in the biofouling of surfaces. By destroying the microbiological content of the water the microbiology no longer is able to create a restricting biofilm upon or within said process equipment.

Abstract: Systems and methods for treating water. Water containing one or more thermally destructible contaminants can be contacted with steam to provide an effluent containing essentially contaminant-free water and a recycle containing the steam and at least a portion of the one or more thermally destructible contaminants. The one or more thermally destructible contaminants in the recycle can be thermally destroyed using one or more combustion processes.

Abstract: Systems and methods for treating water. Water containing one or more thermally destructible contaminants can be contacted with one or more oxidants to provide an effluent containing essentially contaminant-free water and a recycle containing the one or more oxidants and at least a portion of the one or more thermally destructible contaminants. The one or more thermally destructible contaminants in the recycle can be thermally destroyed using one or more combustion processes.

Abstract: There is provided apparatuses and methods for eluting microorganisms from filter media. The apparatus includes a housing for receiving filer media suspected of containing microorganisms and means for exposing the filter media to a pressurized buffer solution. By passing the buffer solution through the filter media tinder pressure, microorganisms trapped in or on the filter media are eluted therefrom.

Abstract: Hot Water Sterilization of Activated Carbon beds or other adsorbents in filter tanks by including an electric or steam heating coil in the tank, alternately in the gravel underdrains, or in a plenum underdrain, or in an external canister.

Abstract: Systems and methods to treat contaminated water are described herein. A contaminated water treatment system may include a reservoir and/or one or more fluid treatment systems.

Abstract: A settling system may be used to separate and/or remove solid particles, such as sand, from fluids produced by wells. The container of the settling system may be cleaned without need for manned-entry.

Abstract: A pretreatment particle-accelerating deposition and separation apparatus and method for purifying turbid raw water, which based on the theories of laminar flow requirement, particle-accelerating vertical deposition and water horizontal movement, separates water molecules from turbidity particles in a laminar flow region (with a Reynolds number lower than 1,000). By accelerating the velocity of high-turbidity raw water and the turbidity particles, the particles settle vertically because of inertia. Thus, the turbidity particles can be removed physically from the raw water and clean water can be collected at different heights of the apparatus while concentrated turbid water can be released to a nearby body of water after appropriate treatments. Thereby, turbid water can be purified for the subsequent coagulation, sedimentation and filtration processes in traditional water treatment plants.

Abstract: A novel filter-less separation technique for separating suspended particles from a solution is disclosed. More specifically, an on-chip bioparticle separator is disclosed, which relies on the differential force exerted by application of a series of high magnitude, short duration pressure pulses on bioparticles in suspension within microchannels, resulting in separation of suspended bioparticles. The filter-less separation technique is inherently suited to ?TAS (Micro Total Analysis System) since it exploits uniquely microscale phenomena to achieve separation. The on-chip bioparticle separator can be easily integrated with a disposable biochip, can be fabricated using low-cost, rapid manufacturing techniques, and can provide high performance for separation of bioparticles without the use of specialized or expensive equipment.

Abstract: A system for receiving and supporting a plurality of devices connected to a network. The system comprises a rack having a front side providing access to a plurality of chassis bays for receiving a chassis and aligning a back end of the chassis for blind docking with an electrical power source. The chassis includes a power supply, a fan, and a front side providing access to a plurality of module bays for receiving a module and aligning a back end of the module for blind docking with the power supply. A compute module is received in a module bay and directly blind docked to the power supply. The system further includes at least one other module received in a module bay within the same chassis as the compute module and directly blind docked with the same power supply along with the compute module.

Abstract: A storage system is provided comprising a rail mounted to a surface. A cabinet is supported on said rail. At least one engagement member engages the rail to suspend the cabinet from the rail. The cabinet is supported at an angle relative to the surface. An adjustment mechanism is used to adjust the position of the engagement member relative to the rail for adjusting the angle. A method of mounting a cabinet on a surface is also provided comprising mounting a rail having a flange on a surface. A cabinet as described herein is suspended from the rail by the engagement member. The adjustment mechanism is moved towards or away from the surface to adjust the angle of the cabinet.

Abstract: A dish rack has a rack portion having a tray, the tray having an opening. The dish rack also includes a ramp provided. below the tray and positioned to receive water that flows through the opening of the tray. The ramp has a front end, a rear end, and a water outlet provided at the front end, the ramp being angled so that water flows from the rear end to the front end and then through the water outlet.

Abstract: A bottle storage device, particularly a bottle rack, is provided for at least one double row (7) including a first row (2) and a second row (3) of bottles (1) and resting on a support assembly (11), with each support assembly (11) having a first support assembly part (6) and a second support assembly part (10) for supporting the lateral surfaces (5) of the bottles (1), and a third support assembly part (8) is arranged between them for supporting the bottle necks (4) of the bottles (1), with the support assembly parts (6, 8, 10) each being spaced apart from each other. The third support assembly part (8) projects freely from a rear side of the bottle storage device, opposite the removal side, extending towards the removal side. Stops (14) are provided for the lateral surfaces (5) of the rearmost bottle (1) of the first and the second row (2, 3), which are off-set in reference to each other in a direction of the rows (2, 3).

Abstract: A lightweight carrier for golf clubs adapted for substantially upright positioning on the ground when not being carried, including a hollow tubular support that duals as a golf ball holder, a handle affixed near the top of the tubular support or at some point along the tubular support, a club holder top affixed near the top of the tubular support or at some point along the tubular support, a club holder base affixed at or near the bottom of the tubular support, one or more pins extending substantially axially from the base adapted to penetrate into the ground and support the carrier in an upright position when not being carried, and a pin cover to cover the pins while the carrier is being carried.

Abstract: A modular wine rack system stores wine with the label facing the user, having at least two identical rods with indentations sized to hold a wine bottle. The rods are attached to a wall or frame to extend there from. The rods may be spaced apart so that the bottles are stored angled downwardly, with the body supported on one rod and the neck supported on the other.

Abstract: Wine storage system including a front panel, a back panel, and two side panels. The wine storage system can be in an assembled or disassembled state and can be assembled or disassembled by a user. When assembled, the wine storage system takes the form of a wine rack. The front panel and back panel each comprise a plurality of wine bottle apertures configured to receive wine bottles. The design of the wine storage system is such that when the wine rack is assembled, the wine bottle apertures of the front panel correspond to wine bottle apertures of the back panel to form a support structure for the wine bottles to be placed at an incline or a substantially horizontal position in the wine rack.

Abstract: A wine rack for mounting on a wall or other surface, the wine rack including at least a first and second pair of support members. In one embodiment, the first pair of support members may support at least a first and a second wine bottle in a substantially parallel relation to the wall, wherein the second bottle is positionable proximate the wall, and wherein the label of the first wine bottle is visible to a person standing in front of the wine rack. The second pair of support members may support at least a third and a fourth wine bottle in a substantially parallel relation to the wall, wherein the fourth bottle is positionable proximate the wall, and wherein the label of the third wine bottle is visible to the person standing in front of the wine rack. In one example, a pair of frame elements may be attached to the support members in order to mount the support members to the wall.

Abstract: A plate-carrying apparatus comprises a base, an adjusting rack assembly, a telescopic supporting rack and a bearing seat. The base is connected to the adjusting rack assembly and the telescopic supporting rack, respectively. The adjusting rack assembly is pivotally connected to the bearing seat. A height adjusting mechanism formed by the base and the adjusting rack presses against the bearing seat to fix it, such that the carrying height of the bearing seat can be easily controlled. In addition, the bearing seat is pivotally connected to the adjusting rack assembly, so the bearing seat can be collected by rotating the bearing seat relative to the adjusting rack assembly, so as to reduce the storage space.

Abstract: A shelving system includes one or more shelving units. Each shelving unit has vertical frames each frame having at least two vertical posts. The vertical posts are separated by shelf support pieces. A shelf can be mounted horizontally between the vertical frames and be supported by the horizontal shelf support pieces. The shelf is detachably mounted to the vertical post by a sliding mounting connector having a U-shaped channel that can slide along the vertical post. A wedge-shaped piece can be wedged between the sliding mounting connector and the vertical post to secure the sliding mounting connector to the vertical post.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a lifting assembly such as a jib crane or similar apparatus having an articulated arm assembly and a flexible means for connecting a load to an actuator. The lift arm assembly forms an articulated cantilever boom, which is extensible so as to traverse a suspended load within a work cell area. The lift arm assembly further includes a first and second member pivotally connected to one another whereby an inclined plane (e.g., a cam) at the pivot point of the articulating arms provides a vertical displacement of the secondary arms thereby moving the distal end of the secondary arm to counterbalance inherent forces acting thereon.

Abstract: Embodiments of a method and apparatus to lift payloads onto or into a vehicle are disclosed. Optimal embodiments of the device mount to a plurality of receiver hitches on a vehicle and combine optimally shaped and positioned structures, rigid and flexible linkage, and a pivoting tower to form a lifting hoist that is foldable, retractable, and can be recoverably installed. A prominent feature of the present invention is the ability to retract to a stored position that does not interfere with other features or functions of the host vehicle. This invention includes components that make it safe to use on un-level surfaces and other components and methods that enable the apparatus to be leveled to some extent before use.

Abstract: A combination nipple and cap for placement on at least one of bottles and cans having a pour opening disposed on one end thereof. The cap has a predetermined size and is manufactured from a first predetermined material. The nipple is manufactured from a second predetermined material and is operably connected to the cap. A securing means is operably connected to the cap to secure the cap to such pour opening.

Abstract: Container, comprising a neck provided with a wall forming an opening and an abutting arrangement arranged to interact with an opening indicating device of a cap associatable with the neck, the abutting arrangement comprising a ring-shaped projection extending circumferentially from the wall, and an abutting element arrangement projecting from the ring-shaped projection.

Abstract: A bottle security device locks onto a bottle neck to prevent theft of the bottle or its contents. The device includes a housing and a cap which receives a portion of the bottle neck and rotates relative to the housing. A spiraling cam surface provides a mechanism during rotation of the cap to move a securing member between a secured position to engage the bottle neck and an unsecured position to disengage from the bottle neck. A locking mechanism is provided to prevent rotation of the cap to keep the device locked on the bottle neck.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a beverage bottle with a container cap. In particular the beverage bottle has a reversible means for holding the container cap on the outside of the container during use of the bottle which prevents loss of the cap.

Abstract: A complex cap includes a coupling element, a shielding element and at least one filtering element. The coupling element has a first coupling part to be coupled with a neck portion of a bottle body, a recess formed in the first coupling part, and a first opening is formed in a bottom of the recess. The first opening is communicated with the mouth portion of the bottle body when the first coupling part is coupled with the neck portion of the bottle body. The shielding element is used for at least partially sheltering the first opening of the coupling element and comprises a second coupling part to be tight-fitted into the recess of the coupling element. The filtering element is mounted in the recess of the coupling element and arranged between the coupling element and the shielding element for filtering off external contaminants and controlling gas-permeable amount.

Abstract: Disclosed is a printed circuit board (PCB) and a method of fabricating the same. A contact portion is formed on an internal layer of the multi-layered PCB. A groove is formed so as to expose the contact portion of the internal layer. A chip package is mounted on the PCB while being flip-chip bonded to the exposed contact portion of the internal layer.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a magnetic write head having a write pole with a flared step feature that defines a secondary flare point. The method involves depositing a magnetic write pole material on a substrate and then depositing a magnetic material over the write pole material followed by a non-magnetic material. A first mask is formed having a front edge to define the location of the secondary flare point, and one or more material removal processes are used to remove portions of the magnetic layer and non-magnetic layer that are not protected by this first mask. The first mask is replaced by a second mask that is configured to define a write pole, and an ion milling is performed to define the write pole. Shadowing from the magnetic layer and non-magnetic layer form a flared secondary flare point.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a magnetic write head having a stepped trailing shield. The stepped trailing shield is formed by forming a non-magnetic bump over a write pole prior to electroplating a wrap-around magnetic shield. The method allows the location of the front edge of the bump relative to the back edge of the wrap-around shield to be monitored by measuring the electrical resistance of an electrical lapping guide formed concurrently with these features. This concurrent formation of a lapping guide can be used to define the relative location of other features as well, such as the location of a back edge of a wrap-around shield relative to a flare point of a write pole.